Turkish Citizenship by Marriage: Requirements and Documents

Marriage to a Turkish citizen does not automatically give you Turkish citizenship. You may apply after at least three years of marriage to a Turkish citizen while the marriage continues, provided that you live in family unity, do not engage in conduct incompatible with the marriage, and have no national-security or public-order obstacle. These are the conditions of Article 16 of Law No. 5901. The three-year period concerns eligibility to apply, not the time the authorities will take to decide.

This guide concerns citizenship through marriage. For citizenship by descent, general naturalisation and the other acquisition routes, see the general guide to acquiring Turkish citizenship.

1. What Are the Requirements for Turkish Citizenship by Marriage?

Article 16 requires both a qualifying marriage and an examination of the applicant’s circumstances. A marriage certificate establishes the recorded relationship, but the authorities also investigate whether the spouses live in family unity and whether the marriage is genuine.

“(1) Bir Türk vatandaşı ile evlenme doğrudan Türk vatandaşlığını kazandırmaz. Ancak bir Türk vatandaşı ile en az üç yıldan beri evli olan ve evliliği devam eden yabancılar Türk vatandaşlığını kazanmak üzere başvuruda bulunabilir. Başvuru sahiplerinde; a) Aile birliği içinde yaşama, b) Evlilik birliği ile bağdaşmayacak bir faaliyette bulunmama, c) Millî güvenlik ve kamu düzeni bakımından engel teşkil edecek bir hali bulunmama, şartları aranır.”

(5901 sayılı Türk Vatandaşlığı Kanunu m.16)

Unofficial translation: “(1) Marriage to a Turkish citizen does not directly confer Turkish citizenship. However, foreigners who have been married to a Turkish citizen for at least three years and whose marriage is continuing may apply to acquire Turkish citizenship. Applicants are required to satisfy the conditions of: a) living in family unity, b) not engaging in an activity incompatible with the marriage union, c) not having any circumstance constituting an obstacle in terms of national security and public order.”

“Ancak, aranan şartları taşımak vatandaşlığın kazanılmasında kişiye mutlak bir hak sağlamaz.”

(5901 sayılı Türk Vatandaşlığı Kanunu m.10)

Unofficial translation: “However, satisfying the required conditions does not give the person an absolute right to acquire citizenship.”

This rule in Article 10 distinguishes eligibility from an entitlement to approval. It does not remove judicial review of an unlawful refusal.

2. When Does the Three-Year Marriage Period Start?

If the spouse was already Turkish when the couple married, the marriage date is the starting point under Article 16. If the spouse acquired Turkish citizenship after the wedding, Regulation Article 25(3) uses the date on which that spouse became Turkish when calculating the marriage period:

“Türk vatandaşlığını kazanmak isteyen yabancının eşi, sonradan Türk vatandaşlığını kazanmış ise evlilikte geçen sürenin hesaplanmasında Türk vatandaşlığını kazanma tarihi esas alınır.”

(Türk Vatandaşlığı Kanununun Uygulanmasına İlişkin Yönetmelik m.25)

Unofficial translation: “If the spouse of the foreigner wishing to acquire Turkish citizenship acquired Turkish citizenship subsequently, the date of acquisition of Turkish citizenship is taken as the basis for calculating the period of marriage.”

3. Are Residence and Turkish Language Requirements the Same as Naturalisation?

The marriage route has its own conditions under Article 16. The five-year qualifying residence period and sufficient-Turkish condition appear in Article 11 for general naturalisation. They should not be added to the marriage route as though the two applications were the same.

“e) Yeteri kadar Türkçe konuşabilmek,”

(5901 sayılı Türk Vatandaşlığı Kanunu m.11)

Unofficial translation: “e) Being able to speak sufficient Turkish,”

Article 16 does not list that language condition. It does, however, require assessment of the marriage, and the spouses attend an interview. The absence of the Article 11 condition therefore does not mean that the marriage application is decided without an interview.

Residence documentation is a separate question. Regulation Article 26 requires the latest residence permit if the applicant’s place of residence is in Turkey. A person applying from abroad follows the consular procedure described below. For the different residence categories, see the residence permits in Turkey guide.

