What Is Military Evasion in Turkiye and What Are the Fines in 2025

Military draft evasion in Türkiye, known as Yoklama Kaçağı, refers to the status of a Turkish male citizen who fails to attend the required military screening process within the legal timeframe without a valid excuse. This screening, called yoklama, is a physical and administrative evaluation to determine a person’s fitness for military service. It involves reviewing the individual’s health, education level, occupation, and other personal qualifications.

Under Law Number 7179 on Military Service, individuals who fail to comply with this obligation are classified as draft evaders and face daily fines and legal consequences. However, the legal enforcement of this process has changed significantly over the years.

Important Update on Detention of Military Draft Evaders

In the past, people who were caught as draft evaders could be taken directly to military service by force, creating concern among many Turkish nationals living abroad. However, this practice changed around 10 years ago.

Today, military evaders are no longer forcibly taken into military service. If a person is stopped by the police due to their military status, they are briefly brought to the police station, asked to sign a document related to the administrative fine, and are released within about one hour. There is no detention or forced enlistment at that point.

This change is especially important for dual citizens or Turkish nationals returning from abroad, as it allows them to manage their military status without fear of immediate conscription.

What Is the Military Draft Screening Process in Türkiye

All Turkish male citizens are obligated to begin their military procedures from January of the year they turn 20. The screening process includes a health check, fitness evaluation, and administrative assessment.

Failure to complete this process in time or without a valid reason results in being recorded as a draft evader. These individuals are subject to daily administrative fines, and their information is shared with law enforcement and the Ministry of Interior.

What Are the Fines for Military Draft Evasion in 2025

As of 2025, the daily fines for draft evasion are:

• 46.32 Turkish Lira per day for those who voluntarily apply to the military branch

• 92.65 Turkish Lira per day for those who are caught by the police or gendarmerie

These amounts are updated each year based on the official revaluation rate.

The fine must be paid within one month from the date of notification. If the fine is not paid, it becomes subject to enforcement and collection by the tax office. The authorities can initiate seizure of assets if necessary.

Can You Be Taken to Court for Military Draft Evasion

Yes. If a person continues to avoid their military duties even after being fined, the military branch may file a criminal complaint with the Chief Public Prosecutor.

If the prosecutor finds sufficient evidence, the individual may be tried in the Criminal Court of Peace. A person can face a prison sentence from 6 months to 3 years, especially if the evasion continues or happens repeatedly.

However, in most cases, courts may consider options such as:

• Suspension of sentence for first time offenders

• Postponement of the announcement of the verdict also known as HAGB

• Converting imprisonment into a judicial fine

Can a Draft Evader Apply for Paid Military Service

Yes. Even if you have been listed as a draft evader, you can still apply for bedelli askerlik, or paid military service. However, before you apply, you must pay the accumulated daily fines from the period you remained in violation.

These fines are calculated based on how many months or years the person remained a draft evader. Once the fine is paid and all paperwork is submitted, the person can complete military service through the paid system.

How to Appeal a Draft Evasion Fine

According to the Misdemeanors Law Number 5326, a person can appeal the administrative fine by applying to the Criminal Court of Peace within 15 days of receiving the official notification.

Valid reasons for appeal include:

• Ongoing university education

• Medical conditions

• Incorrect or missing notifications

• Valid travel abroad

• Family-related excuses

We recommend attaching proof such as health reports, student certificates, consulate records, or other official documentation.

Can You Be Pardoned or Exempted from Military Service

Yes, but only in certain cases. General amnesties or exceptional laws are sometimes passed by the Turkish Parliament. These cover individuals above a certain age, with medical issues, or in unique family circumstances.

Exemptions can also be permanent if the person is found medically unfit for service, or under special rules such as multiple siblings already serving, or being the child of a martyr or veteran.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will military draft evasion appear on my criminal record
The administrative fine itself does not appear on your criminal record. However, if the case goes to court and you are convicted, the verdict will appear on your judicial record.

Can I leave Türkiye if I am a draft evader
Yes. Unless you are subject to a court-ordered travel ban, you can travel abroad. But the longer you remain in draft evasion status, the higher the chance of legal action being taken.

Can I be employed while being a draft evader
Public institutions and most private employers require proof of your military status. If you are listed as a draft evader, you may not be able to register for social security or be officially hired.

Can I defer my service during the draft screening period
Yes. You can apply for deferral before being labeled a draft evader. Valid grounds include education, health, or family responsibilities.

Conclusion: Legal Assistance for Turkish Military Obligations

At Bayraktar Attorneys, we assist Turkish citizens, dual nationals, and expatriates with every step of the military process. Whether you need help with deferral, paid military service, appealing a fine, or clearing your name, our experienced team is ready to support you.

We offer confidential and strategic legal guidance, especially for those who have been away from Türkiye and wish to return safely and responsibly.