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Residence Permit in Turkey
Turkey, a country known for its rich history and strategic location, offers various types of residence permits for foreigners looking to stay within its borders. Whether you’re a student, an investor, or someone seeking refuge, understanding the intricacies of obtaining a residence permit in Turkey is crucial.
This comprehensive guide delves into the different categories of residence permits, from short-term to long-term, humanitarian to those specifically for victims of human trafficking, ensuring you have all the information you need to make an informed decision.
What is a Residence Permit?
A Residence permit refers to the certificate of authorization provided to grant residence in Turkey, according to The Foreigners and International Protection Law (FIPL) No. 6458.
The foreigner is granted the right to live in our nation for a certain amount of time and in a specific region by this permission given by competent authorities. The resident permit, which is necessary for maintaining and protecting public order, is granted when a foreigner requests it, submits the needed documentation, and satisfies the requirements of the residence permit category to which they apply.
Article 30 of The Foreigners and International Protection Law No. 6458 regulates six categories of residency permits in Turkey.
Residence Permit Types in Turkey
- Turkish Short-Term Residence Permit,
- Turkish Family Residence Permit,
- Turkish Student Residence Permit,
- Turkish Long-Term Residence Permit,
- Turkish Humanitarian Residence Permit,
- Turkish Residence Permit For Victims of Human Trafficking.
Turkish Short-Term Residence Permit
Issued under The Foreigners and International Protection Law and Regulation, a residence permit is requested once the visa or visa exemption term has expired and allows a short-term stay in Turkey.
Which Foreigners Are Eligible to Apply For Short-Term Residence Permit in Turkey?
1- Foreigners Who Will be Staying For Tourism Purposes in Turkey
The declarations of foreigners applying for a residence permit in Turkey are assessed in light of their trip intentions (i.e., when and where they will be staying in the country and the duration of their stay).
Additional information or documents may be requested to be submitted concerning these matters if the administration deems it necessary.
2- Foreigners Who Will Establish Commercial Connections, Establish a Company or Start a Business in Turkey
Suppose foreigners who will establish a commercial connection or business request a residence permit in Turkey for more than three months. In that case, the foreigner may be requested to prove their status with a letter of invitation from other people or companies.
3- Foreigners Who Have Immovable Property in Turkey
If foreigners who have immovable property in Turkey request a residence permit, the immovable property must be residential and used for this purpose. Additionally, if family members have shared or joint ownership over the residential property in Turkey, within this scope, family members are also eligible to apply for a residence permit in Turkey.
4- Foreigners Who Will Attend Turkish Learning Courses in Turkey
Foreigners enrolled in institutions authorized to give Turkish courses (must be licensed by The Ministry of National Education) are eligible to apply. The residence permit issued for this purpose can be granted for two educational periods.
If the course duration is less than one year, the duration of the residence permit in Turkey cannot exceed the course period. The institution giving the course is obliged to inform The Provincial Directorate of Migration Management about the course start and continuation status of the foreigner who enrolls to learn Turkish.
5- Foreigners Who Will Come to Turkey For Scientific Research
Foreigners requesting a residence permit in Turkey for this purpose are required to obtain a permit from relevant institutions or organizations (The Ministry of Culture and Tourism, The Ministry of Energy, universities, etc.) if the scientific research is additionally subject to the permission of an institution; in the case, they are not subject to permission, they are requested to submit a statement regarding the research topic.
However, foreigners who come to Turkey for academic studies should not apply for a residence permit in Turkey for scientific research purposes but for a student residence permit in Turkey or a work permit in Turkey to be obtained from the university they are attending.
6- Foreigners Who Will Participate in The in-service Training Programs in Turkey
Residence permits granted for this purpose are issued for the duration of the program based on information and documents regarding the content, duration, and location of the training supplied by the institution or organization that will be giving the in-service training.
7- Foreigners Who Are To Come For Educational Purposes or Other Similar Purposes Within The Framework of Agreements to Which The Republic of Turkey is a Party of or Student Exchange Programs
Foreigners who request a residence permit in Turkey for this purpose must submit the information and document to be obtained from the relevant institutions.
The residence permit obtained this way cannot exceed the duration of the training or similar purpose.
8- Foreigners Who Will Receive Treatment on Condition That They Do Not Carry one of The Diseases Considered as a Threat to Public Health
Foreigners who come to Turkey for this purpose must be admitted to a public or private hospital. Health insurance is not required for those who document that they will pay for all treatment costs. Residence permits are issued in accordance with the treatment duration.
Where necessary, information or documents may be requested from the relevant hospital or public institution and organization in relation to the foreigner’s treatment.
