Swedish-Turkish Dual Citizenship: Updated Legal Guidelines Until 2026

Is dual Swedish-Turkish citizenship possible? Can a Turkish citizen retain their Turkish citizenship while becoming a Swedish citizen? Does a Swedish citizen lose their Swedish citizenship when acquiring Turkish citizenship? How does dual citizenship arise in children? What are the 22-year-old rule and practical risks? This guide explains the current legal framework in detail.

Entrance

The issue of dual citizenship between Sweden and Turkey is extremely important from the perspectives of immigration law, citizenship law, and family law. The main question, especially for Turkish citizens living in Sweden, Swedish citizens living in Turkey, Turkish-Swedish marriages, and children with one parent who is Turkish and the other a Swedish citizen, is: Is it possible to hold citizenship of both countries simultaneously? When current official sources are read together, the answer is generally yes; however, this does not mean a "problem-free automatic union." Sweden has a regime open to multiple citizenship; on the Turkish side, Article 44 of the Turkish Citizenship Law No. 5901 stipulates that a statement indicating that a person who has acquired foreign citizenship has "multiple citizenship" must be entered in their population registers. This shows that Turkish law recognizes multiple citizenship within its system. (Migrationsverket)

From Sweden's perspective, the basic rule is clear: Sweden allows dual and multiple citizenship. A person who is a Swedish citizen can retain their previous citizenship if the law of the other state also permits it; similarly, a person who acquires the citizenship of another country while being a Swedish citizen can retain their Swedish citizenship. From the perspective of Turkish law, there is also a clear administrative mechanism for individuals who have acquired foreign citizenship to document this and have it registered in their population records. Therefore, dual citizenship is not just a theoretical status, but a practically functioning one between Sweden and Turkey. (Migrationsverket)

However, Swedish-Turkish dual citizenship is not simply about “holding two passports.” This status also has consequences in areas such as military service, passport use, consular assistance, the impact of marriage and divorce decrees, child custody, inheritance, and updating population registers. The Swedish government, in particular, explicitly emphasizes that dual citizenship can create significant consular and travel problems for some countries. Therefore, the correct legal approach is to consider not only the acquisition of citizenship but also the consequences of holding both citizenships simultaneously. (Regeringskansliet)

Dual citizenship in Swedish law

According to the latest statement from the Swedish Migration Agency, Sweden allows "dual and multiple citizenship." The agency explicitly states that a person holding Swedish citizenship can retain their previous citizenship; however, this requires permission under the law of the other country. Similarly, if a Swedish citizen subsequently acquires citizenship of another country, they do not automatically lose their Swedish citizenship under Swedish law. The Swedish Ministry of Foreign Affairs website also reiterates this, indicating that dual citizenship is a recognized status under Swedish law. (Migrationsverket)

The most important legal distinction here is this: Sweden allowing dual citizenship does not mean that the other state accepts the same outcome. The Swedish Migration Agency therefore explicitly states that the individual "must investigate" whether their country of origin allows dual citizenship. When this investigation is conducted in the context of Sweden-Turkey, it is found that dual citizenship is also legally recognized under Turkish law, making dual citizenship practically possible between the two countries. (Migrationsverket)

Obtaining Swedish citizenship is subject to a separate application regime. For adults, the main requirement is at least five years of permanent residence in Sweden, appropriate status, proof of identity, and regular living conditions. There is a shorter three-year period for those living with a Swedish citizen, a two-year exception for citizens of other Scandinavian countries, and a four-year exception for stateless persons or those with refugee status. However, these shorter periods do not negate other citizenship requirements; in particular, the Swedish Migration Agency (Migrationsverket)

