First steps after acquiring Turkish citizenship: what you need to know
After receiving the long-awaited decision granting Turkish citizenship, many people wonder what steps to take next.
1.Obtain a National ID (Kimlik Kartı) and Passport, Register Your Address (Adres Kayıt)
- Visit the Nüfus ve Vatandaşlık İşleri Genel Müdürlüğü (Directorate of Population and Citizenship Affairs) to apply for your Turkish national ID (Kimlik Kartı), register your address, and apply for a passport.
2. Create an e-Devlet Account
- e-Devlet is a government portal through which you can manage many services (taxes, bills, banking information, documents, legal matters, etc.).
- You can obtain your password at the PTT (post office) by presenting your Kimlik.
3. Update Your Tax Number (Vergi Numarası)
- After acquiring citizenship, your old Vergi Numarası will automatically be replaced with a new one, which may match your Turkish citizen number. You can verify this in e-Devlet.
4. Update Your Driver's License (If it is Registered as a Foreigner's License). If you have a Turkish driver's license registered under a foreigner status, you must replace it within 45 days at the Nüfus Müdürlüğü.
Required documents:
- Valid driver's license
- Medical certificate
- Photograph
- Payment receipt for the state fee
6. Update Utility Subscriptions (Electricity, Water, Gas, Internet)
- If utility subscriptions were previously registered under your foreigner status, you must update the information with the electricity provider (CK Akdeniz Enerji, BEDAŞ, AYEDAŞ, etc.), water company (ASAT, İSKİ, ASKİ, etc.), and gas provider by presenting your Kimlik and your foreign passport.
6. Do You Need to Change Property Ownership (Tapu)?
- If you already own property, changing the ownership in Tapu Müdürlüğü is not required. However, you can update the information at the Tapu ve Kadastro Müdürlüğü so that the property is registered under your T.C. Kimlik Numarası instead of your old foreign number, and it will also be reflected in your e-Devlet account.
- If you are purchasing property after acquiring citizenship, the process is standard – registration at the Tapu Müdürlüğü.
7. Register with SGK (Social Security and Health Insurance)
- You need to register with the Sosyal Güvenlik Kurumu (SGK) and obtain the mandatory state health insurance, GENEL SAĞLIK SİGORTASI (GSS). If you have official employment and your company pays for the insurance, the company’s accountant must update your information in the SGK.
8. Update Your Information with Banks
- If you have bank accounts in Turkey, you must update your information by providing your Kimlik instead of your old foreigner status and presenting your foreign passport.
9. Notify Your Country’s Consulate (If Required)
- If your country prohibits dual citizenship, you may need to renounce your previous citizenship.
Additionally, it is important that if you changed your first and/or last name to Turkish ones when acquiring Turkish citizenship, some government institutions may require you to provide a document confirming this change. This document (vukuatlı nüfus kayıt örneği) can be requested from the Nüfus Müdürlüğü in your city.
The process may seem complex, especially due to the language barrier, but our experienced lawyers will ensure a quick and hassle-free data update procedure for you as a new Turkish citizen, saving you from unnecessary stress and trouble.
