19 Mayıs 2025 Pazartesi

Turkish Citizenship by Marriage: Legal Criteria and PracticalInsights (2025 Update)

 

Abstract

Thisarticleprovides a legal overview of acquiring Turkish citizenship through marriage, as governed by Article 16 of Law No. 5901. Theprocessrequires a minimum of threeyears of marriageto a Turkishcitizen, alongwithcompliancewithpublicorderandnationalsecurityconditions. Itfurtherexplorescriticalscenariossuch as thedeath of the Turkish spouseor post-citizenshipdivorce. Emphasis is placed on theimportance of legal guidance, giventhecomplexity of theapplicationandthediscretionexercisedbyTurkish authorities.

Introduction

Marriageto a Turkish citizen offersforeignnationals a potentialpathwayto Turkish citizenship. However, thisprocess is not automatic. Instead, it involves a series of legal proceduresandeligibilityconditionsthatareassessedbytherelevantTurkishauthorities. Turkish citizenship by marriage is specificallyaddressedunderArticle 16 of Law No. 5901, whichsetsforththerequirementsandproceduresto be followed.

Legal Framework

Theacquisition of citizenshipbymarriage is regulatedunder Article 16 of theTurkish Citizenship Law (Law No. 5901). Accordingtothelaw, marrying a Turkish citizen does not automatically confer citizenship upontheforeignspouse. Onl yafterbeinglegallymarriedforat leastthreeyearsandfulfillingadditional legal criteriamay a foreignnationalapplyforcitizenshipthroughthisroute.

EligibilityCriteria

Toqualify for Turkish citizenship by marriage, theapplicantmustmeetthefollowingconditions:

  • Cohabitation as a familyunit:Thecouplemustlivetogether in a mannerconsistentwith a genuinemaritalrelationship.
  • No activitiesagainsttheinstitution of marriage:Theapplicantmust not be involved in anyconductthatunderminestheintegrity of themarriage (e.g.,fraudulentunions).
  • No threattonationa lsecurity or publicorder:Theforeignspousemust not be considered a risk bytheTurkishgovernment.

Additionally, themarriagemuststill be ongoing at the time of application, andthethree-yearrequirementmust be completedwithoutinterruption.

Special Situations

Death of theTurkishSpouse

Ifthe Turkish citizenspouse diesaftertheapplication has beensubmitted, thecondition of cohabitation as a family is waived. However, otherrequirementsmaystillapply.

DivorceAfterAcquiringCitizenship

Ifthemarriage is laterannulledorends in divorceafter the foreignspouse has acquiredTurkishcitizenship, thecitizenship is not automaticallyrevoked—as long as themarriagewasenteredinto in goodfaith.

Application Procedure

Applicantsmust:

  • Be overtheage of 18
  • Havenocriminalrecord
  • Be freefromcontagiousdiseasesthatpose a risk topublichealth
  • Demonstrate a stableincomeormeans of support

Theapplicationmust be submittedtotheProvincialDirectorate of Populationand Citizenship Affairsandsupportedbydocumentsincluding:

  • Validpassport
  • Marriagecertificate
  • Residencepermit (ifapplicable)
  • Proof of cohabitation
  • Background checkdocuments

Duetothepotentialfordiscretionandthecomplexity of theprocess, applicantsarestronglyencouragedtoseek legal representationfromexperiencedTurkishimmigrationlawyers.

Conclusion

Marriageto a Turkishcitizen can offerforeignnationals a meaningfulopportunitytoacquireTurkishcitizenship. However, thispath is conditionalandmust be navigatedcarefully. The legal process is designed not merelytoassesstheduration of themarriage but alsoitsauthenticityandcompliancewithpublicinterestconsiderations.

Giventheadministrativediscretioninvolvedandthe legal nuances of Law No. 5901, professional legal assistance is not justadvisable, but oftenessentialtoensure a successfuloutcome.

 


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