Frequently Asked Questions for Foreigners

Applications for work permits on behalf of foreign nationals are submitted by the employer through the Ministry of Labour and Social Security’s e-Permit system. Depending on the foreign national’s circumstances, the application is submitted either from within Turkey or through a Turkish diplomatic mission abroad.

As a general rule, a residence permit issued in the foreign national’s name for a period of at least six months and still valid as of the date of application must be provided. Exceptions may apply to certain foreign nationals as determined by the Ministry.

You may apply if your residence permit is valid as of the application date and was originally issued for a period of at least six months. It is not necessary for there to be exactly six months remaining until your card expires.

First, you must apply to the Turkish embassy or consulate in the country where you are a citizen or legally residing. Using the 16-digit reference number provided to you, your employer in Turkey will complete the work permit application through the e-Permit system.

To obtain an employer-sponsored work visa, you must have an employer in Turkey who will hire you. Self-employment permits and other special statuses are subject to different conditions.

The review of applications that are submitted in accordance with the procedures and contain all required documents will be completed within 30 days from the date the application is finalized. If additional documents are requested, the timeframe will be calculated from the date the missing documents are uploaded to the system.

The work permit review is completed within 30 days for applications that are submitted with all required documents. A consulate appointment, document review, fee payment, and visa stamping may extend the total processing time.

The initial work permit is issued for a maximum of one year, provided that it does not exceed the term of the employment contract. Different durations may apply depending on the nature of the application and the individual’s status.

Generally, no. A valid work permit also serves as a residence permit. However, work permits issued to applicants for international protection, conditional refugees, and those under temporary protection do not serve as residence permits.

No. A tourist, family, student, or long-term residence permit does not, on its own, grant the right to work. Before starting work, you must obtain a work permit or a valid work permit exemption.

No. Marriage to a Turkish citizen does not waive the requirement for a work permit. However, for foreign nationals who have been married for at least three years, the criteria regarding employment, financial eligibility, and salary may not apply.

As a general rule, businesses subject to the balance sheet system must employ at least five Turkish citizens for every foreign worker. There are exceptions to this requirement depending on the foreign worker’s status, the workplace, and the sector.

For newly established businesses, the general financial eligibility requirement is a paid-in capital of at least 500,000 TL. For existing businesses, at least one of the following conditions must be met: a paid-in capital of at least 500,000 TL, net sales of 8,000,000 TL, or exports totaling 150,000 U.S. dollars; subject to exemptions (as of 2026).

Compensation is determined based on position and profession. Under current criteria, the gross minimum wage is multiplied by 5 for senior executives and pilots, by 4 for engineers and architects, by 3 for other executives, and by 2 for jobs requiring specialized skills or expertise. Wages for domestic services and other jobs cannot be less than the gross minimum wage.

In 2026, the work permit fee for a period of up to one year is 12,574.90 TL, and the stamp duty is 964 TL. The total official fee is 13,538.90 TL; consulting, visa, and other expenses are not included in this amount.

The fee for a two-year work permit is 25,149.80 TL, and the fee for a three-year work permit is 37,724.70 TL. In addition, a stamp duty of 964 TL is paid with each application.

The fee and stamp duty must be paid by the due date. Which party is responsible for making the payment may be determined based on the employment contract and the nature of the application; Social Security contributions and the work permit fee are not the same obligation.

If the fee and stamp duty are not paid within 30 days of the notification date, the application for a work permit or exemption will be denied.

You may apply for a two-year permit; however, the work permit will be issued for a period at least 60 days shorter than the validity period of your passport. If your passport expires in exactly 24 months, the duration of your permit may be limited to approximately 22 months.

Foreign nationals entering Turkey with a work visa issued by the consulate must register with the address registration system within 20 business days of their date of entry. This process is carried out at the Population and Citizenship Directorate of the place of residence; a passport and work permit, along with a lease agreement or property deed, are required. The work permit card cannot be issued until the address registration is complete; failure to register within the specified timeframe results in an administrative fine.

The employer or authorized person submits a request for a new card by accessing the “Post-Leave Procedures” section of the e-Leave system. If the request is approved, the fee for the special paper and half of the previously paid fee may be collected.

Blue Card holders, as well as those with refugee or subsidiary protection status, may work without obtaining a work permit under the relevant special regulations. Refugee and subsidiary protection status identification documents serve as a substitute for a work permit; other foreign nationals may need a permit or an exemption certificate.

No. Simply qualifying for the exemption is not sufficient. If necessary, you must apply to the Ministry to obtain the work permit exemption in accordance with the proper procedures.

No. Registration with the Social Security Institution (SGK) does not eliminate the requirement for a work permit. A foreign national must have a valid work permit or be eligible for an exemption before beginning work.

In 2026, an administrative fine of 102,503 TL will be imposed on employers for each foreign national without a work permit, 40,977 TL for each foreign national working as an employee without a permit, and 82,010 TL for each foreign national working as a self-employed individual without a permit.

Working without authorization results in an administrative fine and may lead to deportation proceedings. Deportation, entry bans, and the assignment of a restriction code are determined based on the individual’s circumstances and the decision of the competent authorities; it cannot be said that the same code will automatically be applied in every case.

It has not been lifted for everyone. Effective August 3, 2026, employment and financial eligibility criteria may not apply to domestic applications filed on behalf of certain foreign nationals who have legally resided in Turkey for at least one year during the past three years.

For applications filed within the country, the general rule is that the requirement of five Turkish employees for every three foreign workers at the same workplace, as well as the financial eligibility criteria, do not apply. The number of foreign workers at the workplace must not exceed the number of Turkish employees.

Periods spent legally in Turkey over the past three years under a work permit, residence permit, or international protection are taken into account. Periods spent legally with a student residence permit are also evaluated under the residence permit category.

This applies to a maximum of three foreign nationals. For the fourth and subsequent foreign nationals, the general employment and financial eligibility criteria are reassessed.

The number of foreign employees must not exceed the number of Turkish employees. Therefore, at a workplace with one Turkish employee, no more than one foreign employee may be considered under this exception.

No. Salary, job description, professional qualifications, workplace conditions, and other application requirements are reviewed separately. The exemption applies only to the non-application of the relevant criteria.

