Citizenship by Marriage in Turkey: What Do You Need To Apply?

Under Article 16 of Turkey’s Citizenship Law No. 5901, foreign spouses married to Turkish citizens for at least three years can apply for Turkish citizenship.

Applicants must submit verified documents, pass background checks, and demonstrate integration into Turkish society to secure approval.

Key points covered in this article:

• Who is eligible for Turkish citizenship by marriage?
• What are the requirements for Turkish citizenship by marriage?
• How quickly can you get citizenship after marriage in Turkey?
• How much does it cost to get Turkish citizenship by marriage?
• Is a Turkish passport strong?

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The information in this article is for general guidance only. It does not constitute financial, legal, or tax advice, and is not a recommendation or solicitation to invest. Some facts may have changed since the time of writing.

How do you qualify for Turkish citizenship by marriage?

To qualify for Turkish citizenship by marriage, a foreign spouse must:

• Be legally married to a Turkish citizen
• Remain married for at least three years and maintain a genuine, ongoing relationship
• Reside in Turkey continuously and demonstrate integration into Turkish society
• Have no criminal record or involvement in activities against Turkish law

The authorities will verify the authenticity of the marriage and the couple’s life together before granting citizenship.

What documents do I need to apply for citizenship through marriage?

When applying for Turkish citizenship by marriage, you will need to provide the following documents:

• Marriage Certificate: A legally registered marriage certificate in Turkey, demonstrating that the marriage has been ongoing for at least three years.
• Application Form (VAT-6): The official application form for Turkish citizenship by marriage.
• Biometric Photographs: Two recent passport-sized photographs.
• Valid Passport or Identity Document: A notarized Turkish translation of your passport or identity document.
• Birth Certificate: A certified copy of your birth certificate, translated into Turkish and notarized.
• Police Clearance Certificates: Recent police clearance certificates from both your home country and Turkey, issued within the last six months.
• Proof of Residence in Turkey: Documents such as a residence permit or utility bills confirming your residence in Turkey.
• Proof of Cohabitation: Evidence of living together as a family unit, such as joint bank accounts, rental agreements, or shared utility bills.
• Payment Receipt: A receipt showing the payment of the application fee at the Treasury.
• Population Registration Document: A document from the Turkish spouse’s local registry office.
• Notarized Translations: All foreign documents must be translated into Turkish and notarized.
• Criminal Record: A certified copy of any final court decisions regarding criminal offenses, if applicable.

Please note that additional documents may be requested by Turkish authorities during the application review process.

How many years does it take to get Turkey citizenship by marriage?

Foreign spouses can typically obtain Turkish citizenship about 1 to 3 years after applying, following at least three years of marriage to a Turkish citizen.

The process involves document submission, background checks, and verification by local authorities, with review times ranging from 6 months to 1 year depending on the region

How much does it cost to get citizenship in Turkey through marriage?

The official application fee for Turkish citizenship by marriage is approximately ₺200 per person.

However, when accounting for additional necessary expenses, the total estimated cost typically ranges between ₺5,000 and ₺10,000.

This estimate includes:

• Document Translation and Notarization: Fees for translating and notarizing documents can vary, but they are essential for foreign documents.
• Legal Assistance Fees: If you choose to hire legal assistance, fees can vary widely based on the complexity of your case and the service provider.
• Police Clearance Certificates: Obtaining police clearance certificates from your home country may involve additional costs.
• Residency Permit Fees: During the application process, you may need to renew your residence permit, which incurs additional fees.

Please note that these costs are approximate and can vary based on individual circumstances and changes in regulations.

Is Turkish citizenship worth it?

Yes, Turkish citizenship is generally considered worth it, especially for those seeking long-term residency, family stability, or business opportunities in Turkey.

Its value, however, depends on individual goals and tolerance for the country’s economic and political climate.

What are the advantages of Turkish citizenship?

• Right to live and work anywhere in Turkey, without restrictions
• Access to public healthcare, education, and social services
• Full property ownership, including in areas restricted to foreigners (such as border zones and certain rural land)
• Business and investment opportunities with fewer bureaucratic hurdles than foreign investors face
• Visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to over 110 countries, including Japan, South Korea, and much of South America
• Pathway to US residency via the E-2 Treaty Investor Visa, available only to Turkish citizens
• Eligibility for a Turkish passport, which ranks higher than many regional counterparts
• Citizenship rights passed automatically to children, strengthening family security

What are the disadvantages of citizenship in Turkey?

• Tax obligations may extend to global income if you are classified as a tax resident in Turkey
• Bureaucratic and administrative processes can be lengthy, with frequent changes to regulations
• Cultural and language barriers can make integration difficult, especially outside major cities
• Political tensions and periodic restrictions on freedoms (such as media or internet access)
• Economic volatility, including high inflation and currency fluctuations that affect daily living costs
• Military service requirement for male citizens under a certain age, unless exemptions are obtained
• Dual citizenship rules may create complications, depending on your home country’s policies

What is the fastest way to get Turkish citizenship?

The fastest way to obtain Turkish citizenship is through the Citizenship by Investment program, which can be completed in 6–12 months after meeting the $400,000 real estate investment or other qualifying options.

By comparison:

• Marriage route – Requires at least three years of marriage and proof of a genuine relationship, with the process usually taking 3–4 years.
• Long-term residence/naturalization – Requires at least 5 years of continuous residence, making it slower than marriage.
• Exceptional citizenship (by presidential decree) – Rare, but can be granted quickly to individuals who provide extraordinary benefit to Turkey in areas like sports, science, or culture.

This makes investment the fastest route, marriage the more affordable option, and long-term residence the most time-consuming.

Does Turkey allow dual citizenship?

Yes, Turkey allows dual citizenship.

Foreign spouses can retain their original nationality while obtaining Turkish citizenship, but they must check their home country’s policies regarding dual nationality.

Is the Turkish passport powerful?

Yes — the Turkish passport offers moderate strength on the global scale, though it falls short of the most powerful passports.

• According to the Henley Passport Index, Turkey’s passport has climbed to 46th place, with holders enjoying visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 113 countries.
• On the Nomad Passport Index, Turkey is ranked 87th, reflecting not just travel freedom but also taxation, perception, dual citizenship policies, and personal freedom.
• In the Arton Passport Index rankings, Turkey is ranked 37th, placing it in the mid-tier for global passport strength.

Conclusion

Citizenship by marriage in Turkey offers a realistic path for foreign spouses who are willing to commit to life in Turkey and maintain a genuine marriage for at least three years.

While it is slower than the investment route, it remains one of the most accessible and affordable ways to acquire Turkish nationality.

Applicants should weigh the long-term benefits such as family stability, property rights, and regional mobility, against challenges like bureaucratic processes and economic fluctuations before deciding if this path aligns with their personal and professional goals.

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