The residence permit procedures for foreigners who come to Turkey for treatment purposes within the scope of existing Health Cooperation Agreements (if there is no additional provision in the agreement regarding companions) are carried out per the general provisions.
9- Foreigners Who Are Required to Remain in Turkey Based on The Demand or The Decision of Judicial or Administrative Authorities
The duration of the residence permit to be issued for this purpose is issued by taking into account the period specified in the decision or demand.
10- Foreigners Who Will be Participating in Education, Research, Internships, and Courses in Turkey via Public Education Institutions
The duration of the residence permit in Turkey issued for this purpose cannot exceed one year. Foreigners whose public institutions cover accommodation, food, or health-related expenses are not required to have valid health insurance upon proof of financial means. Additional information and documents may be requested from institutions.
11- Foreigners From Among Those Who Have Completed Their Higher Education in Turkey and Apply Within Six Months After Their Date of Graduation
Foreigners who request a residence permit in Turkey for this purpose may be granted a residence permit one time only for a maximum period of one year, provided that they apply within six months after their graduation date.
12- Those Who do not Work in Turkey But Are Going to Make an Investment Within The Scope and Amount to be Stipulated by The Council of Ministers and Their Foreign Spouses, as Well as Their Spouse’s Minor or Dependent Foreign Child
Foreigners who request a residence permit in Turkey for this purpose may be issued a residence permit for a maximum period of five years.
This change in Law No. 6458 with International Labour Force Law No. 6735 aims to encourage qualified foreigners to contribute to the country’s economy and ease foreigners with respect to their residence permit procedures.
13- Foreigners Who Are Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus Citizens
Foreigners who request a residence permit in Turkey for this purpose may be issued a residence permit for a maximum period of five years.
What Are The General Conditions For a Short-Term Residence Permit in Turkey?
Foreigners are required to meet the below conditions before a short-term residence permit in Turkey can be issued:
- Submit supportive information and documents relevant to the purpose of stay in Turkey,
- Not be included within the scope of foreigners who are forbidden to enter Turkey as per Article 7 of the Law,
- Posses accommodation conditions that comply with general health and safety standards,
- Upon request, submit the document showing their criminal record issued by the competent authorities in the country of their citizenship or their country of legal residence,
- Provide details of the real address where they will be staying in Turkey.
What Are The Reasons For The Rejection, Cancellation, or Non-Extension of a Short-Term Residence Permit in Turkey?
- The failure to meet one or a few of the conditions required for the short-term residence permit, or their elimination,
- Detection that the residence permit is used for purposes other than that which it was granted,
- Having valid deportation or entry ban decision against them,
- Violation in terms of overstaying abroad.
In such cases, short-term residence permits are not granted; if they have been granted, they are canceled, and expired permits are not extended.
Turkish Family Residence Permit
In The Foreigners and International Protection Law, the applicant’s family members are the spouse, the couple’s minor children, and the couple’s dependent children. A family residence permit can be granted to Turkish citizens’ and foreigners’ foreign spouses and their dependent children.
Which Foreigners Are Eligible to Apply For a Family Residence Permit in Turkey?
Turkish citizens, those who fall within the scope of article 28 of Law No. 5901, or foreigners who hold one of the residence permit types, as well as refugees and subsidiary protection beneficiaries; a family residence permit can be issued for:
- Their foreigner spouse,
- Their own or their spouse’s minor foreigner child,
- Their own or their spouse’s dependent foreigner child.
If the foreigner who requests a family residence permit has more than one spouse, the family residence permit can be issued for one of the spouses only. However, the sponsor can provide the family residence permit for all of the sponsor’s children.
Foreigners With a Family Residence Permit in Turkey Can Request Short-Term Residence Permits in The Following Circumstances
- In the case of divorce, if they remained in the country with the family residence permit for at least three years through their marriage to a Turkish citizen (however, foreigners who have proven by a court decision that they have been a victim of domestic violence are not required to fulfill the minimum three-year family residence permit condition).
- If the sponsor dies and the family remains in our country with a family residence permit depends on the sponsor.
- If those who have stayed in our country with a family residence permit for at least three years reach the age of eighteen.
For What Duration of Years Can Family Residence Permit in Turkey Be Issued?
- The family residence permit can be issued for up to three years each time.
- The duration of the family residence permit can in no way exceed the duration of the sponsor’s residence permit.
What Are The Conditions of Family Residence Permits in Turkey?
Foreigners must meet the conditions in Article 35 of the Law before issuing the family residence permit.
What Are The Sponsor Requirements?