Yes. Having resided legally for at least one year with a student residence permit over the past three years may qualify under the new exception. In addition, the student’s educational level, active enrollment status, and the nature of the job they will be working must also be appropriate.

For these foreign nationals, the criteria regarding employment, financial eligibility, and wages do not apply. The family relationship with a Turkish citizen must be proven with official documents.

Yes. For foreigners who have been married to a Turkish citizen for at least three years, the criteria regarding employment, financial eligibility, and salary may not apply. This does not mean that a work permit will be granted automatically.

Yes. As a general rule, the criteria regarding employment, financial eligibility, and salary do not apply to applications filed on behalf of holders of long-term residence permits. However, a work permit must still be obtained.

As a general rule, employment, financial eligibility, and wage criteria do not apply to holders of humanitarian residence permits. The other requirements for the application and the Ministry’s evaluation process remain in effect.

Effective August 3, 2026, employment, financial eligibility, and wage criteria may not apply to foreign nationals who have resided in Turkey for at least eight years with a work permit or specified residence permits. The eight-year period must be substantiated by official records.

If it is officially confirmed that you have resided in Turkey for at least eight years under a valid residence permit, you may be eligible for an exemption from the evaluation criteria. Additionally, if you currently hold a humanitarian residence permit, this status also constitutes a separate grounds for exemption.

Foreign nationals who are reported by the authorities of the Republic of Turkey to be of Turkish descent, or who are deemed eligible by the Ministry, may be exempt from the criteria regarding employment, financial eligibility, and salary under certain conditions. This exemption does not waive the requirement to obtain a work permit.

For IT roles requiring specialized expertise—such as software, databases, mobile software, system and network security, and enterprise architecture—employment and financial eligibility criteria may not apply to IT companies.

Yes. For companies outside the information technology sector, the employment and financial eligibility criteria may not apply to a maximum of two foreign nationals in the specified specialized positions.

As a general rule, the company’s paid-in capital must be at least 500,000 TL, the foreign partner’s capital share must be at least 500,000 TL, and the ownership stake must be at least 20 percent. Starting from the seventh month following the initial permit, the company must employ at least five Turkish citizens each month (as of 2026).

Under the general regulations, at least five Turkish citizens must be employed each month starting from the beginning of the seventh month following the issuance of the first work permit. However, the annotation code on the card may impose a different or more stringent requirement.

For foreign partners with a capital contribution of $100,000 or more, the criteria regarding the company partner’s total capital and the employment of five Turkish nationals may not apply.

Applications may be submitted starting 60 days before the work permit expires. The application must be completed in the e-Permit system before the current work permit expires.

If the employee continues to work for the same employer, a work permit may be granted for a maximum of two years upon the first extension application and for a maximum of three years for subsequent extensions. The duration of the employment contract and the validity period of the passport are also taken into account.

If the application is submitted on time, you may continue working for up to 90 days from the end of your previous leave, provided you remain at the same workplace and in the same position.

No. The application for an extension must be completed before the permit expires. If the deadline has passed, the case will be evaluated separately with regard to a new application, the right to residence, and any violations, if applicable.

No. An application filed on behalf of a different employer is considered a new work permit application; it is different from an extension application filed with the previous employer.

No. A temporary work permit tied to a specific employer is valid only for the authorized employer and position. To work at another workplace, you need a work permit approved in the name of the new employer.

Your new employer can apply for a work permit on your behalf. However, your previous employer’s records, your employment contract, any private-sector restrictions (if applicable), and any documents the Ministry may request will be reviewed as part of the application process; you cannot begin working until the new permit is approved.

In any case, the former employer’s approval is not required. However, the current work permit, Social Security Institution (SGK) registration, employment contract, and the Ministry’s assessment are taken into account; in some cases, additional explanations or documents may be requested.

There is no single, blanket ban for all foreign nationals. For foreign nationals permitted under sector-specific exemptions, a new application submitted within the first six months—whether due to a change to a different employer, a transition to a job outside the scope of the exemption, or for shepherds arriving from abroad—may be denied unless there are force majeure circumstances.

If a foreign national who has obtained a work permit in the livestock sector through an application filed from abroad submits an application from within Turkey to work for another employer during the first six months from the start of the permit, the application will be denied unless there are compelling reasons.

The type of application and the scope of the exemption under which the case was approved are decisive factors. For permits granted under sector-specific exemptions, a transition to a different employer or a job outside the scope of the exemption may be restricted during the first six months; however, it cannot be said that such a restriction applies automatically to every domestic service case.

The scope of the work permit and the Ministry’s records must be verified. The employer may need to complete the necessary follow-up procedures and obtain the required approval for changes in branch, province, or job duties; work must not be performed outside the approved scope.

The right of residence based on a work permit ends when the work permit becomes invalid. However, if you have a separate, valid residence permit that is independent of the work permit, the status of that permit will be assessed separately.

On the day the work permit expires, the associated right of residence also ends. It should not be assumed that a general 10-day extension of stay is automatically granted to everyone; an appropriate application for residence must be filed before the permit expires, or the deadline specified in the official notice must be met.

If you have a valid reason for staying and are legally eligible to apply, you may apply for a residence permit. The safest approach is to begin the transition process before your work permit expires and to verify your current legal status with the Provincial Directorate of Migration Management.

The Immigration Authority states that an application for an appropriate residence permit may be submitted starting 60 days before the work permit expires and before the permit expires. The fact that the work permit card appears active in the system does not mean that the applicant’s actual employment status and Social Security Institution (SGK) status will not be reviewed separately.

Official sources do not confirm that there is an automatic 10-day application period for every work permit case as a general rule. The date of termination of employment, the expiration of the work permit, notification, and the current right of residence must be evaluated together.

First, the grounds for the denial must be reviewed; workplace conditions, the number of Turkish employees, wages, job descriptions, and any deficiencies in the documentation must be addressed. An appeal may be filed through the e-Permit system within 30 days of the decision being served.

An appeal may be filed with the Ministry within 30 days of the notification of a decision to reject, revoke, refuse to extend, or terminate. If the appeal is denied, the administrative judicial process may be pursued.

Yes. Once the grounds for rejection have been addressed, a new application may be submitted. If the same deficiencies persist, there is a risk that the new application will also be denied.

Except for force majeure circumstances such as health issues or mandatory public service, staying outside Turkey for more than six consecutive months with a temporary work permit, or more than one consecutive year with an independent and indefinite work permit, may result in the revocation of the permit.

