Military Service Guide in Turkey for Naturalized Citizens

Is the holder of Turkish citizenship obligated to perform military service? The answer depends on their age in the year they obtain citizenship and whether they have completed military service in their original country. In this guide, we explain the military service rules for naturalized citizens as outlined in Article 43 of Turkish Military Service Law No. 7179, with examples illustrating each case.

Does a naturalized citizen enter military service in Turkey?

Yes, a naturalized citizen enters military service in Turkey if they are under 22 years old in the year they obtain citizenship and have not performed military service in their original country before naturalization. If they are 22 years or older in that year or have proven completion of service in their country of origin, they are considered as having completed military service and are not required to enlist.

Military Service Law in Turkey

Military service in Turkey is governed by Military Service Law No. 7179 (Askeralma Kanunu), published in the Official Gazette on June 26, 2019. This law replaced the old Military Service Law No. 1111 issued in 1927.

The law obliges every male Turkish citizen to perform military service, from January 1 of the year they turn 20 until January 1 of the year they turn 41. Article 43 specifically addresses provisions for those who acquire Turkish citizenship after birth.

Does military service in Turkey apply to all naturalized citizens?

No, it does not apply to all. A naturalized citizen performs military service like Turkish citizens who reach conscription age in the same year, depending on their age and educational level at the date of acquiring citizenship. Article 43 exempts two categories from the service obligation: those who are 22 years or older in the year of naturalization, and those who have completed service in their original country.

The following table explains how the 22-year rule applies to a person who obtained Turkish citizenship in 2026:

Age is usually calculated by comparing the year of birth to the year of naturalization, so it is advisable to confirm your personal status at the local recruitment office (Askerlik Şubesi).

Who are the naturalized citizens exempt from military service?

A naturalized citizen is considered to have completed military service, or is not required to perform it, in the following cases:

• If they are 22 years or older in the year they obtain Turkish citizenship, according to Article 43 of the Military Service Law.

• If they have performed military service in their original country before naturalization, or were considered obligated to serve there, proven by official documentation. This applies regardless of the country; the current law accepts service performed in any country the naturalized citizen comes from.

• If an official medical report certifies they are unfit for military service, just like any Turkish citizen.

How to be exempt from military service in Turkey for naturalized citizens

1. Check your military status: After obtaining citizenship and a Turkish national identity number, inquire about your status via the “Askerlik Durum Belgesi” service on the government e-Devlet portal.

2. If you are 22 years or older in the year of naturalization: Your status should show that you have completed military service. If it does not, visit the nearest recruitment office.

3. If you have performed service in your original country: Submit an official document proving this to the recruitment office. It is preferable that the document is translated into Turkish and certified.

4. If you are obligated to serve: You may request a postponement of service for two years from the date you obtained citizenship. This postponement is not granted automatically but requires an application.

Options for performing military service for obligated naturalized citizens

If the naturalized citizen is obligated to perform military service, they have the same options available as any Turkish citizen:

• Regular service: Joining the army for the full duration.

• Paid service (Bedelli askerlik): Paying a government-determined fee and undergoing a short basic military training.

• Service with foreign currency payment (Dövizle askerlik): For those residing and working outside Turkey under specific conditions.

Learn about the duration, fees for 2026, and payment methods in our article: Military Service in Turkey: Postponement and Fee Payment.

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Frequently Asked Questions about military service for naturalized citizens

Does a naturalized citizen have to enter military service in Turkey?
They do if they are under 22 years old in the year of citizenship acquisition and have not performed service in their original country.

Is a naturalized citizen aged over 22 exempt from military service?
Yes, those who are 22 or older in the year of obtaining citizenship are considered as having completed military service.

Is military service performed in my country accepted?
Yes, if you provide official documentation proving you performed it before receiving Turkish citizenship.

Can a naturalized citizen postpone military service?
Yes, they have the right to request a two-year postponement from the citizenship acquisition date.

Can a naturalized citizen pay to exempt military service?
Yes, subject to the same general conditions applicable to Turkish citizens.

Edited by: Imtilak Real Estate©

Sources: Turkish Military Service Law No. 7179, Articles 3 and 43, Recruitment Portal of the Turkish Ministry of Defense.