Navigating Turkish Citizenship: Requirements and Process for Spousal Citizenship

The conditions for obtaining Turkish citizenship via marriage entail a minimum 3-year marriage duration, a legitimate marital relationship, cohabitation as a family, abstaining from activities contrary to marriage, and no circumstances compromising national security or public order. These prerequisites are specified in Article 16 of the Turkish Citizenship Law for spouse citizenship application.

Marriage to a Turkish citizen doesn't automatically confer citizenship to the spouse; it requires a formal application and approval from authorities. The detailed criteria are as follows:

Minimum 3 Years of Marriage:

Parties must be married for at least 3 years, with one spouse being a Turkish citizen, regardless of how citizenship was acquired. Residing in Turkey during this period isn't mandatory; the couple can live anywhere.

The marriage must be intact at the time of application; ending due to death or divorce before applying doesn't fulfill this condition.

Genuine and Legitimate Marriage:

The marriage must be genuine and legally recognized in Turkey; sham marriages for citizenship are rejected. Applications based on non-genuine marriages or lacking family intent are declined. Marriages abroad must be reported or registered in Turkey for citizenship consideration.

Living Within a Family Unit:

Parties must live together as a family; marriage shouldn't be solely for citizenship purposes. Temporary separations or living apart doesn't invalidate the marriage; proof of cohabitation is required.

Compliance with Marriage:

Engaging in activities contrary to marriage leads to application rejection.

Past behaviors before the application aren't considered, but during the marriage, they can lead to rejection.

National Security and Public Order:

Applicants mustn't pose threats to national security or public order. The process involves submitting documents, interviews, and waiting for a decision. It usually takes 8-10 months, emphasizing accuracy to avoid delays or rejections.

For more detailed information and personalized assistance regarding citizenship by marriage in Turkey, feel free to contact our expert legal team. Our professionals are well-versed in Turkish citizenship laws and can provide guidance tailored to your specific situation. Whether you have questions about eligibility criteria, application procedures, or any legal aspects related to acquiring Turkish citizenship through marriage, we are here to help. Get in touch with us today to explore your options and streamline the process.