Are you a foreign national married to a Turkish citizen? You may be eligible to apply for Turkish citizenship by marriage. At ER&GUN&ER Law Firm, a trusted Turkish lawyer firm based in Istanbul, we help foreign spouses navigate the citizenship application process, ensuring legal compliance, accurate documentation, and efficient results.
Eligibility for Turkish Citizenship by Marriage
According to Turkish Citizenship Law No. 5901, a foreigner who marries a Turkish citizen can apply for Turkish citizenship after at least 3 years of marriage, provided that the marriage is still ongoing and not merely formal.
Applicants must meet the following conditions:
- Live in a marital union with the Turkish spouse
- Reside legally in Turkey or abroad with proof of continuous marriage
- Have no behavior incompatible with family life (e.g., criminal record, fraud)
- Not pose a threat to national security or public order
Our Legal Services for Citizenship by Marriage
Our experienced Turkish lawyers provide full legal assistance throughout the entire process:
- Eligibility assessment based on personal status and documents
- Guidance on residence permit renewal, if applicable
- Preparation and notarization of application documents
- Submission to Provincial Directorate of Civil Registration and Citizenship
- Tracking of Ministry of Interior and security clearance procedures
- Interview preparation and legal representation
- Appeals in case of rejection or administrative silence
Whether you live in Turkey or abroad, our English-speaking Turkish lawyers offer transparent legal consultancy tailored to expat spouses applying for citizenship.
Common Challenges in the Application Process
- Unclear legal status or expired residence permit
- Unregistered marriage abroad (missing consulate declaration)
- Insufficient documentation for shared life proof
- Administrative silence or delayed decisions
Our legal team anticipates and prevents such obstacles to maximize approval probability.
Additional Legal Support
- Residence Permit in Turkey
- Family Law for Foreigners
- Citizenship Lawyers in Turkey
- Buying Property in Turkey as a Spouse
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
When can I apply for Turkish citizenship by marriage?
You can apply after 3 years of legal marriage, provided the marriage is ongoing and genuine.
Do I need to live in Turkey to apply?
No, but you must prove an ongoing family life. Shared residence abroad, communication, and visits can help support your case.
Is Turkish language proficiency required?
Not formally, but the application interview may involve basic questions in Turkish to assess integration.
Can I keep my current nationality?
Yes. Turkey allows dual citizenship in most cases. Check with your country’s dual nationality policy.
What if my marriage ends after receiving citizenship?
If the marriage was genuine, citizenship remains valid. However, fraudulent marriages discovered later may lead to revocation.
What if the application is rejected?
You can file an administrative objection or proceed with a judicial appeal. Our team handles such appeals regularly.
Can I include my children in this application?
Children born during marriage may be eligible, depending on their status. Each case is reviewed separately.
How long does the process take?
Average processing time ranges between 6 and 12 months depending on your province and security clearance checks.
