Turkish Citizenship by Marriage
Turkish Citizenship by Marriage: How Does it Work?
Turkish Citizenship by Marriage is a legal process that allows a foreign national to acquire Turkish citizenship by marrying a Turkish citizen. However, marriage to a Turkish citizen does not automatically grant citizenship. The foreign spouse must meet specific legal requirements, and the marriage must be genuine, not solely for the purpose of acquiring citizenship.
To apply for Turkish citizenship through marriage, the couple must have been married for at least three years and demonstrate that they are living together. Additionally, the foreign spouse must not engage in any activity that could pose a threat to public order or national security.
How Does the Process Work?
The process for acquiring Turkish citizenship through marriage includes several important steps:
- Eligibility: The couple must have been married for at least three years, and the foreign spouse must demonstrate that the marriage is genuine and not entered into solely for citizenship purposes.
- Application: After the three-year period, the foreign spouse can apply for citizenship. They must submit the necessary documents, such as a marriage certificate, proof of cohabitation, and other supporting evidence.
- Interview: In some cases, both spouses may be called for an interview with Turkish authorities to confirm the validity of the marriage. This step is essential to ensure that the marriage is not fraudulent.
- Approval: Once the authorities are satisfied that all legal requirements are met, the foreign spouse is granted Turkish citizenship.
How Long Does the Application Process Take?
The process for obtaining Turkish citizenship through marriage typically takes several months, depending on the completeness of the application and the speed of processing by the authorities. Once all required documents are submitted, it can take between 6 to 12 months for the application to be reviewed and approved.
Which Documents Are Required for the Application?
To apply for Turkish citizenship through marriage, the foreign spouse will need to provide the following documents:
- Copies of passports
- Marriage certificate
- Proof of cohabitation (such as utility bills or rental agreements)
- Biometric photos
- Criminal background check
- Other supporting documents as required by Turkish authorities
These documents must be submitted in Turkish and may need to be notarized and apostilled according to the Hague Convention, depending on the foreign spouse’s home country.
What Are the Conditions for Turkish Citizenship by Marriage?
In addition to proving the authenticity of the marriage, the foreign spouse must meet certain conditions. These include:
- Maintaining a genuine marriage with the Turkish spouse for at least three years.
- Living together as a couple during this period.
- The foreign spouse must not have engaged in any activity that endangers public order or national security.
Consulting with a specialized Turkish citizenship lawyer can help ensure that all legal requirements are met, and the application process proceeds smoothly. Our law firm provides comprehensive legal services to foreign spouses seeking Turkish citizenship, assisting with document preparation, application submission, and representation before Turkish authorities.