Turkish citizenship through marriage: documents

This page is based on the official application text (VAT-6) of the Directorate General of Civil Registration and Nationality. The other routes to citizenship — the exceptional route and acquisition through property — have their own document sets and are outside the scope of this page.

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Documents requested at application

Application form (VAT-6)
2 biometric photographs, 50×60 mm, white background, no pattern, machine-readable to ICAO standard
A passport or similar document showing which state you are a citizen of
A notarised Turkish translation of a duly certified document showing all identity details required for registration
If your residence is in Turkey, your most recent residence permit
If there is a final court judgment against you for any offence, a certified copy of it
If the day and month of your date of birth are missing, a supporting document from your country's competent authority, or a signed declaration accepting 1 July under the relevant law
A receipt showing the service fee has been paid

Translating into Turkish and having documents issued by foreign authorities notarised is my part of the work. Below I have separated which certification applies where — this is the point most often confused.

Is translation enough, or is an apostille needed

The official text separates these two cases and the difference matters: one requires only translation plus notarisation, the other requires the document itself to be certified in its country of issue.

1.0

Translation and notarisation suffice

Passport · Diploma and similar documents

In the official text's own words: for documents obtained from foreign authorities such as diplomas and passports, a Turkish translation with notary certification is sufficient. No separate apostille is required for these.

2.0

Must be duly certified

Document showing registration identity details

The document showing the identity details required for entry into the civil register must be duly certified in its country of issue, after which its notarised Turkish translation is submitted. If your country is a Hague Convention member, that certification is an apostille; if not, the consular and foreign-ministry route applies.

3.0

Apply in person or by power of attorney

Postal applications are not accepted

Applications are made to the governorship of your place of residence in Turkey, or abroad to Turkish missions, either in person or through a special power of attorney covering the exercise of this right. Applications sent by post are not accepted. If you cannot travel to Turkey, the power-of-attorney route needs planning in advance.

Application date and procedural details

The application date is the date your form is entered into the receiving authority's records. Procedures use your foreign identity number. Applications for minors and those lacking legal capacity are made by their parents or guardians. Where necessary, certification that a residence permit matches the original may also be done by provincial directorates.

Frequently asked questions

Does my passport need an apostille?

The official text treats a Turkish translation with notary certification as sufficient for documents such as passports and diplomas. The document showing registration identity details, however, requires due certification — the two should not be conflated.

I cannot travel to Turkey. Can someone else apply for me?

Yes, through a special power of attorney covering the exercise of this right. The powers granted must cover this application; translating powers of attorney is the work I do most often.

Can I send my documents by post?

No. The official text states plainly that applications made by post are not accepted.

My birth certificate has no day or month. What happens?

There are two options: obtain a certified document from your country's competent authority evidencing this, or submit a signed declaration accepting 1 July as the completed date under the relevant law.

Get a quote for your documents

If you are unsure which documents need translating, send photos; I will look and tell you what is missing and which certification applies.

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