Turkish-born nationals who later renounce citizenship with official permission can be issued a Blue Card, which lets them keep many of the rights available to citizens. Blue Card holders have most rights except voting, standing for election, or holding public office. It can be applied for alongside or after the renunciation process.
- Average Processing Time
- Can take a few weeks after applying (varies)
- Where to Apply
- Population directorates in Turkey, or Turkish consulates abroad
- Validity
- Indefinite
Who It’s For
Those born Turkish citizens who renounced with official permission
Those who gave up Turkish citizenship on acquiring another nationality
Those wanting to keep property, inheritance, or social security rights in Turkey
Required Documents
Passport / foreign ID document
Renunciation certificate
The official document confirming the release from Turkish citizenship.
Former Turkish civil registry record
Biometric photograph
Proof of address
Application form
The document list can vary by application reason and personal circumstances; the current requirements of the Provincial Directorate of Migration Management apply.
Process Steps
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01
Initial Assessment
Within 1 dayYour renunciation certificate and situation are checked.
-
02
Document Preparation
A few daysThe required documents are gathered.
-
03
Application
Depends on appointmentSubmitted to a population directorate or consulate.
-
04
Card Delivery
A few weeks (varies)The Blue Card is issued once approved.
Not sure whether your situation fits this process?
Initial AssessmentLegal Basis
Law No. 5901 on Turkish Citizenship Article 28
Governs the status of those who lost Turkish citizenship by obtaining permission to renounce, and the Blue Card.
Common Mistakes
Not keeping the renunciation certificate
It’s the basic document the Blue Card application relies on.
Not knowing the limits of what the Blue Card allows
Rights such as voting and holding public office are excluded.
Applying at the wrong authority
Where to apply depends on the country you’re in.
Letting the Blue Card go out of date for inheritance or property matters
Can delay these transactions.
Frequently Asked Questions
No — it’s not citizenship, but a status that preserves certain rights.
No, voting and standing for election aren’t included.
Work rights are largely similar to those of Turkish citizens; we check the current rules together.
You can apply at population directorates in Turkey or Turkish consulates abroad.
The Blue Card grants rights close to those of Turkish citizens in matters like inheritance.
That’s a separate application and assessment process.
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This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.