Residence Permit Rejection in Türkiye and How to Appeal the Decision

What Is a Residence Permit in Türkiye?

A residence permit is a legal document that allows foreign nationals to stay in Türkiye longer than their visa or visa-free period allows. It is required if you plan to stay in the country for more than 90 days.

The application process is handled by the Provincial Directorate of Migration Management (Göç İdaresi) and is based on rules that protect both public order and the legal rights of foreigners.

There are different types of residence permits depending on your reason for staying, such as tourism, education, family reunification, work, or humanitarian needs.

Who Needs to Apply for a Residence Permit?

Anyone who enters Türkiye with a visa or visa exemption and plans to stay longer than 90 days must apply for a residence permit. Without it, your stay becomes illegal and may lead to fines, entry bans, or deportation.

How Can You Apply for a Residence Permit?

You can apply from within Türkiye or through a Turkish consulate abroad. If you are already in Türkiye, you can apply online through the official e-ikamet system. You will then be given an appointment date to visit the local immigration office.

If you apply from outside Türkiye, you must submit your documents to a Turkish consulate in your country. Your application will be forwarded to the Directorate General of Migration Management for approval.

What Types of Residence Permits Are Available?

There are six main types of residence permits in Türkiye:

• Short-term residence permit (usually given for tourism or property ownership)

• Family residence permit

• Student residence permit

• Long-term residence permit

• Humanitarian residence permit

• Victim of human trafficking residence permit

Each has its own requirements and time limits. For example, short-term permits are usually granted for up to two years, while long-term permits have no time limit.

Also Read; Unlocking family residence permits in Turkiye

Can You Get a Residence Permit by Buying Property?

Yes. Since July 2022, foreigners can no longer apply for residence permits based only on rental agreements. Instead, you must own real estate in Türkiye to qualify.

As of October 16, 2023, you must purchase property worth at least 200,000 US dollars, based on the official exchange rate on the day your title deed is issued. A licensed property valuation report is required to prove the value of your property.

Required Documents for Residence Permit Applications

While the exact list depends on the type of permit, in most cases, you will need the following:

• Valid passport and copies

• Application form

• Biometric photos

• Health insurance

• Proof of financial means

• Clean criminal record

• Property title deed or lease agreement (depending on the type)

• Additional documents depending on your purpose of stay

How Much Does a Residence Permit Cost?

Fees are updated annually. For 2025, the current fees are:

• Residence permit card fee: 810 TL

• Application processing fee: 3,353 TL

• Entry visa fee (if applicable): 7,882.70 TL

• Health insurance (required for applicants under 65): approx. 3,000–4,000 TL

• Notary and translation fees: approx. 5,000–8,000 TL

• Apostille certification (if needed): 89.23 TL per page

Some nationalities are exempt from certain fees. For example, citizens of Denmark, Ireland, Nepal, and Sri Lanka are not required to pay the standard permit fee but must pay a higher single-entry visa fee instead.

What Happens If Your Residence Permit Is Rejected?

Unfortunately, not every application is approved. Common reasons for rejection include:

• Missing or fake documents

• Previous visa violations

• Health conditions that threaten public health

• Insufficient financial resources

• Criminal background

• Public order or national security risks

If your application is denied, you will receive an official rejection letter. From this point, you have 60 days to file a lawsuit in the administrative court to request the cancellation of the rejection.

Important: Filing a Lawsuit Does Not Automatically Let You Stay in Türkiye

Many people believe that starting a lawsuit means they can legally remain in Türkiye while the case is ongoing. This is not true.

Unless the court gives you a suspension of execution decision (yürütmenin durdurulması kararı), you must leave Türkiye within 10 days of receiving the rejection. If you don’t, immigration authorities can issue a deportation order and apply a re-entry ban.

So, if you want to stay legally in Türkiye while your lawsuit is ongoing, your lawyer must request a suspension decision from the administrative court. If granted, this suspension protects your right to stay in Türkiye until the court makes its final ruling.

How to Appeal a Residence Permit Rejection

You have two options:

1. Administrative appeal: Within 30 days, you can file an objection with the same immigration office that issued the rejection. However, this does not stop the 60-day deadline to go to court.

2. Lawsuit at the administrative court: Within 60 days of receiving the rejection notice, you can file a case at the administrative court. This is the best option if your rejection was due to an error or misunderstanding, or if your application was otherwise eligible.

It’s highly recommended to work with a lawyer specialized in Turkish immigration law. The legal process involves detailed paperwork and understanding of Turkish procedures. An experienced lawyer can also help increase your chances of receiving a suspension decision, which is key to avoiding deportation during the case.

Can You Apply Again After a Rejection?

Yes, but there is a rule. If you were rejected for a specific reason, you cannot apply again for six months using the same reason. You must either wait or apply based on a different legal ground. For example, if your property value was too low, you could reapply later with a new property that meets the requirements.

Final Thoughts

Applying for a residence permit in Türkiye can be a smooth experience if you follow the rules and prepare your documents carefully. However, if your application is rejected, it’s important to act quickly and strategically.

Simply filing a lawsuit won’t allow you to stay. You must also ask the court to suspend the rejection decision, or you may be forced to leave the country.

At Bayraktar Attorneys, we help foreigners navigate the residence permit process, prepare strong applications, and handle appeals when needed.

Our team has years of experience in Turkish immigration law and can guide you from start to finish—including getting a suspension decision to protect your legal stay in Türkiye.