6 Types of Residency Permits in Turkey in 2023

Turkey, renowned for its historical richness and strategic location, presents an array of residency permits catering to foreigners seeking habitation within its borders. Be it students, investors, or those seeking refuge, comprehending the intricacies of securing a residency permit in Turkey is of paramount importance.

This all-encompassing guide delves into the various categories of residency permits, spanning short-term to long-term, humanitarian to those tailored for victims of human trafficking, ensuring that you possess the knowledge necessary to make well-informed decisions.

Understanding Residence Permits

A residence permit denotes the official authorization for foreign individuals to reside in Turkey, governed by The Foreigners and International Protection Law (FIPL) No. 6458.

This permission, granted by competent authorities, affords foreigners the privilege to dwell within the nation for a specified duration and within a designated region. The residence permit, serving the purpose of maintaining and safeguarding public order, is issued upon a foreigner's request, submission of requisite documentation, and fulfillment of criteria specific to the chosen residency category.

Article 30 of The Foreigners and International Protection Law No. 6458 delineates six categories of residency permits in Turkey.

Residency Permit Categories in Turkey

• Short-Term Residence Permit
• Family Residence Permit
• Student Residence Permit
• Long-Term Residence Permit
• Humanitarian Residence Permit
• Residence Permit for Victims of Human Trafficking

Turkish Short-Term Residence Permit

Issued in accordance with The Foreigners and International Protection Law and Regulation, this permit is sought once the visa or visa exemption period concludes, allowing a brief stay in Turkey.

Eligibility for Short-Term Residence Permit

• Foreigners Visiting for Tourism
• Foreigners Establishing Commercial Connections or Businesses
• Foreigners Owning Immovable Property
• Foreigners Attending Turkish Learning Courses
• Foreigners Engaging in Scientific Research
• Foreigners Participating in In-Service Training Programs
• Foreigners Under Educational Agreements
• Foreigners Seeking Medical Treatment
• Foreigners Required to Stay in Turkey Based on Authority Orders
• Foreigners Pursuing Education, Research, or Courses via Public Institutions
• Foreigners Graduating from Turkish Higher Education
• Investors and Their Foreign Spouses
• Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus Citizens

Conditions for Short-Term Residence Permit

• Submission of relevant documentation
• Compliance with entry regulations
• Meeting health and safety standards in accommodation
• Criminal record documentation if requested
• Providing a valid address in Turkey

Rejection, Cancellation, or Non-Extension

The permit may be declined or annulled for failure to meet conditions, misuse, deportation decision, or overstaying outside authorized periods.

This guide continues with in-depth insights into the other five categories of residency permits in Turkey: Turkish Family Residence Permit, Turkish Student Residence Permit, Turkish Long-Term Residence Permit, Turkish Humanitarian Residence Permit, and Turkish Residence Permit for Victims of Human Trafficking.

Understanding the eligibility criteria, conditions, rights, and possible reasons for rejection or cancellation for each type of permit is essential to navigate the nuanced landscape of residency in Turkey. From families to students, from investors to those seeking refuge, Turkey's residency system offers a pathway tailored to diverse aspirations, making it vital to grasp the specifics of each category for a successful and fulfilling stay in this culturally and geographically diverse nation.

Turkish Family Residence Permit

Enshrined within The Foreigners and International Protection Law, this permit encompasses the spouse, minor children, and dependent children of the applicant. It's extended to foreign spouses of Turkish citizens or other residency permit holders.

Eligibility for Family Residence Permit

• Turkish citizens and certain residency permit holders
• Foreign spouse, minor child, or dependent child of the applicant
  

Conditions for Family Residence Permit

• Possession of valid health insurance for all family members
• Monthly income equivalent to one-third of the minimum wage per family member
• No history of crimes against family order in the last five years
• At least one year of residence in Turkey with an address registered
  

Rejection, Cancellation, or Non-Extension

The permit can be denied, annulled, or not renewed due to non-compliance with conditions, misuse, or presence of a deportation decision.

