Residence Permit and Turkish Citizenship for Foreigners Married to Turkish Citizens

Foreign nationals married to Turkish citizens are eligible for a residence permit in Türkiye, provided they meet specific legal requirements. In addition to proof of marriage—such as a marriage certificate and family registration record—the marriage must be officially recognized by Turkish authorities. Once this is established, the foreign spouse may apply for a residence permit valid for three years.

Initial Application Requirements

The residence permit application begins with filling out a residence declaration form. This form must be completed electronically or by typewriter—not by hand—and includes passport details and a recent photograph to be affixed. While the form can be downloaded and printed double-sided, if obtained directly from the immigration office, only the front page needs to be filled.

Applicants must bring both their original passport and a photocopy. The application can be made after the visa period has expired, as long as they remain legally in Türkiye.

Additional Required Documents

• Three recent, colored biometric photographs

• Proof of marriage (marriage certificate or photocopy of spouse’s ID)

• Both spouses must be present at the application

• Valid passport and copy

• Completed residence declaration form

Acquiring Turkish Citizenship by Marriage

This article also answers frequently asked questions such as:
How long must you be married to become a Turkish citizen?
What are the documents required?
Where is the application submitted?
How long does the citizenship process take?
What happens if the Turkish spouse passes away?

Legal Basis

The primary legal framework is the Turkish Citizenship Law No. 5901. According to Article 5, Turkish citizenship is acquired either by birth or later in life. Marriage to a Turkish citizen falls into the latter category, and is further governed by Article 16, which outlines the conditions for citizenship through marriage.

Conditions to Acquire Turkish Citizenship by Marriage

1. Minimum of 3 Years of Marriage
   Marriage to a Turkish citizen does not grant citizenship automatically. The foreign spouse must have been married for at least three years and the marriage must still be ongoing at the time of application.

2. Living Together as a Family Unit
   The couple must cohabitate and maintain a family life. This will be verified through an investigation by the Ministry of Interior and local police.

3. No Activity Contrary to Marriage Unity
   The foreign spouse must not be involved in activities incompatible with the institution of marriage (e.g., facilitating prostitution).

4. No Threat to National Security or Public Order
   Applicants must not pose a risk to national security or public order, which includes connections to criminal organizations, terrorism, or ongoing criminal investigations.

If the Turkish spouse dies during the application process, the cohabitation requirement is waived. If the marriage ends in annulment and the foreign spouse acted in good faith, citizenship will not be revoked.

Application Process

Applications are submitted to the Provincial Directorate of Population and Citizenship Affairs if the applicant resides in Türkiye, or to a Turkish consulate if abroad. Applications can be filed personally or through a specially authorized attorney. For minors or individuals lacking legal capacity, the application must be made by a parent or guardian.

Required Documents for Citizenship by Marriage

• Application form (available on the Directorate’s website)

• Passport and its notarized Turkish translation

• Notarized Turkish translation of civil registry records

• Turkish spouse’s population registration record

• Marriage certificate copy

• Two biometric photos (taken within the last 6 months)

• Proof of payment of application fee

• Valid residence permit in Türkiye (if applicable)

• Certified copies of any criminal court judgments (if applicable)

Application Timeline

• With a lawyer: Typically 6 months to 1 year

• Without a lawyer: May take up to 2 years

• Applications must be submitted in person or via attorney; postal applications are not accepted.

What If the Application is Rejected?

Applications can be denied either due to failure to meet legal conditions or at the discretion of the Ministry. If rejected, applicants may file a lawsuit within 60 days of receiving the decision.

Common Reasons for Rejection

• Less than 3 years of marriage

• No cohabitation

• Criminal background or ongoing investigation

• Sham or fraudulent marriage

What Does “Sent to the Decision Authority for Final Review” Mean?

This status means the provincial directorate has completed its investigation and forwarded the application to the Ministry of Interior for final approval. At this point, the applicant should wait for a final decision.

Other Citizenship Paths Besides Marriage

1. By Birth (Descent or Place of Birth)

2. By Decision of Competent Authority

3. By Adoption

4. By Use of Right to Choose

5. By Exception (e.g., investors or persons of special interest)

Legal Fees for Citizenship by Marriage

Attorney fees for citizenship services must comply with the Turkish Bar Association’s annual minimum fee schedule. The total cost depends on the complexity of the case and the services included.

Conclusion

At Bayraktar Attorneys, we assist foreign spouses of Turkish citizens in every stage of the residence permit and citizenship application process. Whether you are currently married or planning to marry a Turkish citizen, we ensure full compliance with Turkish law and work to prevent any legal complications during or after your application.