Residence Permit in Turkey

Obtaining a Residence Permit in Turkey can be complicated to those who do not know about the Turkish Governmental Procedures. There are several options in Turkey to get a Residence Permit in Turkey.

Every student who moves to Turkey for their Higher Education in Turkey has to register with the residents’ registration office – usually within a month. There are certain procedures you have to go through to obtain a residence permit in Turkey.

General Information about Residence Permit in Turkey 

Providing parallelization in the application of international law and the laws of foreign law has a role in the development of a framework that protects individual integrity and avoids human rights abuses. Foreigners in our country have different rights and responsibilities within this framework. Residency permits form a legal framework for foreigners living in our country in the light of these rights and obligations.

Under the Foreigners and External Security Act No. 6458, a residency permit certificate is to be used with the visa given for the purpose of living in Turkey. A permit issued by the relevant authority entitles you to live for a specified amount of time at a certain place in Turkey.

Residence permit, which is of considerable significance in terms of the security and safety of public order, shall be provided following the foreigner’s request and submission along with the necessary documentation ensuring that he / she fulfills the relevant requirements.

Residence permit is a visa given to foreigners who want to live in Turkey. Foreigners who want to remain in our nation for longer than the permissible visa period, visa exemption or ninety days are expected to apply for a form of residency permit that they feel they fulfill the criteria of via the e-residence program.

Foreigners who have completed their applications will be present on the appointment day defined by the program at the provincial / district migration management directorates in the province in which they intend to reside.

Foreigners who are not present on the appointment day at the provincial / district migration management directorates without a compelling excuse shall be considered not to have applied at all. The management can ask for certain details and documentation when deciding the relevant explanation. As a guideline, proposals for an extension of residency permits are rendered pursuant to the same rules. 

 

Residence Permit Types in Turkey

Here we have listed for you the Residence Permit types in Turkey. Below you can find all information about the specific types of the Residence Permit in Turkey.

SHORT TERM RESIDENCE PERMIT IN TURKEY

Sections 31 to 33 of the Legislation on Immigrants and Legal Security No. 6458 concern short-term residency permits. In addition, a short-term residency permit has been given in the 28th and 29th sections of the Law on the Application of the Foreigners and External Security Act.

Who are the foreigners whose residency permit may be given for a short term?

1. Foreigners who will come for scientific research;
2. For this reason, if the foreigners who request for residency permit are subject to permission, seek authorization from the appropriate agencies or organisations (Ministry of Culture and Tourism, Ministry of Resources, Universities etc.) subject to scientific study; if they are not subject to authorization, they are expected to send a declaration on the topic of the study. So much to be willing to question
3. Foreigners who have immovable properties in Turkey; in the case of foreigners filing for residency licenses for immovable property, the immovable property must be a home and used for that reason. Additionally, in this case, family members can apply for a residency permit if their family members have a right to shareholding or shared ownership on the land.
4. Foreigners forming business connections or company; in the event that foreigners forming a business connection or business apply for a residency permit for more than three months, the individual or businesses may require an invitation letter or similar documentation to access the foreigner.
5. Foreigners engaging in the in-service training curriculum; residency permits granted for that reason shall be given during the course, depending on facts and documentation on the material, length and position of the training offered by the agency or organisation offering in-service instruction.
6. Agreement with the Republic of Turkey is a group or foreigners who fall under student exchange programs for educational or related purposes; for this reason, foreigners applying for a residency permit are expected to request the details and paperwork to be received from the organization concerned.
7. The residency permit can not extend past the duration of the training or related intent.
8. Students that fall within the umbrella of foreign exchange schemes (Erasmus, Mevlana, Farabi etc.); university providers are not allowed to register for general health benefits within three months of the first date of admission. Many that forfeit their opportunity to have a public health insurer, though, are required to get private health care for not registering within three months after the date of admission.
9. Foreigners staying for tourist purposes; for this reason, the declaration of foreigners applying for a residency permit in respect of travel arrangements (such as where, when and how long to live in the country) is determined. If considered appropriate, the collection of knowledge or documentation can be obtained.
10. Foreigners who are admitted on condition that they do not bear one of the diseases perceived to be a danger to public health; for this reason, admission of foreigners to public or private hospitals requested by Turkey. Those who record that they have covered all medical expenses are not needed to provide health care coverage.

