Published on and written by Cyril Jarnias
Organizing a wedding in Turkey is an adventure in itself, often filled with administrative details that may seem complex at first glance. To turn this unique moment into reality without complications, it’s essential to understand the required formalities and documents to legalize your union.
Whether you’re a resident or a foreigner, knowing each step, from required certificates to administrative appointments, can not only simplify the process but also ensure your attention remains focused on what truly matters: celebrating your love in this country rich in history and culture.
This practical overview will guide you through the essential procedures, ensuring nothing disrupts your big day.
Detailed Administrative Procedures for Getting Married in Turkey
The civil marriage is the only form of marriage recognized by Turkish law and constitutes the sole procedure to obtain legal validity. A religious marriage can be celebrated after the civil marriage but has no legal consequences in Turkey.
Required Documents
For Turkish Citizens:
- National ID card
- Certificate of celibacy (confirming no impediment to marriage)
- Birth certificate
- Medical certificate (proving absence of diseases preventing marriage)
For Foreigners:
- Valid passport + certified Turkish translation
- Certificate of no impediment issued by the country of origin and authenticated by the Turkish consulate or embassy
- Translated and notarized birth certificate
- Proof of divorce or death certificate of previous spouse (if applicable)
Process to Obtain the Marriage License
- Prepare a complete file with all required documents.
- Submit the application to municipal offices (“Nikah Dairesi”) in the municipality where at least one of the future spouses is a resident.
- For French citizens, it is mandatory before any civil ceremony in Turkey to obtain a certificate of capacity to marry (CCAM) from the competent French consulate, which also allows for subsequent transcription in French records.
- The municipal officer reviews the file; if everything is in order, no minimum legal waiting period is imposed, but a few days are needed to process the file.
Age and Consent Requirements
| Minimum Age | Additional Condition |
|---|---|
| 18 years | None |
| 17 years | Mandatory parental or legal guardian consent |
| 16 years | Judicial exemption required in exceptional cases |
Both parties must be mentally capable of understanding the nature of marriage and give their consent freely.
Post-Marriage Formalities
- After the civil ceremony, immediate issuance of the official family booklet to the spouses.
- Declaration obligation: any change in civil status must be reported within 20 working days to the local civil registry office and the provincial directorate responsible for migrations.
- In case of marriage with a foreigner:
- The foreign spouse may apply for a family permit/visa based on the marital status officially recognized in Turkey.
- The marriage may entitle the foreign spouse to apply for Turkish citizenship under specific conditions after several years.
Checklist of Key Points:
- Only civil marriage recognized
- Documents required based on nationality
- Submission to municipality/Nikah Dairesi (+ CCAM if French)
- Minimum age set at 18 years; exceptions possible under strict conditions
- Family booklet issued immediately after civil ceremony
- Mandatory declaration to local authorities post-ceremony
This process ensures that each union respects both legal requirements and those related to mutual respect and personal integrity.
Good to Know:
In Turkey, only civil marriage is legally recognized, making it essential to go through a municipal office to legalize the union. Turkish citizens and foreigners must provide various documents, including valid identification, certificates of celibacy, and translated and certified birth certificates. The marriage license application is generally made at local civil registry offices, with varying processing times, often a few weeks, before the ceremony. The minimum age to marry is 18, but minors can marry with parental consent or a court decision. Once married, registration with local authorities is mandatory to validate the marriage. In case of marriage with a foreigner, it is crucial to verify the legal implications, particularly regarding residence rights or citizenship, to ensure all additional procedures are correctly completed.
Required Documents for Expatriates Getting Married in Turkey
Documents Required to Marry as an Expatriate in Turkey
| Document | Detail/Specificity | Translation/Legalization | Practical Tips |
|---|---|---|---|
| Valid Passport | Original + front and back photocopy | Notarized Turkish translation | Check validity well before departure |
| Birth Certificate | Full copy, dated less than 3 months | Apostille, notarized translation | Order online (France): allow 2-3 weeks |
| Certificate of Celibacy | Original, dated less than 3 months, issued by civil registry or consulate of your country of origin | Apostille, notarized translation | Procedures with town hall or consulate |
| Certificate of Capacity to Marry (CCAM) | Mandatory for French citizens, to request before marriage via the consulate | Allow 2 to 3 months processing time | |
| Proof of Divorce/Death (if applicable) | Divorce decree or death certificate of former spouse | Notarized translation | |
| Residence Permit (if applicable) | Original + photocopy | ||
| ID Photos | Often 4 to 6 photos required | Biometric format | |
| Medical Report | Medical certificate of non-contagion, issued by a Turkish hospital or medical center | No legalization required | To be done locally in Turkey, processing time: 1-2 days |
Details on Certain Documents and Procedures:
Certificate of Celibacy:
Also called “certificate of no impediment” or “certificate of matrimonial capacity,” it must be obtained in the country of origin (town hall, civil registry) or from the consulate/embassy in Turkey. It must then be legalized (apostille) and translated into Turkish by a sworn translator, then notarized.
