How to Get Turkish Citizenship Through Marriage?

The requirements for becoming a Turkish citizen through marriage are outlined in Article 5091 of the Citizenship Law No. 16 and must be met. Foreigners who marry a Turkish citizen do not automatically gain the right to citizenship.

What are the Conditions for Turkish Citizenship Through Marriage?

Foreigners must meet the requirements to become Turkish citizens through marriage. These are the conditions:

• Foreigners seeking citizenship must have been married to a Turkish citizen for at least three years and their marriage must still be active.
• The foreigner is not in situations that are detrimental to the marriage union.
• The foreigner is not in a situation that jeopardizes public security.
• The involvement of spouses in the family union.

Documents Required for the Acquisition of Turkish Citizenship through Marriage

There are some documents that must be submitted when applying for Turkish citizenship through marriage. These are the documents:

• Completed citizenship application form,,
• Original passport or replacement document, as well as a notarized Turkish translated copy
• Identity card of Turkish spouse, original and photocopy
• Turkish notarized copy of the foreign spouse's birth certificate
• Marriage certificate, original and photocopy
• Residence permit
• Document demonstrating family unity
• Biometric photograph on a white background
• If there is a final court decision regarding the foreigner for any crime, a notarized copy is required.
• Receipt of service fee for citizenship application

Citizenship Procedures of Foreigners Married to Turkish Citizens

Foreigners who intend to apply for Turkish citizenship and live in Turkey are prepared once it is determined that they meet the necessary requirements. The application file is first attached to the security directorate's investigation and the detailed file that this investigation has resulted in, positively or negatively. The following issues are being investigated by the police department:

• Investigating the situation that may pose a barrier to the applicant foreigner gaining Turkish citizenship in terms of the country's security and public order
• Investigation of actions incompatible with the applicant's marriage union,
• Investigation of whether the spouse of a foreigner and a Turkish citizen who has applied for Turkish citizenship lives in the family union.

The file of the applicant foreigner, after the security authorities have completed their investigation, is forwarded to the provincial directorates. Other necessary examinations and research will be carried out by the commission formed by the provincial directorates. Examines the conditions that must be met in order to obtain Turkish citizenship through marriage. The commission interviews the foreigner and his Turkish spouse who wish to obtain Turkish citizenship. As a result of this interview, it is determined whether the marriage is genuine or fabricated in order for the foreigner to obtain Turkish citizenship. The file created as a result of the completed interview is forwarded to the Ministry for final approval.

How Long Does It Take to Apply for Turkish Citizenship Through Marriage?

The completion of the application for Turkish citizenship through marriage within an appropriate (makul) period is dependent on the completeness of the documents provided. This process takes between 1 and 3 years to complete after all documents are submitted.

Divorce of a Turkish Citizen Through Marriage

Turkish citizenship acquired through marriage is maintained even if the Turkish spouse is divorced for any reason. Marriage dissolution does not interfere with citizenship.

Does the Foreign Spouse Have to Residence in Turkey?

After at least three years of marriage with a Turkish citizen, the foreigner can reside outside the borders of Turkey with Turkish citizenship. Furthermore, the foreign spouse is not required to live within Turkey's borders. Marriage is legal outside of Turkey, and after three years, an application for Turkish citizenship can be made through marriage.

If the Turkish Spouse Dies, Will the Foreigner's Right to Become a Citizen Disappear?

To obtain Turkish citizenship or the right to apply for it through marriage, the foreigner must have been married to the Turkish citizen for at least three years and provided family unity. If these requirements are met, the foreigner is eligible to apply for Turkish citizenship at any time. In the event that the spouse dies, this right is not lost, and he may file his application at any time.

How Much is the Citizenship Service Fee?

In addition to the notarization fee for the duly approved birth certificate, there is a service fee of 115,00 TL.

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