Consultancy on Official Marriage Procedures with Foreign Nationals

Couples wishing to marry a foreign national in Türkiye must obtain the documents to be submitted to the marriage registry office in a form that complies with both their own national legislation and Turkish legislation. Foremost among these is the certificate of capacity to marry, showing that the foreign national is single and that there is no impediment to their marriage.

Documents obtained abroad must bear an apostille certification or consular attestation and must be given a sworn translation. At BKT we draw up the document list according to your nationality, handle the apostille and translation process, and also meet your need for an interpreter at the marriage ceremony.

Who is it for?

• Foreign nationals who will marry a Turkish citizen
• Two foreign nationals who wish to marry each other in Türkiye
• Couples who will register a marriage concluded abroad in Türkiye
• Those who will complete their marriage formalities before a family residence permit application
• Couples preparing a marriage file for a citizenship application
• Couples who need a sworn interpreter at the marriage ceremony

Required documents

The list below is for a typical case. Additional documents may be requested depending on your nationality, the type of application and the practice of the relevant authority; the definitive list is given to you in writing at the initial consultation.

• The foreign national's passport and its notarised translation
• Certificate of capacity to marry (certificate of no impediment) and its translation
• Birth certificate or civil registry extract
• Apostille certification or consular attestation
• Passport-size photograph and medical report
• If divorced, the divorce judgment with the annotation of finality, and its translation
• Marriage registry office application form

The process step by step

1. 1

   List by nationality

   The list of required documents is drawn up according to the foreign national's nationality and marital status.

2. 2

   Obtaining the documents

   The certificate of capacity and the civil registry records are obtained; where necessary, guidance to the consulate is provided.

3. 3

   Apostille and translation

   Apostille certification is obtained for the documents, and the sworn translation and notarisation are completed.

4. 4

   Marriage registry office application

   The file is submitted to the marriage registry office and an appointment for the ceremony is obtained.

5. 5

   The ceremony and afterwards

   Where required, a sworn interpreter is provided at the marriage ceremony; afterwards, guidance on the family residence permit is given.

Common mistakes

• Bringing the certificate of capacity without apostille certification
• Missing the validity period of the documents and having to obtain them again
• Applying without obtaining the annotation of finality on the divorce judgment
• Having the translation done by someone other than a sworn translator
• Not planning in advance for the need for an interpreter on the day of the ceremony