Foreign nationals married to a Turkish citizen can apply for citizenship under Law No. 5901 once the marriage has lasted the required period and genuine cohabitation can be shown. The process includes an assessment of whether the marriage is a genuine, ongoing union. Details vary by family circumstances.
- Average Processing Time
- Varies by case; no exact timeframe can be given
- Where to Apply
- Provincial Directorate of Population and Citizenship
- Validity
- Permanent once approved
Who It’s For
Foreign nationals married to a Turkish citizen, with the marriage still ongoing
Those whose marriage meets the duration required by law
Those able to document that they live together with their spouse
Required Documents
Passport and identity documents
Marriage certificate / international marriage record
Civil registry record for the spouse
Current record for the Turkish citizen spouse.
Criminal record certificate
From both the applicant’s home country and Turkey.
Proof of shared residence
A record supporting that the couple lives together.
Health report
A general health declaration requested during the process.
Biometric photograph
The document list can vary by application reason and personal circumstances; the current requirements of the Provincial Directorate of Migration Management apply.
Process Steps
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01
Initial Assessment
Within 1 dayWe review your marriage and circumstances together.
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02
Document Preparation
A few weeksDocuments evidencing the marriage and shared residence are gathered.
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03
Application
Depends on appointmentThe file is submitted to the Provincial Directorate of Population and Citizenship.
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04
Review Process
Varies by caseWhether the marriage is genuine and ongoing is assessed.
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05
Result
A few months (varies)Citizenship procedures are completed once approved.
Not sure whether your situation fits this process?
Initial AssessmentLegal Basis
Law No. 5901 on Turkish Citizenship Article 16
Sets out the conditions under which a foreign national married to a Turkish citizen can acquire citizenship.
Common Mistakes
Applying before the marriage-duration requirement is met
Applications submitted before the required period is met are rejected.
Submitting incomplete proof of shared living
Can raise doubts about whether the marriage is genuine.
Letting criminal record certificates go out of date
Can delay the process.
Underestimating the review stage
This stage directly affects the outcome of the application.
Frequently Asked Questions
The law sets a required duration; we can look at your situation together.
It can be revoked if the marriage is found to be one of convenience; genuine marriages are assessed separately.
No, this route is only for those married to a Turkish citizen.
Genuine, ongoing cohabitation is part of the assessment.
Children’s citizenship status is assessed separately.
Whether the marriage is a genuine, ongoing union.
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This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.