How to File for Turkish Citizenship through Marriage
Turkey is a transcontinental country located in Asia and Europe. This is one of the countries where many foreign nationals have indicated interest to obtain citizenship recently.
There are several methods by which a foreign national can obtain Turkish citizenship, one of which is Marriage.
This article will explain to you how to file for Turkish citizenship through marriage.
Turkish Citizenship Through Marriage
In the late twentieth century, foreign nationals automatically became citizens of Turkey when married to a Turkish national. This policy was changed by the Turkey government in 2009 in their bid to control the increase of contract marriages and untrue unions (that all aimed at non-citizens obtaining Turkish citizenship).
However, obtaining Turkish citizenship in this century requires a lot of paperwork but it is still the easiest means of obtaining citizenship in Turkey.
Who Can Apply for Turkish Citizenship Through Marriage
You can apply for Turkish citizenship through marriage if you fulfil the conditions documented in Article 16 regarding acquiring the Citizenship Law by marriage.
This Article states that; acquiring Turkish citizenship by marriage is not automatic after marriage to a Turkish national but after at least three years of marriage with continuity of the marriage.
Filing for Turkish Citizenship Through Marriage
Factors to note when applying for Turkish citizenship through marriage are;
- You must be living together with your spouse during marriage.
- Your union must refrain from acts that violate marriage rules (for example, prostitution).
- Your union must not be a threat to national security.
- If your Turkish spouse dies after you have filed for citizenship, your application is still valid.
- If you divorce after obtaining Turkish citizenship through marriage, your citizenship is still valid.
- If your union was at least three years and you didn’t file for citizenship then your Turkish spouse dies, you can still file for citizenship.
How to File For Turkish Citizenship Through Marriage
- If you reside in Turkey, you can file for citizenship at the office of the governor of the province you reside in.
- If you reside outside Turkey, you can file for citizenship at the foreign missions via an extraordinary power of attorney.
- Your Foreign ID number will be needed to initiate the application process.
- Then, you’ll be required to pay an application fee of TL 115 in cash, to commence your application.
- You and your spouse will be invited afterwards for an interview (to check the genuineness of your union).
- If the previous stage is successful, you will be called upon and your fingerprints received.
Documents Required for Application
- Your Application form.
- Two biometric photographs.
- An identity document evidencing your nationality.
- You and your spouse’s birth certificates/identity register.
- Residence permit if you reside in Turkey (with photocopy).
- Your criminal record.
- A document showing that you live as a family unity with your spouse.
- Receipt of payment (application fee).
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the means of obtaining Turkish citizenship as a foreigner?
- Investment
- Marriage
- The decision of the competent authority.
What are the benefits of being a citizen of Turkey?
Being a citizen of Turkey has several benefits which are;
- Fast relocation to the US and the UK.
- Comfortable and affordable high standard of living.
- No residency requirements.
- Visa-free travel worldwide.
- Dual citizenship.
- Citizenship is transferrable to descendants.
- Safe and secure environment.
Conclusion
There are several benefits of being a citizen of Turkey. Obtaining Turkish citizenship is quite easy especially if you are filing for it through marriage.