Foreign nationals who hold a long-term residence permit in Turkey or who have had a valid work permit for at least eight years may apply for a permanent work permit. Meeting these requirements does not guarantee that the permit will be granted.

The Ministry's official statements indicate that there is an application category for indefinite work permits. However, the application channel, system access, required documents, and current acceptance procedures should be verified through the e-Permit system prior to submitting the application.

No. An eight-year legal work permit is one of the application requirements; the Ministry also evaluates the individual’s circumstances and international labor force policy.

An indefinite work permit grants the right to work without being tied to a specific employer. However, professions reserved for Turkish citizens and other specific legal provisions remain in effect.

Yes. Even though the permit is valid indefinitely, the card must be renewed every five years. The renewal application must be submitted within the six months prior to the expiration of the five-year period and before the permit expires.

Since indefinite leave is not tied to a specific employer, simply changing jobs or temporarily ceasing to work does not automatically constitute grounds for revocation. However, notification requirements, the duration of stay abroad, and other grounds for revocation must be reviewed.

Staying outside Turkey for more than one continuous year, except in cases of force majeure, may result in the revocation of an indefinite work permit. If there is a valid reason—such as a health issue, education, or mandatory public service—it must be documented. Notifying the Ministry of the situation before a long-term stay abroad and keeping the supporting documents on hand significantly reduces the risk of having the permit revoked upon return.

For work permits obtained within Turkey, employment must begin within one month of the permit’s effective date; for those obtained abroad, employment must begin within one month of entry into Turkey, provided that Social Security Institution (SGK) obligations have been fulfilled. If the date the document was served to the employer is different, that date may also be taken into account.

The foreign national must enter Turkey no later than six months from the effective date of the work permit. If the foreign national does not enter Turkey within this period, the work permit may be revoked.

Yes. Circumstances that result in the termination of employment and the cancellation of leave must be reported to the Ministry within 15 days. The fact that an employee has been removed from the Social Security Institution (SGK) system does not, by itself, fulfill the obligation to notify the Ministry.

The employer must notify the Ministry within 15 days that the employment has ended and of any related changes. The procedures for terminating a permit are carried out through the e-Permit system.

For foreign nationals working under a full-time work permit, the Social Security Institution (SGK) registration must be completed in accordance with their work schedule and permit conditions. However, foreign nationals permitted by law to work part-time may be registered for periods of less than 30 days, provided the necessary conditions are met.

A foreign national employed full-time cannot be arbitrarily reported as having worked 5 or 10 days for the purpose of reducing their social security contributions. In contrast, for foreign nationals authorized to work part-time, it is possible to report a reduced number of days commensurate with their actual hours worked.

For foreign nationals authorized to work part-time under the regulations, the reason code “26 – Insured foreign national authorized for part-time employment” may be used in the Social Security Institution (SGK) records for missing days. The work permit, employment contract, and actual working hours must be consistent with one another.

If there is a written part-time employment contract, the total working hours for the month are divided by 7.5 hours. Any remaining fraction is rounded up to a full day; notice must be given in accordance with the actual working hours and the work permit.

There is no fixed number of days. For example, a student who works a total of 120 hours in a month works 120 ÷ 7.5 = 16 days; a student who works 130 hours works 130 ÷ 7.5 = 17.33, so 18 days may be reported. The calculation is based on the actual hours worked during the relevant month.

No. The Social Security Institution (SGK) may not accept the reporting of missing days based solely on the total number of hours worked—divided by 7.5—without a part-time employment contract. The contract and work schedule must be properly documented.

It is the employer’s responsibility to file the SGK report and pay premiums to the agency. The employee’s share is shown on the pay stub; the employer cannot transfer this responsibility to the employee.

You can check the “My Work History” screen via e-Government to view your SGK registration and service history. If your record does not appear, ask your employer for an explanation and, if necessary, contact the SGK.

Yes. Foreign nationals who meet the eligibility requirements for unemployment insurance, have applied to İŞKUR, and hold a valid residence permit or visa are eligible to receive unemployment benefits.

A person must have become unemployed through no fault of their own, have been employed under an employment contract for the last 120 days, have paid unemployment insurance premiums for at least 600 days over the past three years, and apply to İŞKUR within 30 days of leaving their job.

No. According to İŞKUR, the key requirement is to have had an employment contract for the past 120 days. A shortage of contributions due to reasons such as illness, unpaid leave, or reduced working hours does not necessarily result in a loss of benefits in every case.

As a general rule, a person who voluntarily leaves their job without a valid reason is not eligible for unemployment benefits. Situations such as termination for cause and the correction of the SGK exit code are evaluated separately.

A foreign national employed under the Labor Code is entitled to severance pay if they have worked at the same workplace for at least one year and their employment contract has been terminated in a manner that entitles them to severance pay. Being a foreign national is not, in and of itself, a barrier.

As a general rule, an employee who resigns without just cause is not entitled to severance pay. The situation may differ if there is non-payment of wages, termination for cause, retirement eligibility, or other specific reasons provided for by law.

Since domestic services fall outside the scope of the Labor Code No. 4857, the standard provisions regarding severance pay for employees generally do not apply. However, wages and other claims that may arise from the contract or the Turkish Code of Obligations should be examined separately.

Except in special cases such as a work-related injury, illness, maternity leave, or mandatory public service, the employer and the foreign national may, by mutual agreement, grant unpaid leave for up to 90 days. The employer must notify the Ministry at least one day in advance of the start and end dates of the unpaid leave.

When a work permit is suspended, the right to work ceases as of the date of suspension. The right of residence associated with this permit, however, cannot be exercised at the end of the 10-day period following the date of suspension until the suspension is lifted. A foreign national who does not have a separate and valid residence permit should plan their legal stay in advance.

A foreign employee covered by the Labor Code is entitled to annual paid leave upon completing one year at the same workplace. Being a foreign national does not negate this right.

For employees with one to five years of service, the minimum annual leave is 14 days; for those with more than five but less than 15 years of service, it is at least 20 days; and for those with 15 years or more of service, it is at least 26 days. Weekly days off and official holidays are not deducted from annual leave.

