Marriage Procedures for Foreigners in Turkey: Step-by-Step Guide

From the turquoise shores of the Mediterranean to the elegant halls of Ottoman-era city buildings, Turkey is one of the most romantic places in the world to say “I do.” Couples are drawn not only by the breathtaking scenery but also by the cultural richness and warm hospitality that make a wedding here truly unforgettable.

But there’s more to getting married in Turkey than just picking a beautiful location. The country has a clear and well-defined legal framework for marriage, ensuring that both foreigners and Turkish citizens can wed under structured, transparent rules. Understanding these requirements from the start will save you time, stress, and last-minute complications.

Whether you’re two foreigners tying the knot or you’re marrying a Turkish citizen, the process is straightforward once you know what to expect. In this guide, we’ll break down the requirements, the step-by-step process, estimated costs, and the key differences between Foreigner–Foreigner and Foreigner–Turkish marriages.

Who Can Get Married in Turkey?

To be eligible for marriage in Turkey, both partners must:

• Be at least 18 years old.
• Not be closely related by blood.
• Be single (not married to someone else).
• Be in legal stay status in Turkey — meaning you have a valid visa or residence permit. (Overstayers cannot get married.)

The Two Scenarios

A. Foreigner + Foreigner Marriage

If both partners are foreigners, you can still marry in Turkey as long as you’re both in legal stay. You will both need to provide official documents from your own countries, confirming your identity and marital status.

Extra steps:

• Both partners must get Certificates of Celibacy (proof you’re free to marry).
• If these certificates don’t show your parents’ names, you must also get Birth Certificates.
• All documents must be apostilled or consular-certified, then translated into Turkish and notarized in Turkey.

B. Foreigner + Turkish Citizen Marriage

The process is almost the same, but the Turkish citizen doesn’t need to provide foreign documents.

• The Turkish spouse only needs their Turkish ID card.
• The foreign spouse must still provide a Certificate of Celibacy (and Birth Certificate if required), with apostille/consular approval, translation, and notarization.

Documents to Obtain Before Arriving in Turkey

1. Certificate of Celibacy (Affidavit of Eligibility to Marry)
   • This document proves you are single and legally allowed to marry.
   • It must be either:
     • Approved by the Turkish Consulate in your country, or
     • Approved by your country’s consulate in Turkey, or
     • Issued with an Apostille stamp (if your country is a member of the Apostille Convention).
   • Once in Turkey, it must be translated into Turkish by a sworn translator and notarized.
2. Birth Certificate
   • This is required only if your Certificate of Celibacy does not include your father’s and mother’s names.
   • The approval process is the same as above: either Turkish Consulate approval, your country’s consulate in Turkey approval, or Apostille stamp.
   • It must also be translated into Turkish and notarized.

Documents to Arrange After Arriving in Turkey

1. Passport Translation and Notarization
   • Your passport must be translated into Turkish by a sworn translator and notarized in Turkey.
2. Translation and Notarization of Foreign Documents
   • All foreign documents (Certificate of Celibacy, Birth Certificate if applicable) must be translated into Turkish and notarized after you arrive.
3. Health Report
   • A medical certificate confirming you are fit to marry, issued by a public hospital in Turkey.
   • If obtained from a private clinic, it must be approved by the local District Health Directorate (İlçe Sağlık Müdürlüğü).
4. Biometric Photos
   • Six passport-sized photos for each partner, white background, taken within the last six months.
5. Passport Entry and Exit Records
   • This is an official document showing your legal stay in Turkey, obtained from the Police Department or Immigration Office.

Apostille or Consular Approval – Which Do You Need?

• If your country is part of the Apostille Convention → Apply for an apostille in your country, then translate and notarize in Turkey.
• If your country is not part of the Apostille Convention → Your documents must be certified by your country’s Foreign Ministry and the Turkish Consulate in your country. Alternatively, have them certified by your country’s consulate in Turkey and then approved by the District Governor’s Office (Kaymakamlık), followed by translation and notarization.

 Applying for Marriage in Turkey

Once your documents are ready:

1. Visit the Marriage Office (Evlendirme Dairesi) in the district where you want to marry.
2. Submit all documents and pay the marriage application fee.
3. Book your wedding date and confirm it with the marriage office.
4. The office will issue a marriage license once everything is approved.

After the Wedding – Family Residence Permit

If you marry a Turkish citizen, you can apply for a Family Residence Permit:

• Valid for up to 3 years.
• Required documents:
  • Valid passport
  • Four passport photos
  • Turkish marriage certificate
  • Proof of financial resources
  • Health insurance
  • Proof of address
• Apply online at e-ikamet.goc.gov.tr and attend your appointment at the Immigration Office.
• Processing usually takes around 30 days.

How We Can Help

We understand that preparing for a wedding is exciting—but dealing with foreign documents, translations, and legal procedures in a different country can feel overwhelming. As a consultancy, we take care of the entire process for you, from collecting and translating your documents to arranging notarizations, booking your health report, and securing your marriage office appointment. Our goal is to make your path to marriage in Turkey completely stress-free, so you can focus on enjoying your big day while we handle all the paperwork and logistics.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Can foreigners get married in Turkey?
Yes. Foreigners can get married in Turkey as long as they are in legal stay status (valid visa or residence permit) and meet the eligibility requirements. Overstayers cannot marry.

2. Do we both need to be Turkish citizens to marry in Turkey?
No. You can marry if both of you are foreigners or if one of you is Turkish. The process is similar, but if one partner is Turkish, only the foreign spouse’s documents need consular or apostille approval.

3. How long does the marriage process take?
If all your documents are ready, the process can take as little as a few days mainly depending on the availability of marriage office appointments.

4. Are religious ceremonies recognized?
No. Only civil marriages performed by a government marriage officer (Nikah Memuru) are legally valid in Turkey.

5. Can I prepare my documents after arriving in Turkey?
Partially. Some documents, like the health report and sworn translations, can only be arranged in Turkey. However, key documents such as your Certificate of Celibacy and Birth Certificate must be obtained and legalized in your home country before you travel.

6. How long are my documents valid?
Most foreign documents (Certificate of Celibacy, Birth Certificate) are valid for 6 months from the date of issue for marriage purposes.

7. Can we choose our wedding location?
Yes. You can marry at the local marriage office or at another approved venue (hotel, outdoor space, etc.). Additional fees may apply for weddings outside the marriage office.

8. What changes after we marry a Turkish citizen?
You will be eligible to apply for a Family Residence Permit, allowing you to live in Turkey for up to 3 years. This permit can be renewed, and after 3 years of marriage you may also become eligible to apply for Turkish citizenship (if you meet other legal requirements).

9. Do both partners have to be in Turkey to start the process?
Yes. Both partners must be present in Turkey to submit the marriage application at the registry office, as signatures and identity checks are done in person.

10. Can I get married in Turkey if my divorce was abroad?
Yes but you will need to provide your foreign divorce decree with apostille or consular approval, translated into Turkish, and notarized. Without this, your marital status will not be updated in the system, and you won’t be able to remarry.