Marriage procedures in Turkey
The marriage contract in Turkey is a civil contract arranged by the marriage registration office known as the "Nikah Sarayı" at the municipality,
which is the authority responsible for carrying out marriage procedures in Turkey, among other related arrangements.
A marriage not documented by an official contract is not recognised, and the Turkish government does not recognise contracts signed only in a religious form,
namely a "religious (imam) marriage" in Turkey.
Foreigners may arrange a marriage contract in accordance with the legal conditions and procedures for marriage in Turkey, regardless
of whether one or both spouses are foreign nationals.
If both spouses hold the same nationality, the Turkish authorities recognise contracts certified by
their country's embassy or consulate, and the marriage can be confirmed in Turkey at the civil courts.
Documents required for marriage in Turkey for foreigners
1. 8 personal photos for each of the two spouses
2. A copy of the passport translated and notarised in Turkey
3. Civil registry extract, also known as a certificate of celibacy or a document proving marital status
4. Residence permit
5. Family registry extract
6. If the age of the husband/wife is between 16 and 18, a letter of consent from the (guardian) must be provided.
7. Some provinces in Turkey may require a name-change verification document to prove the name has not been changed.
8. A medical document certified by a government medical institution in Turkey, proving the individual is free
of physical and mental illnesses.
9. Payment of fees