Introduction

Turkey is a beautiful country that sits between Europe and Asia. It is famous for its rich culture, history, and breathtaking landscapes. Many people from around the world come here to visit, live, and sometimes get married. But getting married in Turkey involves understanding several rules and requirements. This guide will help you learn everything you need to know about who can get married in Turkey and how to go about it.

In Turkey, all marriages must be civil ceremonies. This means that the marriage is performed by a government official and not by a religious leader. Here are the basic rules everyone must follow:

  1. Minimum Age: You need to be at least 18 years old to get married. If you are under 18, you need special permission from a court.
  2. Consent: Both people getting married must agree to the marriage on their own. Nobody can force you to get married.
  3. Legal Capacity: You must understand what marriage means and agree to it without any mental issues.

If you want to get married in Turkey, you need to provide some specific documents to get married. Here is a detailed look at each document:

  1. Evlenme Beyanı (Declaration of Marriage): This is a form that you and your partner fill out to declare your intent to marry. It says that you both want to get married.
  2. Doğum Belgesi (Birth Certificate): This document shows when and where you were born and proves your identity. It is very important because it also helps to show your age.
  3. Bekarlık Beyanı (Statement of Celibacy): This document states that you are not currently married. It is proof that you are single and free to marry.
  4. Boşanma Beyanı (Statement of Divorce): If you were married before, you need a document showing that you are divorced. This proves that your previous marriage has legally ended.
  5. 4 Adet Vesikalık Fotoğraf (Passport-Sized Photos): You need four recent passport-sized photos of yourself. These photos must be taken within the last six months and must look like you.

All documents, where applicable, must be apostilled to ensure their validity and acceptance by Turkish authorities. You will need to take these documents to a marriage office to register for marriage. There are also some fees you need to pay, such as for health reports and legal registration.

Marriage for Foreign Nationals

If you are a foreigner and want to get married in Turkey, you will need a few extra documents. Here is what you need:

  1. Valid Passports: You need to provide two copies of your passport. Your passport proves your identity and nationality.
  2. Birth Certificates: Your birth certificate must be translated into Turkish and have an apostille stamp to show it is valid. An apostille is a special stamp that makes a document valid for use in another country.
  3. Statement of Celibacy (Single Status Certificate): This document, saying you are not married, must also be translated and apostilled. It proves that you are single.
  4. Health Report: You will need to get a health report from a Turkish health institution. This report checks your health to make sure you are fit to marry.

Foreign documents must be apostilled or authenticated to ensure validity and acceptance by Turkish authorities. An apostille, issued by a designated authority in the document's country of origin, is a special stamp that makes your documents official and ready to use in Turkey. Authenticated documents are official papers verified for legitimacy by embassies, consulates, or other authorized entities. These documents also need to be translated into Turkish because the officials need to understand them.

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June 2024 Update: Refugees and Moroccans must have a valid Turkish residence permit to marry, preventing marriage misuse for citizenship. Although the process is more tedious for Algerians, marriage is still possible with the correct documentation.

Mixed Nationality Marriages

If one person is Turkish and the other is a foreigner, both sets of rules apply. This means you need to follow all the steps for both Turkish citizens and foreigners. Let's break it down:

  1. Mixed Documentation: The Turkish partner submits the documents required for Turkish citizens, and the foreign partner submits the documents needed for foreign nationals.
  2. Government Approval: Some nationalities might need extra permissions depending on agreements between countries. This means you might need special checks or letters from your home country.

In mixed marriages, it is very important to make sure all documents are correctly translated and apostilled. This ensures that there are no problems or delays in the marriage process.

Marriage for Non-Residents

Even if you are just visiting Turkey, you can still get married here. Here are the steps and documents involved:

  1. Proof of Valid Stay: You need to show your visa and passport. This proves you are legally in Turkey.
  2. Single Status Certificate: This document shows you are not married. It needs to be translated and have an apostille or authentication stamp.
  3. Consular Letter: Some countries require a letter from your home country's consulate in Turkey. This letter states that you can get married.

As a tourist, it is very important to check with local authorities or your consulate to make sure you have the correct paperwork.

Marriage Prohibitions and Restrictions

There are certain rules about who cannot get married in Turkey. Here are some important restrictions:

  1. Close Relatives: You cannot marry close family members. For example, you cannot marry your brother, sister, uncle, or aunt.
  2. Polygamy: Having more than one husband or wife is not allowed. Turkey does not recognize multiple marriages.
  3. Mental Incapacity: If someone has a mental disorder that stops them from understanding marriage, they cannot get married. Both people getting married need to understand what marriage means and agree to it.

Marriage Registration Process

The process to get married in Turkey is straightforward if you follow these steps:

  1. Collect Necessary Documents: Make sure you have all the required documents and get them apostilled if needed. Remember to also have them translated into Turkish.
  2. Health Report: Get a health report from a Turkish health institution. This checks your health and ensures you can marry.
  3. Apply at Marriage Office: Go to the local marriage office with your documents. The office will check your papers.
  4. Pay Fees: You will need to pay for things like registration, notary services, and translations. These fees can add up, so be ready.
  5. Marriage Ceremony: Schedule and attend a wedding ceremony with an authorized official. This is when you officially get married.
  6. Receive Marriage Certificate: After the ceremony, you will get an official marriage certificate. This proves you are married.

Special Cases

Sometimes, there are special circumstances that can affect the marriage process. Here are a few examples:

  1. Refugees: If you are a refugee, you might need extra paperwork from refugee agencies. These organizations help make sure all your documents are in order.
  2. Military Personnel: If you are in the military, there might be extra rules to follow. Your military regulations might have specific steps for getting married.

Costs Involved

Getting married in Turkey is not free. Here are some common costs you should expect:

  • Marriage Registration Fee: Around 8,500 + 1,260 = 9,760 Turkish lira.
  • Apostille: Fee for validating foreign documents.
  • Translation and Notary: Fees for translating and notarizing documents. A notary is an official who makes documents legal.
  • Health Reports: Cost for the required health check-ups.
  • Celibacy Reports: Fee for a document stating you are not married.

It is a good idea to budget for these fees ahead of time to avoid any surprises.

Is Common-Law Marriage Recognized in Turkey?

Common-law marriage — where couples live together without formal marriage — is not legally recognized in Turkey. Cohabitating partners do not have the same rights and protections as married couples, which may affect:

  • Inheritance Rights: Partners cannot inherit from each other without a valid will.
  • Financial Obligations: Debts are not automatically shared between partners.
  • Child Custody: Legal parentage must be established for children of cohabitating partners, often requiring complex legal procedures.

For those cohabitating, understanding these legal limitations is crucial. Drafting wills and cohabitation agreements can help safeguard individual rights and interests.

Conclusion

Marrying in Turkey can be a joyous and straightforward process if you understand the legal requirements and follow the necessary steps. Whether you are a Turkish citizen, a foreign national, or a mixed-nationality couple, make sure you have all the right documents and meet the eligibility criteria. By knowing what to expect, you can look forward to a smooth and happy wedding day in this beautiful country.

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