Residence Permits in Turkey: FAQ

Introduction

Welcome to the detailed guide to residence permits in Turkey, crafted by a legal professional Atty. Gökhan VURAL, with over 3 and a half years of expertise in Turkish immigration law. Navigating the intricacies of residence permits can be daunting, but fear not, as we delve into the essential information surrounding various permit types in Turkey.

In this comprehensive overview, we address the most inquired topics surrounding residence permits, shedding light on temporary, long-term, and student permits, and the nuances involved in obtaining and renewing them. Understanding the unique requirements and processes for each permit type is crucial for a smooth and successful application process.

From securing the necessary documents, such as a valid passport, to financial declarations and health insurance, each step towards obtaining a residence permit in Turkey is outlined meticulously. Whether you seek clarity on the duration, costs, or renewal procedures, this guide serves as your go-to resource for all things related to residence permits in Turkey.

Join us on this journey through the ways of the Turkish immigration system, and let Atty. Gökhan VURAL's expertise illuminate your path to a successful residence permit application in Turkey.

In this detailed questionnaire about residence permits in Turkey, we focus on addressing frequently asked questions to provide clear information for individuals learning the procedures of the Turkish immigration system. Our aim is to offer as many essential insights into whether the intention is to stay temporary or permanently, for various "permit types", including short term, long term, family and student permits, as possible to help you understand the requirements and processes involved in obtaining and renewing them.

Throughout this guide, we cover key topics such as securing necessary documents like a valid passport, financial declarations, and health insurance, crucial steps in the application process for a residence permit in Turkey. Whether you are seeking clarification on duration, costs, or renewal procedures, this resource is designed to be your reference point for all things related to residence permits in Turkey.

Stay with us on this journey through the details of Turkish immigration law, as we provide expert guidance to illuminate your path to a successful residence permit application in Turkey.

Can you work in turkey with a residence permit?

No, "residence permit" will only grant permission for the foreign national to reside within the country for a specified period. Those foreign nationals wishing to engage in employment in Turkey must secure a "work permit" in order to do so. It is important to note that individuals working in Turkey without a valid work permit are subject to "deportation" on these grounds alone, and will face "penalties" along with their employer.

How can i get residence permit in turkey?

By possessing a passport with a validity of 60 days or more, one can exceed the stipulated duration for staying in the country. The other conditions for residency depend on the type. Obviously for the first timers in the country visa or visa exemption is a must for residence permit application.

How to get residence permit in turkey?

To obtain a residence permit in Turkey, a foreign national must first possess a visa or be eligible for visa exemption to enter the country. Subsequently, the individual can proceed to apply for the residence permit through alternative channels. In terms of passport validity, it is imperative that the passport remains valid for at least 60 days beyond the requested duration of stay. One prevalent approach is to secure a rental property in Turkey prior to initiating the residency application process. This will be done through governorates.

How to renew residence permit in turkey?

A foreign national must renew the residency in the last 60 days of his/her stay. Having said that the expiration of the residence permit will force the foreign national to go outside of the country as the person will no longer have a valid reason to stay in the country. Application will be done through governorate's. This means that the foreign national must leave the country in 10 days, and best way to approach this situation is to get a letter of "departure request" from the immigration authority which will enable the foreigner to stay in Turkey up to 15 days.

How do I obtain a residence permit in turkey?

By possessing a passport with a validity of 60 days or more, one can exceed the stipulated duration for staying in the country. The other conditions for residency depends on the type. In any case the foreign national must complete the common documents which we inform you later on. Foreign national who enters the country should do so with visa or visa exemption in order to apply for residence permit application.

What are the new rules for residence permits in turkey? Are there new rules for residence permit in turkey 2024?

Even though there have been no substantial amendments in the legal statutes, officials within every governing body have the autonomy to comprehend and construe the legal provisions as they deem appropriate. Despite widespread misconceptions, the legal codes across the nation remain consistent. The immigration authority may opt to transition from a lenient stance to a more stringent approach within its jurisdiction. For instance, the coastal region in the southwest of the country harbors not just thousands, but tens of thousands of British expatriates. Speculation abounds that the customary one-year permits may be curtailed to a mere six-month extension, a departure from the norm. Since the law grants a maximum 2 year per application or extension, the governing body may deem it possible to issue permits shorter than even one year.

What are the documents required for residence permit in turkey?

A valid passport, criminal record, and if the individual is a foreigner with a child, legal confirmation from the custodian; or if the individual has full custody, the court decision granting full custody in Turkish. Each legal or official document must be apostilled for use in Turkey.

Requirements for student residence permit in turkey

1. Residence Permit Application Form

(Must be signed by the applicant and/or his/her legal representative.)

2. Copy of passport or passport substitute document

(The original document must be with applicant on the day of the appointment.)

