Recognition of a Foreign Divorce in Türkiye
How a divorce granted abroad is entered in the Turkish civil register: the administrative route through a consulate or civil registry office, court recognition, and the documents needed.
Why a foreign divorce has to be registered
A divorce granted in Germany or another country does not appear in the Turkish civil register on its own. Until it is recognised or registered, Turkish citizens – including dual nationals – remain married in Turkish records, which can cause problems with remarriage, an inheritance or the sale of property in Türkiye.
Route 1: administrative registration (Article 27/A)
Under Article 27/A of the Turkish Civil Registry Services Law, a foreign divorce can be registered without a court case, through a civil registry office in Türkiye or a Turkish consulate abroad, if:
- the decision was given by a competent judicial or administrative authority;
- it is final under the law of the issuing country;
- it is not manifestly contrary to Turkish public order; and
- both former spouses apply together, in person or through a representative with a special power of attorney.
Only the divorce itself is registered this way; provisions on custody, maintenance or property are not recognised administratively.
Route 2: recognition by a Turkish family court
If a joint application is not possible, if it was refused, or if custody or maintenance provisions should also take effect in Türkiye, recognition (tanıma) or enforcement (tenfiz) is sought from a Turkish family court under Articles 50 et seq. of MÖHUK. The court does not retry the case: it checks the statutory conditions, such as whether the defendant was duly summoned in the foreign proceedings. Enforcement additionally requires reciprocity.
Documents
- The divorce judgment (original or certified copy)
- Proof that it is final
- An apostille on the judgment and the proof of finality
- Sworn Turkish translations of all documents
- Identity documents and, for representation, a power of attorney
How to grant a power of attorney for use in Türkiye: Granting a power of attorney. Family law in general: Divorce and family law in Türkiye. Contact details: Contact. This page is general information and is not legal advice on a specific case.