What is a Residence Permit?
A residence permit is a legal document that foreigners need to obtain in order to stay in Turkey for more than the visa or visa exemption period, or longer than 90 days. Foreigners who wish to stay in Turkey for an extended period must obtain this permit. The residence permit is based on Article 19 of Law No. 6458 on Foreigners and International Protection. Applications are made through the e-residence system and completed by making an appointment with the Provincial Directorate of Migration Management and submitting the required documents.
How to Obtain a Residence Permit in Turkey?
Foreigners who wish to obtain a residence permit must first apply through the e-residence website to make an appointment. During this process, foreigners are given an appointment date and time. On the specified date, the application is completed by submitting the necessary documents to the Provincial Directorate of Migration Management. Foreigners who are abroad and whose residence permit has expired can apply electronically after entering Turkey. Additionally, applications can be made through legal representatives or lawyers, but in such cases, the applicant must also be present.
Types of Residence Permits
There are six types of residence permits available in Turkey, tailored to different needs of foreigners:
Short-Term Residence Permit: Granted for tourism, medical treatment, or real estate acquisition purposes.
Long-Term Residence Permit: Granted as a permanent residence permit to foreigners who have resided in Turkey for at least eight consecutive years.
Student Residence Permit: Granted to students who will study in Turkey.
Family Residence Permit: Granted to the foreign spouse and children of Turkish citizens or foreigners with residence permits.
Humanitarian Residence Permit: A temporary permit granted in extraordinary circumstances.
Victims of Human Trafficking Residence Permit: Granted to those believed to be victims of human trafficking.
Short-Term Residence Permit
The short-term residence permit is sought by foreigners who wish to stay in Turkey for longer than the visa or visa exemption period. To obtain this permit, the reasons stipulated in Article 31 of the Law on Foreigners and International Protection must be met.
Required Documents for Short-Term Residence Permit
Copy of passport or equivalent travel document
Four biometric photographs
Declaration of sufficient and sustainable financial resources for the duration of stay
Receipt proving payment of residence permit fee and card cost
Valid health insurance
Document proving registration with the address registration system
Document indicating accommodation (copy of title deed, notarized lease agreement, hotel reservation, etc.)
Documents related to reasons for staying (such as appropriate visa for scientific research or documents related to medical treatment)
Long-Term Residence Permit
The long-term residence permit is granted to foreigners who have resided continuously in Turkey for at least eight years or who meet the specific conditions set by the Ministry of Interior. To obtain this permit, the applicant must not have received social assistance in the past three years, must have sufficient financial resources, and must not pose a threat to public safety.
Required Documents for Long-Term Residence Permit
Residence permit application form
Copy of passport or equivalent travel document
Four biometric photographs
Copy of previous residence permit (original must be submitted on appointment day)
Original signed and stamped document showing no social assistance received in the last three years
Original signed and stamped document showing sufficient and sustainable financial resources for the duration of stay
Criminal record certificate
Receipt proving payment of residence permit card cost
Valid health insurance
Document proving registration with the address registration system
Document indicating accommodation (copy of title deed, notarized lease agreement, hotel reservation, etc.)
Student Residence Permit
The student residence permit is granted to foreign students who will study at a university in Turkey. Foreign students attending primary or secondary schools can also obtain this permit with the consent of their parents or legal representatives.
Required Documents for Student Residence Permit
Residence permit application form
Copy of passport or equivalent travel document
Four biometric photographs
Declaration of sufficient and sustainable financial resources for the duration of stay
Receipt proving payment of residence permit card cost
Valid health insurance
Document indicating place of residence (residence certificate, notarized lease agreement, e-signed/stamped document showing dormitory stay)
Student certificate if requested by the administration (signed and stamped document from the educational institution or obtained via e-government system)
Family Residence Permit
The family residence permit is granted to the foreign spouse and children of a Turkish citizen or a foreigner with a residence permit. In the application for a family residence permit, the supporting individual, who is responsible for the expenses, must meet specific requirements. The supporting individual's income must not be below the minimum wage, and they must have health insurance covering all family members.