- Valid health insurance covering all family members,
- Having a monthly income of no less than one-third of the minimum wage per family member,
- Documenting with a criminal record that they have not committed a crime against the family order within the last five years,
- At least one year of residence in Turkey and registered in the address registration system.
What Are The Applicant Requirements?
- Supplying supportive information and documents regarding their purpose for staying in our country,
- Proving that they live together with the sponsor or intend to do so,
- Spouses must be no younger than eighteen years of age,
- Not falling within the scope of foreigners not allowed entry to Turkey,
- The marriage was not realized to obtain a family residence permit.
What Are The Reasons For The Rejection, Cancellation, or Non-Extension of a Family Residence Permit in Turkey?
- The failure to meet the conditions required for the family residence permit or their elimination,
- Detection that the family permit is used for purposes other than that which it was granted,
- A valid deportation or entry ban decision against the applicant.
In such cases, family residence permits are not granted; if they have been granted, they are canceled, and expired permits are not extended.
Turkish Student Residence Permit
Foreigners and International Protection Law has regulated the residence permit procedure of international students according to general residence permit types to facilitate the applicant.
Foreigners who are going to study for an associate degree, undergraduate, master or a Ph.D. at a higher education institute in Turkey and foreigners who are going to receive primary and secondary education with their expenses met by real or legal entities can undertake studies by obtaining a student residence permit in Turkey.
Which Foreigners Are Eligible For Student Residence Permits in Turkey?
- Foreigners without a family residence permit in Turkey who will be undertaking primary and secondary education,
- Foreigners undertaking associate, undergraduate, graduate, doctorate, Specialization Training in Medicine (TUS), and Specialization Training in Dentistry (DUS) levels of study at a higher education institution.
The student residence permit gives the student the right to be sponsored solely in their spouse and children’s family residence permit applications. It does not provide any right to their other relatives to obtain a residence permit.
For What Duration of Years Can Student Residence Permits in Turkey Be Issued?
- If the international student’s education period is less than one year, the student residence permit cannot exceed the education period.
- Foreigners who will be coming through public institutions and organizations to study in Turkey may be granted a residence permit for the study period.
- Foreigners who will be undertaking primary and secondary education, with their expenses met by real or legal entities, may be granted a student residence permit for up to one year, which can also be extended for the same time during their studies upon the consent of their parents or legal representatives.
What Are The Conditions For Student Residence Permits in Turkey?
Foreigners must meet the conditions in Article 39 of the Law before issuing a student residence permit.
- Submit supportive information and documents relevant to the purpose of stay in Turkey (Article 38 of the Law),
- Not falling within the scope of foreigners not allowed entry to Turkey,
- Provide details of the real address where they will be staying in Turkey.
Health Insurance and Student Residence Permit in Turkey
According to the Social Insurance and General Health Law provisions, additional social insurance is not requested from international students who request general health insurance within three months from their first enrollment date.
Students’ Right to Work
Associate, undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral students undertaking formal education in Turkey may work on the condition that they obtain a work permit in Turkey.
However, the right to work begins after the first year for associate and undergraduate students. Work permit applications are made to The Ministry of Labor and Social Security.
What Are The Reasons For The Rejection, Cancellation, or Non-Extension of Student Residence Permit in Turkey?
- Failure or elimination of the conditions required for a student residence permit,
- Evidence that they cannot continue their studies,
- Determining that a student residence permit is used for purposes other than that which it was granted,
- Having a valid deportation or entry ban to Turkey against them.
In such cases, student residence permits are not granted; if they have been granted, they are canceled, and expired permits are not extended.
Turkish Long-Term Residence Permit
Articles 42 and 45 of the Foreigners and International Protection Law regulate a long-term residence permit that entitles foreigners living in Turkey for long years to rights similar to citizenship.
Which Foreigners Are Eligible to Apply For Long-Term Residence Permit in Turkey?
- Foreigners who have remained incessantly in Turkey for at least eight years on a residence permit or who meet the conditions stipulated by the Migration Policy Board,
- Refugees, conditional refugees, and subsidiary protection holders, those with humanitarian residence permits, those granted temporary protection, and those granted a work permit exemption are not entitled to transfer to a long-term residence permit in Turkey.
For What Duration of Years Can the Long-Term Residence Permit in Turkey Be Issued?
Long-term residence permits are issued indefinitely.
What Are The Conditions For Long-Term Residence Permits in Turkey?