Yes. Foreign nationals who work legally and are insured in Turkey and meet the required number of contribution days, duration of insurance coverage, and age requirements are eligible for retirement benefits. The requirements vary depending on when the individual first became insured and the type of insurance coverage.

If the social security agreement between Turkey and the other country, as well as SGK regulations, permit it, it may be possible to receive a pension in another country. Conditions vary by country.

Yes. Students in Turkey enrolled in associate’s, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral programs can apply for a work permit under conditions appropriate to their level of education.

No. A student residence permit does not, by itself, grant the right to work. The employer must apply for a work permit, and the application must be approved.

Associate's and bachelor's degree students may work with a part-time work permit after completing their first year of study. This right does not apply while they are in a preparatory class or during their first year.

Yes. For full-time master’s and doctoral students, the first-year and part-time work restrictions that apply to associate’s and bachelor’s degree students do not apply; a work permit is still required.

Associate's and bachelor's degree students may work only part-time. The weekly limit should be determined based on the standard full-time work schedule at the workplace, the employment contract, and leave policies; the official criteria page does not specify a fixed 24-hour limit for students.

If the conditions for part-time work and the work permit are in accordance with the full-time work schedule at the workplace, a 30-hour-per-week contract may be considered. It should not be assumed that there is an automatic and fixed special permit rule of 30 hours for every international student.

For applications from associate’s and bachelor’s degree students, the province where they are enrolled is taken into account. Applications to work in another city may be viewed negatively; while the official criteria list this as a factor in the evaluation, they do not state it as an absolute prohibition for all applications.

If you are an associate’s or bachelor’s degree student, the province where you are studying is taken into account in the application process, and applying for a job in another city may carry risks. For master’s and doctoral students, this same restriction is not specifically addressed in the official criteria.

No. According to the Ministry’s evaluation criteria, applications to work in domestic service on behalf of foreign students are rejected.

Applications for work permits for jobs in the entertainment industry that are not appropriate for the student’s circumstances will be denied. The nature of the job and the workplace are evaluated in conjunction with the student’s status.

For applications based on student status, active and valid student enrollment is essential. The Ministry relies on YÖK records; inactive enrollment may result in the application being rejected.

No. Being listed as insured does not eliminate the requirement for a work permit. A valid work permit must first be obtained, and then a Social Security Institution (SGK) registration must be filed in accordance with the scope of the permit.

A work permit generally serves as a substitute for a residence permit; however, student status and educational rights are evaluated separately. To determine how an existing student residence permit will be handled, the Provincial Directorate of Migration Management and university records should be reviewed together.

Applications for work permits in specialized roles such as software, cybersecurity, database management, or similar fields may qualify for exceptions related to the IT sector. Additionally, the requirement to have resided legally for at least one year out of the past three years may provide a separate advantage.

If the university’s enrollment guidelines and the relevant department’s procedures permit it, enrollment may be possible through a power of attorney. Since each university has different requirements regarding documents and in-person applications, written confirmation should be obtained from the university before proceeding.

After enrolling in a higher education institution that offers on-campus instruction, students must apply for a student residence permit through the e-Residence system. All documents required by the university and the Provincial Directorate of Migration Management must be submitted in full.

The application must be submitted before the legal period of stay granted by a visa or visa exemption expires. Enrollment at the university does not, in and of itself, grant the right to an unlimited legal stay.

A foreign national who enrolls in formal education while their legal stay is still in effect may apply for a student residence permit if they meet the requirements. The type of visa, entry requirements, and personal circumstances are also reviewed.

A visa violation makes the application high-risk, and university enrollment does not automatically resolve the violation. No definitive assurance can be given regarding the outcome of the application without first confirming the current legal status with the Provincial Directorate of Migration Management.

You must have a passport that is valid for at least 60 days longer than the requested period of residence. If your passport is valid for eight months, the duration of your permit may be limited to approximately six months, provided that all other conditions are met.

No. According to the Immigration Authority, student residence permits are not issued on the grounds of open education, distance learning, or enrollment as a private student. If there is another appropriate type of residence permit, the application may be evaluated under that category.

The continuation of a student’s residency status is determined based on whether the student’s enrollment status remains active and the reason for the leave of absence. Information regarding the leave of absence must be verified through the university and the Provincial Directorate of Migration Management; the fact that there is time remaining on the card does not necessarily mean that the permit is still valid.

When active student status—the primary requirement for a student residence permit—ends, the residence permit may be revoked. To continue staying in Turkey, you should promptly explore other eligible types of residence permits and their application deadlines.

No. According to the Provincial Directorate of Migration Management, a student residence permit expires on the date of graduation. After graduation, an application must be submitted within 10 days to obtain a residence permit appropriate for the new purpose of stay.

Yes. Foreign nationals who have completed their higher education in Turkey may obtain a short-term residence permit for graduation purposes if they apply within six months of their graduation date. Since the student permit expires upon graduation, the timing of the application must be carefully planned.

According to the Presidency of Migration Management’s publicly available official statement, a residence permit for the purpose of graduation may be issued for a maximum of one year on a one-time basis. Since the information stating that it has been extended to two years has not been confirmed by an official source, it should not be treated as a definitive rule.

If a student changes departments, faculties, or universities within the same city without interrupting their studies, their current permit may remain valid. The change must be reported to the Provincial Directorate of Migration Management within 20 business days.

Yes. When moving to a different province, you must notify the Provincial Directorate of Migration Management where the new university is located within 10 business days and obtain the appropriate residence permit for the new province.

A student residence permit does not automatically grant the right of residence to a spouse or children. If the supporting conditions and the circumstances of family members are appropriate, a family residence permit or another suitable type of permit may be considered separately.

You must have the necessary report prepared for a lost or stolen card and submit an application to the Provincial Directorate of Migration Management. A document fee and applicable fees may be charged for the replacement card.

A new address within the same province must be reported to the Provincial Directorate of Migration Management within 20 business days. If there is a change in province or a change of university, the relevant specific notification deadlines apply separately.

If you have a valid and verifiable reason for your stay for short-term residence, your application for a change of status may be considered. Withdrawing from school does not, in and of itself, grant the right to a short-term residence permit; you risk losing your current status if your application is not approved.

In the event of a change of faculty or department within the same educational institution, or a change of school within the same province, the existing residence permit remains valid provided that the student does not interrupt their studies and notifies the authorities in a timely manner. You must report the change to the Provincial Directorate of Migration Management within 20 business days.

