Can You Get Married in Türkiye on a Tourist Visa? A Legal Guide for Foreigners
Published by Bayraktar Attorneys | Istanbul, Türkiye
Türkiye is not only a top tourist destination but also a popular choice for international couples who wish to get married abroad. One of the most common questions we receive at Bayraktar Attorneys is whether it is legally possible to get married in Türkiye while staying on a tourist visa.
The answer is yes. Foreigners can legally marry in Türkiye without holding a residence permit, provided they meet certain legal requirements and complete the process within the validity of their visa.
This article outlines the legal process, required documents, and how our law firm can assist you from start to finish.
Is It Legal to Marry in Türkiye on a Tourist Visa?
Yes, it is legal for foreigners to get married in Türkiye on a tourist visa. This applies both to couples where both parties are foreigners and to cases where one party is a Turkish citizen and the other is a foreign national.
It is important to note that all legal steps must be completed before the expiration of the visa.
Required Documents for Foreigners to Marry in Türkiye
Before you can legally marry in Türkiye, you will need to prepare and submit the following documents:
- Certificate of No Impediment to Marriage
- Also known as a Certificate of Celibacy or Single Status Certificate. This document must be issued by the relevant authority in your home country and indicate that you are legally free to marry.
- Birth Certificate
- Some marriage offices require this to verify age and identity.
- Valid Passport and Proof of Legal Entry
- This includes a copy of your passport and either an entry stamp or e-Visa, proving you are legally present in Türkiye.
- Biometric Photographs
- Typically four recent passport-sized photographs are required for each applicant.
- Medical Report
- A health check must be conducted in Türkiye at a state hospital or family health center to confirm that there are no medical barriers to marriage.
- Notarized and Translated Documents
- Foreign documents must be translated into Turkish by a sworn translator and notarized. If your country is a member of the Apostille Convention, an apostille stamp is required. Otherwise, consular or embassy legalization may be necessary.
Our law firm can assist with all translation, notarization, and apostille procedures to ensure compliance with Turkish regulations.
Where to Apply for Marriage in Türkiye
Marriage applications are submitted to the Marriage Registry Office (Evlendirme Dairesi) of the municipality in the district where one of the parties resides or is temporarily staying.
Each district may apply slightly different administrative practices, so it is advisable to consult with the specific municipality in advance or to engage a legal representative to ensure a smooth process.
Role of Legal Assistance
At Bayraktar Attorneys, we regularly assist foreign nationals and mixed-nationality couples with marriage procedures in Türkiye. Our services include:
- Preparing and reviewing all required documents
- Coordinating translation, notarization, and legalization
- Accompanying clients to the relevant public offices
- Communicating with embassies and consulates when needed
- Drafting postnuptial agreements to regulate property and financial matters
Our legal team ensures that your marriage is conducted in compliance with Turkish law and that the marriage certificate is valid in your home country.
Timeline
If all required documents are available and in order, the marriage process can usually be completed within three to seven business days. In some cases, particularly in larger municipalities, same-day civil marriage ceremonies are possible.
However, delays can occur if documents need to be obtained, apostilled, or legalized, so early preparation is strongly recommended.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Arriving in Türkiye without a Certificate of No Impediment
- Overstaying the tourist visa before completing the marriage process
- Using unofficial or unapproved translators
- Ignoring the need for a marital property agreement in case of divorce or inheritance
These issues can delay or invalidate the marriage process. Working with an experienced attorney helps minimize such risks.
Why Many Foreigners Choose to Marry in Türkiye
- Efficient and transparent civil procedures
- Lower bureaucratic barriers than in many other countries
- Internationally recognized marriage certificates
- Attractive destinations for combining a legal marriage with a honeymoon
Türkiye offers a unique opportunity to formalize your marriage in a legally valid and culturally rich environment.
Contact Us
Bayraktar Attorneys is a leading Istanbul-based law firm serving only foreign nationals in Türkiye. We handle marriage applications, legalizations, and family law matters for international clients with efficiency, confidentiality, and precision.
To learn more or to begin your marriage process in Türkiye, contact our office today for a consultation.
