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Marriage in Sultanbeyli, which is a district of Istanbul, Turkey, is governed by the civil laws of the Republic of Turkey. All marriages, whether involving Turkish citizens or foreigners, must be performed and registered according to Turkish civil code. Religious ceremonies are optional and are not recognized as legal marriages unless performed after the civil registration. The Sultanbeyli Marriage Office (Evlendirme Dairesi) manages official marriage procedures for residents of the district.
While marrying in Turkey often involves straightforward paperwork, there are many situations where legal assistance is recommended. These include dealing with international marriages (where one or both partners are foreigners), resolving disputes regarding marital property, preparing prenuptial agreements, ensuring the legal recognition of a foreign marriage in Turkey, addressing issues of consent or capacity, or facing complications in obtaining the required documents. A lawyer can also help in understanding the rights and obligations that come with marriage and can provide guidance if matters move towards separation or annulment.
Marriage in Sultanbeyli is subject to the Turkish Civil Code, which stipulates the following key points:
Both parties must provide identity cards or passports, passport-sized photos, a health report, proof of marital status (marriage or divorce certificate if previously married), and, if applicable, a residence certificate. Foreigners must also provide a translation of their documents and a Certificate of No Impediment.
Yes. Foreigners can marry in Sultanbeyli, but must meet additional documentation requirements. All foreign documents must be translated and notarized, and some may need an apostille or consular certification.
No. Only civil marriages are legally recognized in Turkey. Religious ceremonies can be held, but only after the official civil process has been completed.
The process can take from a few days up to several weeks, depending on the completeness of your documents and the Marriage Office’s schedule. If all documents are in order, dates can often be scheduled within a week or two.
The legal age is 18. Exceptionally, 17-year-olds can marry with parental consent, and 16-year-olds may marry with a court decision in extraordinary circumstances.
Yes. Prenuptial agreements (mal rejimi sözleşmesi) are recognized, and must be made before or at the time of marriage in the presence of a notary public.
All foreign documents must be officially translated into Turkish and notarized. Certain documents may also need an apostille or legalization by the Turkish consulate in your country.
No. As of Turkish law, same-sex marriages are not recognized or permitted in Turkey, including Sultanbeyli.
The previously married party must present legal proof of divorce or, if widowed, the spouse’s death certificate. The legal paperwork must be finalized and recognized in Turkey.
Unless otherwise specified in a prenuptial agreement, Turkish law assumes a regime of shared property. Assets acquired after marriage are generally considered jointly owned. Consult a lawyer for specific arrangements.
Sultanbeyli Municipality Marriage Office (Evlendirme Dairesi): This is the first point of contact for marriage applications and local procedure information. Istanbul Provincial Directorate of Population and Citizenship Affairs: Responsible for updating marital status in identity records. Turkish Bar Association (Türkiye Barolar Birliği): Can help you find legal assistance. Local Notary Public (Noter): Required for certifying documents and prenuptial agreements. Family Court (Aile Mahkemesi): For legal matters relating to family, such as exceptional approval for marriage under legal age, divorces, or property regimes.
If you are planning to marry in Sultanbeyli, gather all required documents in advance and consult the Sultanbeyli Marriage Office for specific guidance. If your situation is complex—such as international paperwork, recognition of foreign judgments, property agreements, or if there is any legal confusion—it is strongly recommended to consult with a lawyer who specializes in family law. You may contact the Turkish Bar Association to be referred to a reliable local lawyer. Alternatively, visit the municipal marriage office for further direction or to clarify which documents you’ll need. For prenups and notarized translations, a local notary public can help complete the necessary paperwork. If needed, contact the Family Court (Aile Mahkemesi) for specialized issues. Remember: Clear and complete documentation, as well as professional legal advice, will help ensure your marriage process in Sultanbeyli is smooth and legally secure.
