How to obtain dual citizenship for Turkey and Germany in 2025
Are you a Turkish citizen and would like to obtain a German passport? Since the end of June 2024, multiple citizenships have been possible in Germany, allowing you to obtain dual citizenship for Turkey and Germany.
In principle, the same conditions apply for Turks at Naturalization in Germany as for any other nationality. However, as citizens of Turkish origin were so strongly represented in the guest worker generation and are often already well integrated, certain simplifications apply particularly frequently to Turks.
We have summarized 5 important facts for you:
- In Germany, both dual and multiple citizenships are possible.
- You therefore do not have to give up your Turkish citizenship if you want to become a German citizen.
- You can normally apply for German citizenship after 5 years of legal residence in Germany.
- If you meet special integration requirements, you can be naturalized after just 3 years.
- If you came to Germany as a guest worker, you enjoy simplified conditions at Naturalization.
Naturalization for guest workers from Turkey
Did you come to Germany from Turkey as a guest worker or contract worker for the former German Democratic Republic? Then the following simplified conditions apply to you at Naturalization:
- You do not have to take a naturalization test.
- It is sufficient if you can demonstrate basic language skills.
- You do not have to earn your living entirely yourself, i.e. you may receive public benefits.
With this relief, the Federal Republic of Germany is recognizing the achievements of people who have made a significant contribution to the country's development.
The history of Turkish guest workers in Germany
The origins of immigration of Turkish citizens to Germany date back to the 1960s. At that time, many guest workers from Turkey came to Germany and many of them stayed in the country and built a life in Germany with their families.
It all started with a guest worker agreement that the Federal Republic of Germany concluded with Turkey in 1961 for the recruitment of guest workers. According to the Federal Agency for Civic Education, around 900,000 people immigrated to Germany from Turkey in the 12 years after 1961.
That was the beginning of the story of how the Turkish community in Germany developed into the largest foreign group.
Integration of Turkish citizens in Germany
Due to the history of guest workers, many people of Turkish origin are very well integrated in Germany. Some were born in Germany and have parents or grandparents who were born in Turkey and came to Germany. The Turkish community is therefore economically, culturally and socially important for Germany.
The current Naturalization Act of 27 June 2024 takes this history into account and, among other things, makes it easier for former guest workers to Naturalization
Dual citizenship under Turkish citizenship law
The Turkish Citizenship Law allows dual citizenship in accordance with Art. 44 of the Turkish Citizenship Law (Madde 44).
For the recognition of dual citizenship, please bring your Turkish passport, your German naturalization certificate and a passport photo to the Turkish embassy. Make an appointment in advance online at www.konsolosluk.gov.tr and officially apply for recognition of your dual citizenship. The fee for this process is currently 16 euros.
The determination of multiple nationality is then recorded in the civil family register.
These are the advantages of dual citizenship for Turkey and Germany
If you have dual citizenship, this means that you have the rights and obligations of both nationalities. This comes with a number of advantages:
- travel to many countries without a visa,
- work in Turkey or Germany without an additional work permit,
- free acquisition of housing in both countries,
- political rights and freedom of choice in both countries and
- Possible benefits for locals in the respective home country
Some possible disadvantages of dual citizenship do not apply, as special agreements have been made between Turkey and Germany, for example:
- Military service: This only has to be completed in one of the two countries.
- Double tax treaty: This regulates that double taxation of income between the two countries is avoided.
We support you in applying for dual citizenship for Turkey and Germany
Dual citizenship has also been possible for Turks since June 27, 2024, without having to give up their original citizenship. Due to the high demand, there may be problems and delays in applying for dual citizenship. We are happy to help you with any questions regarding dual citizenship for Turkey and Germany!
Unanswered questions about dual citizenship in Turkey?
FAQ - The most frequently asked questions about dual citizenship Turkey
Can Turks have two citizenships?
Yes, Turkey and many other countries allow dual citizenship, including Germany. If you are Turkish and would like to apply for dual citizenship, find out whether the other country allows dual citizenship.
What are the advantages of a Turkish passport?
With the Turkish passport you enjoy the benefits of Turkish citizenship, i.e:
- Freedom to travel to numerous countries without a visa
- Political rights
- Right to work and housing in Turkey
- Right to property
- Possible benefits for locals
To obtain a Turkish passport, you must go through the usual naturalization process in Turkey.
How many Turks have dual citizenship?
In 2023, around 320,000 Germans also held Turkish citizenship. In total, there were around 2.9 million German dual nationals in Germany in 2023, of which Turkish citizens formed the third-largest group, after Poland and Russia.
Source: Mediendienst Integration
Can a German apply for Turkish citizenship?
Yes, you can apply for Turkish citizenship as a German, as both countries allow dual citizenship. To obtain Turkish citizenship, please contact the relevant Turkish office Foreigners' office.