Birth Certificate:
Required in full and recent version (less than 3 months old). It must be apostilled in the country of origin then translated into Turkish by a sworn translator and notarized. Some Turkish authorities specifically require the apostille, so inquire before starting the procedure.
Medical Report:
Mandatory for all future spouses. It must be done at a public or private accredited health center in Turkey. Tests generally include blood tests and a chest X-ray. This certificate is only valid for a few days, so it should be done just before submitting the marriage file.
Witnesses:
Two adult witnesses are required during the marriage ceremony in Turkey. They must present their ID (passport or identity card).
Practical Tips for Obtaining Documents in the Country of Origin:
- Order the documents (birth, celibacy, divorce, death) from the town hall or civil registry:
- Average processing time: 1 to 4 weeks depending on the country and request method (online or in person).
- For France, possible to request via the service-public.fr website.
- Have documents apostilled:
- Contact the court of appeal or competent authority in the country of origin.
- Average processing time: 1 to 2 weeks.
- Sworn Translation:
- Use a Turkish sworn translator or one recognized by the Turkish embassy/consulate.
- Allow 2 to 5 business days.
- Notarization in Turkey:
- Make an appointment with a Turkish notary to certify the conformity of translations.
Estimated Timeframes to Gather the Complete File:
- Preparation of documents in the country of origin: 3 to 6 weeks (longer depending on administrative speed)
- Translation and legalization in Turkey: 1 to 2 weeks
- Medical report: 1 to 2 days locally
Other Points to Verify:
- Documents issued must be dated less than 3 months at the time of file submission.
- Some documents may be requested in international (multilingual) version, which facilitates procedures and sometimes exempts from translation.
- Check with the Turkish municipality (evlendirme memurluğu) where the marriage will be celebrated, as requirements may vary locally.
Recommendation:
Plan well ahead for file preparation and contact your country’s consulate/embassy and the Turkish municipality to validate the exact list of documents and current procedures.
Good to Know:
To marry as an expatriate in Turkey, it is crucial to have a valid passport and a certificate of celibacy from the country of origin, which may require a legalization procedure and sworn translation into Turkish. A birth certificate is also required, often subject to the same translation and legalization requirements. Turkish authorities may request a medical report proving the absence of communicable diseases, to be obtained from an accredited local Turkish hospital. Regarding witnesses, at least two are necessary during the marriage ceremony. It is advisable to request these documents several months in advance in your country of origin to account for potential administrative delays, and to inquire about available translation and legalization centers locally to ensure compliance with Turkish formalities.
Tips to Facilitate Marriage Procedures in Turkey
Being well-informed about administrative formalities is essential to successfully get married in Turkey. You must gather the required documents, including the certificate of matrimonial capacity, birth certificate, and medical certificates. Some files must be translated and apostilled according to local regulations.
Essential Documents to Prepare:
- Certificate of matrimonial capacity (CCAM)
- Multilingual birth certificate copies
- Specific medical certificates
- Passport or identity card
- Criminal record (depending on situation)
- Proof of income (if required)
| Document | Where to Obtain | Specifics |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity certificate | Consulate / town hall | Mandatory before celebration |
| Birth certificate | Municipality / consulate | Multilingual recommended |
| Criminal record | National authority | Legalized/apostilled translation |
| Medical certificate | Approved doctor | According to local requirements |
It is advisable to plan all procedures several weeks in advance to limit unforeseen events related to administrative delays or closure periods of Turkish public services (school holidays, public holidays).
For personalized assistance:
Consulting an agency specialized in international marriage law or an experienced lawyer can facilitate file preparation and anticipate any legal problems.
Some Tips to Minimize Delays:
- Regularly check the progress of your file with local authorities.
- Note all applicable legal deadlines precisely and identify in advance periods when certain administrations close.
Remember to officially translate every document not written in Turkish and request their apostille if necessary.
Contacting the embassy or consulate allows you to obtain precise information tailored to foreign nationals, particularly regarding the exact list of required supporting documents.
Tips to Avoid Common Mistakes:
- Maintain a complete checklist to forget nothing.
- Carefully reread each form before submission.
- Verify consistency between all your official documents.
Note: Any inconsistency in the name, first name, date, or place on your certificates may lead to rejection of the file.
Rigorous Planning
Systematic Verification
Specialized Assistance Recommended
Following these recommendations greatly facilitates the administrative success of your matrimonial project in Turkey.
