Turkish Citizenship through Marriage

Frequently Asked Questions About Acquisition of Turkish Citizenship Through Marriage

1. How many years must one be married to acquire Turkish citizenship through marriage?
2. What documents are required in the application for acquiring Turkish citizenship through marriage?
3. How is the application for acquiring Turkish citizenship through marriage made?
4. How long does the application process for acquiring Turkish citizenship through marriage take?
5. Is there an interview in the application for acquiring Turkish citizenship through marriage?
6. What does it mean when your application for acquisition of Turkish citizenship through marriage is at the finalization stage?
7. How is the provincial investigation conducted in the application for acquiring Turkish citizenship through marriage?
8. What is the form for acquiring Turkish citizenship through marriage?
9. What are the conditions for acquiring Turkish citizenship through marriage?
10. How long does the archive research take in the application for acquiring Turkish citizenship through marriage?
11. What are the rejection reasons in the application for acquiring Turkish citizenship through marriage?
12. How is the lawsuit for acquiring Turkish citizenship through marriage filed?
13. How is the VAT-6 application form for acquisition of Turkish citizenship through marriage filled out?
14. Do those who acquire Turkish citizenship through marriage have the right to vote and be elected?
15. Does divorce after acquiring Turkish citizenship through marriage affect citizenship?
16. How is a petition example for acquiring Turkish citizenship through marriage prepared?
17. Is acquiring Turkish citizenship through marriage mandatory or are there alternative ways?
18. Why should those wishing to acquire Turkish citizenship through marriage seek lawyer support?
19. Which laws are applicable regarding the acquisition of Turkish citizenship through marriage?
20. What are the past questions about acquisition of Turkish citizenship through marriage?

Process of Acquisition of Turkish Citizenship Through Marriage in Turkey

What legal conditions are required to acquire citizenship through marriage in Turkey?

The process of "acquisition of Turkish citizenship through marriage" in Turkey is a serious legal procedure based on Turkish Citizenship Law No. 5901 and relevant regulations. Foreigners married to Turkish citizens do not directly gain citizenship rights by virtue of this marriage. These individuals must remain married for a certain period and fulfill other conditions stipulated by law to be eligible for Turkish citizenship.

A fundamental condition for acquiring Turkish citizenship through marriage is that the marriage must have continued for at least three years. However, the passage of this period does not automatically grant citizenship; applications are subject to administrative evaluation. At this point, the "administrative discretion in acquisition of Turkish citizenship through marriage" plays a crucial role. Relevant authorities assess whether the applicant genuinely lives within the marital union and whether they pose a threat to national security or public order.

The application process usually consists of the following stages: the application form (commonly known as the "VAT-6" form) is filled out, necessary documents are gathered, and the application is submitted via the population registry office. Following this, the process begins with the notification "a provincial investigation is being conducted regarding your application for acquisition of Turkish citizenship through marriage." Subsequently, security checks such as "archive research related to your application for acquisition of Turkish citizenship through marriage" are carried out. Upon completion of these processes, the result is communicated to the applicant with the statement "the result of your application for acquisition of Turkish citizenship through marriage has been notified to you."

Throughout this procedure, obtaining professional support from a legal expert specialized in this field, such as an "Izmir citizenship lawyer" or "Karsiyaka citizenship lawyer," is critically important to ensure the process is conducted accurately and lawfully. Otherwise, incomplete document submission or false statements may lead to rejection.

The frequently asked question "how long does acquisition of Turkish citizenship through marriage take?" has been widely raised in recent years. Depending on the nature of the application, the workload of relevant authorities, and the applicant’s personal situation, the process generally takes between 6 and 24 months.

Conditions Required in Applications for Acquisition of Citizenship Through Marriage in Turkey

What conditions must spouses meet when applying for Turkish citizenship through marriage?

Foreigners wishing to apply for "acquisition of Turkish citizenship through marriage" in Turkey must meet certain fundamental conditions in accordance with the Turkish Citizenship Law and related legislation. These conditions are not limited solely to the existence of the marital bond but include a comprehensive examination of the quality of the marriage and the applicant’s security status.

The primary and most fundamental criterion is that the applicant has been married to a Turkish citizen spouse for at least three years. However, the mere passage of time is insufficient for the application. The marital relationship must continue as a genuine family union. Among the "conditions for acquisition of Turkish citizenship through marriage," cohabitation, mutual support, and maintenance of family unity stand out. If spouses live separately in practice or the marriage is one of convenience (a formal marriage), the application is rejected.

Additionally, the applicant must not pose any risk to public security and must not be subject to any deportation order or entry ban. These situations generally emerge during the "archive research related to your application for acquisition of Turkish citizenship through marriage" and "provincial investigation" processes. Having a criminal record involving serious offenses or attempting to use forged documents will result in definitive rejection of the application.