3. Four (4) biometric photos

(Taken within the last 6 months, the background must be white and biometric.)

4. Declaration of sufficient and regular financial means during the period of stay

5. Document/receipt showing that the residence card fee has been paid

(Residence permit fee document/receipt is also required for those studying at international organizations, embassies and consulate schools. However not a requirement for state funded projects for student residence permits.)

6. Valid health insurance

(The insurance period must cover the desired residence permit period. One of the following is considered sufficient):

o E-signed/signed and stamped/sealed document obtained from provincial social security units stating that health services are benefited from in Turkey within the scope of bilateral social security agreements

o E-signed/signed and stamped/sealed provision document obtained from the Social Security Institution

(Provision documents to be brought from SSI must be in a form that covers both the sponsor and family members in family residence permits.)

o E-signed/signed and stamped/sealed document regarding the application made to the Social Security Institution to be a general health insurance holder

o Private health insurance (Applicant should submit the signed and stamped/sealed original insurance policy at the time of application!)

7. Document Showing the Place of Residence

(One of the following is considered sufficient.)

o If the applicant is staying his/her own home, a copy of the title deed;

(For extension applications, "certificate of residence" is sufficient.)

o If you the applicant is staying with a rental agreement, a notarized copy of applicants rental agreement;

o If the applicant is staying in accommodation such as hotels, etc., documents showing that applicant is staying in these places;

o If the applicant is staying in student dormitories, an e-signed, sealed/stamped document stating that the applicant is staying in the dormitory,

o If the applicant is staying a third party, a notarized commitment of the person staying with him

(If the applicant is staying with his/her spouse, so is the notarized commitment of the spouse.)

Keep in mind that most of those are general requirements of many different permits; however for educational reasons, first timers have to obtain a relevant visa.

How long it takes to issue residence permit in turkey 2023?

It should take 90 days to issue a relevant residence permit to the applicant and in the mean time applicant should be grant a paper that allows to stay in the country. Since foreigner has no protection in the event of a police questioning, however the applicants can carry the application form on them to prevent the misunderstandings from happening.

Are there any new rules for residence permit in turkey 2024?

Being informed can prevent issues with regulations and ensure a smooth experience with residence permits. Seeking guidance from experts can help navigate the permit process and address concerns. Building a positive relationship with permit authorities can streamline the process. Proactively managing permit matters leads to a successful and stress-free experience. As of 2024 there is no change in legal or directive matters; however, in any jurisdiction the immigration authority may use initiative for its own.

Can we extend our residence permits in turkey from 2023?

Yes you can however you must check the availability of the passport within the requested time.

Is it possible to get ikamet residence permit in turkey?

Yes, it is absolutely possible to get it. However, you need to collect documents in order for you to do that. That’s to say there are common documents which you need to collect and for your specific type of permit you need to collect those documents.

What is the humanitarian residence permit in turkey?

Humanitarian residence permit is a type of permit where applicant will receive undue harm in his/her home country. The nature of the humanitarian residence permit requires a rather immediate action to allow foreigner to stay in the country without applying the usual checks like controlling visa, passport etc.

How to get a residence permit in turkey?

First of all foreign national must complete the general required documents which we state below:

COMMON DOCUMENTS

1. Residence Permit Application Form

(Must be signed by the foreigner and/or his/her legal representative.)

2. Copy of passport or passport substitute document

(The page with the identity information and photo, and the processed pages showing entry-exit and visa information) (The original document must be with the applicant on the day of the appointment.)

3. Four (4) biometric photographs (Taken within the last 6 months, must have a white background and biometric.)

4. Declaration of sufficient and regular financial means during the period of stay

(It is declared in the Application Form. The administration may request supporting documents from the applicant.)

Documents/receipts showing that the residence fee and card fee have been paid

6. Valid health insurance

(The insurance period must cover the desired residence permit period.

One of the following is considered sufficient):

o E-signed/signed and stamped/sealed document obtained from provincial social security units stating that health services are benefited from in Turkey within the scope of bilateral social security agreements

o E-signed/signed and stamped/sealed provision document obtained from the Social Security Institution

(Provision documents to be brought from SSI must be in a form that covers both the sponsor and family members in family residence permits.)

o E-signed/signed and stamped/sealed document regarding the application made to the Social Security Institution to be a general health insurance holder

o Private health insurance

(The applicant must submit the signed and stamped/sealed original of your insurance policy at the time of application!)

