The Marriage of Foreign Nationals in Turkey
No legal impediments prevent foreign nationals from marrying either a citizen of the Republic of Turkey or another foreign national within Turkey. To ensure that the marriage has legal standing in Turkey, it is essential to formalize the union through a marriage contract officiated by a competent authority.
In Turkey, municipal officials are vested with the authority to conduct marriage ceremonies. In urban areas, the ceremony is officiated by the mayor or designated municipal officers. In rural Turkish villages, the headmen are responsible for conducting the marriage ceremonies. This ensures that the marriage is recognized and carries legal consequences per Turkish law.
Marriage of Turkish Citizens to Foreign Nationals in Turkey
If one of the parties is a Turkish citizen and the other is a foreign national, or if both parties are foreign nationals, they may marry before Turkish authorities. Foreign nationals are required to obtain a certificate of celibacy from their country’s foreign representation. This bachelor’s certificate, which confirms the individual’s eligibility to marry, must contain the person’s credentials and must not indicate any impediments to marriage.
If a foreign national obtains a certificate of celibacy from their consulate in Istanbul, it must be authenticated by the Directorate of Legal Affairs of the Istanbul governorship. If the certificate is obtained in Ankara, it must be approved by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Alternatively, if the certificate is obtained from the foreign national’s home country, it must be authenticated by the Embassy of the Republic of Turkey in that country or bear an Apostille certification.
Conditions for Marrying a Foreign National in Turkey
A man and a woman intending to marry in Turkey must apply together to the municipality where either party resides. Alternatively, a proxy authorized by a power of attorney specifically for marriage procedures may apply on their behalf.
Foreign nationals must provide two crucial documents to marry in Turkey: a certificate of celibacy and a birth certificate. These documents are essential for legal purposes as they verify the individual’s marital status and personal details in their home country. In some countries, these documents can be obtained by a person granted power of attorney. In Turkey, these documents must be submitted with notarization, an Apostille certification, and a sworn translation.
How to Apply for Marriage in Turkey
Both parties intending to marry can apply at the municipality where either party resides, either in person or through an authorized attorney. According to Article 20 of the Marriage Regulation, the following documents must be included in the marriage application file:
Documents Checklist for Turkish Citizens
- Identity card of the Republic of Turkey (reflecting the latest change in marital status).
- Five passport-sized photographs.
- Health report from a Family Health doctor (a Family Health doctor must approve reports from private hospitals).
Documents Checklist for Foreign Nationals
- Notarized copy of the Turkish-translated passport (applications with expired passports, visas, or residence permits will not be accepted).
- Five passport-sized photographs.
- Health report from a Family Health doctor (a Family Health doctor must approve reports from private hospitals).
- Copy of residence permit documents for the residence in Turkey.
- Certificate of celibacy and birth certificate (these can be obtained from the foreign national’s home country or their country’s representative office in Turkey).
- If the certificate of celibacy includes the names of the parents, a separate birth certificate is not required.
Documents Required for Foreign Nationals Marrying in Turkey
- Notarized copy of the Turkish-translated passport (applications with expired passports, visas, or residence permits will not be accepted).
- Five passport-sized photographs.
- Health report from a Family Health doctor (a Family Health doctor must approve reports from private hospitals).
- Copy of residence permit documents for residents in Turkey.
- Certificate of celibacy and birth certificate (these can be obtained from the foreign national’s home country or their country’s representative office in Turkey).
- If the certificate of celibacy includes the names of the parents, a separate birth certificate is not required.
Revised Jun 2024