4. Documents Required for Turkish Citizenship by Marriage

Regulation Article 26 supplies the marriage-specific document list. The receiving authority prepares a file containing the following records, as applicable:

Document	What the provision requires
Request form	A form petition expressing the request for citizenship.
Turkish spouse’s registry record	The receiving authority obtains this record from the system.
Nationality evidence	A passport or similar document showing nationality; evidence of statelessness where obtainable.
Birth and identity record	A birth certificate, civil registry extract or similar identity record.
Residence permit	The latest permit if the applicant lives in Turkey.
Final criminal judgment	A certified copy if there is a final judgment relating to an offence.
Incomplete date of birth	A document from the competent authorities completing the day and month; if it cannot be obtained, the prescribed signed declaration.
Service-charge receipt	Evidence of payment, subject to the statutory exemption discussed below.

The residence-document wording is specific:

“d) Yerleşim yeri Türkiye’de bulunuyor ise en son tarihli ikamet tezkeresi.”

(Türk Vatandaşlığı Kanununun Uygulanmasına İlişkin Yönetmelik m.26)

Unofficial translation: “d) If the place of residence is in Turkey, the most recent residence permit.”

The list should be read against the applicant’s actual circumstances. For example, the residence-permit item is conditional on living in Turkey, while the final-judgment item applies when such a judgment exists. Before obtaining documents, confirm the receiving authority’s current instructions on the form, translation and authentication of foreign records.

4.1. Why an Address Certificate Does Not Replace a Residence Permit

In a marriage-based application, the applicant supplied an address certificate instead of the required residence permit. The Council of State explained that an address record and permission to reside serve different purposes:

“Sonuç olarak, iki belgenin hukuki niteliği birbirinden farklı olup, dava konusu düzenlemeyle ikamet izni istenilmesindeki amaç, yabancının Türkiye’de ikamet ettiği yerleşim yerini tespit etmek değil, Türkiye’de yasal olarak bulunup bulunmadığını ve kurallara uyma niyetini sorgulayıp teyit etmektir.”

(Danıştay 10. Daire, E. 2019/10218, K. 2024/2102, T. 22.05.2024 — davanın reddine)

Unofficial translation: “Consequently, the legal nature of the two documents differs from each other, and the purpose of requiring a residence permit under the contested regulation is not to determine the place of residence where the foreigner resides in Türkiye, but to question and confirm whether they are lawfully present in Türkiye and their intention to comply with the rules.”

The Chamber upheld the challenged regulation and rejected the action against the individual decision:

“Bu durumda, davacı tarafından sunulan yerleşim yeri belgesinin Yönetmelik’te istenilen ikamet tezkeresinin (ikamet izni) yerine geçemeyeceği ve ikamet izni veya bu izinden muaf olduğuna yönelik bir belge sunulamadığı dikkate alındığında, dava konusu Yönetmelik uyarınca tesis edilen Hatay Valiliği işleminde de hukuka ve mevzuata aykırılık bulunmadığı sonucuna varılmaktadır.”

(Danıştay 10. Daire, E. 2019/10218, K. 2024/2102, T. 22.05.2024 — davanın reddine)

Unofficial translation: “In this situation, taking into account that the residence address certificate submitted by the claimant cannot take the place of the residence permit required under the Regulation, and that no residence permit or document showing exemption from that permit could be submitted, it is concluded that there is no unlawfulness or non-compliance with the legislation in the act of the Hatay Governorship established pursuant to the contested Regulation.”

This judgment concerns applicants residing in Turkey and the residence documentation required for that situation. It does not turn the marriage route into a five-year residence route. It also distinguishes a permit from evidence of exemption from the permit requirement.

5. Where Do You Apply in Turkey or Abroad?

In Turkey, the application is made to the governorship of the place of residence. Abroad, it is made to a Turkish foreign mission. Article 37 permits submission in person or through a power of attorney specifically relating to the exercise of this right:

“(1) Türk vatandaşlığının kazanılması ve kaybına ilişkin başvurular yurt içinde ikamet edilen yer valiliğine, yurt dışında ise dış temsilciliklere bizzat veya bu hakkın kullanılmasına ilişkin vekâletname ile yapılır.”

(5901 sayılı Türk Vatandaşlığı Kanunu m.37)

Unofficial translation: “Applications relating to the acquisition and loss of Turkish citizenship are made to the governorship of the place of residence within the country, and abroad to the foreign missions, in person or by a power of attorney relating to the exercise of this right.”

Representation for submission does not replace the spouses’ interviews under Regulation Articles 29 and 30. The initial practical steps are to establish the relevant marriage and citizenship dates, identify the correct receiving authority and prepare the Article 26 file.

5.1. Applications Made in Turkey

The receiving authority first examines whether the application can be accepted under Regulation Article 25. A qualifying applicant’s document file is then prepared, and a provincial police investigation is requested under Article 27.

