Short-Term Residence Permit in Turkey

What is Short-Term Residence Permit?

A short-term residence permit is a type of permit that allows a foreign individual to stay in a country for a limited amount of time. It is governed by Articles 31 to 33 of the Law on Foreigners and International Protection, as well as Articles 28 and 29 of the Regulation on the Implementation of the Law on Foreigners and International Protection. These laws and regulations set out the requirements for obtaining a short-term residence permit, as well as the rights and obligations of individuals who hold such a permit.

Who are the Foreigners who can be issued a Short-Term Residence Permit?

1. Foreigners who will come for scientific research;

   For this purpose, foreigners who apply for a residence permit must obtain a permit from the relevant institutions or organizations (Ministry of Culture and Tourism, Ministry of Energy, universities, etc.) subject to scientific research, if scientific research is subject to permission; If they are not subject to a permit, they are required to submit a statement regarding the research subject. In order to issue a residence permit for foreigners who will come for this purpose, a visa for “Scientific Research” must be obtained from our foreign representatives.

2. Foreigners who own immovable property in Turkey;

   In case foreigners who own immovables request a residence permit, the immovable must be a residence and used for this purpose. In addition, family members can apply for a residence permit in this context if they have a shared or joint ownership right on the residence. Family members refer to the applicant’s spouse, minor child and dependent adult child.

3. Foreigners who will establish a commercial connection or business;

   If foreigners who will establish a commercial connection or business request a residence permit for more than three months, an invitation letter or similar documents may be requested from the persons or companies that the foreigner will contact.

4. Foreigners who will participate in the in-service training program;

   Residence permits issued for this purpose are issued during the program based on the information and documents on the content, duration and location of the training provided by the institution or organization that will provide in-service training.

5. Foreigners who will come for educational or similar purposes within the framework of agreements to which the Republic of Turkey is a party or student exchange programs;

   For this purpose, foreigners who apply for a residence permit are requested to submit the information and documents to be obtained from the relevant institution.
   The duration of residence permit cannot exceed the duration of education or similar purpose.
   Students coming within the scope of student exchange programs (Erasmus, Mevlana, Farabi etc.); Health insurance is not required from those who make a request to become a general health insurance holder within three months from the first registration date. However, those who lose their right to be covered by general health insurance by not making an application within three months from the date of registration are asked to take out private health insurance.

6. Foreigners who will stay for tourism purposes;

   For this purpose, the statement of foreigners who apply for a residence permit regarding their travel plans (where, when and how long they will stay in the country) is evaluated. If deemed necessary, they may be asked to submit information or documents.

7. Foreigners who will be treated provided that they do not have one of the diseases that are considered a threat to public health;

   For this purpose, admission to public or private hospitals is sought for foreigners who come to Turkey. Health insurance is not required for those who certify that they have paid all treatment costs.
   Residence permits are issued in accordance with treatment periods.
   A valid health insurance condition is not sought for foreigners whose accommodation, subsistence or health-related expenses are covered by the relevant public institutions and organizations during the treatment, upon the determination of financial means.
   When necessary, information or documents regarding the treatment of the foreigner may be requested from the relevant hospital or public institution and organization.
   Within the scope of the existing Health Cooperation agreements, the residence permit procedures of the foreigners who come to our country for treatment purposes (if there is no separate provision in the agreement regarding the companions) are carried out according to the general provisions. In addition, according to the Additional Article 14 of the Health Services Basic Law No. 3359, valid health insurance is not required for the residence permit applications of the foreigners who come to our country with a maximum of two persons.

8. Foreigners who are required to stay in Turkey depending on the requests or decisions of the judicial or administrative authorities;

   The duration of the residence permit to be issued for this purpose is determined by considering the period specified in the decision or request.

9. Foreigners who will be transferred to a short-term residence permit if they lose the family residence permit conditions;

   Among those who have stayed in Turkey for at least three years with a family residence permit, those who have completed the age of eighteen, married to a Turkish citizen and divorced after three years with a family residence permit (three years for those who prove that they are victims of domestic violence with a court decision) and in the event of the sponsor’s death, those who remain with a family residence permit attached to this person can apply for a short-term residence permit without the requirement of time.

10. Foreigners who will attend Turkish learning courses;

    For this purpose, it can be given to a foreigner who requests a residence permit and registers with the institution authorized to offer Turkish courses (must be authorized by the Ministry of National Education.) at most twice.
    If the duration of the course is less than one year, the duration of the residence permit cannot exceed the duration of the course. The institution providing the course is obliged to inform the provincial directorate of the start and attendance status of the foreigner who has registered for the purpose of learning Turkish.

11. Foreigners who will participate in education, research, internship and courses in Turkey through public institutions;

    The residence permit period issued for this purpose cannot exceed one year. A valid health insurance condition is not sought for foreigners whose accommodation, subsistence or health-related expenses are covered by the relevant public institutions. Information and documents may be requested from institutions.

12. Foreigners who have completed their higher education in Turkey and applied within six months from the date of graduation;

    For this purpose, foreigners who apply for a residence permit may be granted a residence permit for a maximum of one year, for once, if they apply within six months from the date of graduation.

13. Those who do not work in Turkey but will make investments within the scope and amount to be specified by the Council of Ministers and their foreign spouse, minor or dependent foreign child of himself and his spouse;

    For this purpose, a residence permit can be issued for a maximum of five years for foreigners who request a residence permit.
    With this amendment brought by the International Labor Law No. 6735 to the Law No. 6458, it is aimed to encourage qualified foreigners who will contribute to the country’s economy and to facilitate residence permit procedures for foreigners.

14. Foreigners who are citizens of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus,

    For this purpose, a residence permit can be issued for a maximum of five years for foreigners who request a residence permit.

For How Many Years Can a Short Term Residence Permit Be Issued?

Short-term residence permit can be issued for a maximum of two years each time, with the exception of foreigners ranked 13th and 14th above.

What are the Conditions for a Short Term Residence Permit?

For a short-term residence permit to be issued, foreigners must meet the conditions set forth in Article 32 of the Law.

• Submitting supporting information and documents related to the purpose of stay in Turkey,
• Not falling within the scope of Article 7 of the aforementioned Law,
• To have accommodation conditions in accordance with general health and safety standards,
• If requested, to submit a document showing the criminal record issued by the competent authorities of the country of citizenship or legal residence,
• To give the address information to stay in Turkey.

What are the reasons for Rejection, Cancellation or Non-Extension of a Short Term Residence Permit?

• One or more of the conditions sought for a short-term residence permit are not fulfilled or eliminated,
• It is determined that the residence permit is used for purposes other than the one for which it was issued,
• Having a valid deportation or entry ban decision,
• Violation in terms of duration of stay abroad,

In such cases, a short-term residence permit is not granted, if it is given, it is cancelled, and those whose duration has expired are not extended. In this cases, please contact us for more details.

For more information about residence permits in Turkey, please visit the following page.