Turkish citizenship by marriage/birth

Many foreigners choose Turkey as their second home, but the country's immigration laws are not always simple. Unlike real estate investment routes which are faster, family-based routes such as Turkish Citizenship by Marriage or Citizenship by Birth involve specific legal and security nuances. This article is based on Turkish Citizenship Law No. 5901 and the latest regulations up to 2025 to provide you with an accurate roadmap.

Turkish Citizenship by Marriage (The 3-Year Rule)

In the past, marrying a Turkish citizen could lead to immediate citizenship, but the law has changed to prevent "sham marriages." Under current laws, marriage is merely the "entry key," and you must pass a 3-year probationary period.

1. Three Main Conditions for Application (Article 16)

For your application to be accepted, you must meet the following 3 conditions simultaneously:

1. Time Requirement (3 Years): You must have been married for at least 3 years from the official date of marriage, and the marriage must be ongoing at the time of the citizenship decision. (Engagement or dating periods do not count).
2. Unity of Family (Living Together): The couple must genuinely live together. The registered address for both spouses in the Population Registry (Nüfus) must be the same. Separation is only accepted under specific circumstances (e.g., mandatory military service, hospitalization, or compulsory government assignment).
3. Moral Requirement (No Incompatible Behavior): You must not engage in behavior that suggests the marriage is fake (e.g., prostitution or moral misconduct). Registered domestic violence records can also jeopardize the application.

Important Note: Your marriage must be official and legally registered. Only religious ceremonies (Imam Nikah) without civil registration or polygamy are illegal in Turkey and have no validity for citizenship applications.

2. Required Documents (Checklist)

Accurate documentation is half the battle. Missing documents can cause long delays:

• Application Form (VAT-6): Typed or filled in capital letters.
• Passport: Original and notarized translation (valid for at least 6 months).
• Birth Certificate: Translated and authenticated copy from your home country.
• Turkish Spouse's Identity Register Copy (Vukuatlı): Must show full family details.
• Marriage Booklet (Red Book): Copies of identity pages.
• Valid Residence Permit: Copy of front and back.
• Criminal Record (Police Clearance): From Turkey (e-Devlet) and your home country (translated and authenticated).
• Biometric Photos: 4 copies (white background).
• Service Fee Receipt: Payment made to the Tax Office (Maliye).
• Proof of Shared Life: Joint rental contract, joint bank account, family photos.

Note on Document Authentication: If your country is a member of the Apostille Convention, your documents must be Apostilled. If not, they must go through a chain legalization process (Ministry of Foreign Affairs in your country -> Turkish Consulate -> Governorate validation in Turkey).

3. Police Investigation and Interview

To ensure the marriage is genuine, the Turkish government conducts two strict control stages:

A) Police Investigation (Home Visit):
Police may visit your home unannounced or ask neighbors/local shopkeepers about you. They look for signs of a shared life:

• Are both men's and women's clothes present in the wardrobe?
• Are there two toothbrushes in the bathroom?
• Is there a double bed that appears to be shared?

B) Commission Interview (Governorate):
This stage is like an oral exam. Usually, the couple is separated and asked detailed questions to check for inconsistencies.
Sample Questions: What color is your sofa? What did you have for dinner last night? Does your spouse drink tea or coffee? What was the last gift you gave each other?

Citizenship by Birth

Many foreigners believe that if a child is born in Turkey, the baby automatically gets a Turkish passport (similar to the US). This is incorrect.

1. Law of Blood (Jus Sanguinis)

Turkey follows the principle of Jus Sanguinis (Right of Blood), not Jus Soli (Right of Soil).

• If one parent (mother or father) is Turkish: The child is a Turkish citizen immediately, regardless of where they are born (in Turkey or abroad).
• If both parents are foreigners: A child born in Turkey does not become a Turkish citizen. They acquire the citizenship of their parents.

Exception: A foreign baby is granted Turkish citizenship only if they would otherwise be "stateless" (not acquiring any citizenship from parents). However, since most countries transfer citizenship by descent, this exception rarely applies to tourists or residents.

2. Duties of Foreign Parents after Birth in Turkey

If you and your spouse are foreigners and your child is born in Turkey, you must follow these steps to avoid penalties:

1. Get Birth Report: Obtain it from the hospital (ensure names match passports exactly).
2. Register at Population Directorate (Nüfus): Go to the local Nüfus office with the birth report and parents' passports to register the birth.
3. Contact Your Consulate: Apply to your country's consulate to register the newborn and obtain a passport for the child.
4. Obtain Residence Permit for Baby (Crucial): The baby can stay without a permit for up to 6 months. Before this period ends, you must apply for a Residence Permit (linked to the parents' status). Otherwise, you will face heavy fines upon exit.

Part 3: Special Conditions and Challenges

1. Impact of Divorce or Death

• Death of Spouse: If the Turkish spouse passes away before the process is complete, the law is lenient. The citizenship process continues (provided there are no national security issues).
• Divorce:
  • Before Citizenship: The application is cancelled.
  • After Citizenship: If the divorce is due to normal reasons, citizenship remains. However, if it is proven that the marriage was a sham (bad faith) from the start, citizenship can be revoked.
• Domestic Violence: If you are forced to leave the house due to violence (documented by police/medical reports), this separation does not negatively impact your "unity of family" requirement.

2. Banking and Military Service

• Opening a Bank Account: Foreigners can open accounts in Turkish banks, but requirements have tightened. You generally need a valid Residence Permit, a Turkish Tax ID number, and a registered address.
• Military Service: Males who acquire Turkish citizenship are liable for military service. However, if you have already served in your home country, you might be exempt based on "reciprocity" agreements between Turkey and your country. You will need to present translated proof of service.

Summary and Conclusion

Obtaining Turkish citizenship through marriage requires patience, a genuine shared life, and precise documentation. Honesty in the interview and complete paperwork are the keys to passing security checks. regarding birth, be aware that being born on Turkish soil alone offers no privilege, and you must act quickly to secure your child's residence permit.