Residence licenses shall be structured according to the length of the operation.

During care, there is no need for appropriate health insurance status to assess the financial benefit of foreigners whose lodging, food or health costs are protected by the applicable public agencies and organizations.

If required, the appropriate hospital or public agency and organization, may request details or documentation relating to the care of foreigners.

Under the framework of the current Health Cooperation Arrangements, the residency permit procedures of the foreigners who come to our country for care (if there is no special clause concerning the attendants) are conducted in compliance with the general terms.

Furthermore, according to Article 14 of Health Care Basic Law No. 3359, no appropriate provision of health insurance is needed for applicants for residency permits by foreigners who come to our country not to more than two people.

Based on the order or judgment of the judicial or regulatory authority, foreigners in Turkey will remain; the length of the residency permit to be granted for this reason is structured in the context of the time stated in the judgment or appeal.

Foreigners who are moved to a short-term residence permit in the case that the individual violates their terms of residence permit; at least three years with an individual residence permit with eighteen years of age by others who have lived in Turkey, separated foreigners since being married is a family residence permit of three years for Turkish citizens (domestic three-year duration for victims th).

Foreigners taking Turkish learning courses; for this reason, a foreigner who requires a residency permit and is registered with an organization approved to take Turkish courses (must be on leave from the Ministry of Education) can be given a maximum of twice.

If the length of the course is shorter than a year, the length of the residency permit can not surpass that of the course. The organization that gives the course is obligated to notify the provincial directorate of the foreigners who have registered to begin and proceed the course for the purpose of studying Turkish.

In Turkey, by institutions of public education, studies, foreigners taking part in internships and courses; the duration of residency permits given for that reason can not exceed one year. With the recognition of financial benefits by foreigners whose lodging, food, or health costs are paid by the applicable public agencies, a legitimate health care policy is not required. Institutions can request details and records.

Foreigners applying for a residence permit within six months of the date of completion of their university degree in Turkey; for this reason, foreigners applying for a residence permit may only be given a one-time residence permit for a period of one year if they apply within six months of the date of graduation.

Working in Turkey with their foreign ministers with his wife, the Council stated that the area and sum should be spent in a foreign partner’s own and minor or dependent child; for this reason, a residence permit can be given to foreigners who qualify for a residence permit for a period of five years.

With this change created by the International Labor Law No. 6735 in Law No. 6458, the goal was to enable eligible foreigners to contribute to the development of the country and to promote the residency permit procedures for foreigners.

Foreigners who are residents of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus which, for this reason, grant a residence permit for foreigners who apply for a residence permit not exceeding five years.

How many years will residency permit be given short term in Turkey?

Short-term residency permits may be given each period for a maximum of two years, with the exception of foreigners rated 13th and 14th above.

What are the terms and conditions of short term residency permit?

In order to issue a short-term residence permit, foreigners must meet the conditions stipulated in article 32 of the Law.

• Include relevant documentation and details about the intent of your stay in Turkey,
• Do not come under the meaning of Article 7 of the Constitution,
• Provide living arrangements in compliance with general health and safety requirements,
• Provide, if required, a criminal record certificate provided by the responsible authority of the country of which he / she is a resident or a lawful person.

What are the factors for denial, cancelation or non-extension of a Short Term Residency Permit?

– One or more of the requirements required for a short-term resident permit have not been met or withdrawn,-Deciding whether the residence permit is intended for the purposes of issuance,-Legitimate restriction of expulsion or admission into the country,-Breach of the duration of stay abroad, If short-term residence permits are not issued, they are revoked because they have not expired;

FAMILY RESIDENCE PERMIT IN TURKEY

Family residence permit is governed in Articles 34-37 of the Foreigners Act and International Protection Law No. 6458 In addition, family residence permit is governed in Articles 30-34 of the Foreigners and International Protection Law Enforcement Legislation.

Who will apply to a residency permit for the family?

Family residence permit can be issued to:

1. foreign spouse
2. foreign children or foreign minor children of their spouse
3. dependent foreign children or international dependent children of their spouse, Turkish residents, individuals within the meaning of Article 28 of Law No 5901 or foreigners keeping a residence permit as well as refugees and subsidiary security beneficiaries.

In the case of a polygamous union in the country of residency, a family residence certificate shall be given only to one of the partners under the law. Nevertheless, the foreigner’s children can be granted a family residency permit by other partners.