- Living continuously in Turkey for at least eight years on the residence permit (in calculating the continuous eight years, half of the student residence permit duration specified in Article 38 of the Law, and the total duration of all other residence permits are counted),
- Not having received social assistance in the last three years,
- Having a sufficient and regular income to provide for their livelihood or, if any, their family’s livelihood,
- To have valid health insurance,
- Not posing a threat in terms of public order or public security (except foreigners who are deemed eligible by the Migration Policy Board).
What Are The Rights Provided by The Long-Term Residence Permit in Turkey?
Foreigners holding a long-term residence permit;
- They are exempt from compulsory military service.
- They are not entitled to elect and be elected, enter civil services, and tax-exempt import vehicles.
- Their rights to social security are reserved, and they can use it following the relevant law provisions.
- They are subject to legislation similar to Turkish citizens for living, traveling, working, investment, commercial activities, inheritance, property acquisition, and transfer in Turkey.
- They are eligible to apply for an indefinite work permit.
What Are The Reasons For the Rejection, Cancellation, or Non-Extension of a Long-Term Residence Permit in Turkey?
- In cases in which the foreigner poses a serious threat in terms of public order or public security,
- Remains outside of Turkey continuously for more than one year for reasons other than health, education, and obligatory public service in their own country,
Their long-term residence permit in Turkey shall be canceled.
Suppose their long-term residence permit is canceled because they remained abroad continuously for more than one year. In that case, they may re-apply for the long-term residence permit within ten days from the notification of the cancellation decision.
In cases of re-application, with the continuous eight-year residence permit, they are not required to remain in Turkey; applications are prioritized and finalized within one month at the latest.
Turkish Humanitarian Residence Permit
The Foreigners and International Protection Law have regulated humanitarian residence as a type of residence that aims to protect human life and dignity at the administration’s discretion in cases where the foreigner is not entitled to obtain other residence permits.
Which Foreigners Are Eligible to Apply For Humanitarian Residence Permit in Turkey?
- Children observed to have high benefits,
- Foreigners who cannot be made to leave Turkey or whose departure from Turkey is deemed unreasonable or impossible even though there is a deportation decision or entry ban to Turkey against them,
- Foreigners against whom a deportation decision cannot be taken,
- Those who resort to judicial remedy against the deportation order,
- Those whose international protection applications are not accepted,
- Those whose international protection application is withdrawn or considered to have been withdrawn,
- International protection applicants for the duration of their process of reinstatement for the first asylum country or a safe third country,
- Those who are required to be granted a permit in terms of country interests,
- Those who are required to be granted permits in extraordinary situations at the administration’s discretion.
For What Duration of Years Can Humanitarian Residence Permit in Turkey Be Issued?
The humanitarian residence permit in Turkey is granted and may be extended by governorships with the ministry’s approval and on the condition that the duration does not exceed one year.
What Are The Conditions For Humanitarian Residence Permits in Turkey?
The conditions required for the other residence permits are not sought for humanitarian residence permits.
What Are The Reasons For The Rejection, Cancellation, or Non-Extension of a Humanitarian Residence Permit?
If the ministry approves it, the humanitarian residence permit shall be canceled and not extended by governorships if the conditions that entail the permit being granted are eliminated.
Turkish Residence Permit in Turkey For Victims of Human Trafficking
The Foreigners and International Protection Law has regulated this residence permit type by evaluating the circumstances of foreigners who are victims of a human trafficking crime or are suspected of being victims of this crime.
Which Foreigners Are Eligible to Apply For Residence Permit in Turkey For Victims of Human Trafficking?
Foreigners who have a strong suspicion that they are or may become victims of human trafficking are issued a residence permit for victims of human trafficking.
What is The Duration of Residence Permit in Turkey For Victims of Human Trafficking?
Governorships issue residence permits for victims of human trafficking for a maximum of one year with the approval of the Ministry of Interior. The residence permits for victims of human trafficking may be extended for a maximum of six months. However, the total of these periods shall not exceed three years.
What Are The Conditions of Residence Permits in Turkey For Victims of Human Trafficking?
The conditions required for the other residence permits are not sought for residence permits for victims of human trafficking.
What Are The Reasons For The Rejection, Cancellation, or Non-Extension of Residence Permits For Victims of Human Trafficking?
- In cases determined that the foreigner has re-established ties with the perpetrators of the crime through their initiative,
- The foreigner fails to comply with the obligations imposed,
- In cases discovered that the foreigner is not a victim.
The residence permit for victims of human trafficking shall be canceled.
However, the residence permit in Turkey shall not be canceled upon the determination that the listed circumstances happened outside their will due to reasons such as; coercion, intimidation, violence, or threat.