Multiple citizenship and the preservation of Swedish citizenship in Turkish law

In Turkish law, the issue is regulated more under the heading of "multiple citizenship" than "dual citizenship." The official website of the General Directorate of Population and Citizenship Affairs states that if individuals who have acquired foreign citizenship for any reason present the relevant documents and it is determined that they are the same person, an annotation indicating that they possess multiple citizenships will be added to their family registers. This statement is directly based on Article 44 of the Turkish Citizenship Law No. 5901. This regulation demonstrates that the acquisition of foreign citizenship can be recorded and recognized within the system under Turkish law. (Population Directorate)

In other words, when a Turkish citizen acquires Swedish citizenship, this can be recorded in Turkish population registers. The critical issue in practice is ensuring that the dual citizenship status is accurately reflected in the Turkish population registers and official records. Having this statement in the population registers is important for name equivalencies, identity information, passport procedures, and future administrative disputes. Therefore, for Turkish citizens who acquire Swedish citizenship, the issue is not simply "I haven't lost it"; it's also "I have correctly reported and registered it." (Population Directorate)

Turkish law also protects the right to renounce Turkish citizenship with permission in order to acquire the citizenship of another state. According to the official statement of the General Directorate of Population and Citizenship Affairs, permission to renounce Turkish citizenship for the purpose of acquiring the citizenship of another state can be granted by a decision of the Ministry; for this, one must be of legal age and have the capacity to make reasoned decisions, have acquired the citizenship of a foreign state or have credible indications of acquiring it, not be a person wanted for military service or crime, and not be under financial or criminal restrictions. However, in Sweden, such a renunciation is not mandatory in most cases, as Swedish law allows for the retention of previous citizenship. (General Directorate of Population Affairs)

Can a Turkish citizen retain their Turkish citizenship while becoming a Swedish citizen?

When the current official frameworks of Sweden and Turkey are considered together, a Turkish citizen can, as a rule, retain their Turkish citizenship while becoming a Swedish citizen. This is explicitly permitted on the Swedish side. On the Turkish side, since a declaration of multiple citizenship can be entered in the population registers of a person acquiring foreign citizenship, there is no general rule that Turkish citizenship automatically ceases. Therefore, the standard legal model for Turkish citizens who acquire Swedish citizenship is "retention of dual citizenship + declaration of multiple citizenship in Turkey" (Migrationsverket)

The practical point to note here is that updating records in Turkey should not be neglected after the decision on Swedish citizenship is made. This is because, in Turkish law, the institution of multiple citizenship is not only a theoretical acceptance but also an administrative process requiring document submission and record correction. If this process is not handled correctly, problems may arise regarding population records, passport applications, name equivalency, and child lineage records. (Population Registry Office)

Can a Swedish citizen retain their Swedish citizenship while acquiring Turkish citizenship?

Yes, as a rule, it can be retained. The Swedish Migration Agency and the Swedish Government explicitly state that a Swedish citizen can retain their Swedish citizenship even if they acquire the citizenship of another country. Therefore, when a Swedish citizen acquires Turkish citizenship, they do not automatically lose their Swedish citizenship. For acquiring Turkish citizenship through the general method, a fundamental requirement is five years of continuous residence in Turkey prior to the application date; for acquisition through marriage, it requires being married to a Turkish citizen for at least three years and the marriage continuing. In either of these ways, it is possible to retain Swedish citizenship under Swedish law. (Migrationsverket)

Applications for general Turkish citizenship must be submitted in person or through a special power of attorney to the governor's offices within the country or to diplomatic missions abroad; applications by post are not accepted. This procedure also applies to Swedish citizens wishing to obtain Turkish citizenship. However, acquiring Turkish citizenship through the "general method" does not grant an absolute right, even if the legal requirements are met; the General Directorate of Population and Citizenship Affairs explicitly states this in its official statement. (Population Directorate)

Swedish-Turkish dual citizen children

The most common and natural area for Swedish-Turkish dual citizenship to occur is through children. Under Turkish law, it is sufficient for only one parent to be a Turkish citizen at the time of birth for the child to acquire Turkish citizenship; the other parent being a citizen of a foreign state does not prevent this. Turkish citizenship acquired at birth takes effect from the moment of birth. Therefore, if one parent is a Turkish citizen, the child, as a rule, becomes a Turkish citizen in the eyes of Turkey. (Republic of TurkeyPopulation Registry)

