Dealing with a lost or stolen residence permit card can feel catastrophic. During your stay in Turkey as a non-citizen, the Turkish residence permit certificate, also known as ikamet, is the most essential document you must carry at all times. It includes your migrant identification number (kimlik numarası) and other information that will prove invaluable during your stay.
Card theft or loss is an aggravating occurrence, but there is no need for concern. It is easy to obtain a new residence permit card; it can be reissued by following a few straightforward procedures. Always feel free to contact us at Bayraktar Attorneys, and we’ll do our best to provide personalized guidance throughout the process.
Related: How To Apply For A Residence Permit In Turkey As A Foreigner?
How To Get A Turkish Residence Permit?
The first action that must be done is to immediately go to the nearest police station. You must present your passport as identification and complete a “lost property form. The charge for the new card is equal to one-half of the fee paid for the initial application for a residence permit. This can only be done at a tax office (Vergi Dairesi); online payments are not permitted.
You can register for a new card at the Provincial Directorate of Migration Management (İl Göç İdaresi Müdürlüğü) once you have submitted the lost property form and paid the card charge. There is no need to schedule an appointment in advance to replace a missing or stolen residence permit card.
Documents required to replace an ikamet card that has been stolen or lost:
- Dual biometric images
- Passport and a photocopy of the passport are required.
- Form for lost property obtained from the police station.
- Evidence of residency
- Payment of card fee received
After obtaining your documents concerning your stolen or lost residence permit, the Provincial Directorate of Migration Management (l Goc daresi Müdürlüü) will issue a temporary residence document for you. This document is valid in all situations where your residence certificate would typically be required. In addition, the temporary residence document will permit you to leave the country without paying fees or obtaining a visa.
Once your replacement residence card has been printed, it will be sent to the address on file. In the majority of instances, the replacement card is printed within 45 days. Check the status of your new card by calling 157 Foreigners Communication Center/Yabancı İletişim Merkezi (YİMER).
What should you do if you lose your residence authorization certificate abroad?
If you are outside of Turkey and your residence permit is stolen or lost, you must comply with the entry requirements for your nationality. This means you may be required to obtain a visa or e-visa prior to entering Turkey. Even though you cannot present your card to the passport police upon arrival, you should mention that you have a residence permit in Turkey and will be applying for a new one as soon as you enter Turkey.
You may also contact local Turkish authorities regarding your missing card. They will instruct you on the visa requirements for your nationality and what to do at passport control.
When you return to Turkey, you should follow the same steps to obtain a new residence permit card and promptly begin the application procedure. You are required by law to carry your card at all times and may be subject to a fine if you fail to present it when a law enforcement officer requests to see it. Therefore, it is imperative that you apply for a replacement card as soon as feasible. Obtaining a provisional residence permit from the Provincial Directorate of Migration Management (İl Göç İdaresi Müdürlüğü) will also prevent these sorts of problems.
Regarding the application for a residence permit, as well as any other residence permit-related issues, we are available to assist your application for a residence permit, as well as any other immigration&business related issues. At Bayraktar Attorneys, we have a team of experienced lawyers who can help you navigate the process of obtaining a new residence permit card in Turkey. Contact us today for personalized support and advice.
