The process of becoming a Turkish citizen through marriage in Turkey is one of the most frequently applied methods for both local and foreign nationals. So, what requirements must you meet to become a Turkish citizen through marriage? How does the application process work and what documents are required? In this guide, we will answer all these questions and examine in detail the steps to acquire Turkish citizenship through marriage. The Turkish citizenship application process through marriage is also closely related to family reunification. For more detailed information about family reunification in Turkey, you can review our article titled Family Reunification in Turkey: Application Process and Necessary Information.
Becoming a Turkish Citizen Through Marriage: What Are the Requirements?
To apply for Turkish citizenship through marriage, certain requirements must be fulfilled. Here are these requirements:
- Continuous Marriage Duration: Foreign nationals married to a Turkish citizen must have been married for at least 3 years.
- Marital Intent: It must be proven that the marriage is not fraudulent and carries a genuine intention to establish a family.
- Residence in Turkey Requirement: Applicants must demonstrate their intention to live in Turkey and establish a settled life.
- Criminal Record: Applicants must have a clean criminal record both in Turkey and in their own countries.
How to Apply for Turkish Citizenship Through Marriage?
For those who wish to become Turkish citizens through marriage, the application process includes specific steps. So, how does this process work?
Turkish Citizenship Application Stages Through Marriage
- Pre-Application Preparation: It must be ensured that requirements such as the marriage duration being at least 3 years and the criminal record status of the applicant and spouse being verified are fulfilled.
- Collection of Required Documents: It is important that documents such as passport, marriage certificate, spouse’s Turkish citizenship card, residence permit, and criminal record are prepared completely and accurately.
- Submission of Application: After documents are collected, applications are submitted to the Provincial Directorate of Population and Citizenship within Turkey, or to Turkish consulates abroad.
- Interview and Examination: Interviews are conducted by authorities to assess whether the marriage is genuine.
- Awaiting Decision: As a result of the process, the citizenship application is either accepted or rejected.
Applications Made from Within Turkey
Foreign nationals residing in Turkey can submit their Turkish citizenship applications through marriage to Provincial Directorates of Population and Citizenship. Complete preparation and submission of required documents during application is important for the process to proceed quickly. Additionally, the interview process is also conducted in Turkey, and authorities observe whether the applicant has established a regular life in Turkey.
Applications Made from Abroad
Foreign nationals living abroad can apply for citizenship through marriage via Turkish consulates. Application documents must be prepared completely and submitted to consulate officials. The consulate examines the application and forwards it to Turkey, and the interview process is conducted at the consulate. Applications made abroad may take longer than applications made within Turkey.
Required Documents for Turkish Citizenship Application
To apply for Turkish citizenship after marriage, you need to prepare certain documents. The documents you need when applying are as follows:
- Acquisition of Turkish citizenship through marriage application form,
- 2 biometric photographs of the foreigner who will apply for citizenship,
- Passport or document replacing passport showing the foreigner’s nationality,
- Document showing all population information of the foreigner,
- If the foreigner is residing in Turkey, valid residence permit document,
- If there is a court decision regarding a crime issued against the foreigner, certified copy of the decision,
- If the person’s date of birth does not include month and day, a document obtained from the competent authorities of their country to complete the date of birth, or in case the document cannot be obtained, a signed statement accepting that procedures will be carried out pursuant to Article 39 of Population Services Law No. 5490,
- Receipt showing payment of required fees and service charges.
To become a Turkish citizen through marriage, some of the application documents listed above must be obtained from abroad. Documents to be obtained from abroad such as passport, population document, copy of court decision must be notarized and translated into Turkish.
Is It Possible to Obtain Citizenship by Getting Married in Turkey?
It is possible to become a Turkish citizen by getting married in Turkey. However, citizenship is not acquired immediately after marriage. A foreign national can apply for citizenship after the marriage duration has reached at least 3 years. During this period, it must be proven that the couple lived together and the marriage is genuine.
How Long Does Turkish Citizenship Application Through Marriage Take?
The completion period of Turkish citizenship application through marriage can vary between 6 months and 2 years, depending on complete submission of documents and quick completion of interview processes. To expedite the process after application, make sure you have submitted all your documents completely.
Revocation of Turkish Citizenship Acquisition Decision Through Marriage
Turkish citizenship acquired through marriage can be revoked if a fraudulent or sham marriage is detected. If it is determined that the marriage for which the application was made was conducted solely for the purpose of obtaining citizenship, the state has the authority to revoke the citizenship decision. Additionally, the discovery that information declared during application is false or incomplete can also initiate the revocation process. Objection and lawsuit remedies are available against the revocation of citizenship acquisition decision.
Objection and Annulment Lawsuit Against Rejection of Turkish Citizenship Application Through Marriage
In applications made for acquiring Turkish citizenship through marriage, the application may be rejected for reasons such as failure to meet application requirements, deficiencies in submitted documents, failure to remedy deficiencies within the period given by the administration, or negative outcome of interviews. In case of rejection of the application, the rejection decision is notified to the foreigner or their attorney.
Against the rejection of Turkish citizenship application through marriage, remedies of objecting to the competent authority and filing an annulment lawsuit in administrative court can be pursued. The prescribed period for this is 60 days from the day following notification of the rejection decision.
While there is the possibility of filing an annulment lawsuit directly against the decision, the option of objecting to the administration initially can also be tried. In both cases, the request is submitted by petition.
Why Should You Choose Us?
Applying for Turkish citizenship through marriage can be a complex process requiring legal knowledge. Receiving expert support in this process ensures your application proceeds quickly and without errors. The main reasons for choosing to work with us are as follows:
- Experienced Team: Our expert attorneys with years of experience have achieved many successful results in Turkish citizenship application processes through marriage. We provide the best guidance at every stage of the process.
- Comprehensive Support: We are with you from the beginning to the end of the application process. We offer you professional support in document preparation, application submission, interview and examination stages.
- Fast and Effective Solutions: We take necessary steps quickly to finalize your application in the shortest time, and regularly inform you of updates regarding the process. We meticulously follow the process to prevent time loss.
- Expertise in Objection and Annulment Lawsuits: In case of rejection of your application or revocation of citizenship decision, we stand by you in objection and annulment lawsuits to defend your rights. We provide the most effective defense on your behalf in legal processes.
- Transparent Communication: We clearly share with you all details and possible risks regarding your application process. Thanks to our transparent working approach, we ensure you are always informed about the process.
If you want your transition process to Turkish citizenship through marriage to be concluded smoothly and quickly, our professional team will provide you with the best service.
