Every Turkish male citizen is obliged to fulfill compulsory military service. The age of military service in Turkey is 20 and may extend up to 40 under certain circumstances. However, there are many ways to fulfill this obligation especially citizens who have acquired citizenship formerly can apply to institutions such as military service with payment, military service by foreign currency payment and postponement, as well as an exemption.

This note will examine the conditions and process of military service in foreign currency, postponement of military service, and exemption from military service for those who subsequently acquire Turkish citizenship. 

EXEMPTION FROM MILITARY SERVICE

It is possible for persons who have subsequently acquired Turkish citizenship to be exempt from military service. This is the case if either one of these conditions is met: If the person proves that he has fulfilled or is deemed to have fulfilled military service before acquiring citizenship, or if the person is over the age of 22 at the time the acquisition of Turkish citizenship takes place.

MILITARY SERVICE BY PAYMENT IN FOREIGN CURRENCY

Most persons who have subsequently acquired Turkish citizenship can also be eligible for military service by payment in foreign currency. This will grant the chance to complete mandatory military service by paying a certain sum of money and undertaking an online education program. The amount for payment is €4.402,00 for the first half of 2021.

To be eligible for this method, a person must have actually resided abroad for at least three years (1095 days) and not have returned to Turkey as long as the obligation continues. Among the obliged parties who meet the conditions specified in the law, those who have not actually started military service and have completed the distance education program can apply for this method of military service.