Cansu
Lawyer · Izmir, Turkey
- 209 cases handled · 6 in this service
- 13+ years in practice
- Speaks: English, Turkish
- Law, Yeditepe University
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4.96(9 reviews)
Recognition of Foreign Divorce in Turkey
A divorce granted in another country does not appear in the Turkish civil registry by itself; it is entered either directly at the registry when the legal conditions are met, or after a recognition case before a Turkish family court. English-speaking lawyers in Turkey explain which route applies and handle the documents and the case.
About Recognition of Foreign Divorce in Turkey
Recognition of a foreign divorce in Turkey is called tanıma; when the foreign judgment also orders something to be done, such as child support, alimony, custody or compensation, it is a case of recognition and enforcement, tanıma ve tenfiz. It is also described as registering a foreign divorce in Turkey or recognising a foreign divorce decree. Some older lists and lawyer pages call this service “Register Foreign Divorce”.
Who this is for
Turkish citizens who divorced abroad, foreigners whose marriage is recorded in the Turkish civil registry, people who divorced abroad and want to remarry in Turkey, and anyone who has to show in Turkey that an earlier marriage has ended, for example in a property, inheritance or residence matter.
How recognition works in Turkey
A foreign divorce does not change Turkish records by itself: until it is recognised, the marriage still appears in the Turkish civil registry. There are two routes:
- Registration at the civil registry. Under the civil registry law, a final foreign divorce can be entered directly at a civil registry office (nüfus müdürlüğü) or a Turkish consulate when the legal conditions are met, which as reported include a joint application by both former spouses.
- A recognition case. When that route is not available, one former spouse files a case before a Turkish family court. The court does not re-try the divorce; it checks conditions such as the finality of the judgment, the foreign court’s competence, the right of the other side to be heard, public order and, for enforcement, reciprocity.
Documents and points to watch
The registry or the court usually asks for the foreign judgment with proof that it is final, an apostille or legalisation, and a certified Turkish translation. Parts of the judgment about children and money may need enforcement as well, which follows the rules on enforcement of foreign judgments. A copy of the decree itself is a separate request; see divorce certificate or decree copy.
What a lawyer does
A lawyer checks which route applies, gathers and legalises the documents, files the case or the registry application, and follows it until the divorce shows in the Turkish register. With a power of attorney, this can often be done without the client travelling to Turkey.
Questions and answers
Is a foreign divorce automatically valid in Turkey?
No. It has to be entered at the civil registry or recognised by a Turkish court before Turkish records and authorities treat the marriage as ended.
What is the difference between tanıma and tenfiz?
Tanıma (recognition) gives the divorce effect in Turkey. Tenfiz (enforcement) is needed in addition when parts of the judgment, such as maintenance or custody, are to be carried out in Turkey.
Can I remarry in Turkey after a divorce abroad?
The marriage office asks for proof that the earlier marriage has ended. Whether recognition is needed first depends on the person’s nationality and records; see marriage registration in Turkey.
Does the other former spouse have to take part?
In the registry route both former spouses generally apply together. In a court case the other former spouse is notified and can respond.
What if the divorce was granted in Turkey and needs recognition elsewhere?
That follows the other country’s rules. A Turkish divorce judgment becomes usable once it is final.
5 lawyers who provide Recognition of Foreign Divorce in Turkey
Sorted by experience in this service. Write to any of them — the reply comes from the lawyer, without obligation.
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Yasin
Lawyer · Istanbul, Turkey
- 187 cases handled
- 4+ years in practice
- Speaks: English, Turkish
- Law, Yeditepe University Faculty of Law
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5.00(6 reviews)
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Gamze
Lawyer · Bodrum, Turkey
- 123 cases handled
- 14+ years in practice
- Speaks: Turkish, English
- Law, Yeditepe University
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4.94(4 reviews)
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Sadi Berk
Lawyer · Kusadasi, Turkey
- 80 cases handled
- 15+ years in practice
- Speaks: English, Turkish
- Law, Marmara University
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5.00(6 reviews)
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Mert
Lawyer · Antalya, Turkey
- 43 cases handled
- 11+ years in practice
- Speaks: English, Turkish
- Bachelors of Law, Ankara University
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What our clients say about our service in Turkey
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I highly recommend this lawyer. He is professional and knowledgeable, communication was very smooth, and his responsiveness truly made a difference. Anyone looking for a trustworthy and dedicated attorney will find him an excellent choice.
— Julien26 Feb 2026Recognition of Foreign Divorce -
The service was professional, quick and affordable. The lawyer was honest, straightforward and approachable, and she was always available to answer questions and give updates. I will certainly seek her services out again!
— B10 Nov 2025Recognition of Foreign Divorce -
I am really happy with my lawyer's service. She is friendly, knowledgeable and efficient, and she charges reasonable fees for her work. I am glad I chose her.
— Joao29 May 2025Recognition of Foreign Divorce -
I was pleased with the lawyer's knowledge and professionalism in a delicate case; the English was flawless.
— John05 May 2026 -
The lawyer knows Turkish law extremely well, including the options open to me as a dual Turkish and American citizen living abroad, and I was amazed at how fast she understood my situation. At each stage she laid out the possible next steps, and I never felt stuck or pushed in one direction. Costs were agreed in advance and were very reasonable for the work done. I truly felt she was on my side throughout, and I am completely satisfied with the result. She is extremely friendly and very professional, and I will certainly keep using her for any other legal matter I need handled in Turkey.
— Cheryl28 Apr 2022 -
His service to me was very professional and prompt, and he went out of his way to keep me informed about what he was doing, all in perfect English.
— Alan16 Oct 2023 -
The lawyer went above and beyond in every possible way. Several steps had to be completed in a specific order, and she replied to everything within minutes, every time. She explained it all in perfect detail and advised us on what would give the best chance of success. She was kind and friendly yet professional. She gave us the legal help we needed and also eased our stress, because it felt like having a friend in the country who wanted to help, and we are very satisfied with the outcome.
— Brandon31 Jan 2023Residency Visa, Turkey -
A fast response and excellent advice.
— Elena03 Jan 2023 -
I experienced nothing but the highest level of professionalism and responsiveness from the lawyer. She was always extremely knowledgeable, calm and very responsive, with excellent communication skills in perfect English, and she got things done quickly. I am very grateful for all the help she gave me and would recommend her very highly.
— Michael08 Sep 2022 -
Excellent service. We needed to set up a company in Turkey and get legal support, and they quickly connected us with a lawyer there, with great results.
— Sergio27 Jun 2022 -
The lawyer was very professional and responsive. On every matter we discussed she offered solutions drawn from her experience and expertise, and we found that very useful. We are very pleased with how she worked with us, and her English was perfect.
— Mohammed14 Feb 2022 -
He made me feel as if I were his only client, and in my view he went far beyond what was needed to look after my requirements. I felt completely safe in his hands, I am very satisfied with his work, and I count myself lucky to have him as my lawyer. I plan to use his office for as long as I am in Kusadasi.
— Dennis18 Aug 2021EU Residency Visa (Non-EU), Turkey