Getting legally married in Turkey as a foreigner is entirely possible and quite common. However, there are specific legal requirements, document procedures, and official steps that must be followed. Below is a comprehensive legal overview based on Turkish Civil Code (Türk Medeni Kanunu) and relevant administrative regulations.
🔹 1. Legal Basis
Marriage procedures in Turkey are governed by the following main legal texts:
- Turkish Civil Code No. 4721
- Regulation on Marriage Procedures (Evlendirme Yönetmeliği)
- Law on Civil Registration Services No. 5490
- International conventions for document recognition (e.g., Hague Apostille Convention)
🔹 2. Who Can Get Married in Turkey?
According to Article 124 of the Turkish Civil Code:
“Marriage may be concluded only by a civil official in accordance with the law.”
This means:
- Only civil marriages are valid under Turkish law.
- Religious ceremonies (such as Islamic weddings) have no legal effect unless preceded by a registered civil marriage.
✅ Eligibility Conditions (TCC Articles 124–133):
To get married in Turkey, you must:
- Be at least 18 years old (17 with parental consent; 16 with court approval – Article 124).
- Have mental capacity to understand the meaning of marriage (Article 125).
- Be single and not already married (Article 130).
- Not be closely related (e.g., siblings, parents, aunts/uncles – Article 129).
🔹 3. Who Can Foreigners Marry?
A foreigner can legally marry:
- Another foreigner (even if both are non-residents)
- A Turkish citizen
However, both partners must meet the legal requirements listed above.
🔹 4. Where to Apply?
Applications must be made to the Municipal Marriage Registry Office (Evlendirme Dairesi) in the city or district where either party resides. If both are foreigners staying in a hotel or temporary residence, they can apply in the district where they are currently located.
🔹 5. Required Documents for Foreign Nationals
Foreigners must submit the following documents, properly translated and notarized (or apostilled if applicable):
| Document | Description |
|---|---|
| Passport and ID | Photocopies and originals; translated into Turkish |
| Certificate of No Impediment (CNI) | Issued by the foreigner’s home country, stating that the person is legally free to marry |
| Birth Certificate | To confirm identity, birth date, and parents’ names |
| Health Report | Issued by a Turkish public hospital or family health center |
| 4 Passport-Sized Photos | Recent and clear photos for official use |
| Residence Permit (if applicable) | Not always required, but some municipalities may ask for it |
All foreign documents must be apostilled (if the country is a party to the Hague Apostille Convention) or approved by the consulate and Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
🔹 6. Application and Marriage Procedure
- File a marriage application at the local municipality.
- Submit the documents listed above.
- Choose a marriage date and venue.
- Attend the civil marriage ceremony before a municipal marriage officer.
- Both parties must say “yes” (in Turkish: “Evet”) to confirm free will.
- Receive an official marriage certificate (Evlenme Cüzdanı).
🔹 7. Special Notes
- Interpreter required: If either party does not speak Turkish, a certified interpreter must be present during the ceremony.
- Embassy marriages: Two foreigners of the same nationality may sometimes marry at their embassy in Turkey, if permitted by their home country’s laws. However, this does not replace Turkish civil marriage and may not be recognized under Turkish law.
🔹 8. Can Marriage Lead to Turkish Citizenship?
Marriage to a Turkish citizen does not automatically grant citizenship. The foreign spouse can apply for Turkish citizenship after 3 years, but only if:
- The marriage is genuine (not for immigration purposes),
- The couple lives together, and
- There is no threat to public order (Turkish Citizenship Law No. 5901, Article 16).
🔹 9. After the Marriage
- The marriage must be registered with the foreigner’s home country, depending on that country’s law.
- The foreign spouse may apply for a family residence permit in Turkey (under Law No. 6458, Article 34).
🔹 10. Final Advice
Marriage procedures in Turkey are straightforward but involve legal paperwork and formalities. If documents are missing or incorrect, your application may be delayed or rejected.
👉 That’s why it is strongly recommended that foreign nationals consult a lawyer or a legal advisor before starting the marriage process. A professional can help ensure your rights are protected and the procedure is completed properly.
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