The application form typically used is the "VAT-6 application form for acquisition of Turkish citizenship through marriage." This form, together with the required documents, is completed and submitted to the population registry office. The form includes many details about the marriage, the cohabiting address, and previous residence statuses. Required supplementary documents include a passport, foreign identity number, marriage certificate, biometric photograph, and criminal record certificate.

Any minor mistake or missing document during this process may hinder the ongoing process indicated by the phrase "your application for acquisition of Turkish citizenship through marriage is at the finalization stage." Therefore, working with a "Turkey citizenship lawyer" or "Izmir citizenship lawyer" is essential to ensure the process is managed legally and protects the applicant from possible legal risks.

Distinction Between Genuine Marriage and Marriage of Convenience in Turkey

How is a sham marriage detected in citizenship applications through marriage in Turkey?

One of the most scrutinized aspects during the acquisition of Turkish citizenship through marriage is the verification of whether the marriage is genuine. Many foreigners have entered into sham marriages for the purpose of obtaining citizenship, prompting the relevant authorities in Turkey to establish specific supervisory mechanisms in this area. In this context, both provincial investigations and archive research are conducted to detect marriages of convenience in applications for acquisition of Turkish citizenship through marriage.

During the application process, authorized bodies investigate whether the marital union genuinely continues based on cohabitation, joint economic life, and social and emotional bonds. For example, whether the spouses live at the same address, family photographs, social media interactions, witness statements, and even home visits are used to conduct detailed analyses. This process is also reflected in the notification stating "a provincial investigation is being conducted regarding your application for acquisition of Turkish citizenship through marriage."

Marriages of convenience usually involve brief acquaintanceships where people who do not know each other marry solely for citizenship acquisition purposes. If such a marriage is detected, the application is rejected, and legal proceedings may be initiated against the individuals for fraud. Moreover, the "lawsuit for acquisition of Turkish citizenship through marriage" may be initiated, and citizenship obtained through such means can be revoked.

The assessment of whether a marriage is genuine falls entirely within the administrative discretion. Under the "administrative discretion in acquisition of Turkish citizenship through marriage," interviews, questions about the marital union, and environmental research may be conducted. Therefore, it is critically important that every statement made during the application process is truthful and supported by documents.

In such sensitive processes, obtaining support from a specialized legal consultant, such as a "Karsiyaka citizenship lawyer" or "Izmir citizenship lawyer," ensures the proper conduct of the application and prevents loss of rights. Incorrect or incomplete information may lead to questioning the application under the scope of "past questions about acquisition of Turkish citizenship through marriage."

Application Process and Stages of Acquisition of Citizenship Through Marriage in Turkey

How is the citizenship application through marriage made in Turkey and how long does the process take?

The application for acquisition of Turkish citizenship through marriage is made to official authorities by following a certain procedure. These applications can be made by foreigners who have been married to Turkish citizens for at least three years, provided they prove that their marriage is genuine and sincere. All stages of the process are carefully evaluated, and the result generally takes between 6 and 24 months.

The application is first submitted to the population registry office in the province of residence. The first step is to fill out the "form for acquisition of Turkish citizenship through marriage" (VAT-6) and prepare the necessary documents. These documents include copies of the passport, foreign identity number, marriage certificate, residence permit, biometric photo, and criminal record certificate. Additionally, the Turkish spouse’s identity information and population registration excerpt are also added to the application.

After submission of the documents, the application is recorded, and the applicant is notified in writing that "a provincial investigation is being conducted regarding your application for acquisition of Turkish citizenship through marriage," thereby initiating the process. Provincial police departments or gendarmerie units investigate the genuineness of the marital relationship and the security status of the applicant. In parallel with this stage, "archive research related to your application for acquisition of Turkish citizenship through marriage" is also conducted, and the applicant’s background is thoroughly evaluated.

If the investigations result positively, the file is forwarded to the Ministry of Interior. After a final evaluation, the Ministry either approves the application or rejects it with justification. The applicant is notified with the statement "the result of your application for acquisition of Turkish citizenship through marriage has been notified to you." Upon positive conclusion, the person is registered as a Turkish citizen and can obtain the Turkish Republic identity card.

During this process, the applicant can track the application through the e-Government portal’s "inquiry for acquisition of Turkish citizenship through marriage" screen. The progress of the application can be followed with expressions such as "your application for acquisition of Turkish citizenship through marriage is at the finalization stage."

For the flawless and correct execution of all these procedures, working with a "Turkey citizenship lawyer" or "Izmir citizenship lawyer" provides a significant advantage. Lawyer support facilitates the complete submission of application documents, proper preparation for interviews, and management of appeal processes in case of rejection.

