Topics: foreign divorce Türkiye, foreigners' divorce in Türkiye, international divorce case, divorce from Turkish spouse, marriage dissolution Türkiye
📌 Filing for Divorce in Türkiye: General Information for Foreigners
Foreign nationals married in Türkiye or foreigners married to Turkish citizens can file for divorce in Turkish Courts. The divorce process may vary depending on the citizenship of the spouses and where the marriage took place.
📝 In which court is the case filed?
Jurisdiction: Family Courts
Place: The court of the defendant's place of residence or the court of the place where they have lived together for the last 6 months.
Foreigners can also file lawsuits directly in Turkish courts.
⚖️ Which law is applicable in Türkiye?
The law to be applied during the divorce process is determined as follows:
If the spouses have the same citizenship, the divorce law of that country may apply.
If they have different citizenships, the law of the country in which they have common residence (e.g. Türkiye) applies.
If there is no common residence, Turkish law applies.
🔍 In practice, the Turkish Civil Code is applied most of the time.
🛠️ What are the Types of Divorce?
1. Consensual Divorce
If the marriage has lasted at least 1 year
If the parties have agreed on the divorce and all its consequences (alimony, property sharing, custody)
Divorce is possible in a single hearing.
2. Contested Divorce
If the parties cannot agree
Reasons such as cheating, abandonment, violence and mistreatment are put forward.
The process is longer and more complex (may take 6 months to 2 years).
📄 Required Documents
Passport or ID document
Marriage certificate or marriage registration copy
Protocol document if agreed (alimony, property sharing, child issues)
Power of attorney (if represented by a lawyer)
👶 What Happens If There Is a Child?
Custody: Custody is given considering the best interests of the child.
Alimony: Calculated according to the Turkish Civil Code.
In cases such as going abroad, court permission may be required.
💼 What about a foreign spouse's residence permit in Türkiye?
After divorce:
A residence permit obtained through marriage to a Turkish citizen may be cancelled.
However, a personal residence permit application can be made for the victimized woman or her spouse with a child.
Administrative decision making; professional support is important.
🕒 How Long Does The Process Take?
Consensual divorce: 1–2 months
Contested divorce: 6 months – 4 years
The process may be extended due to reasons such as translation, notification, judicial recess, etc.
🌍 Validity of Divorce Abroad in Türkiye
If you have a divorce in a foreign country, for it to be valid in Türkiye:
You must file a recognition and enforcement action.
Otherwise, the divorce will not be registered in the registry office and you will not be able to marry again.
💬 Frequently Asked Questions
Question: We got married in Türkiye but we live abroad. Where can we get divorced? Answer: If you got married in Türkiye, you can file a lawsuit in Turkish courts. However, there may be different ways depending on your country of residence.
Question: My spouse is a Turkish citizen, I am not. Will I lose any rights? Answer: No. According to Turkish law, a foreign spouse has the same divorce rights.
Question: Can I stay in Türkiye after divorce? Answer: It depends on your residence permit status. A new residence permit application may be required.
📞 Do You Want to Get Legal Support?
The divorce process for foreign nationals can be complicated in terms of language, legislation and procedure. Working with a professional lawyer saves both time and loss of rights. Contact me for lawyer support.
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