Family Residence Permit in Turkey

Understanding the Family Residence Permit in Turkey

The family residence permit allows foreign nationals to live in Turkey with their family members. This permit is regulated under Articles 34 to 37 of the Law on Foreigners and International Protection (No. 6458). It aims to protect the family unit by allowing sponsors—who are either Turkish citizens or legal residents—to bring their dependents to the country.

Who Qualifies for a Family Residence Permit?

To apply for this permit, there must be a "sponsor." A sponsor can be a Turkish citizen, a residence permit holder, a refugee, or a subsidiary protection status holder. The following individuals can apply as dependents of the sponsor:

• The foreign spouse of the sponsor.
• The minor foreign child of the sponsor or their spouse.
• The dependent foreign child of the sponsor or their spouse (even if they are over 18).

If a sponsor has more than one spouse, only one spouse can receive a family residence permit. However, all children from all spouses are eligible for the permit.

Duration and Validity

A family residence permit is typically issued for a maximum of three years at a time. However, the duration cannot exceed the validity of the sponsor’s own residence permit. For example, if the sponsor’s permit expires in one year, the family members will only receive a one-year permit.

Mandatory Conditions for the Sponsor

The Turkish government sets strict requirements for the sponsor to ensure they can support their family without state assistance. The sponsor must:

• Have Sufficient Income: Monthly income must not be less than the total minimum wage, with at least one-third of the minimum wage available per family member.
• Provide Health Insurance: Valid health insurance must cover all family members for the duration of the permit.
• Meet Housing Standards: The sponsor must provide accommodation that meets general health and safety standards.
• Maintain a Clean Record: The sponsor must prove they have not committed any crimes against the family order in the last five years.
• Address Registration: The sponsor must be registered in the Turkish Address Registration System (MERNIS).

Requirements for the Applicant

The family members applying for the permit must also meet specific criteria:

• They must provide documents proving their relationship to the sponsor (marriage certificate or birth certificate).
• They must live or intend to live with the sponsor.
• Spouses must be over 18 years old.
• The marriage must not be a "marriage of convenience" performed solely to obtain a residence permit.

Required Documents for the Application

The application process requires a comprehensive file. All foreign documents must be apostilled and translated into Turkish by a notary.

Common Documents for All Applicants

• Residence Permit Application Form (signed).
• Original and copy of the passport (valid for at least 60 days beyond the requested permit period).
• Four biometric photos (white background, taken in the last 6 months).
• Proof of payment for the residence permit fee and card fee.
• Marriage certificate (for spouses) or birth certificate (for children).

Documents Required from the Sponsor

• Original and copy of the sponsor’s ID card (for Turkish citizens) or residence/work permit (for foreigners).
• Proof of sufficient and regular financial means (bank statements or salary slips).
• Valid health insurance for all family members.
• Criminal record certificate from the Turkish authorities (and from their home country if they have lived in Turkey for less than five years).
• Residence certificate from the e-Government (e-Devlet) system.

Rights of Children on a Family Residence Permit

Children holding a family residence permit have the right to education in primary and secondary schools in Turkey. They do not need to obtain a separate student residence permit until they reach the age of 18. Once they turn 18, if they have lived in Turkey for at least three years on a family permit, they can transition to a short-term residence permit.

Transitioning to a Short-Term Residence Permit

In certain situations, a person holding a family residence permit can switch to a short-term permit:

• Divorce: If the person was married to a Turkish citizen for at least three years. If domestic violence is proven by a court order, the three-year requirement is waived.
• Death of Sponsor: If the sponsor dies, the dependents can apply for a short-term permit.
• Adulthood: When a child turns 18 after living in Turkey for at least three years on a family permit.

Reasons for Refusal or Cancellation

The Provincial Directorate of Migration Management may refuse or cancel a permit if:

• The conditions for the permit are no longer met.
• The permit is used for purposes other than family unity.
• There is a valid deportation order or entry ban against the applicant.
• The marriage is determined to be fraudulent.

Related Articles

• residence permit in Turkey
• family residence permit documents
• residence permit for children