Marriage to a Turkish citizen may provide a lawful pathway to acquiring Turkish nationality. However, Turkish Citizenship by Marriage is not an automatic right arising solely from marriage. It is a legally regulated process subject to strict substantive and procedural requirements, detailed government scrutiny, and discretionary approval by Turkish authorities.
At Bayraktar Attorneys, we represent foreign spouses throughout the entire citizenship process, ensuring full legal compliance, protection against rejection risks, and strategic handling of administrative review. This guide explains How to Get Turkish Citizenship by Marriage, the applicable legal framework, eligibility conditions, and common legal pitfalls.
Legal Basis of Turkish Citizenship Through Marriage
Turkish Citizenship Through Marriage is regulated under Article 16 of the Turkish Citizenship Law No. 5901 and its implementing regulations. According to Turkish law, a foreign national married to a Turkish citizen may apply for citizenship provided that certain legal conditions are met.
The primary purpose of the legislation is to protect the institution of marriage and to prevent abuse through fictitious or convenience marriages. As a result, applications are assessed not only on documentation but also on the factual authenticity of the marital relationship.
Citizenship is granted by administrative decision following security investigations and substantive evaluation by the Ministry of Interior.
Core Requirements for Turkish Citizenship by Marriage
To qualify for Turkish Citizenship by Marriage, the applicant must meet all statutory requirements at the time of application.
First, the marriage must have lasted for at least three years. Applications filed before the completion of this period are automatically rejected, regardless of other qualifications.
Second, the marital relationship must be genuine and ongoing. The spouses must live together in a family union, and there must be no conduct incompatible with the obligations of marriage.
Third, the foreign spouse must not pose a threat to public order or national security. Comprehensive background and security checks are conducted as part of the application process.
Importantly, divorce after submission but before finalization may lead to rejection unless the applicant proves that the marriage was entered into in good faith and not for the sole purpose of acquiring citizenship.
How to Get Turkish Citizenship by Marriage: Step-by-Step Legal Process
Understanding How to Get Turkish Citizenship by Marriage requires a clear overview of the procedural stages involved. While the process may appear administrative, it is legally technical and demands careful preparation.
Application Submission
The application is filed before the Provincial Directorate of Population and Citizenship Affairs in Türkiye or through Turkish consulates abroad. All civil status documents must be duly legalized and translated.
Administrative Investigation
Following submission, Turkish authorities initiate an extensive investigation. This may include interviews with both spouses, residence verification, examination of family life, and cross-checking of records from multiple institutions.
Evaluation and Decision
Once the investigation is completed, the application is reviewed by the Ministry of Interior. Citizenship is granted by presidential approval. There is no statutory timeline, and processing times may vary depending on the complexity of the case.
Professional legal representation is crucial during this phase, particularly when responding to interview findings or additional document requests.
Interview Process and Assessment of Genuine Marriage
One of the most critical aspects of Turkish Citizenship Through Marriage is the interview stage. Authorities assess whether the marriage reflects a real family union rather than a formal arrangement.
Spouses may be questioned separately and jointly regarding daily life, shared residence, family relations, financial arrangements, and future plans. Inconsistencies or insufficient evidence may negatively affect the application.
At Bayraktar Attorneys, we prepare our clients thoroughly for this stage, ensuring that the factual presentation of the marriage aligns with legal expectations and documentary records.
Legal Risks and Common Reasons for Rejection
Despite meeting formal requirements, applications for Turkish Citizenship by Marriage may still be rejected due to procedural or substantive deficiencies.
Common rejection grounds include:
Suspicion of sham or convenience marriage
Inconsistent interview statements
Incomplete or improperly legalized documents
Adverse security assessment
Separation or divorce during the review period
A rejected application may significantly complicate future filings. Therefore, preventive legal strategy is far more effective than post-rejection remedies.
Rights and Consequences After Acquiring Citizenship
Once granted, citizenship acquired through marriage confers full Turkish nationality status. The applicant gains equal constitutional rights and obligations, including voting rights, property ownership without restrictions, and access to public services.
Turkish law allows dual citizenship, provided that the applicant’s home country also permits it. There is no requirement to renounce prior nationality under Turkish legislation.
Why Legal Representation Matters in Marriage-Based Citizenship
Marriage-based citizenship applications are among the most closely scrutinized immigration procedures in Türkiye. The discretionary nature of the evaluation process makes legal expertise indispensable.
Bayraktar Attorneys provides comprehensive legal services, including:
Eligibility assessment and strategic planning
Preparation of complete and consistent application files
Interview preparation and legal guidance
Communication with administrative authorities
Representation in case of objections or legal remedies
Our role is not merely procedural but protective—safeguarding our clients against legal uncertainty and long-term consequences.
Secure Your Status Through Proper Legal Guidance
Turkish Citizenship by Marriage offers a legitimate path to Turkish nationality, but it is not a formality. It is a legally sensitive process that requires genuine marital unity, strict compliance with the law, and careful management of administrative scrutiny.
If you are exploring How to Get Turkish Citizenship by Marriage, professional legal support is essential to ensure that your application is accurate, credible, and legally sound.
Bayraktar Attorneys represents foreign spouses with precision, discretion, and deep expertise in Turkish Citizenship Through Marriage, ensuring that every stage of the process is handled with the highest legal standards.