7. Document showing that you are registered in the Address Registration System

(If registered in the address registration system)

"Certificate of Residence" to be obtained from the provincial/district population directorates with e-signature/signature and stamp/seal or to be obtained from the e-government system (www.turkiye.gov.tr)

8. Document Showing the Place to Stay

(One of the following is considered sufficient.)

o If the applicant is staying in his/her own home, a copy of the title deed;

(For extension applications, "certificate of residence" is sufficient.)

o If the applicant is staying with a rental agreement, Notarized copy of your lease agreement;

o If the applicant is staying in accommodation such as hotels, etc., documents showing that applicant is staying in these places;

o If the applicant is staying in student dormitories, an e-signed/signed and sealed/stamped document stating that applicant is staying in the dormitory,

o If the applicant is staying with a third party, a notarized commitment of the person staying with him/her

(If the applicant is staying with a spouse, also the notarized commitment of the spouse)

How to apply for student residence permit in turkey?

To apply for residence permit in Turkey. Foreign national or person’s lawyer should go through the procedure within the governorate. After the completion of the general and unique documents.

How to obtain student residence permit in turkey? How can i get residence permit in turkey? How to obtain residence permit in turkey?

To apply for any residency permit in Turkey, a foreign national or their legal representative must follow the prescribed procedure at the governorate. Upon completion of the necessary documentation, students will be granted a visa for their initial entry into the country, and may be required to pay a fee, depending on the type of permit they wish to obtain. Subsequently, the relevant governing body will issue permits for any renewals that may be needed.

How much residence permit fees costs in turkey? How much does a residence permit cost in turkey?

It has a fee which ranges from 895 TL to 3200 TL in Turkish lira which includes card value depending on a country. The foreigner will burden the additional cost of visa fee 5.476,80 TL. The foreigner will pay an additional fee for the insurance in the country too depending on the age and other factors. These values are always subject to change and the values are determined for the year 2024.

How to renew residence permit in turkey?

The foreign national should extend the relevant residence permit when his/her residence permit is about to expire in 60 days. Before that the system doesn’t allow to enter. The foreign national must submit the relevant documents and also must pay the fees necessary before the appointment. The applications can be done through governorates.

These are the common documents to collect for the application:

• Residence Permit Application Form

(must be signed by the foreigner and/or his/her legal representative)

• Notarized photocopy of passport or substitute document

(pages with identification information and photo, as well as pages that are processed)

• Four (4) photos

(Taken within the last 6 months, the fund must be white and biometric. Family photo, selfies, outdated, or black-and-white photos that make it difficult for you to be recognized.Do not upload it, otherwise the residence permit document will not be issued!)

• Declaration that you have sufficient and regular financial means during the period of stay

(It is declared in the Application Form. The administration may request supporting documents.)

• Valid health insurance (The insurance period must cover the desired residence permit period.

One of the following is considered sufficient):

• From health services in Turkey within the scope of bilateral social security agreements e-signed/signed and stamped from the provincial social security units/Sealed Document

• E-signed/signed and stamped/sealed provision document obtained from the Social Security Institution

(Provision documents to be brought from SSI must be in a form that covers both the sponsor and family members.)

• Private health insurance covering the extension period

(The policy should contain the phrase "This policy covers the minimum coverage structure determined in the circular on private health insurance to be taken out for residence permit requests dated 06/06/2014 and numbered 9.". At the time of application, you must submit the original of your insurance policy, e-signed/signed and stamped/sealed! In extension applications, only put a certified (stamped, signed) copy of the original policy in your application file.)

There are documents that differ on the subject regarding the application, and some immigration administrations may make different requests from time to time depending on the reason for stay.

How to track residence permit in turkey? How to check residence permit status in turkey? How can i track my residence permit in turkey?

You can track/check the status of your application through related page.

How to get permanent residence permit in turkey?

There is no such classification as a permanent type of residence permit in Turkey. However given the fact that the intent is to stay in Turkey unimpeded. It understandably refers to long term residence permit. However the applicant needs to stay in Turkey for 8 years while complying to some specific rules. Long term permit gives the foreign national an edge over the nationalization as for various reasons foreign national may not want to become a turkish citizen. So that they can keep their own nationality.

How to get temporary residence permit in turkey?

There is no such classification as a temporary type of residence permit in Turkey. However given the fact that the intent is to stay in Turkey temporary. It understandably refers to short term residence permit. Short term residence permit is the classic way for the foreign national to come and stay within Turkey. However foreign national must have a passport that exceeds 60 days of his application period. This is the only necessity for the foreign national. The foreign national also must collect the common documents and apostille them if necessary.

How to get short term residence permit in turkey? How can i get residence permit in turkey? How do i get a residence permit in turkey?

A short-term residence permit is the classic way for foreign nationals to come and stay within Turkey. However, a foreign national must have a passport that exceeds 60 days of his application period. This is the only necessity for the foreign national. The foreign national also must collect the common documents and apostille them if necessary.The most common example is renting a property.

What is a residence permit in Turkey?

The residence permit is a type of permit specifically targeting foreign nationals in Turkey who are unable to complete the process of "naturalization". Or unable to apply for a "long-term residence permit" for various reasons. This application can give foreign nationals an edge over staying in Turkey.