1. Short-Term Residence Permits In Turkey
Short-term residence permit is a type of residence permit issued for foreigners who wish to stay in Turkey for a longer period than the visa or visa exemption period. It is mandatory for all foreigners who want to stay longer than the designated period to apply for this residence permit.
Individuals who wish to stay longer than the visa or visa exemption period must state and document their reasons for staying in Turkey when applying for a short-term residence permit. If they do not qualify for other types of residence permits (such as Student Residence Permit, Family Reunification, Long-Term Residence Permit, Trafficking in Persons Victim), they can apply for a Short-Term Residence Permit if they have one of the reasons listed below:
Types of Short-Term Residence Permits:
Foreigners who need to stay in Turkey for scientific research purposes
Foreigners who want to obtain a short-term residence permit based on scientific reasons must first obtain a permission document from the relevant institutions if their research is subject to permission. If the research topic is not subject to permission, they must provide details about the research in a statement. Foreigners who want to obtain a residence permit based on scientific research must obtain a Scientific Research visa from our consulates in their own countries before entering Turkey.
Foreigners who will establish, develop, or start a business relationship in Turkey
Foreigners who want to apply under this category may be asked to provide an invitation letter from the individuals or entities they are in contact with and will establish a commercial connection with, or documents related to the business they will establish.
Foreigners who own immovable property in Turkey
Foreigners who own immovable property can apply for this residence permit if their property is used as a residence. If multiple family members have ownership rights to the property, other family members who are rights holders can also apply for a residence permit. These individuals can be the spouse, minor child, or dependent adult child of the applicant.
Foreigners participating in in-service training programs
Foreigners who request a short-term residence permit through in-service training must submit documents during the application process that demonstrate the content, location, and duration of the training organized by the institution or organization providing the training. The residence permit is issued to cover the duration of the training.
Foreigners participating in student exchange programs within the framework of agreements made by Turkey
Foreigners who want to obtain a residence permit in Turkey for various educational programs must submit documents issued by the relevant institution. The residence permit issued within this scope cannot exceed the duration of the education and cannot be used for a different purpose. If students applying for a residence permit within the scope of a student exchange program request general health insurance within the first 3 months, no additional health insurance is required. However, students who do not apply within this period must obtain and document private health insurance for foreigners.
Foreigners who want to extend their stay for tourism purposes
Foreigners who want to apply for a short-term residence permit for tourism purposes are required to provide documents regarding the specific time intervals, locations, and durations of their stay within that period. Additional documents regarding travel plans may be requested if necessary.
Patients who will receive medical treatment
Foreigners who need to stay in Turkey for long periods for medical treatment purposes must not carry any infectious disease that may jeopardize public health and safety. In order to apply, these foreigners must provide acceptance documents from public or private hospitals. If it is documented that all treatment expenses are covered, no additional health insurance is required. Similarly, foreigners whose accommodation, subsistence, and treatment expenses are covered by public institutions and organizations are not required to have additional health insurance. Additional documents regarding the treatment may be requested in applications made under this category. The general residence provisions apply to accompanying persons of foreign nationals who come.
Foreigners who need to stay in the country based on the decision of judicial and administrative authorities
In this category, residence permits are issued considering the duration stated in the residence permit application.
Foreigners who have lost their family residence permit because they no longer meet the requirements
Foreigners who have stayed in Turkey with a family residence permit for at least 3 years, who have just turned 18 years old, foreigners married to Turkish citizens who have stayed in Turkey with a family residence permit for at least 3 years (In cases of domestic violence victims, the requirement of 3 years of residence is not necessary if there is a court decision), foreigners who have obtained a family residence permit based on their dependency on the supporter following the supporter’s death (The requirement of 3 years of residence is not necessary for these foreigners either).
Foreigners who will attend Turkish language learning courses
Short-term residence permits can be granted for a maximum of two times to those who want to apply for a residence permit to learn Turkish. If the course duration is less than 1 year, the residence permit is granted based on the course duration. It is necessary to enroll in an institution approved by the Ministry of National Education, and the relevant educational institution is responsible for informing the provincial directorates about the enrollment and attendance status of the foreign student.
