A residence permit in Turkey allows foreigners to stay in the country legally for various purposes, such as work, study, family reunification, or long-term settlement. This article provides a clear overview of the different types of residence permits available, their key features, and eligibility requirements. Whether you’re applying for a short-term stay, family reunification, or a long-term permit, understanding these categories will help you navigate the process with ease.
Distinct Types of Residence Permit in Turkey:
- Short-Term Residence Permit.
- Family Residence Permit.
- Student Residence Permit.
- Long-Term Residence Permit.
- Humanitarian Residence Permit.
- Victim of Human Trafficking Residence Permit.
Short-Term Residence Permit-Duration:
The short-term residence permit is granted for a maximum of one year at a time. The determination of the residence permit duration will consider the foreigner’s request, justification, and other related matters.
Residence Permit Requested for Scientific Research:
In applications for short-term residence permits for scientific research purposes, permission must be obtained from the relevant institution or organization if the research requires a permit. If not, a statement regarding the research topic is required.
For activities other than archaeological and surface research, institutions or organizations must send the foreigner’s request, approved duration, and permission along with the foreigner’s details to the provincial directorate. Foreigners coming for archaeological and surface research must obtain the appropriate visa. The administration reserves the right to request documents. Applications from foreigners already holding another residence permit but participating in archaeological and surface research, requiring a change in residence, are forwarded to the Ministry with the opinions of relevant institutions.
Applications for a residence permit in Turkey based on property ownership:
Applications for a residence permit in Turkey based on property ownership require the property must be residential and serve that purpose. Additionally, if family members have shared or joint ownership of the property, they may also apply for a residence permit under this provision. Keep in mind that applications for citizenship based on property will be different.
Applications Based on Commercial Connections or Business Establishment:
For applications for residence permits due to commercial connections or business establishments exceeding three months, an invitation letter or similar documents from the person or company to be contacted may be requested. For requests less than this period, such documents may not be required.
Residence Permit for Participation in In-Service Training Programs:
A residence permit for participation in in-service training programs is issued for the duration of the program.
Residence Permit for Education or Similar Purposes:
For residence permits in Turkey to be granted within the framework of bilateral or multilateral international agreements or student exchange programs for education or similar purposes, information or documents from the relevant institution must be provided. The residence permit duration cannot exceed the duration of the education or similar purpose.
Tourism Purposes Residence Permit Applications:
For tourism purposes, residence permit applications, the foreigner’s statement regarding where, when, and for how long they will stay in the country is evaluated. The administration reserves the right to request documents.
Applications by Foreign Press Members Assigned in Turkey:
A residence permit for foreign press members assigned in Turkey is granted upon presentation of the press card issued by the Directorate General of Press and Information, not exceeding the duration specified on the press card.
Applications by Individuals Coming to Turkey for Medical Treatment:
For foreigners admitted to public or private hospitals in Turkey, health insurance is not required if they can document covering all treatment expenses. A residence permit is issued in accordance with the duration of treatment. During the treatment period, foreigners whose accommodation, food, or health expenses are covered by the relevant public institutions and organizations are not required to prove financial means or have valid health insurance.
Residence Permit Issued Based on Judicial or Administrative Authorities’ Requests or Decisions:
The duration of a residence permit issued based on judicial or administrative authorities’ requests or decisions is determined according to the duration specified in the request or decision, and the conditions for having valid health insurance and sufficient financial means may not be required.
Applications for a residence permit by learning Turkish:
A residence permit by learning Turkish is granted to foreigners enrolled in a course at an institution authorized to teach Turkish, up to two times. If the course duration is less than one year, the residence permit duration cannot exceed the course duration.
Applications of residence permit in Turkey by Those Coming to Turkey for Education, Research, Internships, or Courses:
The duration of residence permit issued for those participating in education, research, internships, or courses in Turkey through public institutions cannot exceed one year. Foreigners whose accommodation, food, or health expenses are covered by the relevant public institutions are not required to prove financial means or have valid health insurance.
Applications by Graduates of Higher Education:
Foreigners who have completed higher education in Turkey can apply for a one-time residence permit valid for up to one year if they apply within six months of graduation.
Cancellation, Rejection of Application, or Non-Renewal of Short-Term Residence Permit in Turkey:
- If the supporting person fails to submit the requested documents, applications by both the supporting person and other beneficiaries applying through the supporting person,
- If it is determined that the issued residence permit is used for purposes other than its intended purpose,
- If the foreigner stays abroad for more than a total of one hundred and twenty days within the last year, (excluding mandatory public service, duty, education, or health reasons),
- If there is a decision for deportation or entry ban to Turkey, applications for residence permits will be rejected and any granted residence permits will be canceled.
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