Blue Card for Turks Who Obtained Dutch Citizenship
Turkish citizens wishing to acquire Dutch citizenship are often forced to renounce their Turkish citizenship due to the ban on dual citizenship . This situation can raise concerns regarding assets, inheritance rights, investment opportunities, and residency in Turkey. This is where the Blue Card becomes a critical tool for individuals who have lost their Turkish citizenship, allowing them to maintain their legal and economic ties to Turkey.
1. What is a Blue Card? Legal Definition and Significance
According to Article 28 of the Turkish Citizenship Law No. 5901 , the Blue Card is an official document that allows those who have lost their Turkish citizenship, either voluntarily or involuntarily (and their descendants), to retain most of the rights granted to Turkish citizens
📜 Legal Basis – Article 28:
"Those who renounce their Turkish citizenship with permission, and their descendants, continue to enjoy the same rights as Turkish citizens, except for military service, the right to vote and be elected, and the right to hold public office."
This provision protects the investment, property, inheritance, and residency rights in Turkey of a person who has obtained a Blue Card after acquiring Dutch citizenship
2. Dutch Citizenship and Dual Citizenship Restrictions
The Netherlands has generally not allowed dual citizenship since 1997. There are only exceptions in the following cases:
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Dual citizenship by birth
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Certain special circumstances arising from marriage to a Dutch citizen
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Living in the Netherlands with a permanent residence permit for at least 5 years before immigrating to the Netherlands
📌 However, the vast majority of Turkish citizens do not fall under these exceptions and therefore must renounce their Turkish citizenship when acquiring Dutch citizenship.
3. Rights Acquired with the Blue Card
Blue Card holders can enjoy the following rights in Turkey, just like Turkish citizens :
3.1. Property and Investment Rights
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They can buy real estate such as houses, land, and business premises.
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They can establish companies, become partners, or engage in trade.
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They are exempt from some restrictions applied to foreigners.
3.2. Inheritance Rights
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They have an equal inheritance share with Turkish citizens.
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They have the right to bequeath and inherit assets in Türkiye.
3.3. Residence and Social Rights
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Unlimited right to stay in Turkey
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Long-term residence permit (indefinite)
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Opportunity to register with the social security system
4. Rights Not Provided by the Blue Card
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They do not have the right to vote or stand for election.
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public office .
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military obligation (which can also be seen as an advantage).
5. Application Process and Documents
Application Locations:
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Directorates of Population and Citizenship Affairs in Turkey
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Turkish Consulates in the Netherlands
Required Documents:
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Valid Dutch passport
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Old Turkish Republic identity card or citizenship information
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Official document proving you have acquired Dutch citizenship
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Blue Card application form
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Biometric photo
📌 Duration: Usually arranged within a few days.
6. Problems Encountered in Practice
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Delay in application due to incomplete document submission.
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Lack of necessary paternity documents for children born in the Netherlands to obtain a Blue Card as descendants
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In Türkiye, some institutions are providing false information to Blue Card holders and treating them as foreigners (which is legally wrong)
7. Example Scenario
Scenario: Mr. Ahmet has been living in the Netherlands for 10 years and has obtained Dutch citizenship. He was forced to renounce his Turkish citizenship. He has an inheritance in Turkey from his family.
Solution: By obtaining a Blue Card, he protects both his inheritance rights and his right to acquire property in Turkey.
8. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I retain my Turkish citizenship when acquiring Dutch citizenship?
Generally no, but you can retain it if you acquired dual citizenship by birth.
Is the Blue Card valid indefinitely?
Yes, but like an identity card, it can be renewed at certain intervals.
Can I vote in Turkey with a Blue Card?
No, political rights are not included.
My child was born in the Netherlands, can they get a Blue Card?
Yes, they are eligible for descendant rights; however, proof of paternity is required.
Can I set up a company in Turkey with a Blue Card?
Yes, you have the same rights as Turkish citizens.
9. Conclusion and Legal Evaluation
For Turks who have acquired Dutch citizenship, the Blue Card serves as a bridge, allowing them to live in the Netherlands without severing legal and economic ties with Turkey . This right, granted by the Turkish Citizenship Law, provides significant advantages, particularly in matters of property , inheritance , and investment .
📌 Recommendation: For Blue Card applications, it's essential to prepare all necessary documents completely and carefully follow legal procedures. legal assistance, can prevent loss of rights.
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