Turkey has firmly established itself as one of the global centers of birth tourism. Foreign nationals are drawn not only by the mild Mediterranean climate and premium-level medical services, but also by the prospect of giving their child a strong start in life.
At the same time, many parents naturally wonder whether it is realistic to expect a Turkish passport immediately after discharge from the hospital — or whether this is simply a widespread misconception.
Why “Birthright Citizenship” Does Not Apply in Turkey
The most common mistake made by expectant parents is assuming that Turkey follows the jus soli principle, which is typical of New World countries such as the United States, Brazil, or Argentina.
To clarify this, parents can consult the lawyers at tuncaybarcinlawoffice.com and receive professional guidance. An experienced specialist will immediately point out the key difference: Turkish law is based on the principle of “right of blood” (jus sanguinis).
Under the current Law No. 5901, at least one parent must hold Turkish citizenship for a newborn to automatically acquire it. The place of birth — whether Antalya, Istanbul, or any city outside the Republic — is secondary.
If both parents are foreign nationals, the child retains the citizenship of their parents’ country, and the mere fact of being born on Turkish territory does not grant any advantage in obtaining a Turkish passport.
Are There Any Exceptions?
The legislation leaves a very narrow loophole for exceptional cases. Citizenship by birth is granted only to children who would otherwise be left stateless — for example, if their parents are officially recognized as stateless persons.
This is a humanitarian safeguard designed to protect children’s rights and is virtually inapplicable to ordinary tourists or expatriates.
What Does Being Born in Turkey Actually Provide?
Instead of the coveted passport, parents receive a Doğum Belgesi — an official birth certificate. This is an administrative document confirming the medical fact of birth. To legally register the child within the legal framework of their home country, parents must confirm the child’s citizenship through their consular services.
Why Do Thousands of Families Still Choose Turkish Hospitals?
The absence of immediate citizenship does not make Turkey any less attractive. On the contrary, the choice of Turkish clinics is driven by clear practical advantages:
- Expert-level healthcare. Turkish perinatal centers and neonatal units meet the highest international standards. With a level of service comparable to Europe, the cost of “all-inclusive birth packages” remains more affordable.
- Simplified legal status. The fact that a child is born in the country is a strong factor when applying for a residence permit. If the parents own property in Turkey, the child can obtain an ikamet, which in the future (after five years of continuous residence) may become the basis for applying for citizenship through naturalization.
- Citizenship through real estate investment. In 2026, many foreign nationals combine childbirth with purchasing property. Acquiring real estate worth at least USD 400,000 grants the right to an accelerated citizenship process for the entire family.
- Excellent recovery conditions. The combination of sea air, sunshine, and high-quality food creates an ideal environment for the mother’s postnatal recovery and for strengthening the baby’s health during the first months of life.
- Logistical convenience. Well-developed air connections and the absence of strict visa barriers allow relatives to easily join the family in Turkey during this important period.
Tuncay&Barcın Law Office provides expert legal support to foreign nationals in the Republic of Turkey. The firm’s specialists assist with obtaining residence permits, comprehensive preparation of citizenship applications, and resolving any legal disputes.
Years of experience enable the lawyers to turn a complex bureaucratic process into a transparent procedure and to ensure reliable protection of the family’s interests at every stage.