Good to Know:
Thoroughly research Turkish administrative formalities regarding marriage and prepare the necessary documents, such as the certificate of matrimonial capacity, birth certificates, and medical certificates. Plan ahead to prepare for unforeseen events, and consider the help of a specialized agency or lawyer for tailored assistance. To reduce administrative delays, regularly check the progress of your file with local authorities and be aware of legal deadlines or holiday periods that may slow down your file. Ensure all documents are translated and apostilled if necessary, and contact the embassy or consulate for information specific to foreign nationals. Avoid common mistakes, such as forgetting formalities or document inconsistencies, which could delay your marriage.
Specific Formalities for Foreign Nationals
Foreign nationals wishing to marry in Turkey must complete specific procedures, distinct from those of Turkish citizens.
Additional Steps to Complete:
- Submission of the file to the Turkish civil registry office (evlendirme memurluğu) of the place of residence or chosen ceremony location.
- Mandatory presence of both future spouses in Turkey during submission and on the day of the ceremony.
- Scheduling a marriage date with the competent office.
Specific Documents to Provide:
| Required Document | Detail |
|---|---|
| Valid passport or identity card | Translation into Turkish and legalization required (see below) |
| Certificate of celibacy or capacity to marry (CCAM) | Issued by authorities of the country of origin or the consulate, proving no impediment to marriage |
| Birth certificate | Often required to confirm civil status |
| Proof of residence (if applicable) | Proof of current residence, sometimes requested depending on the situation |
| Medical report | Blood test and health certificate issued by an accredited Turkish medical center |
| 4 ID photos | Format compliant with Turkish requirements |
| Marriage declaration | Form to complete at the civil registry office |
Translation and Legalization Requirements:
- All foreign documents must be translated into Turkish by a sworn translator.
- Translations must be notarized in Turkey.
- If the document is apostilled (in accordance with the Hague Convention), only translation and notarization are required.
- If the document is not apostilled, it must be legalized at the consulate of the country of origin in Turkey, then validated by the local governorship (kaymakamlık), before translation and notarization.
Presence of an Interpreter During the Ceremony:
If one of the future spouses does not speak Turkish, the presence of a sworn interpreter during the ceremony is mandatory to guarantee understanding of the commitments made.
Timeframes to Plan for Document Preparation:
- Obtaining the certificate of capacity to marry or celibacy may take several weeks, depending on the country of origin.
- Translation, legalization, and notarization procedures may also require several days to several weeks.
- It is advisable to begin file preparation at least two to three months before the planned marriage date to avoid any delays.
Contact Information for Competent Government Services:
| Service | Address and Contact |
|---|---|
| Civil Registry Office (Evlendirme Memurluğu) | Address: Varies by municipality. Consult the local municipality of the marriage location. |
| Consulate General of country of origin | For example, for France: Consulate General of France in Istanbul Civil Status Service Taksim Caddesi, 34435 Taksim, Istanbul Phone: +90 212 334 87 30 |
| Local Governorship (Kaymakamlık) | Address: According to the district of residence or marriage location. |
Important
It is strongly advised to contact your country’s consulate in Turkey at the beginning of procedures to obtain the exact list of required documents and legalization procedures, as well as for any questions regarding recognition of the marriage in the country of origin.
Checklist of Key Steps for Foreign Nationals:
- Contact the consulate to obtain the certificate of capacity to marry or celibacy.
- Translate and legalize all necessary documents.
- Present yourself at the Turkish civil registry office with documents and two witnesses.
- Plan for a sworn interpreter if needed.
- Respect administrative deadlines to avoid any ceremony postponement.
Good to Know:
Foreign nationals wishing to marry in Turkey must complete additional steps, including providing a certificate of capacity to marry and, if applicable, proof of residence. These documents must be translated into Turkish and legalized by competent authorities, such as Turkish consulates abroad. If one partner does not speak Turkish, a sworn interpreter may be necessary during the ceremony. It is prudent to allow several weeks for document preparation to avoid potential delays. For assistance, the marriage service at the local municipality or the foreign affairs office can provide additional information.
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Cyril Jarnias is an independent expert in international wealth management with over 20 years of experience. As an expatriate himself, he is dedicated to helping individuals and business leaders build, protect, and pass on their wealth with complete peace of mind.
On his website, cyriljarnias.com, he shares his expertise on international real estate, offshore company formation, and expatriation.
Thanks to his expertise, he offers sound advice to optimize his clients' wealth management. Cyril Jarnias is also recognized for his appearances in many prestigious media outlets such as BFM Business, les Français de l’étranger, Le Figaro, Les Echos, and Mieux vivre votre argent, where he shares his knowledge and know-how in wealth management.
