Turkey citizenship checklist

After citizenship, update your documents and statuses so you can fully use your rights.

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This is a general checklist. The exact steps may differ depending on your situation — we recommend confirming the details with qualified lawyers or the relevant authorities.

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1. Identity documents

Get a Turkish ID card (Kimlik / T.C. Kimlik Kartı)

Apply at the Population and Citizenship Directorate (Nüfus Müdürlüğü) as soon as citizenship is granted.

Apply for a Turkish passport

After you receive the ID card, you can apply for a passport at the same office.

Get a Turkish tax number if you do not have one (Vergi Numarası)

Those who obtained citizenship by investment usually already have one, but it is worth checking that the details are up to date.

2. Property

Update the tapu (title deed)

If the property was registered while you were a foreigner, after becoming a citizen you should check and, if needed, update the tapu details — this affects taxes and future transactions.

Check / take out DASK insurance (compulsory earthquake cover)

If it has not been arranged yet.

Update utility contracts (electricity, water, gas)

Switch them to the new ID holder.

3. Social security and healthcare

Register with SGK (Sosyal Güvenlik Kurumu)

This opens access to public healthcare and social insurance that foreigners do not fully have.

Arrange medical insurance / a policy

If it is required under your new status.

4. Banks and finance

Update your status with the bank

After citizenship, many banks offer better terms on deposits, loans and cards than for non-residents; some foreigner fees no longer apply.

Check that details are up to date on all open accounts

Passport details change, and the bank needs to update them.

5. Transport

Obtain or convert a driving licence if you have not done so yet

Citizens have different conditions for getting a Turkish licence than foreigners.

Re-register your car

If it was registered under foreigner status.

6. For Russian and other citizens who must notify their country

Notify the competent authorities of your home country about second citizenship, if the law requires it

For example, Russian citizens must notify the Ministry of Internal Affairs within 30–60 days of obtaining a second citizenship.

7. Family and children

Arrange documents for children if citizenship extends to the family

Birth certificates, ID cards.

Enrol children in school / kindergarten under the new status if this is not done yet

Some public institutions work differently for citizens than for foreigners.

8. For men

Register for military service

Citizenship also comes with military registration duties; check the conditions in advance (deferments, buy-out for those living abroad, etc.) at the military office (Askerlik Şubesi).