Under Swedish law, a child born after April 1, 2015, automatically becomes a Swedish citizen if one of their parents is a Swedish citizen at the time of birth; this outcome does not depend on whether the child is born in Sweden or another country. Therefore, a child born after April 1, 2015, with one parent being Turkish and the other Swedish, generally acquires both Turkish and Swedish citizenship. This means that in most cases, Swedish-Turkish dual citizenship arises automatically at birth for children. (Migrationsverket)

If a child is born outside Sweden, it is particularly important for Sweden to have the birthright registered in the administrative records. The Swedish Migration Agency recommends contacting the Swedish Tax Agency for registration and name notification of a child born abroad in the Swedish population registry; and for passports, applying to the Swedish police or the Swedish embassy or consulate abroad. On the Turkish side, it is also crucial that notifications regarding births abroad are correctly recorded in the population registry. (Migrationsverket)

Sweden-Türkiye dual citizenship: 22-year-old age limit

One of the most critical issues for children of Swedish-Turkish dual citizenship and individuals holding Swedish citizenship by blood is Sweden's "22-year-old" regime. According to the Swedish Migration Agency (Migrationsverket), some individuals born and living outside Sweden, who have never lived in Sweden and have not shown regular visits, must apply to retain their Swedish citizenship after turning 18 but before turning 22. The Migration Agency also notes that in most cases, those who have lived in Sweden or regularly visited Sweden do not need to make such anapplication.

This rule is particularly important for children who grew up in Turkey, hold Swedish citizenship through one of their parents, and maintain weak de facto ties to Sweden. There is no such 22-year-old retention rule for Turkish citizenship; the issue arises with regard to the continuation of Swedish citizenship. Therefore, in families with dual Swedish-Turkish citizenship, it should be assessed not only whether dual citizenship was acquired at birth, but also whether further action is required to retain Swedish citizenship in the future. (Migrationsverket)

Citizenship through marriage and dual citizenship

A Turkish citizen can apply for Swedish citizenship more quickly through their Swedish spouse. According to the Swedish Migration Agency (Migrationsverket), a person married to a Swedish citizen, registered as a partner, or cohabiting partner can apply for citizenship sooner if they have resided in Sweden for at least three years and lived together for the last two years; however, other requirements, particularly permanent residency, still apply. In this case, the individual can retain their Turkish citizenship upon obtaining Swedishcitizenship.

Similarly, a Swedish citizen can apply for Turkish citizenship through their Turkish spouse. According to official Turkish sources, marriage to a Turkish citizen does not automatically grant citizenship; however, foreigners who have been married to a Turkish citizen for at least three years and whose marriage is still ongoing can apply. The requirements include living together as a family, not engaging in activities incompatible with the marital union, and not having any impediments in terms of national security/public order. Swedish law also allows for the retention of Swedish citizenship when a Swedish citizen acquires a second citizenship; therefore, Swedish citizenship generally continues upon acquiring Turkish citizenship. (Registration Office)

Consular, military, and passport risks

The Swedish government specifically emphasizes that dual citizenship does not always produce advantages. According to official statements, the state to which the other citizenship belongs may not recognize Swedish citizenship and may thus prevent Sweden from providing consular assistance. If a person enters a third country using their other passport instead of their Swedish passport, that country may also question Sweden's authority to provide assistance. This risk is of practical importance for Swedish-Turkish dual citizens, particularly in legal or administrative problems that may arise in Turkey or a third country. (Regeringskansliet)

The same official source also states that dual citizens face a different risk in countries with compulsory military service systems. The Swedish government says that if compulsory military service exists in the country of the second citizenship, living in another country and subsequently acquiring dual citizenship may not always eliminate this obligation. This warning is given at a general level without naming specific countries; therefore, if military service is to be assessed on the Sweden-Turkey line, Turkish military legislation should also be checked according to the specific date. Sweden's message is clear: dual citizenship does not automatically erase military and public service obligations of the other state. (Regeringskansliet)

