Dual Citizenship and Turkish Citizenship by Investment: What to Check in Your Home Country

For many investors, the first question about Turkish citizenship by investment is not the property but the passport they already hold. Will they keep it? Turkey generally allows dual citizenship, but the answer also depends on the law of your own country. This guide explains what to check before you start, so that a second citizenship does not create problems with the first.

Last updated: November 2026. This guide is general information, not legal advice. Nationality rules change, so confirm your position with the authorities of your own country and a qualified adviser.

Does Turkey Allow Dual Citizenship?

Yes. Turkish law generally allows Turkish citizens to hold other nationalities, and investors who acquire Turkish citizenship are not normally required by Turkey to give up their existing citizenship. The key question is whether your home country allows you to keep its citizenship after acquiring another one.

Three Types of Home-Country Rules

• Countries that allow dual citizenship: many countries in Europe, the Americas and elsewhere allow their citizens to hold another nationality without losing their own.
• Countries that allow it only with permission or in specific cases: some countries require prior approval, limit dual nationality to certain partner countries or impose conditions.
• Countries that do not allow it: in some countries, acquiring another nationality voluntarily can lead to automatic loss of citizenship, or to having to choose one.

Rules can change. Germany, for example, moved to generally allow multiple citizenship in 2024, while countries such as India and China do not recognise dual citizenship for their nationals. Always check the current rule for your own nationality rather than relying on general lists.

What to Check Before You Apply

1. Your country's nationality law: whether voluntary acquisition of another nationality causes loss of your citizenship.
2. Permission requirements: whether you must apply for approval before or after acquiring Turkish citizenship.
3. Family members: how the rules apply to your spouse and children, who may be included in the Turkish application.
4. Tax and military obligations: whether a second citizenship affects your tax residence, reporting duties or military service obligations.
5. Travel and documents: which passport you must use to enter and leave each country.

How Turkish Citizenship by Investment Works

A qualifying real estate investment of at least USD 400,000, held for at least three years, can make you, your spouse and your children under 18 eligible to apply for Turkish citizenship, subject to legal requirements and official approval. Not every property or purchase structure qualifies, and the application is assessed by the Turkish authorities.

See how the process works on our Turkish citizenship by investment page, read the step-by-step guide to citizenship through real estate and check which properties qualify.

If Your Country Does Not Allow Dual Citizenship

If acquiring Turkish citizenship would cost you your existing nationality, consider whether a residence permit based on property ownership meets your needs instead. It allows you to live in Turkey without changing your citizenship. See our guide to short-term and family residence permits and compare the options in Turkish citizenship vs golden visa programmes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will I lose my current citizenship if I become Turkish?

Turkey does not normally require you to give it up. Whether you keep it depends on your own country's nationality law.

Can my children have dual citizenship?

Children included in a Turkish citizenship application can hold Turkish citizenship alongside another nationality if both countries' laws allow it.

Do I need to tell my home country?

Some countries require notification or prior permission. Check the rules for your nationality before you apply.

Is a residence permit an alternative?

Yes. A property-based residence permit lets you live in Turkey without acquiring Turkish citizenship.

Plan Your Application

Explore qualifying options among property for sale in Turkey, read our Property Turkey guide or book a consultation to discuss your situation.