The permission of the mother or parent who resides overseas and who shares the custody shall be required for family residence permits given to infants, if any.

Family residence permits, without receiving a student residence permit, shall grant the holder right to education in primary and secondary educational establishments until the age of 18.

In the case of the following cases, family residence permit holders may apply for a short-term residence permit:-In the case of divorce, if a Turkish citizen’s foreign spouse has been residing on a family residence permit for at least three years (if the appropriate court decides that the foreign spouse has become a survivor for domestic abuse purposes, the person has been residing for three years).

For how long will a permit be granted for the family residence?

A family residence permit given for a term of no more than three years.

Family residence permit can, in certain conditions, not extend the length of the sponsor’s residence permit.

Which are the conditions of the Family Residence Permit?

The visitor is expected to receive a family residency permit in order to conform with the provisions laid down in Section 35 of Law No 6458.

To meet the requirements applicable to the sponsor (the sponsor is expected to provide a legitimate health plan covering all members of the family; provide a monthly income of no less than the total minimum wage equivalent to no less than one third of the minimum wage per member of the family; provide evidence of not having been convicted of any family crime within the five years preceding the sponsor;

The following requirements apply to foreigners applying for a family residence permit to remain with a sponsor in Turkey (to send supporting details and documentation on the reason for their remain, to say that they live or wish to live with stated individuals, that they are over 18 years of age for each partner, that they do not fall within the limits of Article 7, that they do not enter into a family residence permit).

Which are the reasons why a family residence permit is denied, not extended, or cancelled?

In the following situations, a family residence permit shall not be granted, revoked if issued and shall not be renewed if:-Requirements laid down for a family residence permit are not met or no longer exist,-it is known that a residence permit is used outside the purposes for which it is issued,-there is an ongoing decision to withdraw or a ban on Turkey’s entry into residence

STUDENT RESIDENCE PERMIT IN TURKEY

Student Residence Permit can given to Students studying at Universities in Turkey.  All Students which has an Acceptance Letter from a University in Turkey have to find an Accommodation in Turkey first. In Articles 38-41 of the Act on Foreigners and External Security No. 6458, the student residence permit is provided for. Additionally, a residence permit for students is given in Articles 35-39 of Regulation enforcing the Foreigners and International Security Rule.

Who can apply to a residence permit for students?

Foreigners who obtain primary or secondary education and who do not hold a family residence permit (Foreigners may continue to study until they are 18 (for primary and secondary education) without taking residence permit. Nevertheless, those students are expected to take residence permit when they are over 18 and still want to take secondary education).

Residence permits are given to foreigners who enter an associate, undergraduate, doctoral or postgraduate program or receive medical specialty (TUS) or dental (DUS) education.

More about: How to Study in Turkey?

Parent residence permit means the applicant is only the spouse and children’s sponsor in the application for a family residence permit. This offers no right of residency permit to other relatives.

More about: Studying in Turkey

For How long can the residence permit be given for students?

Where the study duration is less than one year, the term of the residency permit shall not exceed the study period.

Residence permit may be given to foreigners who will be educated in Turkey via state institutions and organizations for the period of their study.

Foreigners who obtain primary and secondary education may be given a one-year student residence permit and extended over the course of their studies, subject to the consent of their parents or legal guardian.

 

What Are The Conditions For Student Residence Permit?
Which are the requirements for permitting student residence?

Foreigners are expected to satisfy the requirements laid down in Article 39 to receive a residence permit for the student.

-Submitting supporting information and documentation relating to the intention of remaining in Turkey (Article 38); -not falling within the scope of Article 7; -submitting information on their residence address in Turkey;

Health Insurance in Student Residence Permit Another health insurance is not needed if the students apply for general health insurance within three months from the date of enrollment in compliance with social insurance and general health insurance legislation.

Procedures needed to be followed by Higher Education Students for University, Faculty or Department changes a) In the event of a change of faculty or department in the same educational institution or change of educational institution in the same province, the current residence permit is retained on condition that the students do not take a break and declare in time. If the duration of residency permit is less than the duration of study, it is extended from the expiration as far as the period of study.

(B) Where the foreign person completes his education in another province, the current residence permit is revoked and a new residence permit valid for the duration of the education provided by the governorate.

