Turkish Citizenship by Marriage
Married to a Turkish citizen and ready to secure your future in Turkey? ER&GUN&ER Law Firm provides premier legal services for foreigners seeking Turkish citizenship by marriage. Our highly experienced team of Turkish citizenship lawyers offers full-spectrum support to guide clients through every step of the application, ensuring compliance with all Turkish nationality laws and maximizing the chance of success.
Why Choose Turkish Citizenship by Marriage?
Obtaining Turkish citizenship through marriage presents a practical and accessible pathway for eligible foreigners. Compared to investment-based citizenship programs, marriage offers a more personal and natural integration into Turkish society, without the need for significant financial commitments. Successful applicants enjoy:
- Permanent right to live, work, and own property in Turkey without any restrictions.
- Access to Turkey's comprehensive healthcare, education, and social security systems.
- Visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to over 110 countries globally with a Turkish passport.
- Opportunities for dual citizenship (subject to home country regulations).
- Eligibility to sponsor family members for Turkish residency or citizenship later.
Eligibility Criteria for Turkish Citizenship by Marriage
In accordance with Turkish Nationality Law No. 5901, a foreigner married to a Turkish citizen may apply for citizenship provided they meet the following conditions:
- The marriage must be legally recognized and officially registered either in Turkey or through a Turkish consulate abroad.
- The marriage must have lasted for a minimum of three years before the citizenship application date.
- The couple must demonstrate a genuine family life (i.e., not solely entered into for immigration purposes).
- Evidence of cohabitation and a continuing marital relationship must be provided.
- The applicant must not pose a threat to national security or public order.
Detailed Step-by-Step Citizenship Application Process
Our team meticulously manages the entire application process for you:
- Marriage Registration: Verification of marriage registration with the relevant Turkish civil registry office.
- Residence Permit Acquisition: If necessary, assisting in obtaining or extending the foreign spouse's Turkish residence permit.
- Document Compilation: Gathering essential documents such as valid passports, marriage certificates, residence permits, and proof of ongoing cohabitation (utility bills, joint lease agreements, photos, etc.).
- Application Submission: Filing the Turkish citizenship application at the Provincial Directorate of Population and Citizenship Affairs.
- Security Investigations: Coordination with security authorities for background checks to ensure no risks to public security.
- Marriage Verification Interview: Preparing the couple for interviews assessing the authenticity of the relationship.
- Approval and Citizenship Grant: Following positive evaluation, issuance of the Turkish citizenship certificate and eligibility for Turkish passports.
Common Challenges and Our Solutions
While marriage-based citizenship is an accessible route, applicants often face challenges such as proving a genuine marital relationship, passing background checks, and dealing with complex bureaucracy. ER&GUN&ER Law Firm proactively assists clients by:
- Conducting pre-application audits to identify and resolve weak areas.
- Advising clients on gathering strong proof of marriage and cohabitation.
- Preparing clients for marriage verification interviews to minimize the risk of rejections.
- Representing clients during appeals in case of unjustified delays or denials.
Supporting Legal Services
We also offer comprehensive support related to marriage and immigration law in Turkey:
- Marriage Registration in Turkey
- Residence Permits After Marriage
- Turkish Family Law and Divorce Advisory
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How long after marriage can I apply for Turkish citizenship?
You must complete at least three years of legally recognized marriage before filing your citizenship application.
Is living together mandatory for the citizenship process?
Yes. Cohabitation is a critical factor. Applicants must prove continuous shared residence through utility bills, rental contracts, or property ownership records.
Can I apply if I married abroad?
Yes, but you must register your marriage with Turkish civil authorities or the nearest Turkish embassy/consulate to qualify.
What if my marriage ends before citizenship is granted?
If the marriage is terminated (divorce or death) before citizenship approval, the application is typically canceled unless extraordinary family conditions exist.
Will there be an interview?
Yes. Authorities will likely interview the couple to verify the authenticity of the marriage, living conditions, and mutual commitment.
Do I lose my original citizenship after gaining Turkish nationality?
No, Turkey allows dual citizenship. However, you should check your home country's dual nationality policies.
How long does the entire application process take?
The citizenship approval process typically takes between 6 and 12 months from the date of application submission.
Is there a language requirement for Turkish citizenship by marriage?
No language test is required. However, basic communication abilities may be informally assessed during interviews.
Start Your Turkish Citizenship Journey with ER&GUN&ER Law Firm