When you move to a different city, your current permit is not automatically transferred. You must apply for a residence permit at the provincial immigration office in the city where your new university is located within 10 days. All your procedures will now be processed by the immigration office in your new city.

For initial applications, the provincial immigration office issues a residence permit application document on the day of the appointment; for renewal applications, this document is generated automatically in the system and must be approved by the office. Although it is possible to leave the country with the application form and fee receipt, since the conditions for re-entry vary depending on the type of permit, you must obtain confirmation from your local Provincial Directorate of Migration Management before leaving.

Applications for a residence permit are submitted through the e-Residence system. On the selected appointment date, the applicant submits the required documents to the relevant Provincial Directorate of Migration Management; following a positive review, the card is mailed to the address on file.

Yes. The document commonly referred to as a “residence permit” in everyday language is officially called a “residence authorization” under the law; both terms refer to the same document. The Law on Foreigners and International Protection No. 6458 defines various types of residence permits, including short-term, family, student, long-term, humanitarian, and residence permits for victims of human trafficking. Applications are submitted through the Presidency of Migration Management’s e-Residence system. The term “residence permit” must be used in official correspondence and application forms.

An application for an extension may be submitted starting 60 days before the residence permit expires and must, in any case, be completed before the permit expires. The application is submitted through the e-Residence system; the appointment and document submission process must also be completed within this 60-day window. Applications submitted after the deadline are considered new applications rather than extensions; they may result in penalties for violation and may interrupt the right to stay. Therefore, it is important to plan your schedule two months in advance.

The decision to deny the application is served, and the legal rights and departure deadline specified in the decision are taken into account. A new application for the same purpose of stay may not be submitted within six months; however, if the legal period of stay is still in effect, a different purpose of stay may be considered.

The relevant period is the timeframe specified in the rejection notice and the individual’s current legal status regarding their stay. It should not be assumed that the same number of days automatically applies to every rejection case.

According to the Presidency of Migration Management, a new application for the same purpose of stay cannot be submitted within six months of a denial. If the legal right to stay continues, it may be possible to apply for a different purpose of stay.

The grounds for the refusal, the right to file an objection or a lawsuit, and—if applicable—the purpose of the extended stay must be evaluated. The initiation of a new proceeding does not automatically suspend the departure period; the period specified in the notice must be carefully checked.

Applications for short-term residence for tourism purposes are evaluated based on the applicant’s nationality, purpose of stay, prior permits, address, and current administrative practices. No general rule can be established stating that every application is approved or that the category has been completely abolished.

A short-term residence permit can generally be issued for a maximum of two years at a time. Being an Azerbaijani citizen does not in itself guarantee a two-year permit; the purpose of the application, the validity of the passport, and the administrative assessment are the determining factors.

A passport or travel document must remain valid for at least 60 days beyond the requested period of the residence permit. For example, if a one-year residence permit is requested, the passport must have at least 14 months of validity remaining. If the passport is not valid for a sufficient period, the permit may be issued for a shorter duration than requested, or the application may be denied. Therefore, renewing the passport before applying prevents any resulting delay and the need to pay a second fee.

You must apply to the Provincial Directorate of Migration Management with your passport and other official documents that contain the correct information to request a correction to your registration and a renewal of your card. Additional documents may be required depending on the source of the error.

A change of address within the same province must generally be reported to the Provincial Directorate of Migration Management within 20 business days. The initial address registration, a change of city, and entry procedures for a work visa may be subject to different timeframes.

Whether an address is open for registration varies depending on the neighborhood, type of permit, and scope of any exceptions. Rather than relying on definitive statements such as “all of Esenyurt is open” or “all of it is closed,” the relevant address should be verified with the Provincial Directorate of Migration Management.

It is not automatically required for the landlord to be present in person for every application. Depending on current practices in the province, additional procedures may be required, along with a notarized lease agreement, title deed, letter of commitment, and other documents.

If the documents proving family ties and the right to use the address are in order, the application may be considered. You should check with the relevant provincial directorate to determine whether the landlord’s approval, consent, or written commitment is required.

A valid lease agreement for the address where the applicant will legally reside, a written commitment from the landlord or property owner, a dormitory certificate, or other accepted documents may be submitted. The types of accepted documents and local regulations should be verified in advance.

An internet bill alone is not sufficient proof of address in all cases. The authorities may generally consider it in conjunction with other documents, such as a lease, property deed, letter of commitment, or other appropriate supporting documents, that demonstrate the right to use the address.

Whether an appointment is required depends on the province, district, and system used for the procedure. Before applying, check with the Provincial Directorate of Migration Management or the Population Registry Office to find out the current appointment procedure.

Applications regarding address documents that meet the residency or employment requirements in the new province should be submitted to the Provincial Directorate of Migration Management and, when necessary, to the Population Registry Office. It may not be mandatory to personally have the registration in the previous province deactivated before each application.

No. Submitting an application and scheduling an appointment through the Presidency of Migration Management’s e-Residence system is free of charge. Fees, card charges, and the cost of professional services are separate matters.

With a residence permit application form approved by the Provincial Directorate of Migration Management and the required fee receipts, you may exit and re-enter the country provided you return within 15 days each time. The validity of the document must be verified before traveling.

The use of biometric photographs—that is, photographs meeting ICAO standards—is mandatory for residence permit documents. Photographs that do not comply with this standard will cause delays both in e-Residence applications and during procedures at the provincial immigration office. The photograph must have been taken within the last six months, have a white background, and be biometric; a digital copy must also be submitted when required.

A long-term residence permit is a type of permit that grants foreign nationals who meet the requirements the right to reside in Turkey indefinitely. The right to work is not automatically granted; a separate work permit is required to work.

In general, applicants must have resided in the country continuously for at least eight years, not have received social assistance in the past three years, have a sufficient and regular income, have valid health insurance, and have no obstacles to public order and security.

No. The eight years must be spent continuously and under the appropriate types of visas. Income, health insurance, social assistance status, and other legal requirements are also reviewed.

Yes, but only half of that time counts. To qualify for a long-term residence permit, you must have resided in Turkey continuously for at least eight years with a residence permit. When calculating this eight-year period, half of the time spent with a student residence permit is counted, while the full duration of time spent with other types of residence permits is counted. In other words, four years with a student residence permit counts as two years toward the total. Since time spent under a work permit is also considered equivalent to a residence permit, it is fully counted toward the total.

