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Marriage by country

Marriage in Turkey for Arabs: civil marriage, the nikah and residence

Turkish law only recognises civil marriage concluded before the marriage officer at the municipality, and an imam's nikah is only permitted after it. The rule applies to foreigners and refugees too. The introduction before that is what Zawjni offers, free, to Arabs living in Turkey.

What are the requirements for foreigners to marry in Turkey?

The marriage is concluded before the marriage officer at the municipal marriage office, and the legal age is 18 with limited exceptions. A foreigner usually submits a passport, an attested and translated certificate of no impediment from their home country, a health report from a Turkish hospital, and photos.

Turkey lets someone married to a Turkish citizen apply for citizenship after at least three years of marriage while the marriage continues, and the authorities review each application. Zawjni does not give legal or immigration advice.

Syrians and Arabs in Turkey: why a sheikh's contract is not enough

Many Syrians and Arabs in Turkey search for "Turkish marriage law for Syrians" and "registering a marriage in Turkey". The legal answer is clear: a religious marriage alone has no legal effect in Turkey and does not protect the wife in residence, maintenance, divorce or registering children.

Polygamy is a crime under Turkish law, and that applies to Turks, foreigners and refugees alike. So anyone looking for a second wife in Turkey runs into the law, and both sides need to know that from the start. Zawjni has no phone field, and you can report any account.

Before you write your profile

State your city (Istanbul, Gaziantep, Bursa, Ankara...), your nationality and residence type in your bio, and your marital status. Say whether you plan to stay in Turkey or move after marriage.

Frequently asked questions

What documents are needed to marry in Turkey?

Usually: a passport, an attested and translated certificate of no impediment from your home country, a health report from a Turkish hospital, and photos. The municipal marriage office sets the final list.

Is an imam's nikah alone recognised in Turkey?

No. Turkish law recognises only civil marriage at the municipality, and an imam's nikah is only permitted after it.

Can I get Turkish citizenship through marriage?

You can apply after at least three years of marriage to a Turkish citizen while the marriage continues, and the authorities review the application and its conditions.

Is Zawjni free?

Registration, your profile, daily suggestions and messaging within a match are free with no subscription. A free account gets 10 likes and 2 new conversations a day, and can start a chat with anyone who liked it first. Full filtered search and seeing who liked you are Premium features, which are optional.

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