Those who have completed their higher education in Turkey and apply within six months from the date of graduation
Graduates of higher education institutions who apply within the first six months after graduation are granted a one-time residence permit for a maximum of one year.
Foreigners who do not work in Turkey but make investments in the amount deemed necessary by the Council of Ministers, their spouses, and dependent children
Under the practice implemented within the scope of the Law No. 6735 to encourage foreigners who can contribute economically to the country, residence permits of 5 years are granted in applications made in this category.
Requirements for Short-Term Residence Permit
In order to obtain a short-term residence permit, certain conditions must be met. These conditions are regulated in Article 32 of the Law on Foreigners and are as follows:
Providing the required documents for the requested residence permit
Having general health and safety conditions and being able to document them
If deemed necessary, being able to present a criminal record issued by the competent authorities of the country of citizenship or residence
Documenting the address to be resided in Turkey
Not falling within the scope of Article 7 of the Law on Foreigners
These conditions are determined within the framework of the laws and may change over time. You can request information from our experts to obtain up-to-date information.
Rejection, Cancellation, or Non-Extension of Short-Term Residence Permit
The current request for a short-term residence permit can be rejected for various reasons, the application can be canceled, or the extension request may not be accepted when requested to be extended. The main reasons for these situations are:
Not being able to meet the requirements for renewing the short-term residence permit or changes in the conditions
Determining that the issued residence permit is being used for purposes other than its intended purpose
The applicant having a valid deportation order or entry ban
Exceeding the permissible duration of stay abroad.
2. Family Residence Permit in Turkey
The family residence permit in Turkey is regulated under Articles 34 and 37 of the Law on Foreigners and International Protection. It is a type of short-term residence permit granted to foreign national family members for the purpose of preserving family unity. It is granted to foreign nationals who have family status. The permit is granted to the foreign national through the person mentioned in the law as the “supporter”.
Who is Eligible for This Permit?
Turkish citizens, those mentioned in Article 28 of Law No. 5901, foreigners who have any legal residence permit in Turkey, refugees, and beneficiaries of subsidiary protection can apply for a family residence permit for:
Their foreign national spouse
Their or their spouse’s underage foreign national child
Their or their spouse’s dependent foreign national child
How to Obtain a Family Residence Permit?
The legislator has not limited the supporter only to Turkish citizens but has interpreted it more broadly. Therefore, not only foreigners married to Turkish citizens but also foreigners married to foreigners who have a legal residence permit in Turkey, refugees, and beneficiaries of subsidiary protection can apply for this permit. The supporter can obtain a residence permit for their spouse as well as for their children who are dependent on their spouse but not themselves.
In the case of the supporter having multiple spouses, only one of the spouses is granted a family residence permit. However, all of the supporter’s children are granted residence permits under the family residence permit. When applying on behalf of the children, if one of the parents with joint custody is abroad, the consent of the parent abroad is required. Children who reside in Turkey under the family residence permit can continue their education in educational institutions without obtaining a student residence permit until they reach adulthood.
Adult children who have resided in Turkey for at least 3 years under a family residence permit and who are requesting it can convert their family residence permits into short-term residence permits. Foreign nationals who are married to Turkish citizens and have resided in Turkey for at least 3 years under a family residence permit can apply for a short-term residence permit in case of divorce. However, in cases where it is established by a court order that the foreign national spouse has been victimized due to domestic violence, the 3-year requirement is not applicable.
3. Student Residence Permit in Turkey
Foreign students who come to our country for educational purposes and do not have sufficient visa or exemption periods are required to obtain a student residence permit, also known as a student residence permit, in accordance with the purpose of their stay.
Except for those exempt from the student residence permit, foreigners who will stay in Turkey for a period exceeding the duration determined by their visa or visa exemption, or for more than 90 days, are required to obtain a residence permit.
Who is Eligible for a Student Residence Permit?
A student residence permit is granted to foreigners who will receive education at a higher education institution in Turkey at the associate, undergraduate, graduate, or doctoral level.
Foreigners who will receive education at a primary or secondary education institution, the care and all expenses of which will be covered by a natural or legal person, may be granted permission for one-year periods, with the consent of their parents or legal representatives, and it can be extended.