No. Half of the four-year student residency period counts as two years. When this is combined with the five-year valid work permit, the total is seven years; the eight-year period has not yet been completed.

Periods spent with a valid work permit that serves as a substitute for a residence permit may be taken into account. However, permits issued to applicants for international protection, conditional refugees, or persons under temporary protection—which do not serve as a substitute for a residence permit—are not evaluated in the same manner.

According to the Ministry’s statement, periods spent under a work permit exemption are not taken into account when calculating the duration of a legal work permit or residence permit.

The Presidency of Migration Management states that holders of humanitarian residence permits are not granted the right to transition to long-term residence permits. Therefore, it cannot be said that the eight-year entitlement is based solely on the duration of the humanitarian residence permit; both the previous and current statuses must be considered together.

Refugees, conditional refugees, and holders of subsidiary protection status are not granted the right to transition to a long-term residence permit. The period spent under international protection status cannot be directly equated with the period spent under a valid residence permit.

Nine years spent under international protection status do not, in and of themselves, grant the right to long-term residence. Furthermore, whether the work permit granted under this status serves as a substitute for a residence permit, as well as the applicant’s current legal status, are assessed separately.

No. Due to the human-based period of residence and current status, it cannot be said that the full nine years are valid based solely on the total calendar period. The relevant work and residence history must be examined separately.

Eight years, income, health insurance, and other requirements are listed in official sources; it is not specified as a general application requirement that the current card must remain valid for at least six more months. The application must be submitted while the applicant is legally residing in the country.

The application is processed by the Provincial Directorate of Migration Management of the province where the foreign national is legally registered and actually resides. If the registered address and place of work are in different cities, the consistency of the records must be examined separately.

Your registered and actual residential addresses are of primary importance. Any discrepancies between your employment and address information should be verified with the relevant provincial directorates before submitting your application.

Depending on the application and the individual’s circumstances, a criminal record certificate may be required from Turkey or from the country of which the individual is a citizen. A general rule stating that a criminal record certificate from a foreign country is mandatory for every application should not be established.

Verifiable, sustainable interest income sufficient to cover a person’s living expenses may be considered by the administration. Approval depends on the amount, continuity, and other conditions of the application.

It is verified whether payments received within the last three years prior to the application date are truly in the nature of social assistance. Assistance received outside of the last three years or insurance-based payments must be evaluated separately.

Unemployment benefits are insurance payments based on unemployment insurance premiums; they are not the same as means-tested social assistance. However, the requirement for sufficient and regular income is also reviewed during the application process.

It is not possible to provide a definitive answer without determining under which legislation and under what name the payment was made. The impact of rental assistance, moving assistance, or any other public payment on long-term residency requirements must be verified with the relevant agency and the Provincial Directorate of Migration Management.

A violation of legal residence may affect the assessment of the requirement for uninterrupted residence. The start and end dates of previous permits, the violation, entry and exit records, and administrative decisions must be reviewed together.

Long-term residence permits are evaluated on a case-by-case basis. The fact that a spouse or family member has completed eight years of residence does not, by itself, automatically grant the other person the right to long-term residence.

Simply owning a company is not enough. An application may be considered if the applicant meets the requirements for appropriate and uninterrupted legal residence for eight years, a steady income, health insurance, and other conditions.

A long-term residence permit is issued indefinitely. Procedures for renewing the permit or updating registration information must be followed separately in accordance with the administration’s practices.

No. A long-term residence permit does not serve as a work permit. However, significant exemptions may apply to the criteria for evaluating work permit applications for foreign nationals with this status.

Yes. An application for a family residence permit can be filed for a foreign spouse and eligible children if the eligibility requirements—including income, health insurance, address, and other conditions—are met.

Staying outside Turkey for more than one continuous year, except for compelling reasons such as health, education, or mandatory public service, may result in the revocation of a long-term residence permit.

The primary grounds for cancellation are posing a serious threat to public order or public safety, or staying abroad continuously for more than one year, except in cases of force majeure.

A family residence permit may be issued to the foreign spouse, minor child, or dependent child of Turkish citizens, holders of a valid residence permit, Blue Card holders, refugees, and holders of subsidiary protection status.

An application may be submitted provided that the marriage is officially documented and the sponsor meets the requirements regarding income, health insurance, address, and other conditions. Marriage does not automatically grant family residency status.

A family residence permit may be issued for a maximum of three years at a time and may not, under any circumstances, exceed the duration of the sponsor’s residence permit. If the sponsor’s permit expires after one year, the family permit will also be granted for a maximum of one year. If the sponsor’s residence permit is revoked or not extended, the family residence permit is also affected. Therefore, planning extension schedules in coordination with the sponsor prevents gaps in the family’s permit validity periods.

If a valid work permit serves as a substitute for a residence permit and the supporting conditions are met, an application for a family residence permit may be filed for the spouse and eligible children. Exceptions for applicants for international protection, conditional refugees, and those with temporary protection status are reviewed separately.

An application may be filed on behalf of a minor or dependent foreign child of the sponsor or the sponsor’s spouse. Proof of custody and, if necessary, the other parent’s consent must also be provided.

The basis for a family residence permit may cease to exist. Foreign nationals who are married to a Turkish citizen and have resided in Turkey for at least three years under a family residence permit may apply for a short-term residence permit; the three-year requirement does not apply in cases of domestic violence proven by a court ruling.

Yes. In the event of the sponsor’s death, a foreign national residing in Turkey under a family residence permit may apply for a short-term residence permit without having to meet any duration requirements.

Where and how to apply depends on the current situation in Turkey, the type of visa, and consular procedures. Before traveling, you should confirm the current application process with a Turkish diplomatic mission and the Immigration Authority.

Periods spent with legal family residency may be taken into account in the citizenship evaluation, depending on the type of application. For citizenship by marriage, a marriage of at least three years and the continuation of the marriage are also required.

No. A family residence permit grants the right to legally stay in Turkey, but does not, on its own, grant the right to work. A family residence permit holder who wishes to work must apply for a work permit through the Ministry of Labour and Social Security’s e-Permit system via their employer or qualify for one of the exemptions provided for in the relevant legislation. Once a work permit is obtained, the family residence permit remains valid. Working without a permit results in administrative fines for both the foreign national and the employer.

