Attorney Meryem Günay
Foreign nationals wishing to acquire Turkish citizenship through marriage must meet specific requirements and submit the necessary documents completely. This process includes a detailed application and review procedure to prove that the marriage is genuine and that the applicant does not pose a security risk to Turkey.
1. Application Requirements
Foreigners applying for Turkish citizenship through marriage must meet the following basic conditions:
At Least Three Years of Marriage: Foreign nationals married to a Turkish citizen must be in a marriage that has lasted for at least three years and is still ongoing. The marriage must aim to form a genuine family unit, not solely for the purpose of obtaining citizenship. Otherwise, if marriages or relationships with false intentions are detected, the application will be rejected.
Family and Marital Unity: It is important that the spouses maintain their marital unity and family life. Actions that violate marital unity or behaviors deemed inappropriate by society (e.g., illegal activities) can lead to a negative outcome in the application process.
Suitability for Public Security: The foreign applicant must not pose a threat to public security or social order. Individuals associated with activities such as terrorism, espionage, or organized crime will not have their applications accepted. A thorough review for national security and public order purposes is an essential part of the application process.
2. Required Documents
The following documents must be submitted completely for the application to be evaluated:
Application Form: Known as the VAT-6 form, this document initiates the official application process.
Passport or Statelessness Certificate: These documents are needed to verify the applicant’s identity information.
Marriage Certificate and Population Registration Copy: A photocopy of the marriage certificate and a population registration copy belonging to the Turkish citizen spouse are required.
Criminal Record: A clean criminal record increases the likelihood of the application being accepted.
Residence Permit and Biometric Photos: For those residing in Turkey, a residence permit and biometric photos taken within the last six months are required.
3. Appointment and Document Review
Applications are submitted to the Population and Citizenship Affairs Directorate in Turkey or to consulates abroad. Necessary documents are submitted during the appointment.
Document Review: It is crucial for the application that the documents are complete. Incomplete applications are not processed.
4. Interview Stage
In the application process for Turkish citizenship through marriage, the foreign applicant and the Turkish citizen spouse are subject to an interview by a commission established at the Provincial Directorate of Population and Citizenship Affairs. The main purpose of this interview is to assess the sincerity of the marriage and whether a real family unit has been established. The interview stage is one of the most critical and comprehensive assessment steps in the application.
The commission asks questions aimed at understanding the couple’s lifestyle, joint decisions, daily routines, and aspects of their marriage. This process thoroughly examines whether the marriage solely aims to acquire citizenship. After assessing the consistency and sincerity of the couple’s answers, the commission forms an opinion. If a positive opinion is given, the application is forwarded to the Ministry of Interior, which makes the final decision.
5. Security and Public Order Criteria
The applicant must not pose a threat to national security or public order in Turkey. The applicant must not have ties to activities such as terrorism, human trafficking, or espionage. Individuals involved in such activities are not eligible to apply for citizenship.
During this process, the police department and National Intelligence Organization examine the applicant’s criminal record and ongoing investigations. If the applicant is currently on trial or under investigation for any crime, this situation directly impacts the application process. In such cases, a report prepared by the Provincial Police Department is submitted to the Ministry of Interior, where the final decision on the application is made. Individuals associated with crimes that threaten national security lose the right to apply for citizenship.
These reviews carefully examine the applicant’s personal history, criminal records, and legal process. If the applicant provides additional information or documents to support these reviews, it can be included in their application file. However, if there is an ongoing trial or criminal investigation, the application may be rejected, preventing the applicant from acquiring Turkish citizenship. Therefore, it is important to resolve any legal situations before applying.
6. Filing a Lawsuit Against the Rejection of Citizenship Application Through Marriage
Those who apply for Turkish citizenship through marriage may face rejection for various reasons during the application process. These reasons may include not meeting the required conditions, submitting incomplete or incorrect documents, failing to correct deficiencies within the given time, or an unfavorable interview outcome. When a rejection decision is made, it is officially notified to the applicant or their representative.
The applicant has certain legal rights to challenge the rejection decision. First, they can appeal to the competent authority for reconsideration within 60 days from the notification of the rejection decision. During the appeal process, a petition is submitted, challenging the grounds of the rejection and requesting a re-evaluation.
There is also the right to file a cancellation lawsuit against the rejection decision directly. In this case, the applicant can apply to the administrative court, requesting the cancellation of the decision. In the cancellation lawsuit, the reasons for rejection are argued as not complying with the law, and it is asserted that the applicant should be entitled to Turkish citizenship. In both cases, petitions must be meticulously prepared, and the grounds for objection should be clearly stated.
Conclusion and Evaluation
For those wishing to acquire Turkish citizenship through marriage, providing accurate and complete information during the application process is critical. Security criteria, in particular, involve a detailed review to determine whether applicants pose a risk to national security or public order. Applicants must fulfill all requirements for a positive outcome. Legal assistance throughout this process can be beneficial.
Keywords: Citizenship through marriage, foreigner, Turkish citizenship, lawyer, Tuzla, Istanbul
IMPORTANT REMINDER: The process of acquiring Turkish citizenship through marriage is a sensitive procedure with specific legal requirements and details. Therefore, it is advisable for those seeking Turkish citizenship through marriage to undertake this process with the guidance of an expert consultant, ensuring a smoother application process and the prevention of possible rights losses. For legal support, you can reach out via message or call.