 

Right of Work for (foreign) students Foreign students in Turkey

Students who attend associate, undergraduate, graduate or postgraduate program that work, provided they obtain work permit. The right of associate or undergraduate students to work however ceases after the first year (of their study). Applications for work permits shall be submitted with the Ministry of Labor and Social Security.

What are the reasons for the rejection, revocation or non-renewal of student residence permits?

In the following situations, a student residence permit may not be issued, revoked if issued, denied renewal if:

• the conditions for granting a student residence permit are not met or no longer apply;
• There is proof that the thesis may not be continued;
• It is decided that the student residence permit was used for a reason other than that issued the residency permit will immediately took away.

LONG TERM RESIDENCE PERMIT IN TURKEY

Long-term residency permit is regulated by Articles 42-45 of the Foreigners and External Security Act. In addition, long-term residency permits are limited by Articles 40-43 of the Foreigners and International Security Act Compliance Regulation.

Who can apply to a residence permit for a long term?

A long-term residency permit shall be issued by the Governorates, after approval by the Government, to foreigners who have been permanently resident in Turkey for at least eight years on a permit or to foreigners who meet the requirements laid down by the Migration Policy Committee.- Refugees, conditional refugees and subsidiary protection beneficiaries as well as persons under temporary protection or humanitarian residence permit holders are not entitled to the right of transfer to a long-term residence permit.

For How Long Can Permit to Remain in Long Term?

Long term residency permit is given on a permanent basis.

What are the terms of a Long Term Residency Permit?

For the issuance of long-term residency permits, foreigners are expected to satisfy the requirements set out in Article 43 of the Law.

• Having continuous residence in Turkey for at least eight years (According to Law Article 38, half the duration of student residence permits and the maximum length of all other forms of residence permits shall be taken into account in the measurement of continuous eight years);-Having not earned social assistance in the last three years;
• Have ample and sufficient income to maintain themselves or, if any, support their family;
• To be protected by a legitimate health insurance policy;
• Not posing a threat to public order or public protection (except for foreign nationals authorised by the Board of Migration Policies)

 

Rights Granted by Long Term Residence Permit in Turkey

Foreigners holding a long-term residency permit can possess the same privileges as Turkish nationals, with the exception of special laws and mandatory military service, the right to vote and be elected, public service entry and exemption from customs duties while importing vehicles. 

What are the reasons for denial, cancelation or non-renewal of residency permits for long term stays? 

When the immigrant is revoked a long-term residency permit:

– Poses a significant danger to public health or to public order,

– Stays in Turkey for more than a year continuously for reasons other than fitness, schooling and mandatory public service in his / her country.

Governorates shall trigger the cancelation of a long-term residency permit.

Re-applications to nationals whose long-term residence permit has been revoked Re-applications for revoked long-term residence permits shall be filed in compliance with the approval process with the Consulates overseas, Governorates or General Directorates.

The requirement of continuous residency in Turkey on a residence permit for eight years shall not be included in re-applications.

Many whose long-term residency permits have been revoked because they have been outside Turkey for more than a year on a continuing basis other than fitness, schooling, appointment and mandatory public service in their own country will re-apply.

HUMANITARIAN RESIDENCE PERMIT IN TURKEY

Humanitarian residency permit is regulated by Articles 46 and 47 of the Foreigners and External Security Act No. 6458.

In fact, the humanitarian residency permit is regulated by Article 44 of the Foreigners and International Security Act Compliance Order.

Who is eligible to apply for Humanitarian Residency Permit in Turkey? 

• Where the child’s best interests are of concern;
• Where, given a decision to withdraw or a restriction of entry into Turkey, foreigners can not be withdrawn from Turkey or their withdrawal from Turkey is not fair or possible;
• In the absence of a dismissal order under Article 55 in favor of a visitor
  – Where a legal appeal against the acts carried out under Articles 53, 72 and 77 is lodged;
  – Removal of the applicant’s conduct to the first refugee country or a legal third country;
  – Where foreigners are allowed to enter and remain in Turkey for reasons of emergency or defense of national interests as well as reasons of public order and security, in the absence of the possibility of obtaining one of the other types of residence permits because of their condition which precludes the granting of a residence permit;
• A humanitarian residency permit can be given under exceptional circumstances;

For How long will a permit for humanitarian residence be issued?

Humanitarian residency permit shall be granted or extended by the Governorates, subject to approval by the Ministry, for a fixed term of one year at a time.

