Marriage in Turkey: A Foreigner's Roadmap

Getting married in Turkey can be an unforgettable experience that unites two different cultures. However, the legal and bureaucratic steps of this process can seem complex, especially for a foreign spouse. In this article, we summarize the basic steps of the marriage process in Turkey and the critical points you need to consider, in the form of a roadmap for foreigners.

The marriage process in Turkey is subject to clear rules set by the Turkish Civil Code and the Marriage Regulation. This process is not just about collecting a series of documents; it also requires full compliance with Turkish family law, which will affect you in the future on matters such as divorce or inheritance. The process can be divided into three main stages: pre-marital preparation, the wedding ceremony, and post-marital legal status.

Basic Legal Requirements for All

Turkish law sets universal conditions that everyone must meet for a marriage to be valid, without discrimination between citizens. The foremost of these conditions is the principle of monogamy; that is, individuals wishing to marry must be single at the time of application. Other basic requirements include:

• Legal Age: The standard legal age for marriage in Turkey is 18.
• Capacity to Discern: Both parties must have the mental capacity to understand the rights and responsibilities of marriage.
• No Kinship Impediment: The law strictly prohibits marriage between close blood relatives.

Step by Step Application: Required Documents

The marriage process officially begins when the couple applies in person to the relevant municipality's marriage office. For your application to be accepted, it is critical that the following documents are submitted in a complete file:

• Certificate of Eligibility to Marry (Certificate of Celibacy): This is the most important document for the foreign national.
• Passport / ID Document: Confirms the person's identity and nationality.
• Birth Certificate: This may be required if information such as parents' names is missing.
• Health Report: Obtained from authorized health institutions in Turkey.
• Passport Photos: Usually 4-6 biometric photos taken within the last 6 months are required.

The Most Critical Issue: Document Legalization (Apostille & Consular)

For official documents issued abroad to be valid in Turkey, they must have international recognition. This recognition is achieved in two ways, and which path to follow depends entirely on the nationality of the foreign spouse. This distinction is the most important factor determining the complexity and duration of the process.

• Apostille (The Easy Way): If the person's country is a party to the Hague Convention ("Apostille Convention"), an "Apostille" stamp is added.
• Consular Legalization (The Hard Way): If the person's country is not a party to the Apostille Convention, the document must be certified by multiple authorities.

Post-Marital: Family Residence Permit and Citizenship

A legal marriage in Turkey does not automatically grant the foreign spouse the right to live in the country. After the marriage, the foreign spouse must apply for a Family Residence Permit at the Presidency of Migration Management to legally reside in Turkey. In this application, the Turkish spouse acts as the "supporter" (sponsor).

The right to apply for Turkish citizenship through marriage becomes possible after the marriage has lasted for at least three years and additional conditions, such as living together as a family unit, are met.

Strategic Advice

We recommend paying attention to the following points for your application to proceed smoothly:

• Start the Process Early: Sourcing and legalizing documents from abroad can take months.
• Confirm with Local Authorities: Check with the specific marriage office for any additional requirements.
• Ensure Document Consistency: Make sure all personal information on all documents is perfectly identical.