“Stateless persons in Turkey” are those who are not affiliated with any country or are citizens of countries not recognized by Turkey under international law. This also includes foreigners who do not enjoy the same rights as citizens in their country of residence. Unlike our other articles, we will address this topic in a question-and-answer format.
Who qualifies as a “stateless persons in Turkey” for application purposes?
-
Individuals who were already stateless persons in Turkey upon entering Turkey.
-
Those who lost their citizenship while in Turkey.
Who is authorized to apply for “stateless person in Turkey” status?
-
Competent adults must personally apply to the governorate to determine their stateless status.
-
For minors or legally incapacitated individuals, applications must be submitted by their parents. If no parents are available, a legal guardian must apply.
Where can the “stateless person” application be filed?
-
Applications can be made within Turkey or at border checkpoints to law enforcement or other public institutions.
-
These applications must be immediately reported to the governorate.
What documents are required for the application of “stateless person in Turkey” ?
-
Once the application is accepted, a fee-exempt application document is issued, valid until a final decision (positive/negative) is made.
If I obtain a “stateless person” residence permit, does this time count toward citizenship or long-term residence applications?
-
No. The legal stay period under this document does not count toward total residence duration for citizenship or long-term residence eligibility.
Can I apply for a stateless person passport in Turkey if I already applied in another country?
-
No. Applications from individuals holding stateless identity documents or passports from another country will not be processed.
Can I apply for a residence permit in Turkey if I have a stateless person passport from another country?
-
Applications from those holding a stateless identity document from another country will be assessed under general regulations. They must still carry a valid passport or equivalent travel document.
When is the interview conducted for “stateless person in Turkey” applications?
-
After registration, an interview is held within 15 days (unless urgent reasons delay it).
-
The interview report, along with the governorate’s opinion, is sent to the General Directorate for a final decision.
What is examined during the “stateless person” interview?
The interview clarifies:
✔ Entry date and method into Turkey.
✔ Relatives in Turkey (if any) and their locations.
✔ Financial means of the applicant.
✔ Circumstances leading to statelessness.
✔ Previous citizenship and related documents.
✔ Prior statelessness applications in other countries (including rejections and reasons).
✔ Possibility of regaining lost citizenship.
The administration may conduct further investigations, so applicants should be prepared.
How long does the statelessness determination process take?
-
The administration must complete the assessment within 90 days, consulting relevant institutions if needed.
How is statelessness determined?
-
The applicant must provide proof of no citizenship ties to any country.
-
If documents cannot be submitted, citizenship laws of the relevant country may be used as evidence.
-
Authorities may request information from the applicant’s former country.
-
If fraud is suspected, a covert population investigation may be conducted via civil registry offices.
Is there a fee for the Stateless Person Identity Document? What rights does it provide?
-
No fee is charged for the document.
-
Validity: Must be renewed every two years unless citizenship is acquired or eligibility is lost.
Rights granted by the Stateless Person Identity Document:
✔ Eligibility to apply for residence permits.
✔ Protection from deportation (unless posing a serious threat to public order/security).
✔ Exemption from reciprocity requirements.
✔ Eligibility for work permits under relevant laws.
✔ Right to obtain a foreigner’s passport under the Passport Law.
Grounds for revocation:
-
Acquisition of citizenship.
-
Submission of false information/documents.
-
Being deemed a serious threat to public order/security.
