Foreign Marriages in Türkiye: Foreign marriages in Türkiye are on the rise. The latest TÜİK (Turkish Statistical Institute) data show that the number of “foreign brides” significantly exceeds “foreign grooms.” So, what do the numbers say? Which documents are required? How does the family residence permit and citizenship process work? Here is the most up-to-date, guide for 2025. 🇹🇷💍
Numbers at a Glance
- Marriages in 2023: In 2023, 565,435 couples got married in Türkiye. Among these, there were 6,345 foreign grooms (representing 1.1% of all grooms) and 31,029 foreign brides (representing 5.5% of all brides). This clearly shows that foreign brides far outnumber foreign grooms.
- Nationality breakdown highlights: According to TÜİK’s breakdown, among foreign grooms, Syrians and Germans stand out, while among foreign brides, Syria, Uzbekistan, Morocco, and Azerbaijan are prominent. (This distribution may vary slightly year to year.)
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TÜİK’s marriage/divorce bulletins are released annually; while detailed 2024 datasets are being gradually published, the 2023 bulletin remains the most comprehensive official source. Nationality shares show only minor fluctuations from year to year.
Who Is Authorized to Perform Marriages?
- Authorized authorities: In Türkiye, marriage procedures are handled by municipal marriage offices, civil registry offices, and other legally authorized officials. If one spouse is a foreigner, marriage can only be performed by municipal marriage officers and district civil registry directors.
- Legal basis: The process is governed by the Marriage Regulation and the provisions of the Turkish Civil Code.
Required Documents: Step-by-Step Checklist
Requirements may vary slightly from one municipality to another, but the main framework is based on the Marriage Regulation and administrative practice. Below is the most common and essential checklist.
- Passport (valid; in most cases, a notarized Turkish translation is required).
- Certificate of No Impediment / Certificate of Celibacy (proving the foreign spouse is not married; apostille certification and notarized Turkish translation are typically mandatory).
- Birth Certificate (required if the certificate of celibacy does not include all identity details; translation and certification rules apply).
- Medical Report (proving there are no health impediments to marriage; issued by a family doctor or hospital, usually must be dated within the last 6 months).
- Biometric Photos (the number required depends on the municipality).
- Proof of Residence/Address and other municipal forms (application form, marriage declaration, etc.).
After the Wedding: Family Residence Permit (Family Reunification)
- Who can apply? A foreign spouse married to a Turkish citizen can apply for a Family Residence Permit through the Directorate of Migration Management. Required documents include proof of insurance, income, criminal record, etc.
- Application channel & legal basis: Applications are submitted through the e-Ikamet system. According to Law No. 6458, family residence permits take into account duration, income/housing conditions, and public order criteria.
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Citizenship Through Marriage: “I Married a Turk, Do I Get Citizenship Immediately?”
- No, you don’t. Article 16 of the Turkish Citizenship Law No. 5901 clearly states: “Marriage to a Turkish citizen does not automatically grant Turkish citizenship.” Applicants must have been married for at least 3 years, live together as a family, and have no issues with national security or public order.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can the foreign spouse marry while on a tourist visa?
In practice, your visa/residence status is not a direct barrier to getting married, but obtaining and certifying documents must be handled carefully. After marriage, you must apply for a family residence permit under the Migration Directorate’s conditions.
Are apostille and translation mandatory for documents?
Yes, for most foreign official documents apostille (Hague Convention) certification and notarized Turkish translation are required.
What tests are included in the medical report? How long is it valid?
It is issued by a family doctor or hospital and includes screenings for infectious and hereditary diseases. It must usually be dated within the last 6 months.
Who officiates the marriage?
Municipal marriage officers and civil registry directors. Abroad, Turkish consulates (subject to local law) can officiate.
Do I automatically become a citizen after marriage?
No. Only after 3 years of marriage and fulfilling the conditions in Article 16 can you apply for citizenship, which is subject to administrative review and security checks.
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5 Key Points to Watch
- Timing: Most documents must be dated within the last 6 months – do not miss the deadlines.
- Apostille & Translation: For documents obtained abroad, you may need Ministry of Foreign Affairs/Governor’s Office legalization chain – check in advance.
- Appointment Scheduling: In major cities, marriage office appointments may fill up quickly; apply online and plan early.
- Residence Permit File: Prepare your family residence permit documents early (insurance, income, housing, etc.).
- Legal Compliance: Follow the Marriage Regulation and Civil Code; adhere to your municipality’s official checklist.
Sources (Selected)
- TÜİK – Marriage & Divorce Statistics 2023 (official bulletin summary: foreign bride/groom ratios).
- Habertürk (news report) – 2023 figures and foreign bride/groom ratios.
- General Directorate of Civil Registration and Citizenship – Marriage Procedures – Authorized authorities and process.
- e-Ikamet (Migration Directorate) – Family Residence Permit documents – Official requirements.
- Marriage Regulation (Mevzuat.gov.tr PDF) – Legal framework.
- Turkish Citizenship Law No. 5901, Art. 16 (Family Ministry PDF) – Marriage-based citizenship rules.
