It is possible to obtain citizenship by marrying a Turkish citizen. However, there are several requirements to be met in order for the foreigner to obtain Turkish citizenship.
Can a Foreigner Obtain Turkish Citizenship Automatically by Marriage?
No, marrying a Turkish citizen does not automatically grant the right to obtain Turkish citizenship. There are some additional requirements to be met in order for the foreigner to obtain Turkish Citizenship.
What Are the Requirements for Obtaining Citizenship via Marriage?
The requirements for obtaining citizenship via marriage is regulated in Citizenship Law no. 5901 article 16. In accordance with the Law a foreigner who wishes to become a citizen because their spouse is of Turkish nationality needs to fulfil the following requirements:
The foreigner that will apply for citizenship must be married with a Turkish citizen for 3 years and counting.
Spouses to be in unity of family.
Foreigner spouse not to do anything against the unity of family.
The foreigner spouse is not in a situation to threaten public security.
The administration has discretion in acquiring Turkish citizenship through marriage. The relevant authority may reject the citizenship application by providing a valid reason despite the existence of the conditions.
Where to Apply for Citizenship via Marriage?
Application for citizenship via marriage can be made to the governor's office in Turkey where the place of residence is and to foreign representative offices abroad in person or with a special power of attorney regarding the exercise of this right. Applications made by mail are not accepted.
How the Apply for Citizenship via Marriage?
Citizenship applications of persons who are not adults or lack the power of discrimination are made by their parents or guardians.
Foreigner identification number is taken as a basis for applications and transactions.
As the application date, the date on which the person's form petition is registered by the application authority is taken as a basis.
Certification of official documents issued by foreign authorities is carried out in accordance with Article 59 of the Civil Registry Services Implementation Regulation.
It is sufficient for foreigners who want to acquire Turkish citizenship to submit documents such as diplomas and passports, which are submitted by foreign authorities at the time of application, to be translated into Turkish and notarized.
Where deemed necessary, the approval of the originality of residence permits can also be made by the provincial directorates.
What is Citizenship Application Inspection?
The foreigner who wants to acquire Turkish citizenship by marriage by the Provincial Police Department;
Whether they live in family unity,
Whether they have acts of prostitution or make way to prostitution in a way that is incompatible with the union of marriage,
Whether there is a situation that would constitute an obstacle in terms of national security and public order in acquiring Turkish citizenship, are investigated and the positive or negative opinion formed is clearly written on the inquiry form.
The minutes of the investigation are also attached to the investigation form. The file of the foreigner whose investigation has been completed is returned to the provincial directorate. The file is sent to the commission by the provincial directorate for necessary examination and research.
What are the Required Documents for Application for Turkish Citizenship via Marriage?
A file consisting of the following documents is prepared by the application authorities on behalf of the foreigner who has applied to acquire Turkish citizenship:
Form petition stating the request.
Extract of civil registry taken from the system by the application authorities of the Turkish citizen spouse.
Passport or similar document showing which state the person is a citizen of, and if it is stateless, the relevant document if it is possible to obtain it.
A document showing the identity of the person, such as a birth certificate or an extract of civil registry.
If the place of residence is in Turkey, the most recent permit of residence.
If there is a finalized court decision due to any crime, a certified copy of it.
If the person's date of birth does not have a month and day, the document obtained from the competent authorities of the country for the completion of the date of birth, and if the document cannot be obtained, the signed statement that he accepts the action in accordance with Article 39 of the Civil Registry Services Law No. 5490.
A receipt showing that the service fee has been paid.
You can find the application form here: