Apply For Residence Permit in Turkey: Introduction

Foreigners entering Turkey with a valid passport or an equivalent document may remain in the country for the duration of the visa or visa exemption applicable to their country of origin. In line with Law No. 6458 on Foreigners and International Protection, foreigners who desire to remain in Turkey for longer than the visa duration, the visa exemption period, or 90 days must get a residency permit.

Foreigners who want to live in Turkey may apply for a residence permit from both within and outside the country. The method for submitting an application differs depending on whether the applicant is within or outside of Turkey.

Moreover, some individuals are excluded from residency permission requirements under the statute. Nevertheless, reapplication is required if the condition necessitating exemption from the residence permit no longer exists.

Forms of Residence Authorizations (Permits) in Turkey

There are 6 (six) categories of residency permits in Turkey. To describe succinctly;

Short-Term Residence Permit: Foreigners who enter Turkey with a visa or within the scope of visa exemption are eligible to get a residence permit for up to one year if they meet the requirements. They include those who are granted permission to remain by a court, those who finish their higher education in Turkey, and foreigners visiting for tourism, business negotiations, or commerce, as well as those who acquire a residence for therapeutic or scientific reasons.

A temporary residency permit is granted for a maximum of 2 years at a time.

Long Term Residence Permit:

Foreigners who have continuously remained in Turkey for eight years may apply for an indefinite residency visa. To apply for a residence permit, people must submit an application to the Provincial Security Directorate or Immigration Authorities in their home province. Foreigners with a long-term residence permit may enjoy the rights granted to Turkish citizens, without affecting their rights to social security, with the exception of certain provisions, such as the obligation to perform military service, the right to choose and be elected, to enter public duties, and to exempt vehicles.

Long-term residency permits are available to non-citizens who have not received social assistance in the last three years, have adequate and regular income to support themselves and their families, have proper health insurance, and do not represent a threat to public order.

Family Residence Permit:

Foreigners who get a residence permit in Turkey for any reason may apply for a family residence permit. A foreigner with a valid residence permit is a supportive person. Hence, the foreign spouse of the sponsor, the minor and foreign kid of the sponsor or his / her partner, and the foreign child to whom the sponsor or spouse is financially dependent may apply for a family residence permit, even if the child has reached the age of 18. In addition, various legal requirements must be met in order to get a family dwelling.

Student Residence Permit:

Individuals – older than 18 years – who will study at a higher education institution in Turkey or foreigners who will be educated in elementary and secondary schools without family residency may get a residence permit for the duration of their education. Foreigners intending to receive a residence permit for educational reasons must first register with the educational institution at which they intend to study, apply to the Turkish Reps in their home country with registration paperwork in hand, then enter Turkey with a study visa.

In addition, students at the undergraduate, graduate, postgraduate, and doctorate levels may work in Turkey with a work permit. Nonetheless, following the first year, associate and undergraduate students are permitted to work up to twenty-four hours a week.

Humanitarian Residence Permit:

Governorships may give humanitarian residence licenses to foreigners seeking refuge in Turkey who do not meet the requirements for other types of residence permits, with the consent of the Minister and for a maximum of one year.

Victim of Human Trafficking Residence Permit: This permit is only available to foreign nationals who meet the statutory requirements. Governorships may offer a 30-day residency permit to foreigners who are highly suspected of being or who may be victims of human trafficking, allowing them to escape the effect of their experiences and choose if they would assist with the police.

Result of Obtaining a Residence Permit in Turkey

If you want to remain in Turkey or stay longer than the duration of your visa, you must choose which sort of residence permit application to submit. You may extend your residence permit by acquiring an extension permit if you currently have a valid residence permit. In both instances, it is essential to be familiar with the processes and to work with an expert to get legal services when submitting applications.