Having a student residence permit for an individual does not grant any rights to the parents or other relatives of the student to obtain a residence permit.
If the duration of education is less than one year, the duration of the student residence permit cannot exceed the duration of education.
Foreigners who will come to our country to receive education through various public institutions and organizations may be granted a student residence permit for the duration of their education.
What are the Requirements for a Student Residence Permit?
To present the requested information and documents regarding their studies,
Not being among the foreigners who will not be allowed to enter our country,
To provide address information of their stay in Turkey.
Rejection, Cancellation, or Non-extension of Student Residence Permit Applications
Residence permit applications are not accepted, and if already granted, they are cancelled or not extended in the following cases:
Failure to meet or loss of the requirements for this permit,
Emergence of evidence that education cannot be continued,
Identification of evidence that the student residence permit is being used for purposes other than its intended purpose,
Existence of a valid deportation decision or entry ban to Turkey.
Residence permit applications for students are not accepted, and if already granted, they are cancelled or not extended in such cases.
4. Long-Term Residence Permit
Long-term residence permit is a residence permit granted to foreigners who meet certain conditions under the articles 42-45 of the Law on Foreigners and International Protection and the regulations related to these articles.
Foreigners who have resided in Turkey continuously for eight years without interruption can apply for a long-term residence permit if they meet the conditions set by the Immigration Authority. When calculating the eight-year period, half of the student residence permit period is taken into account, while the full duration of other permits obtained is considered. If the applications are approved by the Ministry, foreigners who are granted a long-term residence permit are not required to renew their residence permits every year or every two years. Refugees, persons with humanitarian residence permits, conditional refugees, holders of subsidiary protection status, and persons granted temporary protection cannot apply for a long-term residence permit.
What are the Requirements for a Long-term Residence Permit?
The conditions that the applicant must meet to obtain a long-term residence permit are specified in Article 43 of the Law on Foreigners. These conditions are as follows:
Having resided in Turkey for at least eight years with a residence permit (half of the student residence permit period is calculated).
Having a sufficient and regular income to support oneself and the family members living together.
Not having received any social assistance in the last three years.
Not constituting a risk in terms of public health, public order, or public security (except for the exceptions granted by the Immigration Policies Board).
During the process of verifying these conditions, specific calculations are made to evaluate the applicant’s request for long-term residence based on official records. The calculation of the duration of stay is based on retrospective scans considering the date of application. The applicant must have stayed in Turkey for at least 180 days during each one-year period. If this condition is met, retrospective scans continue, and the eight-year period is evaluated accordingly.
If the applicant has stayed in Turkey for less than 180 days in a year, the days within the last five years are examined. If the person has spent more than 365 days outside of Turkey during the five-year period, or has stayed abroad for more than 6 months consecutively or non-consecutively, the application will be rejected.
The periods spent in Turkey without a residence permit and the days of foreigners who have been subject to deportation orders are not included in these calculations.
Verification of Adequate and Regular Income
Another requirement for obtaining a long-term residence permit is that the applicant must be able to provide a sufficient income.
In this regard, the applicant must earn an income that is not less than the minimum wage in effect for the year of application.
If the person is living with their family, they must allocate a budget equivalent to 1/3 of the minimum wage for both themselves and their family.
The applicant must have a valid health insurance policy in Turkey.
There should be no receipt of any social assistance in the last three years.
Official records are used to verify the above conditions, and the statements or commitments of third parties are not taken into account.
Rights Provided by a Long-term Residence Permit
Foreigners holding a long-term residence permit have the same rights as Turkish citizens except for the following:
They do not have the right to vote or be elected. They cannot participate in elections or vote.
They cannot work in public service positions and cannot bring vehicles exempt from taxes.
They are exempt from military service obligations.
Except for the above cases, the legislation applicable to Turkish citizens is also applied to foreigners with a long-term residence permit.
Refusal, Cancellation, and Reasons for a Long-term Residence Permit
The applications of foreigners applying for long-term residence permits can be rejected or later canceled or not extended.
The main reason for the initial rejection of the application is interpreted as not meeting the necessary requirements. Therefore, taking into account the applicant’s situation, the application can be resubmitted after completing the deficiencies.
