Zero to Hundred Residency by Marriage in Turkey
Marriage in Turkey is one of the ways to obtain a residence permit in this country. Given the increase in international relations in recent years and the rise in marriages between nationals of different countries, examining the laws of countries regarding marriage is important. In recent years, we have witnessed an increase in travel and migration of Iranians to Turkey, which has led to the marriage of some Iranian citizens with Turkish nationals. Marriage with a Turkish citizen or an individual holding Turkish nationality allows the foreign individual to obtain residency and subsequently a Turkish passport. Residency through marriage in Turkey, according to the immigration laws of this country, is easier compared to other immigration methods. If the marital life of the couple leads to divorce after obtaining residency and Turkish citizenship, the foreign individual does not lose their citizenship upon divorce and can continue to live in Turkey.
Conditions for Turkish Residency Through Marriage
Each country has different conditions for obtaining residency through marriage based on its immigration laws. In Turkey, for obtaining residency through marriage, the following conditions are necessary:
- Marriage with a Turkish citizen or an individual holding Turkish nationality.
- Compliance with Turkish immigration laws and regulations.
- Submission of required documents to the relevant authorities in Turkey.
These conditions indicate the ease of the process for obtaining Turkish residency through marriage, which allows the foreign individual to easily obtain Turkish residency and even citizenship.
Required Conditions for Marriage in Turkey
- Three years must have passed since the marriage: At least three years must have passed since the couple’s marriage.
- Joint life: The husband and wife must have lived together during this period and be in family unity.
- Not posing a threat to the country’s security: The foreign individual must not be considered a security threat to Turkey.
- Not harming marital life: Refrain from behaviors that harm marital life.
- Submission of valid documents: Documents proving the authenticity of the marriage must be submitted.
- Absence of refugee status: The person married to the foreign individual and residing in Turkey must not be a refugee in Turkey and must have Turkish nationality.
- Time elapsed since divorce: If a man intends to marry a woman residing in Turkey who was previously married, at least 300 days must have passed since the woman’s divorce for a marriage permit to be issued to the woman.
- Legal age: The girl and boy intending to marry in Turkey must not be under 18 years old.
- Mental capacity and physical health: Submission of a certificate of mental capacity and physical health of the couple for marriage is mandatory.
Advantages of Marriage in Turkey
- Ease of process: Marriage and divorce laws in Turkey are generally less complex and are based on a modern family structure. This results in individuals experiencing less difficulty in these processes.
- Lower wedding costs: The costs of wedding ceremonies in Turkey are generally more reasonable and lower compared to many other countries. This can lead to reduced various expenses such as venue rental, guest catering, photography, etc.
- Proximity to Iran: As a neighbor of Iran, Turkey provides ease of travel between the two countries. This allows for easy marriage with a Turkish national and continuation of life in Turkey or Iran.
- Reasonable car and house prices: Car and house prices in Turkey are generally more affordable and fair. This allows people to easily purchase and own cars and houses.
- Flexibility in holding wedding ceremonies: Wedding ceremonies can be held in various ways in Turkey, ranging from traditional and old-fashioned to modern and suited to local culture. This flexibility allows couples to hold their wedding ceremony according to their taste.
- Obtaining Turkish citizenship: It is possible for an individual who receives a Turkish passport to also acquire citizenship of this country.
- Starting a business or working in government centers: Holders of Turkish passports can start businesses in their own country or be employed in government centers.
- Free trade away from all kinds of sanctions around the world: Opportunities for free and unrestricted trade with other countries for Turkish passport holders.
- Travel to 113 countries without obtaining a visa: Holders of Turkish passports can travel to over 113 countries worldwide without needing to obtain a visa.
- Possibility of obtaining a Turkish name and surname: Opportunity to change one’s name and surname to Turkish names for Turkish passport holders.
- Benefiting from government benefits and support: Financial support and government benefits to facilitate life and business for individuals with Turkish passports.
- Facilitation in obtaining Schengen and US visas: Holders of Turkish passports can easily obtain visas to enter Schengen countries and the US.
