AKP report reveals: Expatriates do not want to return to Turkish citizenship

With the German Citizenship Act that came into effect in June last year, dual citizenship has now become possible. However, despite this change in the law, it is observed that expatriates living in Germany are reluctant to return to Turkish citizenship.

According to the report by Türkiye Gazetesi, the application rate remained at only 3 percent. This low rate was also included in a report prepared by the AK Party. The report emphasized that the rise of the far-right in Germany, along with election results, threatens the Dual Citizenship Act.

One of the most important factors in the limited number of applications is the issue of military service. The application rate among young people of military age is particularly low. With a regulation introduced in 2020, those born abroad who have permanent residency rights were granted the opportunity for military service in exchange for foreign currency without the requirement of three years of work. However, as of 2025, the cost of military service in exchange for foreign currency reaching 6 thousand Euros (approximately 260 thousand TL) largely limits this opportunity as well.

Considering the economic conditions, it is stated that this amount creates a serious burden for Turks in Germany and has become a deterrent factor significant enough to discourage them from renouncing their current citizenship.

News Source: 12punto