“Evlenme yoluyla Türk vatandaşlığını kazanmak isteyen ve başvuruda aranan şartları taşıdığı anlaşılan yabancı adına 26 ncı maddede belirtilen belgelerden oluşan dosya düzenlenir ve yabancı hakkında il emniyet müdürlüğünden soruşturma yapılması istenir.”

(Türk Vatandaşlığı Kanununun Uygulanmasına İlişkin Yönetmelik m.27)

Unofficial translation: “A file consisting of the documents specified in Article 26 is prepared for the foreigner who wishes to acquire Turkish citizenship through marriage and is found to meet the application requirements, and an investigation concerning the foreigner is requested from the provincial police directorate.”

Under Article 28, the investigation addresses family unity, conduct incompatible with the marriage, and national-security and public-order obstacles. The findings and investigation records accompany the file. Once the investigation is complete, the provincial directorate sends the file to the commission for examination.

“Dosya gerekli inceleme ve araştırma yapılmak üzere il müdürlüğünce komisyona gönderilir.”

(Türk Vatandaşlığı Kanununun Uygulanmasına İlişkin Yönetmelik m.28)

Unofficial translation: “The provincial directorate sends the file to the commission for the necessary examination and investigation.”

5.2. Applications Made Abroad

Regulation Article 30 provides a separate consular procedure. The file still consists of the Article 26 documents. A vice-consul responsible for consular matters, or a more senior authorised officer, interviews both spouses separately and together to examine whether the marriage is genuine.

Where the law of the country in which the applicant is present permits it, a criminal record is requested. The authority also checks whether the marriage to the Turkish spouse is recorded in official records and sends the resulting file to the Ministry:

“Yabancının bulunduğu devletin kanunları izin verdiği takdirde sabıka kaydı istenir ve yabancının Türk vatandaşı eşi ile evlilik kaydının resmi makamlarda bulunup bulunmadığı araştırılarak elde edilen bilgi ve belgeler dosyaya eklenir ve karar alınmak üzere Bakanlığa gönderilir.”

(Türk Vatandaşlığı Kanununun Uygulanmasına İlişkin Yönetmelik m.30)

Unofficial translation: “If the laws of the state in which the foreigner is present permit it, a criminal record is requested; whether the marriage to the Turkish spouse is recorded by the official authorities is investigated, and the information and documents obtained are added to the file and sent to the Ministry for a decision.”

6. What Happens at the Citizenship Interview?

The interview examines whether the marriage is genuine or was entered into to obtain Turkish citizenship. In domestic applications, the commission interviews the spouses separately and together. Regulation Article 29 states:

“Türk vatandaşlığını kazanmak isteyen yabancı ve eşi, komisyon tarafından ayrı ayrı ve birlikte mülakata tabi tutulmak suretiyle evliliğin gerçek bir evlilik ya da Türk vatandaşlığını kazanmak amacıyla yapılmış bir evlilik olup olmadığı araştırılır.”

(Türk Vatandaşlığı Kanununun Uygulanmasına İlişkin Yönetmelik m.29)

Unofficial translation: “The commission interviews the foreigner wishing to acquire Turkish citizenship and their spouse separately and together to investigate whether the marriage is genuine or was entered into for the purpose of acquiring Turkish citizenship.”

The commission records its assessment on the marriage-citizenship interview form. The provincial directorate then sends the file to the Ministry for a decision. Article 30 provides for separate and joint interviews abroad as well.

These provisions define the purpose and participants of the interview; they do not prescribe a fixed questionnaire. Preparing a memorised set of supposed official answers is therefore not a substitute for accurate information about the marriage and consistent supporting records.

7. How Long Does Citizenship by Marriage Take?

The three-year period in Article 16 must be distinguished from processing time. It establishes when a person may apply, subject to the other conditions. The document examination, investigation, interviews and Ministry decision follow their own procedural stages under Regulation Articles 25–30. Those provisions do not promise a single end-to-end decision time.

Applicants should retain the submission record, application reference and subsequent official correspondence. Notification of the decision is governed by Article 41:

“Türk vatandaşlığının kazanılmasına ve kaybına ilişkin kararlar ilgiliye ve başvuru makamlarına tebliğ olunur.”

(5901 sayılı Türk Vatandaşlığı Kanunu m.41)

Unofficial translation: “Decisions relating to the acquisition and loss of Turkish citizenship are notified to the person concerned and to the application authorities.”

8. What Fees Apply to a Marriage Citizenship Application?

Article 45 provides for an administrative service charge for subsequent acquisition of citizenship. The article does not set a fixed amount, so an amount quoted for a different year or another procedure should not be treated as the current marriage-application charge.

