Turkmenistan does not permit dual nationality. The country ended the arrangement it once had with Russia, and holding another citizenship alongside Turkmen citizenship is not recognised. Anyone weighing American naturalisation should understand that before applying.
Quick facts
Take advice from an immigration lawyer in the United States before taking any step involving the Turkmen authorities, particularly if your own position here is unresolved. That is sound practice everywhere and matters more with a country that publishes so little.
What to establish
| Question | Why it matters | Where to ask |
|---|---|---|
| Effect of naturalising in the U.S. | Dual nationality is not recognised | The embassy, before acting |
| Which documents survive | Determines what can be filed | Family records |
| Children born abroad | Status is not automatic | The embassy |
| Your U.S. immigration position | May bear on what you should do | An immigration lawyer |
| Property at home | Tied to citizenship | A lawyer, if one is available |
Where a country does not recognise dual nationality, the practical consequence is usually that it treats you as its own citizen only, with whatever obligations that carries, while you are on its territory.
What to do
- Take immigration advice in the United States first.
- Ask the embassy what the consequences of naturalising elsewhere are.
- Do that before applying, not after.
- Gather and safeguard every Turkmen document the family holds.
- Ask about the children’s position separately.
- Take advice on property before making any plans involving it.
Required documents
- Turkmen passport and internal identity documents.
- Birth certificate.
- Parent’s documents where the claim is by descent.
- Marriage certificate where applicable.
- U.S. naturalisation certificate where relevant.
- Legal advice specific to your case.
Where to apply
At the embassy in Washington; decisions rest with the authorities in Turkmenistan.
Additional notes
Ask before you act
Where dual nationality is not recognised, the order of operations matters enormously.
Advice first where status is unresolved
An immigration lawyer is the right person to consult before approaching your own country’s authorities.
Children
Their status does not follow automatically. Ask specifically.
Take proper advice
Very little is published, so a qualified adviser is worth more here than any website.