Published on 1 February 2026

Turkey: Family, marriage, partnership

Find out about family, marriage and partnerships if you are planning to emigrate to Turkey. The FDFA can provide you with information about this.

Family reunification

If a Swiss-Turkish couple wishes to live in Turkey, the Swiss spouse must fill out an application for a family residence permit in Turkey, which is submitted via the website of the immigration authority. The application must be made within the 90-day period from the date of entry, during which Swiss nationals can stay in Turkey without a visa. After the system has allocated an appointment, the documents listed on the application form must be submitted to the immigration office before the day of the appointment.

This type of residence permit is usually issued for a maximum of three years. An extension should be applied for 60 days before the expiry of the permit via the website of the immigration authority. Should the other conditions listed in Ordinance No. 29656 of 17.03.2016 be fulfilled, a permanent residence permit can be applied for from the eighth year of residence in Turkey.

Registering marriages and partnerships

Marriages contracted abroad under civil law are recognised in Switzerland and must be registered with the Swiss civil status authorities. Swiss nationals who get married abroad are required to register their marriage with the competent Swiss representation abroad. The documents must be submitted to the diplomatic representation together with an apostille. The latter will forward the declaration to Switzerland free of charge.

Find out what you need to do as early as possible

Before you get married, contact your Swiss representation to find out what you will need to do to make sure your marriage is recognised and registered in the civil status register without delay.

Partnerships

Turkey does not recognise same-sex partnerships or marriages. Same-sex relationships and transsexuality are not tolerated in all parts of the country. Showing affection in public can attract unwanted attention. Assaults and discrimination against LGBTQ+ people do occur.

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