“Türk vatandaşlığının sonradan kazanılmasına ilişkin verilen hizmet bedeli karşılığı, Bakanlık ve Maliye Bakanlığınca birlikte belirlenir.”

(5901 sayılı Türk Vatandaşlığı Kanunu m.45)

Unofficial translation: “The service charge for the subsequent acquisition of Turkish citizenship is determined jointly by the Ministry and the Ministry of Finance.”

Article 45(2) exempts people without income under Income Tax Law No. 193 and minor children processed with them from that charge. Confirm the current amount and the application of the exemption with the receiving authority. The service charge is distinct from any document preparation, translation or authentication expense.

9. What Happens If the Marriage Ends?

The timing and legal reason for the marriage ending matter. Article 16 requires a continuing marriage, while Regulation Article 25 provides that an application is not accepted where the marriage has ended through divorce or through death before the application. The law makes a specific exception for death after the application.

9.1. Death of the Turkish Spouse After Application

If the Turkish spouse dies after the citizenship application, Article 16(2) removes the requirement of living in family unity. It does not waive all the remaining conditions:

“Başvurudan sonra Türk vatandaşı eşin ölümü nedeniyle evliliğin sona ermesi halinde birinci fıkranın (a) bendindeki şart aranmaz.”

(5901 sayılı Türk Vatandaşlığı Kanunu m.16)

Unofficial translation: “If the marriage ends because the Turkish-citizen spouse dies after the application, the condition in subparagraph (a) of the first paragraph is not required.”

The wording concerns death after submission. It should not be extended to death before the application or treated as an express exception for divorce.

9.2. Annulment After Citizenship Has Been Acquired

An annulment raises a different question from eligibility to submit an application. Article 16(3) preserves citizenship acquired through marriage where the foreign spouse entered the marriage in good faith:

“Evlenme ile Türk vatandaşlığını kazanan yabancılar evlenmenin butlanına karar verilmesi halinde evlenmede iyiniyetli iseler Türk vatandaşlığını muhafaza ederler.”

(5901 sayılı Türk Vatandaşlığı Kanunu m.16)

Unofficial translation: “Foreigners who acquired Turkish citizenship through marriage retain Turkish citizenship if the marriage is annulled, provided that they entered the marriage in good faith.”

Regulation Article 31 provides for the Ministry to examine good faith. It would therefore be inaccurate to say that annulment always leaves citizenship untouched or always causes its loss.

10. What If a Marriage Citizenship Application Is Refused?

The refusal reason must be examined at the stage at which it arose. Regulation Article 25 deals with acceptance of the application, including the qualifying marriage, missing documents, and specified criminal-proceeding or custodial circumstances. That initial examination is distinct from the substantive assessment of national security and public order under Article 16.

A refusal can be challenged through administrative judicial review. Keep the decision, its notification record and the documents submitted with the application. The residence-document judgment above and the public-order judgment below illustrate why the specific grounds matter; neither creates a general promise of approval.

10.1. How a Criminal Conviction Was Assessed

In a marriage-based citizenship case involving a suspended sentence for causing zoning pollution, the Council of State assessed the nature of the offence and the surrounding circumstances. It found the refusal on national-security and public-order grounds unlawful:

“Bu durumda, davacı hakkında yapılan yargılama sonucu işlediği sabit görülen imar kirliliğine neden olmak suçunun niteliği ve yukarıda bahsedilen hususlar birlikte değerlendirildiğinde, anılan suç davacının Türk vatandaşı olmasına engel teşkil edecek mahiyette olmayıp, bu nedenle davacının milli güvenlik ve kamu düzeni bakımından engel teşkil edecek hali bulunduğundan bahisle Türk vatandaşlığına alınma talebiyle yaptığı başvurunun reddedilmesinde hukuka uyarlık bulunmamaktadır.”

(Danıştay 10. Daire, E. 2021/3093, K. 2022/289, T. 20.01.2022 — bozma)

Unofficial translation: “In this situation, when the nature of the offence of causing zoning pollution, established as committed following the proceedings against the claimant, is assessed together with the matters set out above, that offence is not of a nature constituting an obstacle to the claimant becoming a Turkish citizen; the refusal of the application made with a view to acquiring Turkish citizenship, on the ground that the claimant had a circumstance constituting an obstacle in terms of national security and public order, is therefore not in accordance with the law.”

The Chamber quashed the judgment rejecting the challenge. This holding concerns the offence and circumstances examined in that case; it does not establish that every conviction is irrelevant to citizenship.