Can Two Foreigners Get Married in Turkey Without Being Residents?

Marriage Between Two Foreigners in Turkey: Special Conditions

1. General Possibility

Yes, two foreigners can get legally married in Turkey even if neither of them is a resident. Turkey allows foreigners to marry on its soil regardless of their residence status.

2. Where to Apply

• The couple can apply at the Municipal Marriage Office (Evlendirme Dairesi) in the city or district where they currently are (for example, where they are staying as tourists).
• There is no legal requirement to have a residence permit or official address in Turkey to apply for marriage.

3. Required Documents

Foreigners who are not residents must submit the following documents:

• Valid passports (originals and photocopies)
• Certificate of No Impediment to Marriage (CNI) or an equivalent document from their home country, proving they are free to marry
• Birth certificates
• Health reports issued by Turkish health institutions
• Recent passport photos
• All documents must be translated into Turkish and notarized; Apostille certification is usually required if applicable
• Some municipalities may request a residence document or proof of legal stay, but generally, tourists can marry without this.

4. Special Notes

• Legalization of Documents: Foreign documents must be either apostilled or legalized by the relevant authorities in their home countries and then translated into Turkish by a sworn translator.
• Interpreter Requirement: If neither party speaks Turkish, a certified interpreter must be present during the marriage ceremony.
• Consular Notification: Although not mandatory, couples often notify their embassies for record-keeping purposes.

5. Marriage Procedure

• The couple applies together to the municipal marriage office.
• They submit documents and fill out the marriage declaration.
• After approval, a date for the civil marriage ceremony is scheduled.
• The ceremony takes place with the presence of the marriage officer and possibly an interpreter.
• Both parties must consent explicitly.
• After the ceremony, the couple receives the official marriage certificate (Evlenme Cüzdanı).

6. After Marriage

• The marriage is legally valid in Turkey immediately.
• To have the marriage recognized in their home countries, couples usually need to register the marriage with their country’s consulate or civil registry.
• Foreign spouses may apply for family residence permits if they choose to stay longer in Turkey.

7. Limitations and Exceptions

• Some municipalities may have additional procedural requirements; it is advisable to check with the local marriage office beforehand.
• Religious marriages alone do not grant legal status; civil marriage is compulsory.
• If either party has been previously married, they must provide proof of divorce or death of the former spouse.

Summary:
Two foreigners do not need to be residents to marry in Turkey. They can marry as tourists or temporary visitors by fulfilling the document requirements and following the civil marriage procedure at the local municipality.