Getting Married in Georgia: Complete Guide for Turkish Couples

For Turkish couples, Georgia represents an optimal marriage destination: visa-free entry for 360 days (one of the most generous globally), immediate same-day marriage registration, and full international recognition via apostille. Turkish citizens enjoy exceptional privileges in Georgia, making it the fastest and most cost-effective route to legal international marriage. This guide explains why Georgia is ideal for Turkish couples and provides complete step-by-step procedures.

Why Georgia Is Perfect for Turkish Couples

Visa-Free Entry with 360-Day Permit

Turkish nationals enjoy Georgia's most generous visa policy: entry without any visa application, with a visitor's permit valid for 360 days (nearly one full year). This 360-day allocation is exceptionally rare globally and eliminates visa delays entirely.

• No Visa Required: Turkish nationals can enter Georgia without applying for any visa.
• Duration: Visitor's permit valid for 360 days (nearly 12 months) from entry date.
• Processing: Automatic upon arrival. No paperwork, no waiting, no fees.
• Cost: Zero. No visa fees of any kind.
• Advantage: Can enter spontaneously. No advance planning for visas. Perfect for flexible scheduling.

Same-Day Marriage Registration

Upon arrival with your 360-day permit, marriage registration happens within 24 hours. Georgian law specifically welcomes international couples and streamlines the process to minimize delays and documentation requirements.

Complete Timeline: From Arrival to Apostille

• Day 1 (Arrival): Arrive at Tbilisi airport. Automatic 360-day visitor permit issued (one of world's most generous). Check into accommodation in central Tbilisi.
• Day 2 Morning: Visit Ministry of Justice marriage registration office. Submit marriage application and documents.
• Day 2 Afternoon: Return for civil marriage ceremony (15-30 minutes). Collect marriage certificate same day.
• Day 3 Morning: Visit Georgian Supreme Court apostille department. Submit marriage certificate. Processing: 2-4 hours.
• Day 3 Afternoon: Collect apostille-certified marriage certificate. Marriage now internationally valid. Can depart or stay to celebrate.

Apostille and International Recognition

Georgia is a Hague Apostille Convention signatory. Your marriage certificate receives automatic apostille certification recognized by 170+ countries including Turkey, EU nations, USA, Canada, and others. No additional ministry attestation required.

• Apostille Certification: Georgian Supreme Court same-day apostille. Cost: 50-100 GEL (USD 15-30).
• Turkey Recognition: Return to Turkey with apostille certificate. No additional ministry approval required.
• Optional Registration: Recommend registering at Turkish Nufus Mudurlugu (Population Registry). Processing: 1-2 weeks. Cost: minimal.
• International Validity: Apostille accepted by all Hague signatories for any purpose (visas, residence, property, inheritance, etc.).

Complete Cost Breakdown

Turkey Marriage Registration

Upon returning to Turkey with your apostille-certified marriage certificate, registration at your local Nufus Mudurlugu (Population Registry) is optional but recommended for administrative benefits.

• Where to Register: Nufus Mudurlugu in your city of residence (each mahalle/neighborhood has one).
• Required Documents: Apostille certificate, Turkish passports, birth certificates (nufus kaydu copies), completed marriage registration form.
• Processing Time: Same-day or 1-2 days typically.
• Cost: Minimal. Typically 50-200 TRY for registration.
• Outcome: Official registration in Turkish population registry. Enables passport updates and family law benefits.

Why Georgia Over Other Destinations?

• vs. Turkey Registry: Georgia: 3 days + 0 visa vs. Turkey: 2-6 months with appointments and delays.
• vs. Schengen (Denmark, France): Georgia: Visa-free vs. Schengen: Visa required (10-15 days, fees). Georgia faster and cheaper.
• vs. Seychelles: Georgia: 360 days visa-free, closer proximity to Turkey (~2 hours flight) vs. Seychelles: Visa-free but 8+ hours flight and higher costs.
• vs. UAE/Dubai: Georgia: No visa cost vs. UAE: Often requires sponsorship or visit visas. Georgia cheaper.

Step-by-Step Process

Planning Phase (1-2 Weeks Before)

• Decide on travel dates. Book flights Istanbul to Tbilisi (typically 2 hours, direct flights available).
• Book accommodation in central Tbilisi (Vake or Saburtalo districts for government office proximity).
• Prepare documents: passport copies, color photos, birth certificates.
• Arrange travel insurance (20-30 USD typical).

Travel Phase (3 Days in Georgia)

• Day 1 Morning: Depart Istanbul. Short flight to Tbilisi (2 hours).
• Day 1 Afternoon: Arrive at Tbilisi airport. Immigration: automatic 360-day visitor permit (no visa needed). Collect baggage. Taxi to hotel.
• Day 1 Evening: Check in. Rest. Prepare documents for next day.
• Day 2 Morning: Breakfast. Review marriage application form (available online or from MOJ office). Taxi to Ministry of Justice office.
• Day 2 11 AM: Submit marriage registration application to MOJ clerk. Schedule ceremony for afternoon.
• Day 2 3 PM: Return to MOJ for civil marriage ceremony. Ceremony: 15-30 minutes. Both partners must be present. Collect marriage certificate immediately.
• Day 2 Late Afternoon: Celebrate! Prepare for apostille next day.
• Day 3 Morning (9 AM): Taxi to Georgian Supreme Court apostille office (Metekhi Street, central Tbilisi).
• Day 3 Morning (9-10 AM): Submit marriage certificate and apostille application. Pay fee (50-100 GEL). Receive waiting ticket.
• Day 3 Late Morning (11 AM-1 PM): Wait for processing. Can walk around Old Town Tbilisi nearby.
• Day 3 Afternoon (1-2 PM): Collect apostille-certified marriage certificate. Marriage now internationally valid!
• Day 3 Evening: Celebrate or rest before departure.
• Day 4 Morning: Depart Tbilisi. Return to Istanbul or any other destination.

Common Questions from Turkish Couples

Do we need to book everything in advance?

Highly recommended. Book flights 2-3 weeks before to secure good prices. Hotels near government offices (Vake district) fill up quickly. Last-minute bookings 30-50% more expensive.

What if one of us was previously married?

Provide your divorce decree (boşanma kararı) and official marital status document. No apostille required for divorce decree; plain copy sufficient for Georgia. If Turkish divorce, simple certified copy from court acceptable.

Can we travel internationally right after with the apostille?

Absolutely. Apostille certificate accepted by all Hague signatories. Recommended: Update your passport with new surname before booking additional international travel. Can be done upon return to Turkey at Nufus Mudurlugu.

Document Checklist

• Both Turkish passports (original + bio page copies)
• Color passport photos (digital 4x6 cm)
• Birth certificates or nufus kaydu copies
• If previously married: Divorce decree (boşanma kararı)
• Travel insurance document
• Hotel booking confirmation
• Flight confirmations (round-trip)
• Bank statement showing 500+ USD per person for funds

Additional Resources

Explore Georgia destination guide: Georgia Wedding Destination. Compare other options: Seychelles. See guides for other nationalities: Complete guide for multiple nationalities.

Author: Editorial Team at Fast Wedding Abroad
Last Updated: February 2026
Disclaimer: This guide provides general information. We are not a law firm. For specific legal advice, consult relevant Turkish and Georgian authorities.