LEGAL PROCESS REGARDING MARRIAGE OF TURKISH CITIZENS IN GREECE

Greece, renowned worldwide for its rich history and culture, is also a popular marriage destination for Turkish citizens. However, Turkish citizens wishing to initiate and complete this process must follow certain legal procedures to get married in Greece. In this article, we will explain how Turkish citizens can get married in Greece, the necessary documents, and the legal details to consider during this process.

 

1. Marriage Procedures and Legal Foundations

Turkish citizens wishing to marry in Greece can do so in two different ways: a civil marriage or a religious marriage. A civil marriage is performed by the mayor or a municipal official, while a religious marriage is conducted by a priest or other authorized religious leader. According to Greek law, a civil marriage is a officially recognized type of marriage and has all legal consequences. A religious marriage, however, is only considered valid if it is performed after a civil marriage.

 

2. Documents Required for Turkish Citizens to Get Married in Greece

Turkish citizens wishing to marry in Greece need to provide certain documents from both Türkiye and Greece. Here are the main documents that must be submitted during this process:

• Passport: A valid passport is required in Greece.
• Visa or Residence Permit: A Schengen visa or residence permit is required to enter Greece. Visa applications can be made for short-term marriages in Greece.
• International Marriage Eligibility Certificate: Turkish citizens are required to obtain a "marriage eligibility certificate" from the competent authorities in Turkey (General Directorate of Population and Citizenship Affairs). This document declares that individuals have no impediments to marriage.
• Birth Certificate: Authorities in Greece may request birth certificates. This document contains the person's full identification information and can be obtained from civil registry offices in Turkey.
• Residence Certificate: This document, which shows where a person resides, can be obtained from either Turkey or Greece.
• Divorce Certificate (If applicable): If the previous marriage has ended, Turkish citizens must submit the court decision and finality certificate confirming their divorce.
• Marriage Announcement: Greek law requires that a marriage announcement be published in a local newspaper at least eight days before the wedding date. This announcement includes the names of the couple and their intention to marry.

all documents apostille certified and, if necessary, translated into Greek. Translations must be done by sworn translators in Greece.

 

3. Marriage Application and Process

To begin the marriage process in Greece, the couple must apply to the municipality where they wish to marry. During the marriage application process, the aforementioned documents are submitted and their validity is verified. Following the application, local authorities process it and grant the necessary permits for the marriage.

Couples must wait for an 8-day announcement period following their application. After the announcement period ends, the couple can set a date for their wedding. This date is usually within a few weeks of the application, but this period may be longer during busy times.

4. Recognition of Marriage in Türkiye

For marriages contracted in Greece by Turkish citizens to be recognized in Turkey, the marriage certificate must be registered with the relevant authorities in Turkey. The marriage certificate or documentmust be presented to the consulates in Turkey for registration. This process ensures that the marriage is recorded in the Turkish population registry and becomes valid under the laws of the Republic of Turkey.

5. Legal Consequences of Marriage in Greece

Couples who marry in Greece acquire certain rights and responsibilities under Greek law after marriage. Marriage in Greece is regulated under civil law, and matters arising from marriage, such as property regimes, child custody, and inheritance, are subject to the Greek Civil Code. Greek law protects the rights of spouses within the marriage and also establishes specific rules in cases of divorce or death.

If the couple returns to Türkiye, they will continue to have the rights and responsibilities arising from their marriage under the Turkish Civil Code. In other words, the legal systems of both countries can have an effect on the couple's marriage.

6. Other Points to Consider

• Dual Citizenship and Residency: Turkish citizens who marry in Greece may be eligible to apply for Greek citizenship if their spouse is a Greek citizen. Furthermore, marrying a Greek citizen may grant Turkish citizens the right to obtain a residence permit in Greece.
• Marriage Age: The minimum age to marry in Greece is 18. However, those under 18 can marry with parental permission.
• Divorce: Turkish citizens married in Greece are subject to Greek law in divorce proceedings. Issues such as property division, child custody, and alimony are resolved according to the Greek Civil Code.

7. Conclusion

Getting married in Greece requires Turkish citizens to fulfill certain procedures. Obtaining the correct documents and completing the necessary procedures on time is crucial for a smooth and legally sound marriage process. Marriages performed in Greece are valid under both Greek and Turkish law, leading to legal consequences such as dual citizenship, residence permits, and property regimes.