Depending on the type of visa and your nationality, you must apply at a Turkish diplomatic mission, an authorized application center, or, where applicable, through the official e-Visa system. The purpose of your application must be selected according to whether it is for tourism, a visit, education, or work.

Processing times vary depending on nationality, visa type, diplomatic mission, security screening, and the required documents. There is no fixed processing time that applies to all visa applications.

If there is a valid and verifiable purpose of stay while the visa is still valid, the application may be considered. However, holding a 30-day visa does not, in and of itself, guarantee the right to or approval of a tourist residence permit.

The type of visa must correspond to the actual purpose of travel and stay. A student visa is required for education, a work visa for employment, and the appropriate visa type is selected for tourism or family visits. Subsequent applications for residency will be evaluated separately.

No. The fact that the visa is valid for one year does not mean you can stay in Turkey for one full year without interruption. The length of stay specified on the visa and, in general, the 90-day rule within a 180-day period must be observed.

A passport or travel document must remain valid for at least 60 days beyond the expiration of the visa, visa exemption, or period of stay. A traveler planning to stay for 90 days under a visa waiver must have approximately 150 days of validity remaining on their passport at the time of entry. If this requirement is not met, the traveler may be denied entry at the airport. You should check your passport’s expiration date based on this calculation before purchasing a ticket.

An invitation letter can be prepared for a spouse as part of a visitor visa application or another appropriate application. An invitation letter does not guarantee that a visa will be issued; income, address, purpose of travel, and the requirements of the diplomatic mission are evaluated separately.

An invitation letter can be issued; however, whether your friend will be granted a visa depends on their nationality, the purpose of their trip, their financial situation, and the assessment of the Turkish diplomatic mission.

Ticket issuance rules may vary by airline; the key requirement is having a valid passport or accepted travel document at the time of the flight and upon entry into the country. Boarding is not guaranteed with an expired passport.

Yes. With the normalization process that began after December 8, passport-based border crossings have resumed at Syria’s land border crossings. Turkish citizens and Syrian citizens who have acquired third-country citizenship may enter and exit via passport at all land border crossings, with the exception of the “Peace Spring” Operation Zone.

Deportation is an administrative procedure involving the removal of a foreign national from Turkey. A deportation order, an entry ban, and an administrative fine are distinct procedures; the existence of one does not mean that the others will be applied in the same way in every case.

No. Paying the fine does not automatically lift the entry ban. The duration of the violation, the manner of departure, the violation code, and the relevant administrative decision are evaluated separately.

If the violation lasted less than three months, and you leave the country on your own before the authorities detect the situation and pay the fine, an entry ban may not be imposed, according to a statement issued by the Immigration Authority. The outcome may vary if there are other violation codes or administrative decisions.

If you leave the country voluntarily before the violation is detected by the authorities and pay the fine, a one-year entry ban is imposed for violations lasting between 1 and 2 years. The duration may vary if the fine is not paid or if mandatory deportation is ordered.

For those who voluntarily leave the country and pay the fine, a five-year entry ban is imposed for violations lasting more than three years. If there are other restriction codes, security decisions, or special administrative measures, these are evaluated separately.

A foreign national who voluntarily leaves the country before a violation is detected and pays the fine will be subject to a one-month entry ban for violations lasting three to six months. If the fine is not paid, a six-month entry ban may be imposed for the same violation.

A three-month entry ban applies to foreign nationals who voluntarily leave the country and pay their fine. If the fine is not paid or if other relevant conditions apply, the entry ban may be extended to one year.

A one-year entry ban may be imposed on those who voluntarily leave the country and pay the fine; if the fine is not paid or if there are aggravating circumstances as specified by the Immigration Authority, a two-year entry ban may be imposed.

Foreign nationals who voluntarily leave the country and pay their fines may be subject to a two-year entry ban. If the fine is not paid, a five-year entry ban may apply for violations lasting more than two years.

Leaving the country without paying the fine may result in a longer entry ban and may cause the debt to be considered separately upon your next entry. If you have an active entry ban or another restriction code, simply making the payment does not grant you the right to enter.

The stage at which and the method by which an unpaid public debt will be collected are determined according to the procedures of the relevant authority at the border crossing. It is not possible to enter Turkey solely by making a payment before the entry ban has expired or been lifted.

Depending on the legal nature of the debt, whether it has become final, the payment due date, and collection procedures, late payment penalties or other financial consequences may apply. The current amount should be verified with the relevant tax office or competent authority.

The duration and basis of the entry ban can be obtained through the relevant files and notifications from Turkish diplomatic missions, the Provincial Directorate of Migration Management, or through an authorized attorney. There may not be a single public inquiry screen available for every restriction code.

The expiration of the ban is an important condition; however, entry may still be denied if there are outstanding fines, a different violation code, a visa requirement, a passport requirement, or other security measures in place.

It may not be enough for the relevant entry ban to be lifted. Before traveling, you should check for any other restriction codes, outstanding debts, visa requirements, and valid passport requirements.

The outcome is not the same in every case. The type of entry ban, the restriction code, the decision to lift the ban, and the assessment by the diplomatic mission are the determining factors; a work visa alone does not automatically lift the ban.

It is not possible to provide a definitive answer without reviewing the basis for the restriction code and the nature of the active entry ban. Whether a work visa application can be submitted or the code can be removed depends on the case-by-case evaluation by the relevant authorities.

The duration of the restriction code may vary depending on the administrative proceedings in the file, the violation, and any additional decisions, if applicable. There is no confirmed general official rule stating that every Ç-117 record lasts exactly one year or is automatically lifted upon obtaining a visa.

Applying for a tourist, work, student, or family visa does not automatically lift an entry ban. The nature of the ban and the required authorization or decision to lift it must first be evaluated.

Applications for foreign work permits for domestic services can generally be submitted for child care, care for people with disabilities, care for the elderly, and patient care.

The top priorities in home care services are the care of children, the elderly, and people with disabilities, as well as patient care. It cannot be said that applications made solely for the purpose of house cleaning will be accepted.

In the case of child care, the mother, father, guardian, or relevant legal representative may apply as the employer; in the case of care for the elderly, the sick, or people with disabilities, the individual themselves or appropriate relatives may apply as the employer.