- Free trade and away from sanctions: Unlimited trade opportunities for activity in international markets for individuals with Turkish passports.
- Free education for children and presence of international educational centers: Opportunity for free education for children in public and private educational centers, as well as access to international educational centers.
- Right to benefit from social security advantages and government insurance: Opportunity to benefit from social security advantages and government insurance for the individual and their family.
Required Documents for Marriage in Turkey
For both spouses:
- Valid passport
- 4 photos
- Birth certificate (for Iranians, Shenasnameh suffices)
- Obtaining a Certificate of Celibacy
Explanations:
All documents must be accompanied by a translation into Turkish. – The Certificate of Celibacy indicates the individual’s marital status and confirms the individual’s previous marriage. – If the applicant for the Certificate of Celibacy resides abroad, they must refer to the nearest representation of the Islamic Republic of Iran abroad and submit their request for obtaining this certificate.
**Required Documents for Iranians Marrying in Turkey:**
For each type of marriage below, different documents are required:
1. If both spouses are Iranian:
- – Physical presence of the woman and man
- – Original permission letter from the guardian for the woman (in case of the guardian’s death, the death certificate)
- – Original religious marriage certificate
- – Original and copy of local marriage registration
- – Valid passport of both spouses
- – Birth certificate or Shenasnameh of both spouses
- – 4 color photos of both spouses
- – Original health certificate for the man and woman
- – Original bank receipt (18 Euros)
2. If the woman is Iranian and the man is foreign:
- – Physical presence of the woman and man
- – Valid passport of the Iranian woman
- – Residence permit or visa of the Iranian woman
- – Marriage registration application form
- – Original permission letter from the guardian for the woman (in case of the guardian’s death, the death certificate)
- – Birth certificate or Shenasnameh of the Iranian woman
- – Valid passport of the foreign man
- – Original religious marriage certificate (two copies)
- – Residence permit or visa of the foreign man
- – Official undertaking by the man to pay alimony (if necessary)
- – Certificate of no criminal record (if necessary)
- – Certificate of conversion to Islam (if necessary)
- – Original health certificate for the man and woman
- – Bank receipt (24 Euros registration fee plus 24 Euros)
- – 4 color photos of both spouses
3. If the man is Iranian and the woman is foreign:
- – Physical presence of the man and woman
- – Original religious marriage certificate
- – Original certificate of celibacy of the woman
- – Original health certificate of the man and woman (physical and mental)
- – Original certificate of celibacy of the woman
- – Valid passport of the Iranian man
- – Residence permit or visa of the Iranian man
- – Birth certificate or Shenasnameh of the foreign woman
- – Valid passport of the foreign woman
- – Original and copy of conversion certificate (if necessary)
- – Residence permit or visa of the foreign woman
- – 4 color photos of both spouses
- – Bank receipt (18 Euros for marriage registration and 20 Euros for the woman’s Shenasnameh)
All documents must be submitted with official translation into Turkish.
Review of Laws and Regulations Approved in Turkey Regarding Marriage:
Based on the laws and regulations approved regarding marriage in Turkey, marriage is possible between an individual who is a national of:
Two foreign individuals of the same nationality can also get married in Turkey, either at their country’s embassy or consulate offices or at Turkish marriage offices under the supervision of local municipalities. Religious marriages are not recognized by the state and a civil marriage must be conducted. The most important point is that all existing marriages in Turkey must be approved and regulated by the authorities of this country and legislated according to Turkish civil laws and relevant regulations.
If both the bride and groom are not Turkish citizens and both individuals have the same nationality, their marriage is possible if performed by Turkish authorities or their country’s embassy or consulate. However, it should be noted that not all embassies and consulates may perform marriages in Turkey. Therefore, you should check the relevant country’s embassies or consulates. To get married by Turkish authorities, you must first obtain a document from the authorities of your country confirming your eligibility to marry. This document may be a marriage license or statement (Evlenme Ehliyet Belgesi) which you can obtain from the diplomatic representation of the relevant country (usually the consulate) located in Turkey. If one of the spouses has Turkish nationality and the other does not, the marriage must be performed by a Turkish official. The individual who does not have Turkish nationality must obtain a document from the relevant authorities in their country showing their eligibility to marry. This marriage license or statement (Evlenme Ehliyet Belgesi) can be obtained from the embassy or consular authorities located in Turkey.