What are the requirements for a residency permit for humanitarian aid?

Conditions applied to certain forms of residence permits shall not be obtained in granting residence permits for humanitarian purposes.

Which are the reasons for denial, cancelation or non-renewal of a residency permit for humanitarian aid?

The humanitarian residence permit shall be revoked and not extended by the Governorates, according to the consent of the Ministry, in situations where the persuasive provisions are no longer in force.

Many conditions-Permit for Emergency Residency

Foreigners issued a humanitarian residency permit should be registered with the registry system based on the address no later than twenty working days from the date of issue.

Foreigners holding a humanitarian residence permit may apply for one of the other residence permits during the lifetime of this permit, except for a long- residence permit, provided they meet the criteria.

The durations of humanitarian residence permits shall not be applied to the cumulative period defined by the statute in the measurement of the residence permit durations.

RESIDENCE PERMIT FOR VICTIMS OF HUMAN TRAFFICKING IN TURKEY

The residency permit for victims of trafficking in human beings shall be regulated by Sections 48 to 49 of the Foreigners Act and the International Security Law No. 6458.

In addition, residency visas for victims of trafficking in human beings are limited by Articles 45 and 46 of the Foreigners and International Security Act Compliance Law.

Who will apply to authorize victims of trafficking in human beings?

A residency permit for victims of trafficking in persons shall be given to foreigners who are victims of trafficking in human beings or where there is clear suspicion that they may be victims.

For How long will residency permit be issued for victims of sex trafficking?

Governorates shall grant the residency permit for victims of sex trafficking for a term of thirty days.

The residency permit can be extended for periods of six months. The cumulative term is not to exceed three years, however.

 

What are the conditions for residency permits for sex trafficking victims?

During the issuing of such residence permits, restrictions applied to certain forms of residence permits shall not be obtained.

What are the reasons for denial, cancelation or non- of residency permits for trafficked victims?

• In situations where foreigners are believed to have re-connected with the victims of the crime of their own volition;
• In situations when the requirements are no longer compelling;
• The residency permit for victims of sex trafficking shall be revoked in situations where it is known that foreigners are not offenders. However, if it is pointed out that, based on grounds such as force, bullying, aggression or assault, it is done against the law, the permit in question shall not be revoked.

Documents for Residence Permit in Turkey – Fee Amount

RESIDENCE PERMIT DOCUMENT – FEE AMOUNTS

Residence permit to be given to foreigners and Ministry of Foreign Affairs clearance fees

Documents for residency permits come under the category of valuable papers in compliance with the Legislation on Valuable Papers No. 210 and are subject to a request fee determined annually by the Ministry of Finance. Report fee exception does not extend to citizens of any country.

RESIDENCE PERMIT DOCUMENT and APPLICATION FEE

Residence Permit Form Useful Paper Fee, which will be applicable as of 01.01.2020 as defined by the General Communiqué of the Accounting and Financial Management Directorate issued in Official Gazette No. 30995 of 31 December 2019, is set out in the table below.

Valuable Paper Fee	2019	2020
	89,00 TL	110,00 TL

The sum published in the Official Gazette for citizens of countries not mentioned above shall be as follows: the residency permit fees effective from 01.01.2020 as set out in the General Correspondence on the Fees Legislation published in the Official Gazette No. 30991 of 27 December 2019 as set out below.

TURKISH RESIDENCE PERMIT FEE AMOUNT

	2019	2020
Residence Permit Fee Amount	21,20 TL a day up to one month [this number shall not be less than (39,70 TL) and shall not surpass (203,40 TL) for its first month’s permit] 135,20 TL a month after one month has expired.	25,90 TL per day up to 1 month [this total shall not be less than (48,60 TL) and shall not surpass (249,30 TL) for each first month’s licence] 165,70 TL per month after 1 month’s expiration.

 

The above-mentioned residency permit fees apply to residents of Serbia, Fiji, Norway, Northern Mariana who are not members of any community of countries.

No changes have been made to the payments depending on the country categories on the www.goc.gov.tr website and are calculated as of 2011 according to the reciprocity principle.

As of 2011, in keeping with the policy of reciprocity, Czech Republic, Iceland, Estonia, Kosovo, Morocco, Sri Lanka, Iraq, and Turkmenistan have been removed from residency permit payments.