So, you moved to Turkey and now you want to get married there. Knowing the marriage laws is a must, even if you are in your own country. Some small laws regarding marriage in Turkey change from time to time, so it's important to say updated on the subject. So maybe we can answer some of the questions you might have about getting married in Turkey here.
Will you be granted a citizenship if you marry a Turkish citizen?
On the short term, no benefits come with marrying a Turkish citizen. Marrying a Turkish citizen will give authorities more of an incentive to be flexible with your applications. The non-Turkish spouse and any non-Turkish children he or she may already have, are able to apply for family residence permits after the marriage. If you marry a Turkish citizen, you can get a family residence permit. The family residence permit is issued for max 3 years. But usually, the first application is for only 1 year.
Will you be able to work in Turkey if you marry a Turkish citizen?
Marriage to a Turkish citizen makes you eligible for exemption from the standard work permit criteria. You still must apply for a work permit in almost all cases, but the labor ministry can choose to assess your application differently on the basis of your marriage to a Turkish citizen.
Will your country of origin limit the marriage, possibly in Turkey?
Yes and no. If you are not eligible to marry in your own country, you can not get married in Turkey. You have to get an affidavit from your consulate to prove you are able to marry.
Do you have to declare the marriage in Turkey?
After getting married in Turkey, you have 10 days to declare it to the Nufus Mudurlugu (Civil Registry). You will need to update their marriage status with the Göç İdaresi (Director General of Migration Management). You have 20 days to do this.
Is LGBT marriage allowed in Turkey?
No.
Are religious marriage ceremonies obligatory in Turkey?
Religious marriage ceremonies are not compulsory in Turkey, and in fact only the government marriage is recognized. You just need 2 witnesses.
Do you have to change your surname if you marry in Turkey?
Yes, you will take your husband's name, unless you submit a request to the marriage officer or Civil Registry.
Wii your children be Turkish citizens after being born in Turkey?
Yes, regardless of your marriage status, any child born in Turkey will be a Turkish citizen.
How to get married in Turkey?
You will have to apply together to the Marriage Registration Office (Evlendirme Memurluğu) in the municipality (İlçe) in the city you reside. Unless you have the power of attorney, your application must be presented jointly.
What are the documents you need to get married in Turkey?
Will you be granted a citizenship if you marry a Turkish citizen?
On the short term, no benefits come with marrying a Turkish citizen. Marrying a Turkish citizen will give authorities more of an incentive to be flexible with your applications. The non-Turkish spouse and any non-Turkish children he or she may already have, are able to apply for family residence permits after the marriage. If you marry a Turkish citizen, you can get a family residence permit. The family residence permit is issued for max 3 years. But usually, the first application is for only 1 year.
Will you be able to work in Turkey if you marry a Turkish citizen?
Marriage to a Turkish citizen makes you eligible for exemption from the standard work permit criteria. You still must apply for a work permit in almost all cases, but the labor ministry can choose to assess your application differently on the basis of your marriage to a Turkish citizen.
Will your country of origin limit the marriage, possibly in Turkey?
Yes and no. If you are not eligible to marry in your own country, you can not get married in Turkey. You have to get an affidavit from your consulate to prove you are able to marry.
Do you have to declare the marriage in Turkey?
After getting married in Turkey, you have 10 days to declare it to the Nufus Mudurlugu (Civil Registry). You will need to update their marriage status with the Göç İdaresi (Director General of Migration Management). You have 20 days to do this.
Is LGBT marriage allowed in Turkey?
No.
Are religious marriage ceremonies obligatory in Turkey?
Religious marriage ceremonies are not compulsory in Turkey, and in fact only the government marriage is recognized. You just need 2 witnesses.
Do you have to change your surname if you marry in Turkey?
Yes, you will take your husband's name, unless you submit a request to the marriage officer or Civil Registry.
Wii your children be Turkish citizens after being born in Turkey?
Yes, regardless of your marriage status, any child born in Turkey will be a Turkish citizen.
How to get married in Turkey?
You will have to apply together to the Marriage Registration Office (Evlendirme Memurluğu) in the municipality (İlçe) in the city you reside. Unless you have the power of attorney, your application must be presented jointly.
What are the documents you need to get married in Turkey?
- A health report issued by a recognized public or private heath institution. Your local family health clinic can take care of these.
- Several portrait photos;
- A copy or notarized copy of your passport (it differs according to municipality) for foreigner partners, copy of national identity card for your Turkish partners;
- Affidavit of eligibility issued by the foreigner’s own consulate and approved by the office of the local governor (Valilik) or district governorship (Kaymakamlık). If the affidavit is brought from the foreigner’s country, it will need an Apostille. This document must state your name, surname, father and mother’s names, date of birth and any impediments to marriage. Some municipalities may require a notarized Turkish translation of the document
- Copy of birth certificate. We were not asked to supply this, and it might depend on whether your parents’ names are documented in your affidavit of eligibility. However, some municipalities may still ask for it even if your parents’ names are documented.
- Some offices will also require a petition document (Evlendirme Beyannamesi) which serves to explicitly state your desires to wed.