Existing holders of long-term residence permits can also have their permits canceled under certain conditions. These cancellation procedures are carried out by the Governorates. The reasons for cancellation are as follows:
If the foreigner poses a serious threat to public order and public safety, their long-term residence permit can be canceled. Foreigners whose residence permits are canceled on these grounds cannot apply for a residence permit again.
If a person stays outside of Turkey for more than 1 year for reasons other than education, health, or compulsory public service in their home country, their residence permit can be canceled. Foreigners whose residence permits are canceled for this reason can apply for a new long-term residence permit through the consulates if they are abroad, or directly to the Governorates or the Directorate General of Migration Management if they are in Turkey. In the case of reapplication, the requirement of uninterrupted 8-year residence is not applicable, and the application is prioritized for evaluation, with a decision made within one month.
5. Humanitarian Residence Permit
The humanitarian residence permit is regulated in Articles 46 and 47 of the Law on International Protection. Additionally, the Regulation on the Implementation of the Law on Foreigners and International Protection regulates the humanitarian residence permit in Article 44.
Who are Eligible for a Humanitarian Residence Permit?
When the best interests of the child are at stake and foreigners cannot be deported or banned from entering Turkey, or their departure from Turkey is not feasible or reasonable,
When no deportation decision is made against the foreigner according to Article 55 of the Law,
When recourse to judicial remedies is made against the procedures carried out under Articles 53, 72, and 77 of the Law,
During the continuation of the procedures for the return of the applicant to the first country of asylum or a safe third country,
When foreigners who should be allowed entry and stay in Turkey due to urgent reasons, the protection of national interests, public order, and public safety cannot obtain any other residence permit due to circumstances that hinder granting an existing residence permit,
In exceptional circumstances, a humanitarian residence permit can be issued.
How Long can a Humanitarian Residence Permit be Granted for?
Subject to the limits determined by the Ministry and with the approval of the Directorate General, humanitarian residence permits can be granted by the governorates and these permits can be extended.
What are the Requirements for a Humanitarian Residence Permit?
The conditions for other residence permits are not required for humanitarian residence permits.
What are the Reasons for Rejection, Cancellation, or Non-Extension of a Humanitarian Residence Permit?
A humanitarian residence permit, subject to the approval of the Ministry, will be canceled by the governorates when the conditions that necessitate the granting of the permit cease to exist, and it will not be extended.
Other Points Regarding the Humanitarian Residence Permit:
Foreigners who hold a humanitarian residence permit must register in the address registration system within twenty working days from the date of issuance of the permit.
Individuals with a humanitarian residence permit, within the validity period of their permit, except for a long-term residence permit, can apply for another residence permit if they meet the requirements.
The periods spent with a humanitarian residence permit are not taken into account when calculating the residence periods specified in the Law.
6. Residence Permit for Victims of Human Trafficking
The residence permit for victims of human trafficking is regulated in Articles 48 and 49 of Law No. 6458 on Foreigners and International Protection. Additionally, the Regulation on the Implementation of the Law on Foreigners and International Protection regulates the residence permit for victims of human trafficking in Articles 45 and 46.
Who are Eligible for a Residence Permit for Victims of Human Trafficking?
A residence permit for victims of human trafficking is issued to foreigners who are strongly suspected to be or could be victims of human trafficking.
What is the Duration of the Residence Permit for Victims of Human Trafficking?
The residence permit for victims of human trafficking is issued by the governorates for a period of thirty days. The issued residence permits for victims of human trafficking can be extended for a maximum of six-month periods, but these periods cannot exceed three years in total.
What are the Requirements for a Residence Permit for Victims of Human Trafficking?
The requirements for other residence permits are not required for a residence permit for victims of human trafficking.
What are the Reasons for Rejection, Cancellation, or Non-Extension of a Residence Permit for Victims of Human Trafficking?
Determination that the foreigner has reestablished contact with the perpetrators of the crime on their own initiative,
Non-compliance with the obligations imposed,
Determination that the foreigner is not a victim,
In such cases, the residence permit for victims of human trafficking will be canceled. However, if it is determined that the listed situations were done involuntarily due to coercion, intimidation, violence, or threats, the residence permit will not be canceled.