Waiting Period for Acquisition of Citizenship After Marriage in Turkey

How long must one remain married to acquire Turkish citizenship through marriage?

One of the first and most decisive conditions in the process of acquisition of Turkish citizenship through marriage is that at least three years must have passed since the marriage to a Turkish citizen. This three-year period is prescribed by Article 16 of the Turkish Citizenship Law to confirm the reality and sincerity of the marriage. The duration of the marriage must have elapsed at the time of application; the completion of three years after the application date is not accepted.

In this regard, the frequently asked questions "how long does acquisition of Turkish citizenship through marriage take?" and "is acquisition of Turkish citizenship through marriage mandatory?" should not be confused. The three-year marriage duration is mandatory to gain the right to apply; however, even if this condition is met, citizenship approval is not automatic. The acceptance of the application depends on administrative discretion.

During the application process, the stages of "a provincial investigation is being conducted regarding your application for acquisition of Turkish citizenship through marriage" and "archive research related to your application for acquisition of Turkish citizenship through marriage" begin. During these investigations, cohabitation, maintenance of joint life, and continuity of family unity are examined meticulously. Short-term separations may be tolerated, but long-term separate living or the actual dissolution of the marital union may result in rejection.

In some cases, even if three years have passed, it may be determined that the spouses did not live together during the marriage or that the marriage is one of convenience. Such cases generally result in negative decisions in "past decisions about acquisition of Turkish citizenship through marriage." A person who acquired citizenship remains a citizen even if divorced afterward. However, if the divorce happens shortly after marriage, the administration may find this suspicious and may file for revocation of citizenship.

To ensure the healthy conduct of the citizenship process, working with experienced lawyers such as a "Karsiyaka citizenship lawyer" protects the applicant’s rights and contributes to the acceleration of the process. Legal support is especially important in the preparation of technical documents such as the "petition for acquisition of Turkish citizenship through marriage."

Rights and Responsibilities of Those Who Acquire Citizenship Through Marriage in Turkey

What rights and obligations do foreigners who acquire Turkish citizenship through marriage have?

When the acquisition of Turkish citizenship through marriage is finalized positively, the applicant gains the status of a Turkish citizen. This status brings various rights and obligations. The person who acquires citizenship enjoys equal rights with all other Turkish citizens residing in Turkey and can benefit from these rights in legal, social, and economic areas.

Those who acquire citizenship have indefinite residence and work rights in Turkey. They can also benefit from public services such as health, education, and social security and engage in economic activities such as real estate acquisition and business establishment on equal terms with Turkish citizens. From the moment the "acquisition of Turkish citizenship through marriage" status becomes clear, the foreigner can fully benefit from all these rights.

However, some rights are restricted by special laws. For example, the right to vote and be elected, appointment to public office, or military service obligations are regulated by special provisions. New citizens may become public officials; however, some security positions require citizenship by birth.

Similarly, a person who acquires Turkish citizenship through marriage can equally benefit from social rights. Retirement, insurance, health services, and other public supports are included in this scope. However, obligations also commence after citizenship acquisition. These include tax payment, address notification, military service (except for special cases for men), and compliance with public order.

Committing any crime or acts against public security after acquiring citizenship may trigger the process of citizenship revocation. This issue can be raised especially through a "lawsuit for acquisition of Turkish citizenship through marriage." Therefore, it is of great importance for newly acquired citizens to exercise their rights correctly and fulfill their legal responsibilities.

Legal support may also be necessary after citizenship acquisition. Especially in matters such as real estate acquisition, inheritance, and company establishment, acting under the guidance of an expert legal consultant such as an "Izmir citizenship lawyer" minimizes legal risks and ensures smooth execution of transactions.

Reasons for Rejection in Citizenship Applications Through Marriage in Turkey

What are the reasons for rejection of citizenship applications through marriage in Turkey?

An application for acquisition of Turkish citizenship through marriage is not automatically accepted for every applicant. The administration has the authority to evaluate the application and may reject it with justified reasons if deemed necessary. This situation is evaluated under the "administrative discretion in acquisition of Turkish citizenship through marriage" explicitly recognized by the Turkish Citizenship Law.

The main reasons for rejection include the marriage not being genuine. Factors such as spouses not living together, contradictions in witness statements, address inconsistencies, suspicious circumstances during home visits raise suspicions that the marriage is one of convenience. Such suspicions are thoroughly examined during the "provincial investigation regarding your application for acquisition of Turkish citizenship through marriage" and "archive research."

Another common reason for rejection is that the applicant poses a threat to public order, security, or public health. Those with serious criminal records, those previously deported, or those who try to conduct transactions with forged documents may receive negative outcomes described as "past cases of acquisition of Turkish citizenship through marriage."

