Rules and Conditions for Obtaining Turkish Residence by Marriage

Turkey is a popular destination for foreigners seeking residence through various methods, including marriage to Turkish citizens. If you are in a relationship with a Turkish citizen and plan to marry, you may be eligible to apply for residence in Turkey. However, specific rules and conditions must be met to ensure a smooth process.

Eligibility Criteria

1. Marital Status Requirements:
Before proceeding with marriage in Turkey, both parties must ensure they are legally eligible to marry:

• The Turkish citizen or foreign partner must not be currently married.
• Both partners must be at least 18 years old.
• Any previous marriages must be legally dissolved, and divorce certificates must be presented if applicable.

Application Process for Foreign Spouses

Step 1: Obtain a Residence Permit Before Marriage (Optional)
If you are already in Turkey and intend to marry a Turkish citizen, it is advisable to apply for a short-term residence permit to ensure you remain in the country legally during the marriage process.

Step 2: Marriage Registration
The marriage must be registered at the local registration office (“Nufus”) within 30 days of the ceremony. Marriage registration is a legal requirement, and the certificate issued is valid for further legal processes, including residence applications.

Residence Permit Application Requirements

After registering the marriage, the foreign spouse must apply for a residence permit at the Turkish Immigration Office. The following documents are typically required:

• Completed application form
• Valid passport and copies
• Marriage certificate translated into Turkish and notarized
• Proof of financial independence (bank statements or proof of income)
• Proof of accommodation (rental agreement or property ownership documents)
• Health insurance coverage in Turkey

Turkish passport with marriage – evim Istanbul

Duration and Renewal of Residence Permit

Upon approval, the foreign spouse will be granted a residence permit for up to 5 years. This permit can be renewed as long as the marriage remains valid and other conditions are met.

Permanent Residence and Citizenship by Marriage

If the marriage lasts for at least three years and remains legally valid, the foreign spouse may become eligible to apply for Turkish citizenship. The application process involves proving the authenticity of the marriage and meeting additional legal requirements.

Turkish citizenship by marriage

Important Notes

1. Fraud Prevention:
   Turkish authorities take marriage fraud seriously. The marriage must be genuine, and authorities may conduct interviews and inspections to verify its authenticity.
2. Legal Impediments:
   If your partner has been granted permanent residence in Turkey due to Article 20 of Law No. 5416, you may still apply for a residence permit as their spouse as long as there is no legal impediment.
3. Working Rights:
   Foreign spouses holding a valid residence permit may also apply for work permits, depending on their employment situation and sector.

Conclusion

Obtaining Turkish residence by marriage is a straightforward process if all requirements are met. Ensuring that all necessary documents are prepared and legal obligations are fulfilled will make the process smoother. Marrying a Turkish citizen can be a significant step toward building a life in Turkey and even acquiring Turkish citizenship in the long run.