Turkish citizenship by marriage

Turkish citizenship by marriage is one of the pathways through which foreign individuals can acquire Turkish citizenship. If you are married to a Turkish citizen, you may be eligible to apply for Turkish citizenship.

How to obtain citizenship by marriage in Turkey

Here are the key points regarding Turkish citizenship by marriage:

1. General Eligibility. You must be legally married to a Turkish citizen. The marriage must be recognized as valid under Turkish law.
2. Residency Requirement. You must have been married and living in a civil union with your Turkish spouse for at least three years, uninterrupted.
3. Turkish Language Proficiency. You will need to demonstrate a basic level of proficiency in the Turkish language.
4. Integration and Assimilation. The Turkish government may assess your integration into Turkish society. Factors such as your knowledge of Turkish culture, customs, and values may be taken into consideration.
5. Application Process. Visit the nearest Turkish consulate or embassy in your country of residence, request the application form for Turkish citizenship by marriage. Next fill out the application form accurately and completely and submit the application form along with the required supporting documents.
6. Present Supporting Documents. Take into account, that some specific documents may vary depending on your situation and the consulate’s requirements.
7. Application Review and Decision. After submitting your application and supporting documents, the consulate or embassy will review your case. The processing time can vary, and you may be required to attend an interview or provide additional information if requested. Once a decision is made, you will be notified of the outcome, either in person or through the provided contact information.

Application and Supporting Documents

Generally, you will need to provide:

• Marriage certificate. Your original marriage certificate, issued by the relevant authorities, and legalized or apostilled as necessary.
• Proof of marital relationship: Documentation to demonstrate the authenticity and continuity of your marital relationship, such as joint bank accounts, property ownership, or shared utilities bills.
• Turkish spouse’s documents. Your Turkish spouse’s Turkish citizenship documents, such as Turkish passport or identity card.
• Identity documents. Your valid passport or identification document.
• Proof of residence. Provide proof of your current residence, such as utility bills or a rental agreement.
• Turkish language proficiency certificate.: A certificate indicating your proficiency in the Turkish language.

Dual Nationality

Turkey allows for dual citizenship, meaning individuals can hold Turkish citizenship alongside the citizenship of another country. The Turkish government revised its citizenship laws in 2018, making it easier for foreign individuals to obtain Turkish citizenship while retaining their original citizenship.