According to our current law, it is possible for individuals to acquire Turkish citizenship through marriage. However, being married to a Turkish citizen does not automatically grant the right to become a Turkish citizen. Foreign nationals who have been married to a Turkish citizen for at least 3 years can apply to acquire Turkish citizenship. Additionally, applicants seeking Turkish citizenship through marriage must meet certain conditions to be granted citizenship, including living together in family unity, refraining from activities incompatible with the marriage union, and having no obstacles that would threaten national security or public order.
How to Apply for Citizenship Through Marriage?
Applications for citizenship through marriage can be made both domestically and abroad. Foreign nationals who wish to acquire Turkish citizenship through marriage by applying within the country must submit their application, along with the required documents, to the General Directorate of Population and Citizenship Affairs of the Ministry of Interior of the Republic of Turkey, provided they meet the necessary conditions. Applications made from abroad are submitted to Turkish diplomatic missions. The citizenship file prepared by the relevant authorities is then sent to the competent ministry for a decision.
Documents Required for Citizenship Application Through Marriage
1- Passport
2- Citizenship application form
3- Population registry of the Turkish citizen spouse
4- Marriage certificate
5- 4 biometric photographs
6- Applicant’s criminal record
7- Receipt proving payment of the service fee
8- If the applicant resides in Turkey, the most recent residence permit
Points to Consider
In the process of acquiring Turkish citizenship through marriage (family), the type of residence permit at the time of application must be within the scope of family reunification. Applications made while holding a residence permit for tourism or other purposes will be rejected. If the applicant holds a different type of residence permit, they must switch to a family residence permit in order to apply for Turkish citizenship through marriage.
In case the citizenship application through marriage is rejected, if the applicant believes that the rejection decision is unlawful, they have the right to file a lawsuit to annul the rejection decision. The period to file such an annulment lawsuit is 60 days from the notification of the decision.
Previously being married to a Turkish citizen does not grant the right to apply. The marriage must be ongoing at the time of application. However, once a foreigner has acquired Turkish citizenship, their citizenship is not revoked upon divorce.
