No, you do not lose your Turkish citizenship when you acquire Bulgarian citizenship. Türkiye allows dual citizenship, and Bulgaria does not require applicants of Bulgarian origin to give up their previous citizenship. So you become both a Turkish and a Bulgarian citizen. You must notify the Turkish authorities of your new citizenship; this notification does not affect your citizenship.
“Will I lose my Turkish ID if I get a Bulgarian passport?” is the question we hear most. The short answer is no. In this article we explain how dual citizenship works in both countries, which document to use where, and topics that are often confused.
Türkiye allows dual citizenship
Turkish nationality law does not prohibit Turkish citizens from acquiring another country’s citizenship. Acquiring a foreign citizenship does not automatically end Turkish citizenship. Leaving Turkish citizenship is only possible through a separate application made at the person’s own request.
The only thing you need to do is notify the Turkish authorities of your new citizenship. We explain step by step how to do this in our article on notifying Türkiye of Bulgarian citizenship.
Bulgaria does not require you to give up your previous citizenship
People who become Bulgarian citizens through Bulgarian origin, a parent or birth registration are not required to give up their previous citizenship. That is why Bulgarian emigrants in Türkiye and their grandchildren hold both citizenships.
Conditions may differ for some routes, such as long-term residence. You can find which route suits you in our article on requirements for Bulgarian citizenship.
Which passport do you use where?
| Situation | Document to use |
|---|---|
| Entering and leaving Türkiye | Turkish ID card or Turkish passport |
| Entering Bulgaria and EU countries | Bulgarian ID card or Bulgarian passport |
| Countries outside the EU | The passport that gives visa-free entry (usually the Bulgarian passport) |
| Official procedures in Türkiye | Turkish ID |
| Official procedures in Bulgaria and the EU | Bulgarian ID |
A practical rule: if you enter a country as its citizen, use that country’s document. We recommend carrying both documents when travelling.
Frequently discussed topics with dual citizenship
Military service
Compulsory military service was abolished in Bulgaria in 2008; being a Bulgarian citizen does not create a military obligation in Bulgaria. Your military obligation in Türkiye continues under Turkish law; Bulgarian citizenship does not remove it.
Property and inheritance
Since your Turkish citizenship continues, your property and inheritance rights in Türkiye do not change. As a Bulgarian citizen you can also buy any property in Bulgaria, including land, in your own name.
Pension and social security
Your pension rights in Türkiye are tied to Turkish citizenship and continue. Periods you work in the EU are assessed according to that country’s system.
Tax
Tax obligations are determined not by citizenship but by where you live and earn income. Türkiye and Bulgaria have a double taxation avoidance agreement.
What does Bulgarian citizenship give you?
- The right to live, work and study visa-free in any EU country
- Visa-free travel in the Schengen area and many other countries
- The ability to pass Bulgarian citizenship to your children through birth registration
- Access to education and healthcare rights as an EU citizen
For details on the advantages, see our article on the advantages of Bulgarian dual citizenship.
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to return my Turkish ID when I become a Bulgarian citizen?
No. Your Turkish ID and passport remain valid. Your Turkish citizenship continues.
What happens if I do not notify Türkiye of my Bulgarian citizenship?
Notification is an obligation and should be made. It does not affect your Turkish citizenship; it keeps your records correct. We recommend not delaying it.
Will my children also be dual citizens?
The child of a Bulgarian citizen parent is a Bulgarian citizen from birth; once the birth is registered in Bulgaria, the child can obtain a Bulgarian ID and passport. Turkish citizenship also continues. Details: Bulgarian citizenship for your child through birth registration.
Can I enter Türkiye with a Bulgarian passport?
As a Turkish citizen you should enter Türkiye with your Turkish document. Use the Bulgarian passport when travelling to Bulgaria, the EU and other countries.
Find out whether you are entitled
To find out whether you can become a Bulgarian citizen while keeping your Turkish citizenship, see our Bulgarian citizenship page or send your documents to our free document review.
