Turkish Citizenship by Marriage: A Complete Guide for Foreign Spouses

Turkish Citizenship by Marriage: A Complete Guide for Foreign Spouses. If you are considering building a life in Turkey with your Turkish spouse, understanding the pathway to Turkish citizenship through marriage is essential. While love is the foundation, legal steps and obligations must be fulfilled to acquire Turkish nationality. This in-depth guide explains how you can obtain Turkish citizenship by marriage, the criteria involved, legal obligations, and frequently asked questions.

How Do I Get Turkish Citizenship by Marriage?

Turkish citizenship by marriage is governed under Law No. 5901, which specifies the conditions under which a foreign national may apply for citizenship after marrying a Turkish citizen. However, marriage alone does not automatically grant citizenship.

To become eligible, a foreign spouse must:

• Be married to a Turkish citizen for at least three years.
• Maintain a legitimate and ongoing marital relationship.
• Avoid engaging in any activity that threatens national security or public order.

The process starts with an application to the Provincial Directorate of Civil Registration and Citizenship Affairs. An interview is conducted to ensure the authenticity of the marriage and evaluate whether the couple has a genuine family life.

Can I Live in Turkey If I Marry a Turkish Citizen?

Yes, if you marry a Turkish citizen, you can apply for a Family Residence Permit, which allows you to legally reside in Turkey. This permit is generally issued for one to three years and is renewable as long as the marriage remains valid.

This residence permit is not the same as citizenship. However, it is a necessary stepping stone towards qualifying for Turkish citizenship by marriage. During this period, the authorities assess whether the marriage is authentic and whether the couple genuinely lives together.

How is Turkish Citizenship by Marriage Possible?

Obtaining Turkish citizenship by marriage is a structured legal process. After completing three years of continuous marriage with a Turkish citizen, you may apply for citizenship. The application includes:

1. Proof of legal marriage.
2. Documentation confirming cohabitation and a shared life.
3. Criminal background checks from your country of origin and Turkey.
4. An interview conducted by Turkish authorities.

The goal is to establish the validity of the marital relationship and ensure that the applicant is not involved in criminal activity or security threats.

If all goes well, the citizenship is granted by a Presidential decree, upon approval by the Ministry of Interior.

What Are Conditions for Turkish Citizenship by Marriage?

The following are the key conditions:

• Three Years of Legal Marriage: The marriage must be officially recognized and recorded.
• Cohabitation: You must live together with your spouse. Separate residences may raise suspicions of a fraudulent marriage.
• No Criminal Background: Clean criminal history both in Turkey and in the applicant’s home country.
• Good Moral Character: You must be seen as a law-abiding, ethical individual.
• No Threat to National Security: Associations with criminal organizations or terrorism will immediately disqualify the application.

Authorities may also require:

• Health checkups.
• Participation in an interview.
• Visits to your residence for inspection.

What If a Turkish Citizen Spouse Dies After the Application for Turkish Citizenship by Marriage?

This is a sensitive but important scenario. If your Turkish spouse dies after the application has been submitted but before the citizenship is approved, the application does not automatically get canceled.

The Turkish authorities will examine whether:

• The marriage was genuine and not for the purpose of gaining citizenship.
• The couple lived together and maintained a family life.

If those conditions are proven, the citizenship application may still be accepted and granted posthumously.

What If the Marriage Ends Based on a Court Decision After Acquiring Turkish Citizenship by Marriage?

Once Turkish citizenship is legally granted, it generally remains permanent. However, if the marriage ends in divorce after gaining Turkish citizenship, the following scenarios may arise:

• If the authorities find that the marriage was fraudulent, the citizenship can be revoked by court order.
• If the marriage was genuine, the acquired citizenship will likely remain valid.

Divorce alone does not lead to the loss of citizenship unless it’s proven that the marriage was only for immigration purposes.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Can I get Turkish citizenship by marrying a Turkish citizen?

Yes, you can. However, you must be married for at least three years, live together, and pass a security and moral character assessment. Citizenship is granted only after verifying the authenticity of the marriage.

Q2: What are the conditions for Turkish citizenship by marriage?

You must:

• Be legally married for at least three years.
• Live in a shared household.
• Have no criminal record.
• Prove good character and integration into Turkish society.
• Not pose any threat to public order or national security.

Q3: Does marrying a Turkish citizen automatically grant citizenship?

No. Marriage to a Turkish citizen does not automatically result in Turkish citizenship. You must go through the legal application process and meet all necessary requirements.

Q4: What happens if the Turkish spouse dies after applying?

The application may still be reviewed and accepted if it is determined that the marriage was genuine. Death of the Turkish spouse does not necessarily cancel the application.

Q5: What if the marriage ends after gaining Turkish citizenship?

If the marriage ends in divorce after the foreign spouse has already been granted citizenship, the status usually remains unaffected unless there’s evidence the marriage was fraudulent. In that case, authorities may initiate a revocation process.

Legal Considerations and Expert Guidance

Navigating the process of obtaining Turkish citizenship by marriage can be complex. Authorities closely scrutinize applications to prevent fraud. Therefore, it is strongly recommended to consult with an immigration lawyer in Turkey.

They can help with:

• Gathering and translating necessary documentation.
• Representing you during interviews or legal issues.
• Communicating with Turkish immigration offices.

Final Thoughts

For those in a genuine relationship with a Turkish citizen, citizenship by marriage is a viable and rewarding pathway to becoming part of Turkey’s rich cultural and legal fabric. While the process involves several legal checks and evaluations, it ensures that only those with genuine relationships and intentions are granted the privilege of Turkish nationality.

Whether you’re just starting your journey or already in the application process, understanding these rules and seeking expert help can improve your chances of success and ensure a smooth transition to life as a Turkish citizen.