Giving birth in Türkiye: citizenship and residency

A child born in Türkiye does not get Turkish citizenship from birth there alone; Turkish nationality follows the parents, not the place of birth (except for a child who would otherwise be stateless). A birth also does not create residency for the parents; the child's residence depends on the parents' legal residence.

What to do after a birth in Türkiye

1. Get the hospital birth record and register the birth with the Turkish civil registry
2. Register the birth and get a passport for the child at your country's consulate
3. Apply for the child's residence permit (usually family residence based on the parents') within the legal deadline

When does a child get Turkish citizenship?

• If one parent is a Turkish citizen
• If the child is born in Türkiye and acquires no nationality from the parents
• Together with the parents, if the family becomes Turkish through investment or other routes

Frequently asked questions

Can I get Turkish residency by having a child there?

No. The parents need their own residency, for example through property, work or study, and the child is added as a dependant.

Is giving birth in Türkiye expensive for foreigners?

Private hospitals cost more and travel insurance usually does not cover childbirth; check your insurance before travelling.

Which countries give citizenship by birth?

Of the countries we work in, Türkiye, Georgia, the European countries and the UK do not give automatic citizenship by birth; US rules on this were legally contested in 2025 and 2026.

For family residency, see residency routes in Türkiye.