Dual citizenship rules are one of the most misunderstood aspects of the Turkish citizenship by investment programme among African applicants. Many investors assume that acquiring a second citizenship automatically means giving up their original one. In most cases, this is not true — but the specifics differ by country.

Turkey

Turkey permits dual (and multiple) citizenship without restriction. Acquiring Turkish citizenship does not require you to renounce your original citizenship. Turkey imposes no obligation on naturalised citizens to use their Turkish passport exclusively or to reside in Turkey.

Nigeria

Nigeria legally permits dual citizenship. Section 28 of the Nigerian Constitution states that a Nigerian citizen by birth who voluntarily acquires the citizenship of another country does not automatically lose Nigerian citizenship. You remain a Nigerian citizen and your Nigerian passport remains valid. There is no formal notification requirement, though maintaining your Nigerian passport renewal schedule is advised.

Ghana

Ghana's Dual Citizenship Act explicitly allows Ghanaians by birth to hold foreign citizenship. You are required to notify the Ghanaian government of your acquisition of foreign citizenship within a reasonable period, though the Act does not specify a strict deadline or penalty for non-notification. Your Ghanaian passport remains valid and renewable as normal.

South Africa

South Africa permits dual citizenship but has a notification requirement. Under Section 26 of the South African Citizenship Act, South African citizens who acquire foreign citizenship must apply to the Minister of Home Affairs for permission to retain their South African citizenship before or within 12 months of acquiring the foreign citizenship. If you fail to do this, you technically lose South African citizenship by operation of law — though the process to restore it is available. The application is straightforward and Siyah Agents' partner attorneys can assist South African clients with the Section 26 notification simultaneously with the Turkish citizenship process.

Kenya

Kenya permits dual citizenship for Kenyans by birth under Article 16 of the 2010 Constitution. There is no notification requirement. Your Kenyan passport is unaffected.

Practical travel implications

Once you hold both passports, you choose which to use for each journey. Most clients use their Turkish passport for travel to countries where Turkey has visa-free or visa-on-arrival access (Turkey has access to 110+ destinations), and their home country passport for travel home and within their region. You are not required to use your Turkish passport to enter Turkey, though it is easier.