Changing Your Name When Acquiring Turkish Citizenship

I. Introduction

Foreign investors applying for Turkish citizenship often ask whether they can keep their existing name or take a Turkish name on becoming a Turkish citizen. Both options are available. An applicant may retain the existing foreign name, subject to the Turkish registration rules, or take a Turkish name and surname during the citizenship process.

The choice affects the name entered in the Turkish population registry and used for Turkish identity documents. For investors who continue to use a foreign passport or hold assets under their existing name, the application should also preserve a clear connection between the two sets of records.

II. Name selection during the citizenship application