**Obtaining a Turkish Passport Through Marriage**
Becoming a Turkish citizen and obtaining a passport of this country through marriage is a common method. This method is possible because Turkey, as a country with cultural and religious diversity, has active international relations. In this regard, foreign women can marry men who have Turkish nationality and acquire citizenship of this country. Before legal reforms, foreign women who married Turkish men could obtain Turkish citizenship, but the opposite was not true for foreign men marrying Turkish women. This discrimination ended with European countries agreeing to the approved conventions.
However, despite this, there are some restrictions and laws to prevent individuals from misusing fake marriages to obtain citizenship.
For example, according to the Turkish constitution, only foreign women who marry Turkish men can acquire Turkish citizenship. This discrimination in the constitution was due to historical agreements made with Europeans. With the amendments to Turkish citizenship laws, anyone who marries a Turkish citizen can now become a Turkish citizen regardless of gender. These amendments have eliminated gender discrimination in this regard, and all individuals, regardless of gender, have the opportunity to acquire Turkish citizenship.
Obtaining a Turkish passport through marriage is known as the most recognized and simplest path; however, this does not mean direct citizenship. To apply for Turkish citizenship through marriage, the person must submit the relevant application after a minimum of 3 years of marriage, provided they meet the following conditions:
The couple must have lived together during this period.
Any behavior that may harm the marital union must be avoided.
The foreign individual must not pose a threat to national security and public order.
Another condition for obtaining a Turkish passport through marriage is that the marriage must be valid and real, and documents must be provided to prove this fact. Note that the person you intend to marry must not be a refugee in Turkey and must have Turkish nationality. If this person is a woman and has been previously married, at least 300 days must have passed since her divorce. Also, the girl and boy must not be under 18 years old.
As an Iranian individual who wants to marry a Turkish individual, you must go through the following legal steps:
Refer to the Iranian Consulate in Turkey
Obtain confirmation from the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Undergo blood tests
Sign the relevant forms at the notary public office
Schedule a time for the official marriage ceremony
The presence of two witnesses is mandatory for the marriage ceremony procedures.
Generally, for marriage with a Turkish individual, steps such as confirmation from the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs and signing the relevant forms at the notary public office are of high importance, and these steps must be followed carefully.
The conditions for marriage in Turkey are as follows:
Capacity to marry: Only individuals with sufficient mental capacity to make a wise decision can marry. Therefore, marriage is prohibited for individuals with mental illness. Also, the individual must be at least 18 years old.
No marriage with close relatives: Marriage is prohibited between family members such as siblings, uncles and aunts with nieces and nephews, etc.
Remarriage: If one or both spouses have been previously married, their previous marriage contract must be dissolved before remarrying. Polygamy is not permitted in Turkey and is considered a crime.
Waiting period: Women who have been previously married usually cannot remarry within 300 days after the legal termination of their previous marriage. However, if the wife provides a medical report stating that she is not pregnant, there is no need to wait for 300 days to remarry.
These conditions and regulations apply to all marriages, both for Turks and foreign nationals.
Required documents for marriage in Turkey include the following:
Marriage Application Petition: The groom and bride must complete a form called “Evlenme Beyannamesi” in Turkish, in person at the municipality.
Translation of Passport and Identity Card/Shenasnameh: The passport and identity card must be translated into Turkish by the relevant authorities. This can be done by the Turkish embassy in the country of origin or a reputable notary public office in Turkey.
Health Certificate: A health certificate must be obtained from a state medical institution in Turkey called “Sağlık Ocağı” or “Devlet Hastanesi”.
Passport Photos: Six passport-sized photos belonging to the bride and groom must be provided.
