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If you are planning on getting married in Turkey, this guide will walk you through the paperwork and procedures involved in arranging a marriage in Turkey.
If you’re thinking of getting married in Turkey on the Bosporus or the Turkish Rivera, you’ll need to plan ahead of time for the necessary paperwork for a Turkish wedding.
About Marriage in Turkey
When you’re ready to tie the knot, Turkey could be your perfect choice. Here’s why I think it’s an ideal wedding destination:
- Age and Independence: In Turkey, as long as you’re over eighteen and not under guardianship, yaş sınırı (age limit) or velayet (guardianship), you’re free to marry without needing anyone else’s approval.
- No Legal Obstacles: Foreigners face no legal issues marrying in Turkey, whether it’s with a Turk or another foreigner. Yabancı uyruk (foreign nationals) can easily say “I do” in this beautiful country.
- Stunning Venues: Imagine exchanging vows on a sun-kissed beach or at a serene mountain retreat. The variety of düğün mekanları (wedding venues) here is simply amazing.
- Instant Honeymoon: One of the best parts is that you can jet off to a romantic honeymoon right after the ceremony. Turkey is brimming with balayı (honeymoon) that suit every newlywed’s dream.
For a truly unforgettable start to married life, consider a Ege’de özel bir gezi or an Ege’de yolculuk (Aegean cruise). Remember, choosing Turkey isn’t just about the location, it’s starting a lifelong adventure in one of the most enchanting places in the world.
Merak etmeyin (Don’t worry), with the right planning, your Turkish wedding will be a dream come true.
Documents required to formally complete a civil marriage
in Turkey
If you’re considering getting married in Turkey, here’s a streamlined guide to the process:
- Application: Both partners must apply at the belediye (municipality), where one partner resides. It can be done in person or through an attorney.
- Marriage Declaration: Visit a marriage department and complete the marriage declaration form at the registration office.
- International Recognition: To use your marriage contract abroad, get the “family book” translated by a yeminli tercüman (sworn translator) and have it certified by the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs and then by the embassy of the country where you’ll use it.
Necessary Documents
For Turkish Citizens:
- Nüfus Cüzdanı (Republic of Turkey Identity Card)
- 5 Biyometrik Fotoğraf (5 biometric photos)
- Sağlık Raporu (Health report), from a Family Health Physician (Family Doctor’s approval required for reports from private hospitals)
For Foreign Nationals:
- Notarized copy of the passport with Türkçe tercüme (Turkish translation)
- 5 Biyometrik Fotoğraf (5 biometric photos)
- Sağlık Raporu (Health report) from a Family Health Physician
- Oturum İzni (Photocopy of residence permit) for those residing in Turkey
- Doğum Belgesi (Birth Certificate), obtainable from foreign country consulates in Turkey
Remember:
- Ensure all foreign documents have accurate Turkish translations.
- Appointments can be made directly through the municipalities for document submissions.
- Prepare these documents well in advance to avoid last-minute stress.
Cost of Marriage In Turkey
When planning a civil marriage in Turkey, keep in mind the following costs:
- Civil Marriage Fee: Expect to pay around 2,500-4,500 TL which is roughly 90-150 USD.
- Translation and Notarization: For necessary paperwork, budget around 2,000 TL (Around 67 USD).
It’s important to remember that these fees exclude any embassy charges for translation and documentation. So, be sure to factor in those additional costs when you’re budgeting for your big day.
Keep everything on track with these key points:
- Confirm the fees with your local municipality as they can vary.
- Check the current exchange rates, as USD to TL rates fluctuate.
- Prepare financially for extra costs outside the marriage fee.
Getting Married In Turkey Blood Test
Medical Examination: In Turkey, before you can get married, both partners need a sağlık raporu (health report).
- Approved Facilities: Only certain tıbbi tesisler (medical facilities) endorsed by the Evlenme Bürosu (Bureau of Marriages) are permitted to carry out the exam.
- Varied Options: Each evlendirme dairesi (marriage bureau) will have a different anlaşmalı klinik (affiliated clinic) for these checks.
- Clinic Information: Reach out to your chosen evlenme dairesi for the list of onaylanmış klinikler (approved clinics).
What’s Tested:
- Blood Type
- HIV
- Hepatitis B and C
- Syphilis
The report essentially confirms you’re free from bulaşıcı hastalıklar (infectious diseases).
If you’re planning to marry in Turkey, here are your action steps:
- Choose your marriage bureau: They’ll provide you with their list of approved clinics.
- Schedule an appointment: As early as possible to avoid any delays.
- Get your tests done: Make sure you have all the necessary tests completed for your medical report.
Religious Marriage In Turkey
In Turkey, only civil marriages are legally binding. Here’s how it works for different faiths:
- Muslims: You can have a dini nikah (religious marriage) with an Imam after the resmi nikah (civil marriage). For more details, visit a local camii (mosque) and speak to an imam.
- Christians: After the civil ceremony, you may arrange for a Christian marriage in designated kiliseler (churches).