Required Documents for Family Residence Permit
Residence permit application form
Copy of passport or equivalent travel document
Four biometric photographs
Receipts proving payment of residence fee and card cost
Marriage certificate or a copy proving the marital status
If the applicant is a child:
Approved birth certificate (if parents cannot be identified from passport or national ID cards)
Approved custody certificate or consent letter (in case of divorce or death of a parent)
Rejection and Cancellation of Residence Permit Applications
A residence permit application may be rejected or an existing permit may be canceled for various reasons. In the event of rejection or cancellation, the foreigner has the right to appeal or file a lawsuit for cancellation. Appeals can be made to the administrative body that issued the decision or to a higher authority. If the application is rejected, the foreigner can file a cancellation lawsuit with the administrative court.
How Long Does It Take for a Residence Permit to be Issued?
Residence permit applications are legally processed within a maximum of 90 days. However, in practice, this period may range between 10 and 30 days. To ensure a fast and smooth process, it is important to complete the application thoroughly and seek support from an expert lawyer.
Residence Permit Renewal Application
Residence permit renewal applications are also made through the e-residence system. Renewal applications can be submitted starting 60 days before the expiry of the current residence permit. Upon application, foreigners are given an appointment date and time and must be present with the required documents at the Provincial Directorate of Migration Management.
Frequently Asked Questions About Residence Permits
How Can a Foreigner Who Is Overstaying (Visa Violation) Obtain a Residence Permit?
A foreigner who has overstayed the legal stay period in Turkey by more than ten days (visa violation) cannot obtain a residence permit without leaving Turkey, with some exceptions. To obtain a residence permit, the foreigner must leave the country and re-enter.
What Happens to a Foreigner Who Stays in Turkey Without a Residence Permit?
Foreigners staying in Turkey without a residence permit may face administrative fines, an entry ban, and deportation under Article 9 of the Law on Foreigners and International Protection. The longer the unauthorized stay, the longer the entry ban, which can be up to five years.
How Long Should the Passport Be Valid for a Residence Permit Application?
The passport or equivalent travel document of a foreigner applying for a residence permit must be valid for at least 60 days beyond the requested residence permit period.
How Much Money Should Be in the Bank for a Residence Permit Application?
For short-term and student residence permits, a declaration of sufficient financial resources is generally sufficient unless further information or documentation is requested by the authorities. For family residence permits, the supporting individual must have an income that is not less than the minimum wage for the entire family and at least one-third of the minimum wage per family member. For long-term residence permits, sufficient and sustainable income is required.
Where Can a Foreigner Obtain Health Insurance for a Residence Permit?
Foreigners can obtain health insurance for a residence permit from provincial social security units, the Social Security Institution, or private health insurance companies. The requirement can be fulfilled by providing one of the following:
A signed and stamped document from provincial social security units stating eligibility for health services under bilateral social security agreements
A signed and stamped provision document from the Social Security Institution (SGK) (SGK provision documents must cover both the supporting individual and family members in family residence permits)
A signed and stamped document proving an application for general health insurance at the Social Security Institution
Private health insurance (must be valid for at least one year, and the original signed and stamped policy must be submitted during the application)
The health insurance must cover the entire period of the requested residence permit.
What Is a Residence Permit Application Certificate?
A residence permit application certificate is a document given to a foreigner upon completing their residence permit application. This certificate allows them to legally stay in Turkey for 90 days from the application date.
Can One Leave Turkey Before the Residence Permit Application Is Approved?
It is possible to leave Turkey before the residence permit application is approved. However, the applicant must have the Residence Permit Application Certificate approved by the Directorate and proof of fee payment. With these documents, they may leave Turkey and re-enter within 15 days. If the foreigner remains abroad for more than 15 days, visa regulations apply upon re-entry.
Conclusion
The residence permit application process is crucial and complex for foreigners seeking to obtain long-term stay rights in Turkey. Incorrect or incomplete documents can lead to rejection or delays in the application. Therefore, it is very important to work with an expert law firm at every stage of the process. At Coşkun Law Firm, we provide our clients with the most accurate and fastest solutions in residence permit applications, drawing on years of experience and expertise. Seeking professional assistance will greatly help you avoid rights violations and complete the process safely.
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