Turkey, with its rich culture, historical monuments and warm climate, is becoming an increasingly popular place for foreigners to get married. In this article, we will look at the main stages and requirements for getting married in Turkey, as well as some of the nuances that couples who decide to get married in this country may face.
Possibility of getting married in Turkey for foreigners
According to the Civil Code of the Republic of Turkey, a foreign citizen can get married in Turkey in authorized civil registry offices (Evlendirme Dairesi) with both a Turkish citizen and another foreigner. This means that you have the opportunity to officially register your marriage in Turkey if you meet all the necessary requirements.
The main stages of getting married in Turkey
Preparing documents
For getting married in Turkey, foreigners need to collect a certain package of documents. The list of documents includes:
- Passport with a translation into Turkish, certified by a notary.
- A document confirming the right to live in Turkey. If you do not have such a document, you must provide a letter from the hotel indicating the length of stay and departure date.
- Birth certificate with a translation into Turkish.
- Health certificate (Sağlık Ocağı or Devlet Hastanesi).
- Divorce certificate (if any), also translated into Turkish and notarized.
- Death certificate of the previous spouse (if any), translated and notarized.
Medical examination
A medical examination is a mandatory procedure for marriage in Turkey. The purpose of this examination is for both spouses to know about each other’s health. The examination can be done in public hospitals in Turkey. It is important to note that the presence of diseases is not a reason for refusing to register a marriage, but it can increase the duration of the procedure.
Submitting an application to the registry office
After collecting all the necessary documents and passing the medical examination, the next step is submitting an application to the registry office. This can be done by visiting the local registry office (Evlendirme Dairesi) together with two witnesses. All documents must be translated into Turkish and notarized.
Marriage registration day
On the appointed day of registration, you must arrive at the registry office together with two witnesses. The ceremony is usually held officially, and after its completion, you will receive a marriage certificate, which is legally valid in Turkey.
Nuances of changing the surname
According to Article 187 of the Civil Code of the Republic of Turkey, when entering into marriage, a woman takes her husband’s surname. However, she can leave her maiden name before her husband’s surname. A woman cannot leave only her maiden name. It is important to take this nuance into account, since after changing the surname, it will be necessary to change the passport and all documents.
Marriage with a Turkish citizen
Registration of marriage with a Turkish citizen does not change the requirements for a foreign citizen. The package of documents for a foreigner remains the same. A Turkish citizen will only need his/her ID (kimlik) and photographs.
Advantages of Marriage Registration in Georgia
Minimum Document Requirements
Significantly fewer documents are required to get married in Georgia than in Turkey. Usually, it is enough to provide only passports. This greatly simplifies the preparation process and eliminates the need to obtain multiple notarizations and translations.
Procedure Speed
Marriage registration in Georgia can take only a few days. Unlike Turkey, where the process can drag on for weeks or even months, in Georgia many couples register their marriage in just one or two days. This is especially convenient for those who are limited in time or do not want to spend a lot of time on bureaucratic procedures.
No Medical Examinations
There are no mandatory medical examinations in Georgia for marriage. This simplifies preparation for the wedding and eliminates the need to visit medical institutions, which can be especially convenient for foreigners who are not familiar with the local healthcare system.
Ease of Process
Georgia is known for its hospitality and simplified procedures for foreigners. Marriage registration here is as simple and transparent as possible.
Recognition of Marriage
A marriage certificate issued in Georgia is recognized in many countries around the world. This means that after returning to their home country, newlyweds can easily register their marriage in their home country, avoiding additional bureaucratic complications.
Cultural and tourist advantages
Georgia is an amazing country with a rich culture and stunning landscapes. Here you can not only register your marriage, but also enjoy an unforgettable honeymoon. Hospitable people, delicious cuisine and numerous historical and natural attractions make Georgia an ideal destination for a honeymoon.
In conclusion, getting married in Turkey for foreigners is quite possible, but requires careful preparation and knowledge of local laws. It is necessary to take into account numerous bureaucratic procedures and mandatory requirements, such as medical examinations and collecting a large number of documents. If you are looking for an easier and faster option, consider getting married in Georgia. The process is significantly simplified here, does not require medical examinations and can be completed in a few days. In addition, Georgia offers many opportunities for an unforgettable honeymoon and honeymoon.
FAQs
1. Can foreigners get married in Turkey?
Yes, foreigners can get married in Turkey, either with a Turkish citizen or another foreigner, provided they meet all necessary document and procedural requirements.
2. What documents do I need to marry in Turkey?
You need a passport with a Turkish translation, a document confirming your right to live in Turkey, a birth certificate translated into Turkish, a health certificate, divorce/death certificates (if applicable), and notarized translations of documents.
3. Do I need a medical examination to get married in Turkey?
Yes, a medical examination is mandatory. It ensures both spouses know about each other’s health. This process typically takes place at public hospitals and may extend the marriage registration time.
4. How long does the marriage process in Turkey take?
The entire process can take several weeks or months due to bureaucratic requirements, document verification, and medical tests. This can be a long wait for couples eager to marry quickly.
5. Can a woman keep her maiden name after marriage in Turkey?
No, according to Turkish law, a woman must take her husband’s surname, although she can keep her maiden name as part of her full name.
6. What are the advantages of getting married in Georgia over Turkey?
Georgia offers a simpler process, fewer documents, faster registration (typically 1-2 days), no mandatory medical examinations, and a recognized marriage certificate in many countries, including Turkey.
7. Is marriage registration faster in Georgia than in Turkey?
Yes, marriage registration in Georgia can be completed in just a few days, while Turkey’s process may take weeks or months due to its more extensive documentation and procedures.
8. Do I need a medical examination for marriage in Georgia?
No, Georgia does not require a medical examination for marriage, which simplifies the process significantly compared to Turkey.
9. Is marriage in Georgia legally recognized in other countries?
Yes, a marriage certificate issued in Georgia is recognized in many countries, including Turkey, after being apostilled.
10. Why should I choose Georgia for my wedding over Turkey?
Georgia offers a simpler, faster, and more cost-effective process with minimal documentation and no medical exams, making it a more convenient option for couples who want a hassle-free marriage registration and a beautiful destination for their wedding.
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