Foreigner’s Immovable Residence Permit Application
According to the decision by The Presidency of Migration Management of Turkey in April 2022, foreigners who wish to obtain short-term residence permits or family residence permits via purchasing immovable property in Turkey will be subject to a minimum value as part of updated criteria.
Foreign people who own immovable property in Turkey may be eligible for residence permits under section B of Article 31 of Law No. 6458 on Foreigners and International Protection (LFIP), which was passed in 2013.
Source: <www.unhcr.org>
Foreigners were only permitted to live in the country for a maximum of three months under the previous regulation, which varied based on the sort of real estate purchased. According to existing legislation, foreign nationals who purchase real estate are awarded a residency permit for a period of up to two years.
What Has Changed With The Latest Decision?
As of May 5, 2022, if you or your family wish to benefit from this scheme, you will have to make sure the property you buy from now onwards is worth at least:
- $75.000 and over if it is located in one of the 30 metropolitan cities in Turkey,
- $50.000 and over if it is located in one of the remaining 51 smaller cities in Turkey.
The requirement will apply to all districts in these cities, meaning that foreign nationals will have to buy a house from Bodrum or Fethiye, for example, that is at least $75.000 because it is under the jurisdiction of Mugla Metropolitan Municipality.
Which Cities Are Included?
A list of the 30 cities that qualify for the $75.000 and are hence deemed “large cities” managed by their respective metropolitan municipality (buyuksehir belediyesi) is presented below.
- Adana (Adana Metropolitan Municipality)
- Ankara (Ankara Metropolitan Municipality)
- Antalya (Antalya Metropolitan Municipality)
- Aydin (Aydin Metropolitan Municipality)
- Balikesir (Balikesir Metropolitan Municipality)
- Bursa (Bursa Metropolitan Municipality)
- Denizli (Denizli Metropolitan Municipality)
- Diyarbakir (Diyarbakir Metropolitan Municipality)
- Erzurum (Erzurum Metropolitan Municipality)
- Eskisehir (Eskisehir Metropolitan Municipality)
- Gaziantep (Gaziantep Metropolitan Municipality)
- Hatay (Hatay Metropolitan Municipality)
- Istanbul (Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality)
- Izmir (Izmir Metropolitan Municipality)
- Kahramanmaras (Kahramanmaras Metropolitan Municipality)
- Kayseri (Kayseri Metropolitan Municipality)
- Kocaeli (Kocaeli Metropolitan Municipality)
- Konya (Konya Metropolitan Municipality)
- Malatya (Malatya Metropolitan Municipality)
- Manisa (Manisa Metropolitan Municipality)
- Mardin (Mardin Metropolitan Municipality)
- Mugla (Mugla Metropolitan Municipality)
- Ordu (Ordu Metropolitan Municipality)
- Sakarya (Sakarya Metropolitan Municipality)
- Samsun (Samsun Metropolitan Municipality)
- Sanliurfa (Sanliurfa Metropolitan Municipality)
- Tekirdag (Tekirdag Metropolitan Municipality)
- Trabzon (Trabzon Metropolitan Municipality)
- Van (Van Metropolitan Municipality)
Those wishing to purchase property in the remaining cities and districts, such as Canakkale or Rize, will need to satisfy a minimum of $50.000 in order to be eligible for the resident permit scheme, according to the Turkish government.
Can My Family Benefit From This Scheme?
The most important requirement for any foreign national who wishes to be eligible for this plan is that the real estate they purchase is listed and used as their primary place of abode.
The foreign national family members can apply for a residence permit in this context if they have shared or joint ownership of the residence. Under the family members category, Turkish authorities count the applicant’s spouse, child (under 18 years of age), and dependent adult child.
What Are The General Conditions For an Immovable Residence Permit in Turkey?
- Passport,
- Biometric Photo,
- Appraisal Report,
- Title Deed,
- Criminal Record (if requested).
As a general rule of immovable residence permit, the applicant is required to live at the property they purchased, which means their address must be registered at the property they own.
Conclusion
In summary, obtaining a residence permit in Turkey is a process that varies depending on the individual’s circumstances, needs, and intentions. Turkey’s residence permit system is designed to accommodate a diverse range of applicants, from short-term stays for tourism or business to long-term residences for investment or humanitarian reasons. Understanding the specific requirements, eligibility criteria, and conditions for each type of permit is essential for a smooth application process. Whether you’re planning to study, work, invest, or settle in Turkey, this guide provides a comprehensive overview to assist you in navigating the legal pathways to make Turkey your home.
Also Read: Reasons For Rejection of Residence Permit Applications in Turkey.
