The citizenship status of a child born abroad is a complex and nuanced issue. There are many factors that vary depending on the citizenship status of both the child’s country of birth and their parents. In this blog post, we will examine in detail the ways a child born abroad can acquire citizenship and the important points to know about this subject.
Place of Birth and Citizenship:
Right of Birthplace (Jus Soli): Some countries automatically grant citizenship to all children born on their territory. This principle is known as “jus soli”. Countries such as the United States, Canada, and Mexico practice jus soli.
Right of Ancestry (Jus Sanguinis): Other countries base citizenship on descent. This principle is known as “jus sanguinis”. Countries such as Türkiye, Germany and Japan practice jus sanguinis. In these countries, it is sufficient for the child to automatically become a citizen if at least one parent is a citizen.
Citizenship of a Child Born Abroad in Turkey:
According to the Turkish Citizenship Law, a child born abroad is considered a Turkish citizen in the following cases:
If the mother and father are Turkish citizens: The child is considered a Turkish citizen at birth.
If the mother is a Turkish citizen and the father is a foreign national: If the child’s father acquires Turkish citizenship, the child is also considered a Turkish citizen.
If the father is a Turkish citizen and the mother is a foreign national: If the child’s mother acquires Turkish citizenship, the child is also considered a Turkish citizen.
Child born out of wedlock: A child born out of wedlock to a Turkish citizen mother or father is also considered a Turkish citizen.
Citizenship Application:
The documents and application procedure required for a child born abroad to acquire Turkish citizenship may vary depending on the situation regarding the child’s birth. In general, the following documents must be prepared and an application must be made to the General Directorate of Population and Citizenship Affairs or representatives abroad:
Birth Certificate
Population Registration Sample of Parents
Marriage Certificate of Parents (Not required for children born out of wedlock)
Other Required Documents (May vary depending on application status)
Things to pay attention:
The requirements for a child to acquire citizenship may vary from country to country. Therefore, it is important to consult the competent authorities of the relevant country for detailed information.
The documents required for citizenship application must be complete and accurate.
The child may not be issued a travel document or passport until the citizenship application is finalized.