Certificate of Non-Marriage: A certificate of non-marriage must be provided, indicating that the person is single, divorced, or widowed. This certificate must be obtained from the marriage registration centers in the country of origin and verified by the Turkish consulate or embassy there.
Proof of Residency: If both individuals are foreigners, a letter from their hotel or place of accommodation, along with the duration of stay and departure date, must be provided. These documents are necessary for marriage to take place in Turkey.
After marriage, the applicant must comply with the following to obtain Turkish residency after marriage:
Living within the family framework: Must continue living within the family framework, along with the Turkish spouse.
Not acting against the marriage framework: Must refrain from actions that contradict the principles and regulations of marriage in Turkey.
Not creating a danger to national security and public order: Must not pose a threat or danger to national security or public order in any way.
If the foreign national meets these conditions and the necessary documents are available, there will be no problem in obtaining citizenship. In the case that the applicant’s Turkish spouse passes away after the application, the condition of living within the family framework will no longer be required. The first and most important point regarding obtaining citizenship through marriage is the amount of time that passes. In this method, due to past instances of misuse, the foreign individual is initially granted short-term residency, and after three years, if the conditions are acceptable to the experts of the Directorate General of Migration Management, the Turkish passport is granted to the individual.
The conditions that lead the experts of the Directorate General of Migration Management to grant a visa to the foreign individual are:
The husband and wife must have lived together under one roof for three years.
They must avoid behaviors that harm the marital union.
The foreign individual must not pose a threat to Turkey’s national security.
Submission of documents that prove the authenticity of the marriage.
In addition, the general acceptable marriage conditions in Turkey are:
If a person who is a Turkish citizen intends to remarry, at least 300 days must have passed since the divorce.
The girl or boy must not be under 18 years old.
These arrangements for marriage and obtaining residency and a visa in Turkey are necessary, and each step must be carried out carefully and with attention to the relevant laws. The laws for obtaining a Turkish passport through marriage are such that the Turkish government does not grant you a passport solely through marriage to a Turkish citizen. However, marriage to a Turkish citizen can be one of the factors that can facilitate the conditions for obtaining a Turkish passport.
Therefore, to obtain a Turkish passport as a foreign person, you must first have permanent residency in Turkey for 5 years. If you marry a Turkish citizen, you can obtain your passport after 3 years of residency in Turkey, which means this marriage can reduce the time it takes to obtain your passport. Also, to obtain a Turkish passport, you must consider other conditions. These conditions include submitting required documents such as identity card, police clearance certificate for no criminal issues, health test, payment of necessary fees, and answering required questions.
In Turkey, after officially registering a marriage, it is usually necessary to also complete a religious marriage. This part is typically conducted by the Imam Nikah. In the Hanafi school of thought, unlike the custom of the Shia school of thought, the presence of two witnesses is mandatory for the marriage ceremony procedures. Turkey has a patriarchal culture. Although it is seemingly influenced by European culture, issues such as women working outside the home are not entirely accepted. Also, the rate of domestic violence in Turkey is high. Mahr (dowry) in Turkey is usually set at a lower amount. Furthermore, there is not much law in this regard that definitively determines Mahr. Providing a trousseau is usually the responsibility of the men. This includes providing items such as bedroom sets and some kitchen appliances, the responsibility for which falls on the girls.
One of the unavoidable consequences of marriage in Turkey is the change of the spouse’s surname.
The wife is usually required to take her husband’s surname after marriage, unless she sends a written request to the marriage officer or the civil registry office stating that she wants to use her previous surname along with her husband’s surname.
However, in this case, her previous surname must come before her husband’s surname.
If the wife previously had two surnames, she can choose only one of them to be used with her husband’s surname.
The collected documents are sent to the Citizenship Investigation Commission. This commission invites the foreign national spouse and the Turkish spouse for separate and joint interviews. Then, based on the interviews, questions, and investigations conducted after the submission of documents, the decision on whether the foreign national can become a Turkish citizen through marriage is made by the commission.
Final Word:
To complete the marriage procedures, get in touch with Atlloo company and our colleagues so that we can be with you on this path.
