Immigration Law

Residence Permit Application Documents - New Rules and Requirements in Turkey

Rules for residence permit applications in Turkey are frequently updated. Following the latest regulations is essential for your residence permit application to be accepted.

The required documents for a residence permit depend on the type of permit. Applicants must first determine which residence permit category they are eligible for and collect the necessary documents accordingly.

1- What Are the Types of Residence Permits in Turkey?

Residence permits in Turkey are mainly divided into six categories — four ordinary and two extraordinary types.

• Family Residence Permit: Granted to the foreign spouse, minor or dependent child of Turkish citizens, foreigners with a residence permit, refugees, or those under subsidiary protection.
• Short-Term Residence Permit: Includes 14 subcategories such as: digital nomad residence permit, scientific research, property ownership, business setup, in-service training, student exchange programs, tourism purpose, medical treatment, judicial or administrative stay, transition from family permit, Turkish language courses, internships or training in Turkey, university students, and investors.
• Long-Term Residence Permit: Foreigners who have legally resided in Turkey for 8 uninterrupted years can apply. Holders of humanitarian residence or international protection status cannot switch to long-term residence.
• Student Residence Permit: Granted to foreign students in primary, secondary, and higher education. Holders may sponsor their spouse and childrenfor a family residence permit.
• Humanitarian Residence Permit: Issued to foreigners who cannot be deportedfor humanitarian reasons or cannot safely return to their country.
• Victim of Human Trafficking Residence Permit

2- What Is Proof of Accommodation? What Documents Are Valid for Residence Permit Applications?

For residence permit applications in Turkey, you must provide proof of accommodation for the entire duration of your stay. You can submit one of the following documents depending on your situation:

• If you own your home, provide a copy of the title deed (tapu) and an address registration document.
• If you rent, submit a notarized rental contract showing the landlord’s details.
• If staying at a hotel, provide a paid hotel reservation and payment receipt covering the requested residence permit period.
• If staying in a student dormitory, submit an electronically signed or stamped document confirming your stay.
• If staying as a guest with a third person, provide a notarized undertaking from the host (if married, also from the spouse). In addition, a recent utility bill or subscription agreement in the host’s name must be submitted.

3- What Documents Are Required for a Residence Permit Application?

Required documents may vary depending on the type of residence permit and the city where you apply. The general list is as follows. Contact our office to learn the specific documents required for your case.

• Residence Permit Application Form
• Copy of passport
• 2 biometric photos
• Payment receipts for residence permit fee and card fee
• Single-entry visa fee receipt
• Valid health insurance
• Proof of sufficient and regular financial means
• Accommodation document
• UETS address (required for extension applications)

4- Reason:One or more of the conditions sought in Article 32 are not met or no longer apply, meaning?

There can be several reasons for a residence permit rejection based on this ground. These may include: failing to provide a criminal record document, not submitting an address for your stay in Turkey, not having suitable housing that meets general health and safety standards, not having a valid reason to stay, not having sufficient and regular income, or not meeting one of the general application requirements. Each reason may lead to different legal consequences and requires a specific legal process to resolve. Therefore, the first step is to obtain and review the official residence permit rejection notice issued by the Migration Office. After receiving this notice, the foreigner must leave the country within 10 days. Foreigners who do not wish to leave Turkey and believe their residence permit was unfairly rejected should file an appeal (cancellation lawsuit) with a lawyer specialized in foreigners law within the legal deadline. Many unjustified rejections issued by the Migration Office are later overturned by the courts.

5- How to Apply for a Residence Permit in Turkey?

Residence permit applications are submitted through the e-Residence (e-İkamet) Application System. After completing the online form, you must book an appointment and submit your documents in person to the Migration Office on the appointment day, where your fingerprints and photo will be taken. Applications are usually processed within 90 days. Once approved, you will receive an SMS confirmation, and successful applicants must complete address registration within 20 business days.

6- How to Receive the Official Notification (Teblig)?

Rejection notifications for residence permit applications can be obtained from the Provincial Migration Office for first-time applications, and from the PTT UETS website for extension applications. After receiving the rejection notice, it is highly recommended to consult a qualified immigration lawyer immediately to start the legal process.

You can find A Detailed Legal Guide for Foreigners Who Have Been Detained or Arrested in Turkey in our article. Turkish Version of the article- Türkiye'de Gözaltına Alınan veya Tutuklanan Yabancılar İçin Detaylı Hukuki Rehber.

- You can find Digital Nomad Visa - How To Apply? - FAQ in our article.

- You can find Deport Centers List In Istanbul in our article. Turkish Version of the article- Geri Gönderme Merkezleri Listesi.

Legal Proceedings

Legal Process It is crucial to work with an expert attorney during the application process. Tigin Gençer Law Office determines and provides the necessary documents for a legally compliant residence permit application and informs the client accordingly. Additionally, legal strategies and potential lawsuits are planned in advance and communicated to the client at the beginning of the process.

Achieving the desired outcome in the legal process depends on meticulous legal work. Our office handles all legal procedures carefully and with an official power of attorney. If the process is not managed properly, the court decision will be based on the submitted documents, which may result in the loss of rights.

Why Choose Tigin & Gençer?

At the beginning of the legal process, a client-attorney agreement is signed, guaranteeing that the case will be handled with diligence, responsibility, and professionalism.

• The legal process and its stages are communicated to the client, and any legal developments are shared in writing.
• Comprehensive legal consultancy and advocacy services are provided throughout Turkey.
• A practical and meticulous legal approach is applied to resolve lengthy judicial processes in the shortest possible time.
• All legal procedures are followed with attorney agreements, ensuring predictable and transparent legal case management.
• Cost-benefit analyses are conducted to ensure predictable legal expenses for clients.
• Our partners, fluent in advanced English, provide international legal services.