- Introduction
Turkey provides various legal pathways for foreigners to acquire Turkish citizenship, one of which is citizenship through marriage. This process is regulated under the Turkish Citizenship Law No. 5901, specifically in Article 16, which establishes the conditions and procedures for foreign nationals married to Turkish citizens to obtain citizenship. As of 2025, there have been no significant changes in the legal framework regarding this process.
This article outlines the eligibility requirements, application procedures, and key legal considerations for acquiring Turkish citizenship through marriage.
- Legal Basis
The acquisition of Turkish citizenship through marriage is governed by Article 16 of Law No. 5901, which states:
“Marriage to a Turkish citizen does not automatically grant citizenship. However, a foreign national who has been married to a Turkish citizen for at least three years and continues to live in a marital union can apply for Turkish citizenship.”Additionally, the Regulation on the Implementation of the Turkish Citizenship Law provides further details on the procedural aspects of the application.
- Conditions for Acquiring Citizenship Through Marriage
To qualify for Turkish citizenship through marriage, a foreign national must meet the following conditions:
3.1. Minimum Duration of Marriage
• The couple must be legally married for at least three years before applying.
• The marriage must be recognized under Turkish law and not be a sham marriage arranged solely for citizenship purposes.
3.2. Continuation of Marital Union
• At the time of application, the couple must still be married and living together.
• If the marriage ends due to the death of the Turkish spouse, the foreign national may still be eligible for citizenship, provided they can prove the authenticity of the marriage.
3.3. No Threat to National Security or Public Order
• The foreign spouse must not pose a threat to national security or public order.
• This includes background checks on criminal history, political activities, and affiliations with organizations considered illegal in Turkey.
3.4. Good Moral Conduct and Integration
• The applicant must demonstrate good moral character and a genuine integration into Turkish society.
• Factors such as language proficiency, cultural adaptation, and community involvement may be considered.
- Application Process
The application for Turkish citizenship through marriage follows a structured process:
Step 1: Gathering Required Documents
Applicants must submit the following documents:
• Completed citizenship application form
• Valid passport and notarized Turkish translation
• Marriage certificate
• Residence permit proving at least three years of legal residence in Turkey
• Proof of marital union (e.g., joint bank accounts, property ownership, photographs)
• Criminal record certificate from both Turkey and the applicant’s home country
• Health report proving the absence of contagious diseases
• Biometric photographs
Step 2: Submission to the Provincial Directorate of Migration Management
Applications must be submitted to the Provincial Directorate of Migration Management (under the Ministry of Interior).
Step 3: Interview and Investigation
• The authorities conduct interviews with both spouses to assess the authenticity of the marriage.
• Officials may conduct home visits to verify cohabitation.
• The National Intelligence Organization (MIT) and General Directorate of Security conduct background checks.
Step 4: Decision by the Ministry of Interior
• After completing the evaluation process, the application is forwarded to the Ministry of Interior, which makes the final decision.
• If approved, the applicant receives Turkish citizenship and a national ID card.
- Cases Where Citizenship May Be Denied or Revoked
Even if the applicant meets the criteria, citizenship may be denied or revoked in the following cases:
• Fraudulent Marriage: If authorities determine that the marriage was arranged solely for the purpose of acquiring citizenship.
• Divorce Before Three Years: If the marriage ends before three years, the applicant cannot apply for citizenship.
• Threat to National Security: If the applicant is found to be involved in activities that pose a security risk.
• Failure to Maintain Marital Union: If the couple separates or does not cohabitate, the application may be rejected.
- Conclusion
While marriage to a Turkish citizen provides a pathway to citizenship, it does not result in automatic citizenship. The process requires at least three years of marriage, proof of a genuine marital union, and compliance with security and moral conduct requirements. Understanding these conditions is essential for foreigners seeking Turkish citizenship through marriage.
As of 2025, the legal framework remains unchanged, but applicants should stay updated on any future policy modifications by consulting official sources such as the Directorate General of Migration Management (DGMM).