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Turkish Student Residence Permit

Governed by The Foreigners and International Protection Law, this permit streamlines the residency process for international students pursuing various educational levels in Turkey.

Eligibility for Student Residence Permit

• Foreigners undertaking primary or secondary education
• Foreigners pursuing associate, undergraduate, graduate, doctoral, and specialized medical or dental training
  

Conditions for Student Residence Permit

• Submission of relevant information and documents
• Not falling within entry restrictions
• Providing a valid address in Turkey
  

Rejection, Cancellation, or Non-Extension

The permit may be refused, canceled, or not extended due to conditions not being met, evidence of inability to continue studies, misuse, or presence of a deportation decision.

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Turkish Long-Term Residence Permit

Articles 42 and 45 of The Foreigners and International Protection Law outline this permit, offering rights akin to citizenship for foreigners residing in Turkey for an extended period.

Eligibility for Long-Term Residence Permit

Foreigners who have continuously resided in Turkey for at least eight years on a residence permit or meet the criteria set by the Migration Policy Board.

Conditions for Long-Term Residence Permit

• Continuous residence for eight years on a residence permit
• Absence of social assistance in the last three years
• Adequate and stable income for self or family
• Valid health insurance
• No threat to public order or security

Rejection, Cancellation, or Non-Extension

The permit can be denied, canceled, or not renewed for posing a serious threat, extended absence from Turkey, failure to meet conditions, or issuance of deportation decisions.

Turkish Humanitarian Residence Permit

Aimed at safeguarding human life and dignity, this permit is granted at administrative discretion when other permits are unavailable.

Eligibility for Humanitarian Residence Permit

Foreigners suspected or confirmed as victims of human trafficking or facing unreasonable deportation.

Conditions for Humanitarian Residence Permit

The usual conditions for other permits do not apply for this category.

Rejection, Cancellation, or Non-Extension

The permit can be revoked or not renewed if conditions change, or the permit is used improperly.

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Turkish Residence Permit for Victims of Human Trafficking

Designed to protect victims of human trafficking, this permit evaluates foreigners' circumstances facing human trafficking or its suspicion.

Eligibility for Residence Permit for Victims of Human Trafficking

Foreigners strongly suspected of being victims of human trafficking.

Conditions for Residence Permit for Victims of Human Trafficking

The usual conditions for other permits do not apply for this category.

Rejection, Cancellation, or Non-Extension

The permit can be revoked if a victim re-establishes connections with perpetrators or fails to meet obligations.

In summary, obtaining a residence permit in Turkey is a process that varies depending on the individual’s circumstances, needs, and intentions. Turkey’s residence permit system is designed to accommodate a diverse range of applicants, from short-term stays for tourism or business to long-term residences for investment or humanitarian reasons. Understanding the specific requirements, eligibility criteria, and conditions for each type of permit is essential for a smooth application process.

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AGM Homes: Your Partner for Residency in Turkey

When it comes to securing short-term residency and exploring the citizenship program in Turkey, AGM Homes is your trusted partner. With years of experience and in-depth knowledge of the legal processes, we offer expert guidance and support to ensure a seamless application process.

Our services include:

• Expert Consultation: Our team of professionals specializes in short-term residency and the citizenship program. We provide personalized consultations, helping you navigate the complexities of these processes with clarity.
  
• Documentation Assistance: AGM Homes assists in compiling all the required documents accurately, ensuring that your application meets the stringent criteria set by Turkish authorities.
  
• Application Support: We guide you through the application process step by step, ensuring that each detail is correctly represented and submitted on time.
  
• Legal Compliance: With AGM Homes, you can rest assured that your application adheres to all legal requirements, minimizing the risk of rejection.‍
• Updates and Follow-Up: We keep you informed about the progress of your application and handle any follow-up requirements or inquiries from the authorities.
  
  

Feel free to contact us to explore the various options we provide and start your journey towards obtaining short-term residency or Turkish citizenship.