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Marriage law in Turkey clearly defines the conditions for marriage, the rights and responsibilities of spouses, as well as the necessary legal procedures, applicable to both Turkish citizens and foreigners. If you are planning to get married or settle long-term in the country, understanding the marriage law system is a key factor to ensure your rights and avoid legal risks in the future.
Marriage law in Turkey is governed by the Turkish Civil Code (Türk Medeni Kanunu), enacted in 1926 and updated several times, most recently in 2023. This legal system is secular, influenced by the European model—especially Switzerland—and differs significantly from other Islamic countries. According to the Turkish Ministry of Justice, over 150,000 marriages are registered each year, with approximately 10% involving foreign elements, reflecting the country’s cultural diversity.
Marriage law in Turkey is governed by the Turkish civil code
Marriage law in Turkey emphasizes voluntariness, gender equality, and the protection of the rights of both parties. These regulations apply not only to Turkish citizens but also to foreigners marrying in Turkey, making the country a popular destination for international couples.
To marry legally in Turkey, couples must meet the following conditions, according to Articles 124–142 of the Turkish Civil Code:
Age: Both parties must be at least 18 years old. In special cases, the court may allow marriage from the age of 17 if there is a valid reason and with the consent of parents or guardians. Marriage under 17 is strictly prohibited to prevent child marriage. According to UNICEF, the rate of child marriage in Turkey dropped below 5% in 2024 thanks to strict education policies and legal measures.
Voluntariness: Marriage must be based on the free consent of both parties, without any form of coercion. Forced marriage can result in up to 3 years of imprisonment under the Turkish Penal Code.
Marital status: Neither party may have a legal spouse. Turkey follows a monogamous system, and polygamy is completely prohibited.
Consanguinity: Marriage with close blood relatives (such as siblings, parents, or children) is not allowed.
Mental health: Both parties must have full civil capacity, meaning they are capable of understanding and controlling their actions.
Foreign nationals wishing to marry in Turkey must provide a certificate of no impediment from their home country, legalized by the Turkish consulate. According to the Turkish Embassy in Hanoi, the number of Vietnamese citizens registering marriages in Turkey increased by 12% in 2024, mainly in Istanbul and Antalya.
The number of Vietnamese citizens registering marriages in Turkey increased by 12% in 2024
The marriage registration process in Turkey is relatively straightforward but requires strict compliance with legal procedures:
Submitting the application: Couples must submit an application at the local Marriage Registration Office (Evlendirme Dairesi), along with documents such as passports, certificates of no impediment, medical reports (confirming no infectious diseases), and 4–6 passport-sized photos.
Health check: Both parties must undergo a medical examination at a designated hospital to ensure they do not have diseases such as HIV or hepatitis B.
Registration ceremony: Once the application is approved (usually within 1–2 weeks), the couple participates in a marriage registration ceremony at the office or an authorized location. The ceremony may take place in the presence of two witnesses and an official.
Marriage certificate: After the ceremony, the couple receives an International Marriage Certificate (Uluslararası Evlenme Belgesi), recognized in many countries, including Vietnam.
According to the Turkish Ministry of Interior, Istanbul and Antalya processed over 60% of marriages involving foreigners in 2024, thanks to modern infrastructure and multilingual support services.
Marriage law in Turkey ensures equal rights for both spouses, with several key points:
Marital property: According to Article 202 of the Civil Code, assets acquired during the marriage are considered joint property unless there is a prenuptial agreement. In the event of divorce, joint property is usually divided equally, except in cases of clear fault by one party.
Child custody: In divorce cases, the court prioritizes the welfare of the children, usually granting custody of children under 7 to the mother, unless there is evidence that the mother is incapable. According to TÜİK statistics, 70% of divorce cases in Turkey in 2024 involved disputes over child custody.
Alimony: A spouse who does not have custody of the children or faces financial difficulties may request alimony. The amount depends on the income and circumstances of both parties.
Divorce: Divorce can be conducted in two ways: mutual consent (agreement) or unilateral (due to conflict, domestic violence, or infidelity). The processing time for consensual divorce typically takes 1–3 months, while unilateral divorce may take 6–12 months.
Foreign nationals married to Turkish citizens can apply for a temporary residence permit (İkamet İzni), and after three continuous years of marriage, they may apply for Turkish citizenship, according to Turkish Citizenship Law No. 5901.
Marriage law in Turkey ensures equal rights for both spouses
Marriage in Turkey is not only a legal matter but also closely linked to culture and tradition. Turkish weddings often last several days, featuring ceremonies such as the engagement ritual (söz kesme), henna night (kına gecesi), and grand wedding celebrations. According to a 2024 survey by Koç University, 85% of Turks still maintain traditional customs in weddings, especially in rural areas.
Turkish women increasingly assert their roles within marriage, with 45% of couples in Istanbul sharing financial responsibilities, according to TÜİK. However, in some conservative regions, family pressure still influences marriage decisions, even though the law strictly prohibits forced marriages. Organizations like Mor Çatı supported over 2,000 women in escaping forced marriages in 2024.
If you are exploring marriage law in Turkey or want to expand your international residency opportunities, visit quoctichthuhai.com for detailed guidance. Second Citizenship is ready to assist you in obtaining Turkish citizenship, helping you achieve your dream of a safe, prosperous, and happy life!
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