Age of majority in Turkey (2026)

Last reviewed: 7 November 2026

In short: Adulthood and the right to vote start at 18. A person may marry from 17, or 16 with a judge's permission. Children under 12 have no criminal responsibility.

RuleWhat applies
Age of majorityLegal adulthoodAdulthood begins on completing 18 years of age. Marriage also makes a person an adult. A court may declare a minor of 15 or older an adult at their own request with parental consent (Article 12). [1]
Voting age (national elections)Legal adulthoodEvery Turkish citizen who has completed 18 years of age has the right to vote and to take part in referendums. [2]
Minimum age to marryLegal adulthoodA man or woman cannot marry before completing 17 years of age. In exceptional circumstances and for a very important reason, a judge may allow a person who has completed 16 to marry. [3]
Age of criminal responsibilityLegal adulthoodChildren who had not completed 12 years of age when committing the act have no criminal responsibility. For ages 12 to 14, there is no responsibility unless the child could understand the legal meaning of the act and direct their behaviour. [4]

Sources

  1. Mevzuat Bilgi Sistemi (Cumhurbaşkanlığı): Türk Medeni Kanunu (4721), madde 11 (consulted 7 November 2026) · all sources
  2. Mevzuat Bilgi Sistemi (Cumhurbaşkanlığı): Türkiye Cumhuriyeti Anayasası (2709), madde 67 (consulted 7 November 2026) · all sources
  3. Mevzuat Bilgi Sistemi (Cumhurbaşkanlığı): Türk Medeni Kanunu (4721), madde 124 (consulted 7 November 2026) · all sources
  4. Mevzuat Bilgi Sistemi (Cumhurbaşkanlığı): Türk Ceza Kanunu (5237), madde 31 (consulted 7 November 2026) · all sources

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General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official source before you fly or ride.