Incorrect or incomplete filling of the application form and incomplete or contradictory documents are also frequent grounds for rejection. It is particularly important to fill out the VAT-6 "form for acquisition of Turkish citizenship through marriage" completely and correctly. Additionally, the "petition for acquisition of Turkish citizenship through marriage" must be appropriately prepared.

Some applications may be rejected administratively even if technically the conditions are met. These cases usually appear as last-minute administrative rejections in processes ending with the phrase "your application for acquisition of Turkish citizenship through marriage is at the finalization stage." Since such decisions may be unlawful, it is possible to appeal with a "Turkey citizenship lawyer."

In case of rejection, the procedures must be conducted timely and on a legal basis. At this point, expert lawyers such as "Izmir citizenship lawyers" can provide professional support in preparing appeal petitions and, if necessary, filing lawsuits to prevent loss of rights.

Legal Remedies After Rejection of Citizenship Applications Through Marriage in Turkey

What legal remedies are available to those whose citizenship applications through marriage are rejected?

If an application for acquisition of Turkish citizenship through marriage is rejected, the decision is not final. The applicant has the right to resort to legal remedies against administrative actions. Every administrative act in Turkey is subject to judicial review, and judicial recourse is open against rejected citizenship applications.

First, when the citizenship application is rejected, the applicant receives a written notification. This notification usually includes the phrase "the result of your application for acquisition of Turkish citizenship through marriage has been notified to you," along with the reasons for the decision. An annulment lawsuit can be filed in the administrative court within 60 days from the notification. This lawsuit ensures judicial review of the legality of the grounds for rejection.

During the lawsuit process, the reasons for rejection must be clearly analyzed, and the lawsuit petition prepared accordingly. Common grounds for rejection include failure to meet "conditions for acquisition of Turkish citizenship through marriage," the marriage not being genuine, suspicion of fraud in the application, or negative findings in the security investigation. All these reasons must be refuted with concrete documents and evidence.

Especially if information detected during the "provincial investigation regarding your application for acquisition of Turkish citizenship through marriage" forms the basis for rejection, witness statements, proof of residence, social and economic union evidence can be submitted to strengthen the case.

Legal support during the lawsuit is highly important. These processes, which qualify as "lawsuits for acquisition of Turkish citizenship through marriage," involve complex administrative and procedural rules. Working with an "Izmir citizenship lawyer" who is knowledgeable in citizenship law offers great advantage. Additionally, if a reapplication is planned, professional support is essential to correctly identify existing deficiencies and prepare the new application legally.

It should be noted that if the administrative court annuls the rejection decision, the person does not become a citizen directly; the process restarts and the administration conducts a new evaluation. Therefore, even if the lawsuit is won, citizenship is not automatically granted; only the rejection is annulled.

Importance of Lawyer Support in the Process of Acquisition of Turkish Citizenship Through Marriage in Turkey

Why is it important to work with a lawyer for those wishing to acquire Turkish citizenship through marriage?

The process of acquisition of Turkish citizenship through marriage is a complex and multi-stage procedure governed by legal regulations. Even if the marital relationship is genuine and sincere, the smallest mistake or deficiency during the application process may cause delays or even rejection of the application. Therefore, working with an experienced "Turkey citizenship lawyer" from the beginning to the end is critically important to avoid loss of time and rights.

Documents to be submitted during the application phase must be complete and accurate. Particularly, documents such as the "application form (VAT-6) for acquisition of Turkish citizenship through marriage" and the "petition for acquisition of Turkish citizenship through marriage" must be prepared meticulously, and the genuineness of the marriage supported with concrete evidence. Incomplete or incorrect statements in such documents may lead to negative outcomes during the stages of "provincial investigation regarding your application for acquisition of Turkish citizenship through marriage" or "archive research related to your application."

Lawyer support is not limited to document preparation. Legal consultancy also covers preparation for interviews, determining appropriate answers to possible questions, organizing documents proving cohabitation, and guidance in following the process via the e-Government portal's "inquiry for acquisition of Turkish citizenship through marriage." The lawyer explains to the applicant what each stage means.

Some applications may end negatively. If a case is "past acquisition of Turkish citizenship through marriage" but results in rejection, it may be necessary to file an annulment lawsuit. In such "lawsuit for acquisition of Turkish citizenship through marriage" cases, working with an "Izmir citizenship lawyer" or "Karsiyaka citizenship lawyer" familiar with administrative judiciary rules is vital.

In conclusion, lawyer support in the process of acquiring Turkish citizenship through marriage plays a critical role in the correct preparation of the application, successful completion of administrative investigations, effective legal defense against rejection decisions, and the timely and complete finalization of the process.

For the flawless and correct execution of your Turkish citizenship application process, you can obtain professional consultancy from KL Legal Consultancy. You can contact our expert lawyers to best protect your legal rights.