Our client, whom we will refer to as Ms. Oksana for confidentiality purposes, is a Ukrainian citizen who sought our legal assistance to secure residency in Turkey.
With the ongoing Ukraine-Russia conflict, Ms. Oksana, like many Ukrainians, found herself in a precarious position.
She had been living in Turkey under the visa exemption for Ukrainian nationals but soon realized that she needed to secure a more permanent solution to stay in the country legally.
The Client’s Situation
Ms. Oksana had entered Turkey under the visa-free agreement, which allows Ukrainian nationals to stay in Turkey for up to 90 days within a six-month period without requiring a visa.
However, her 90-day period was coming to an end, and she had no intention of returning to Ukraine due to the ongoing war.
Beyond the humanitarian crisis, Ms. Oksana had started establishing a life in Turkey, forming new connections, and pursuing potential business ventures.
When her time in Turkey under the visa exemption was about to expire, she realized she needed to apply for a residence permit but was unsure of the process and the eligibility requirements.
If she overstayed, she would face fines, deportation, and potentially a ban from re-entering Turkey.
Legal Assessment
Upon her consultation with Bayraktar Attorneys, we immediately took charge of her case.
We informed Ms. Oksana about the legal pathways available to Ukrainians in her situation.
Given the circumstances of the ongoing war in Ukraine, we identified her eligibility for a short-term residence permit under "exceptional circumstances," a category that covers individuals affected by force majeure situations such as war.
Our team explained the types of residence permits available and the documents required for submission.
We recommended applying for a short-term residence permit under humanitarian reasons, a process that typically allows individuals to remain in Turkey while their applications are being processed, avoiding any legal complications like overstaying.
The Process
1. Document Preparation: We began by helping Ms. Oksana prepare the necessary documents, including:
* A valid passport with at least 60 days beyond the requested permit period.
* Proof of her residency address in Turkey.
* Evidence of financial stability, showing that she could support herself during her stay.
* Health insurance valid in Turkey.
2. Application Submission: Once all documentation was complete, we assisted Ms. Oksana in submitting her residence permit application through the governorate, bypassing the consular application process due to her exceptional circumstances. We ensured that all forms were accurately filled out and promptly submitted to prevent any delays.
3. Follow-Up with Authorities: During the 90-day processing period, we maintained constant communication with the Directorate General of Migration Management, monitoring the progress of her application. We also prepared for potential legal appeals in case of an unfavorable decision, although we were confident in the strength of her case.
Outcome
Thanks to our swift actions and thorough preparation, Ms. Oksana’s short-term residence permit was granted without issue.
She was legally permitted to remain in Turkey, safe from the threat of deportation. This victory allowed her to establish a stable life in Turkey, free from the stress of potential immigration violations.
Ms. Oksana continued her stay, with the ability to renew her residence permit when the time came. She has since started her business in Turkey and continues to benefit from the country’s open and welcoming environment for foreign nationals in her situation.
Conclusion
This case exemplifies our commitment to ensuring that our clients receive the legal guidance and support they need to navigate Turkey’s immigration laws, especially in complex and challenging situations.
At Bayraktar Attorneys, we take pride in providing tailored legal solutions for each client’s unique needs, ensuring a smooth and lawful path to residency in Turkey.
For Ukrainian nationals like Ms. Oksana, Turkey offers a refuge and an opportunity for a new beginning, and we are here to make sure that legal complexities do not stand in the way of that future.
