FAQ’s for Turkish Residence Permit

Understanding the Turkish Residence Permit (Ikamet) Process

Navigating the Turkish residence permit system requires a clear understanding of the rules set by the Presidency of Migration Management (PMM). Whether you are applying for the first time or seeking an extension, following the correct procedures ensures your legal stay in Turkey remains uninterrupted.

General Application Timeline and Results

How long does it take to process a residence permit?

By law, residence permit applications must be finalized within 90 days. This period begins once you submit all required information and documents to the provincial migration office. If the evaluation takes longer, the authorities will notify the applicant.

Where can I find contact information for migration offices?

The General Directorate of Migration Management maintains an official website at www.goc.gov.tr. You can find addresses and phone numbers for offices in all 81 provinces under the 'Contact' and 'Provincial Organisation' sections.

Passport and Documentation Requirements

What are the passport validity requirements?

Your passport or travel document must be valid for at least 60 days beyond the duration of the residence permit you are requesting. You cannot apply with an expired passport. If your passport expires during the process, you must obtain a new one and notify the authorities within 20 working days.

What is an Apostille and why is it needed?

An Apostille is an international certification that verifies the authenticity of a document for use in another country. If your home country is a party to the Apostille Convention, you must get your documents (like birth or marriage certificates) apostilled there. Once in Turkey, these documents must be translated into Turkish by a sworn translator and notarized.

Are e-government (e-Devlet) documents accepted?

Yes, documents obtained through the Turkish e-government portal (e-Devlet) that are barcode-verified are accepted by official institutions for residence permit applications.

Financial and Insurance Standards

How much money is required in a bank account?

For short-term and student permits, a self-declaration of sufficient funds is often enough unless the officer requests specific proof. For family permits, the sponsor's total income must not be less than the minimum wage, and the per-person income must be at least one-third of the minimum wage. Long-term permits require a steady, regular income equal to the monthly minimum wage or proof of assets like property or significant bank savings.

Health insurance requirements for different ages

Applicants between the ages of 18 and 65 must have valid health insurance. For those under 18 or over 65, you can select the 'Under 18 and above 65' option in the e-residence system for short-term permits. However, for family permits, the sponsor must provide insurance that covers all family members regardless of age.

Specific Residence Permit Categories

Student Residence Permits

Students in Turkish universities or schools enjoy specific rights. If you transfer to a different department in the same province, your permit remains valid if you notify the Migration Management within 20 working days. If you move to a university in a different province, you must apply for a new permit. Note that 'special student' status, open education, or distance learning do not qualify for a student residence permit.

Family Residence Permits

Foreigners married to Turkish citizens or legal residents can apply for family permits. The sponsor must have lived in Turkey for at least one year on a valid permit or work permit. If a foreigner married to a Turkish citizen is in visa breach, they must generally exit the country and re-enter legally before applying.

Long-Term Residence Permits

To qualify for a long-term permit, you must have resided in Turkey continuously for at least eight years. You must not have received social assistance in the last three years and must possess valid medical insurance and a stable income.

Travel Rules During the Application Process

Can I leave Turkey while my application is pending?

If you have applied and attended your appointment, you can leave Turkey for up to 15 days. You must carry your signed and stamped application form and fee receipts. This document allows multiple entries and exits as long as each trip abroad does not exceed 15 days. If you stay abroad longer than 15 days, you will be subject to general visa rules upon return.

What happens if I change my address?

If you move to a new address within the same province, you must notify the Provincial Directorate of Migration Management within 20 working days. If you move to a different province, you must apply for a new residence permit in that province within 20 working days. In this case, you will not be charged the permit fee again, but you must pay for the new card.

Fees, Payments, and Rejections

How and where to pay permit fees

Fees consist of two parts: the residence permit fee and the card fee. Payments can be made via the e-ikamet system using a credit card or at authorized banks (Ziraat Bank, Vakıf Bank, Halk Bank) and tax offices. Use the following codes for bank payments:

• 9207: Card Fee
• 9233: Residence Permit Fee
• 9234: Visa Fee

What if my application is rejected?

If your application is denied, you will receive an official notification explaining your right to appeal. You cannot apply for the same residence permit type for the same purpose within six months of a rejection. However, you may apply for a different permit type if you meet the criteria.

Missing documents and lost cards

If documents are missing, the migration office may grant you up to 30 days to submit them. Failure to do so results in the cancellation of your application. If your residence permit card is lost or stolen, you must report it to the police, obtain a report, and apply for a replacement. You will pay the full card fee and half of the permit fee for the replacement.

Special Cases: Newborns and Yacht Residents

Procedures for babies born in Turkey

Babies born in Turkey can stay for up to six months based on their parents' valid residence permits and a hospital birth certificate. However, parents must obtain a passport for the child and apply for a residence permit within 180 days of birth. The permit will be backdated to the child's date of birth.

Residents living on yachts

There is no specific 'yacht residence permit.' Individuals living on yachts must apply for one of the standard residence permit types (usually short-term tourism) and meet the relevant criteria.

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