There are also risks regarding passport use. The Swedish government states that traveling with two passports can result in extra border controls, stamp discrepancies, fines, passport confiscation, and even being prevented from leaving the country. Therefore, for Swedish-Turkish dual citizens, deciding which passport to use for entry into and exit from which country is not only a matter of practicality but also of legal planning. (Regeringskansliet)

Implications in terms of family law and inheritance

According to the official statement of the Swedish government, dual citizenship can also create problems in the areas of marriage, divorce, child custody, and inheritance. Marriages, divorce decrees, or custody decisions valid in Sweden may not be automatically recognized in every country. Furthermore, some countries may restrict the transfer of inheritance to individuals who also hold other citizenships. Therefore, in cases of Swedish-Turkish dual citizenship, especially in international marriage and divorce cases, it is necessary to consider not only the citizenship status but also which country's decision is recognized where. (Regeringskansliet)

Dual citizenship can also complicate matters in cases of child abduction and detention abroad. The Swedish government states that if the parent taking the child uses a passport from another country, it may be difficult for Swedish authorities to intervene; and if the child enters the other country using that country's passport, that country may consider the matter an internal issue concerning its own citizens. For families with children in the context of Sweden-Turkey relations, this risk is not theoretical but part of a family law strategy. (Regeringskansliet)

Renunciation of Turkish citizenship and Blue Card

Dual citizenship is generally possible between Sweden and Turkey, so renunciation of Turkish citizenship is not usually mandatory in most cases. However, if a person wishes to renounce their Turkish citizenship, either voluntarily or due to the legal requirements of another country, the renunciation permit procedure can be initiated according to Article 25 of Law No. 5901. Furthermore, it has been officially stated that individuals who were born Turkish citizens but lost their citizenship by obtaining a renunciation permit are granted a Blue Card, and these individuals continue to enjoy many rights, except for the right to vote and hold certain public offices. The Blue Card is more important for those who are forced to relinquish their Turkish citizenship due to reasons other than Sweden; in Sweden, it is often not necessary. (Population Registry Office)

Update as of 2026: Reform debates in Sweden

It should also be noted that Sweden has recently sought to tighten its citizenship laws. In a statement dated May 26, 2025, the Swedish government announced the initiation of a review process regarding the revocation of Swedish citizenship in certain circumstances. However, the current website of the Swedish Migration Agency (Regeringskansliet) still states that a Swedish citizen residing in or who has resided in Sweden cannot have their citizenship revoked. Therefore, as of March 2026, the correct legal statement is: dual citizenship is still possible in Sweden; discussions regarding the revocation of citizenship are at the level of reform and review, not a general and currently enforcedregime.

Conclusion

Dual Swedish-Turkish citizenship is legally possible as of 2026 and is a widely maintained status in practice. Sweden explicitly allows dual and multiple citizenship; in Turkish law, multiple citizenship is also recognized on the basis of Article 44 of Law No. 5901. Therefore, a Turkish citizen can, as a rule, retain their Turkish citizenship while becoming a Swedish citizen, and a Swedish citizen can, as a rule, retain their Swedish citizenship while becoming a Turkish citizen. (Migrationsverket)

However, the correct legal approach should not be limited to the question of "is it possible?". In Turkey, it is necessary to ensure that the declaration of multiple citizenship is recorded in the population registers, that the acquisition of citizenship by birth for children is correctly documented, that the risk of maintaining the age of 22 in Sweden is assessed, that passport and consular strategies are considered in advance, and that the laws of both countries are analyzed together in marriage, divorce, and custody cases. The real guarantee of Swedish-Turkish dual citizenship lies not only in the existence of two citizenships, but also in the correct management of registration and status in both systems. (Population Directorate)