For foreigners considering getting married in Turkey or marrying a Turkish national, her stunning scenery and rich cultural legacy make it an alluring destination. However, marriage in Turkey is a process with many essential legal procedures and requirements to be complied with. In this article, to give you a guideline, we will mention all the details about marriage in Turkey, including the key conditions, its procedure, and information about residency and citizenship after marriage.
Basic Conditions For Marriage
Within the scope of Turkish marriage laws, there are necessary factors that people must fulfill to get married. The conditions established by the Turkish Civil Code apply to both foreign people and Turkish nationals. The first condition for marriage in Turkey is age. The age of consent in Turkey is 18 years old, and those who are younger are regarded as minors. Any marriage between people younger than 18 and not legally authorized is considered void.
Turkish marriage law works to protect the rights of minors and their well-being by prohibiting child marriages. Arranging or performing an underage marriage brings legal consequences that may lead to penalties such as imprisonment and fines. In addition, consent is also essential for marriage. The couple must freely and voluntarily consent to the marriage. In case of coercion or duress, it can cause the marriage to be invalid.
How Is The Procedure of Marriage in Turkey?
Like in other countries, the process of marriage in Turkey brings numerous necessities. These procedures should be fully understood to make this process easy and quicker. If you have questions about the marriage procedure in Turkey, you can consult a lawyer there. As a Turkish lawyer firm, our experienced and English-speaking lawyers at Istanbul Lawyer Firm offer legal consulting services to ensure you can get married in Turkey and smoothly complete official procedures. Our marriage lawyers in Turkey can help you prepare the required documents to be submitted, inform you about your legal rights, and provide consultancy to obtain Turkish citizenship by marriage.
Essential Paperwork for Foreigners Marrying in Turkey
There are several essential paperwork for people who want marriage in Turkey. For example, a document declaring that there are no obstacles to marriage and a certificate of marriageability, an original birth certificate with the names of mother and father, date and place of birth, first and last names, copies of passports, and health reports are the necessary documents for marrying in Turkey.
The Role of Witnesses
At the marriage ceremony, there should be at least two witnesses present over the age of 18. The witnesses can be foreigners, yet they should know the couple. Having witnesses is significant since they help to give the marriage legal validation. Besides, their presence and signature on the marriage certificate confirm that the marriage was performed.
Obtaining the Marriage Certificate
The municipality issues a marriage certificate following the conclusion of the wedding ceremony. Foreign couples can request translation, authorization, and delivery of the Turkish marriage certificate to the marriage registration office of their home countries. Also, foreign nationals married to Turkish nationals want their marriage recognized in both nations so they can do the same thing within the legal framework of marriage in Turkey.
Post-Marriage Name Declaration
After marrying in Turkey, foreigners may be required to complete relevant post-marriage procedures, such as a name declaration. They can declare their new name at the Population Directorate if they intend to change it after marriage. Also, they should send all required documentation, such as the marriage certificate, and fill out any forms to change their name. Remember that updating all official identification documents with the new name, including passport, residency permit, or any other relevant records, is critical once the name declaration has been processed.
Residency and Citizenship Considerations After Marriage
After the marriage in Turkey, foreign nationals may want to reside in there. In this case, they need to obtain their residency permits. Foreigners who marry Turkish nationals may want to get citizenship. Under Turkish laws, these foreign nationals may apply to the Turkish Immigration Department with the necessary documents, such as proof of marriage, a valid passport, and health insurance. However, it is also important to take the specific rules into account. For instance, to be eligible for Turkish citizenship through marriage, foreigners generally need to be married to a Turkish citizen for a certain period, which is at least three years. If you are considering applying for a residence permit or citizenship in Turkey, you can contact our lawyers at Istanbul Lawyer Firm.
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