- Jews: Similarly, Jewish couples can have a dini tören (religious ceremony) in a sinagog (synagogue) following their civil marriage.
Remember, your religious ceremony is a personal celebration and doesn’t replace the legal requirements of a civil marriage. For guidance, you can always reach out to religious leaders:
- Imams: Visit your nearest mosque for Islamic marriage guidance.
- Priests or Pastors: Check with local churches in cities like Istanbul for Christian ceremonies.
- Rabbis: Approach synagogues in various cities for Jewish marriage information.
Prohibited Marriages in Turkey
In Turkey, there is a clear framework for prohibited marriages to maintain the integrity of family structures and the legal system. Here’s a summary of non-permissible unions:
Kinship Restrictions:
- Upper and Lower Lineage: Marriage is not allowed between direct ancestors and descendants.
- Siblings and Extended Family: Brothers and sisters, as well as uncles, aunts, and nieces/nephews, cannot marry.
- In-Law Relations: Even after the end of in-law kinship through divorce or death, marriage between the surviving spouse and their former in-laws is not allowed.
- Adoption-based Restrictions: Adoptive parents and adopted children, as well as their direct descendants and spouses, are barred from marrying each other.
Polygamy Prohibition:
- Population Registry: Anyone listed as married in the national registry cannot enter into another marriage.
- Death or Divorce: Remarriage is only permitted if the previous marriage has ended and the change is updated in the family records.
Waiting Period for Women (İddet Müddeti):
- 300-day Period: Women must wait 300 days after becoming widowed, divorced, or having their marriage annulled before remarrying.
- Birth or Court Exception: This waiting period can end earlier if the woman gives birth or if a court decides to shorten or remove it.
Following these guidelines helps maintain respect for Turkish law and protects individuals from entering into prohibited marriages. Always consult with the local Nüfus ve Vatandaşlık İşleri Genel Müdürlüğü (Population and Citizenship Affairs) to ensure compliance.
Polygamy in Turkey
In Turkey, it’s important to understand that bigamy, or entering into a second marriage while already married, is illegal and carries serious consequences:
- Married Individuals: If a person marries another while already married, they face 6 months to 2 years of imprisonment.
- Unmarried Individuals: Even if someone is single but knowingly marries someone else who is already married, they receive the same punishment as above.
- False Identity: Marrying under a false identity can lead to 3 months to 1 year of imprisonment.
These regulations are strictly enforced to uphold the principles of monogamy and transparency in marital relationships. Here’s what you need to remember:
- Check Marital Status: Before getting married, ensure that both individuals are legally free to marry.
- Disclose Identity: Always provide true and accurate personal information for the marriage registry.
- Legal Consequences: Understand the severity of the law and avoid any actions that could result in penal repercussions.
Key Takeaways:
- Monogamy is Mandatory: Turkish law only recognizes monogamous marriages.
- Honesty is Crucial: Be transparent about your marital status and identity.
- Legal Implications: Bigamy and deceit in marriage are serious offenses with punishable by law.
Denial Of Marriage in Turkey
In Turkey, marriage officers are obliged to ensure that all legal requirements are met before a marriage can take place. If the marriage officer, upon reviewing the application, spots any issues that conflict with Article 15 of the Marriage Regulation, they will not allow the marriage to proceed. Here’s what you need to know:
- Documentary Proof: Couples must provide evidence that no legal barrier to their marriage exists.
- Population Registry Accuracy: If an obstacle arises because of an incomplete transaction in the nüfus kaydı (population register), the marriage cannot go ahead until the issue is resolved.
Surname After Marriage in Turkey
After the original surname of the wife is registered together with the husband’s surname, the woman can use her husband surname or add it to her own surname.
A woman who has two surnames before marriage can only benefit from one of these surnames.
Family Residence Permit And Visa
Foreign National and Turkish Civil Marriage: A foreigner married to a Turkish citizen is eligible for a ikamet izni (residence permit) post-marriage.
- Turkey-Based Marriage: After registering your marriage at the civil registry office, a aile ikamet izni (family residence permit) application is the next step.
- Marriage Abroad: For marriages outside Turkey, you must have it recognized by Turkish representatives, who will then notify Turkish authorities to register the foreign spouse.
Family Residence Permit Application:
- Both Spouses Present: During the appointment for a family residence permit, both the foreign national and the Turkish citizen must attend.
- Marital Union Check: Authorities may investigate to ensure the marriage is genuine, and fake marriages could lead to denial or cancellation of the residence permit.
Required Documents:
- Application form
- Passport or equivalent travel document
- 4 Biyometrik Fotoğraf (4 biometric photographs)
- Turkish spouse’s identity document
- Marriage certificate
- Health insurance
- Income or asset proof
- Address information
- Criminal record
Duration and Updates:
- Up to 3 Years: The family residence permit can be valid for this period.
- Unaffected by Marital Changes: The permit stays valid even if the marriage ends or the Turkish spouse passes away.
- Renewal: The foreign spouse should apply for an extension before expiry.