Applications are evaluated based on care needs, job description, employer requirements, and the foreign national’s circumstances rather than gender. In particular, suitability for caring for the elderly or the sick should be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

No. Applications for work permits in the domestic service sector filed on behalf of foreign students are denied based on official evaluation criteria.

An automatic and universal right to amnesty cannot be assumed for individuals who have violated their legal stay status. The type of visa, method of entry into the country, previous refusals, employer requirements, and applicable specific regulations must be reviewed in consultation with the Provincial Directorate of Migration Management.

The term “amnesty” may be used in popular discourse to refer to special application procedures; however, it should not be stated that a general amnesty covering all foreign nationals exists without official confirmation. The application must be reviewed based on current administrative practices and the individual’s case file.

The waiting period may vary depending on the reason for the previous residence permit denial, whether the purpose of the application is the same or different, the sponsor, and current administrative practices. One should not state that “the six-month rule has been lifted for everyone” without seeing an official, written announcement.

An assessment can be made by reviewing the reason for the denial, the notice of denial, the right to legal residence, the purpose of the previous application, and the employer’s eligibility. A denial alone does not necessarily lead to the same outcome in every case.

New applications are reviewed based on the grounds for denial, the sponsor’s status, the purpose of the application, and current administrative practices. Having a different sponsor does not, in and of itself, guarantee approval or an exemption from the waiting period.

The fact that you have been released from a deportation center is not, in and of itself, sufficient information. A definitive answer regarding the outcome of your application cannot be provided without first verifying the deportation order, any judicial or administrative obligations, your legal right to remain, and your restriction code.

The type of visa, the authorized length of stay, the purpose of entry, the employer’s need for the employee, and current administrative practices are all evaluated together. Information regarding a “30-day visa” alone is not sufficient to determine eligibility for the application.

Income assessment is based on care needs, household circumstances, and the specifics of the application. Since no single fixed income amount applicable to all applications has been published in the official criteria, the current documentation requirements must be verified on a case-by-case basis.

A notation code indicates that a work permit is issued subject to a specific obligation or special condition. The meaning of the code should be verified using the Ministry’s official “List of Work Permit Notations.”

Note 11 requires that, when extending a work permit for a foreign company partner, the partner must demonstrate their contribution to the national economy and local employment, as well as fulfill their obligations under the law. A similar contribution requirement regarding dependent employees is also regulated under Note 24.

Note 22 requires that a foreign company partner or owner who has been granted a six-month work permit employ at least five Turkish citizens each month during the validity period of the permit. If this condition is not met, the request for an extension may not be granted.

Work Permit Note 26 refers to the obligation for a foreign company partner or owner to employ at least five Turkish citizens every month, starting from the seventh month following the initial six-month period. This code is different from the “26 – Part-time employment” code for missing days in the SGK system.

Note 28 states that a work permit is valid only in conjunction with a business establishment and operation license issued by the competent authority. The license should not be regarded merely as a document required during the renewal process.

Depending on the location of the business and the nature of its activities, the license is issued by the municipality, the provincial special administration, or another authorized administrative body. The business address and industry sector affect the licensing requirements.

The licensing of a virtual office depends on the municipality’s regulations, the physical nature of the address, the right to use the space, and the nature of the business conducted there. It cannot be said that every virtual office address is automatically eligible for a license.

For activities subject to licensing, a business establishment and operation license issued by the competent authority is required. If the work permit contains Note 28, the license is particularly important for the validity of the permit.

Yes. Foreign nationals may establish a company or become partners in a company in accordance with the relevant commercial regulations. However, the requirements for a work permit necessary to actually work at the company or assume a management role must be evaluated separately.

No. A business partnership or tax registration alone does not grant the right to work. A separate work permit application must be filed based on capital, partnership share, employment, business activities, and, if applicable, licensing requirements.

MERSIS is the Central Registry System, through which company incorporations, commercial registry entries, and company information are managed electronically. The relevant commercial registry procedures for the incorporation of companies with foreign partners are also carried out through this system.

Yes. Foreign nationals who will actually work as couriers in Turkey must have a work permit or a valid exemption. A driver’s license, professional certification, transportation authorization, and company requirements are also reviewed.

The required documents and restrictions vary depending on the type of transportation, the vehicle used, the driver’s license status, and the relevant transportation regulations. The names or codes of documents should not be stated as automatic requirements without reviewing the individual’s file.

The right to work for applicants for international protection, conditional refugees, refugees, and holders of subsidiary protection status differs from one group to another. It is not possible to provide a single, general answer without first determining the status indicated on the identification document.

Yes. An identity document issued to a refugee or a person with subsidiary protection status serves as a work permit. The list of occupations prohibited for foreign nationals and any specific occupational requirements remain in effect.

No. Work permits issued to foreign nationals under these statuses do not serve as residence permits. The same exception applies to foreign nationals under temporary protection.

Refugees and individuals with subsidiary protection status may serve as sponsors for a family residence permit under certain conditions. If the applicant is seeking international protection or has conditional refugee status, sponsorship is evaluated separately, as a work permit does not serve as a substitute for a residence permit.

Having international protection status and living in Turkey for eight years does not, in and of itself, grant the right to long-term residence. It must be determined whether the current status qualifies for a transition to long-term residence and what the nature of the permits is.

A three-year marriage period and other citizenship requirements are important; however, protection status, identification documents, registration status, and the application acceptance process must also be examined. There is no official source confirming, as a general rule, that a family residence permit must be obtained first or that the application is impossible under any circumstances.

No. The document regarding ancestry obtained from the consulate is not the same as the official identification or record of Turkish ancestry issued by the authorities of the Republic of Turkey. For work permits, the Ministry relies on the document issued by the Turkish authorities.

Applications must be submitted along with the documents required by the provincial population and citizenship offices, such as identification cards, passports, diplomas, and, if applicable, equivalency certificates and documents regarding family lineage. A consular certificate may be helpful as part of the application file; however, it is not accepted as a sufficient document on its own by the Ministry.

No. Turkish nobility may provide certain advantages in the evaluation process and special opportunities for job applications; however, the necessary work permit must still be obtained before starting work.

Within the framework of the special evaluation under Law No. 2527, the applicant’s family background (as verified by Turkish authorities), diploma equivalency, professional qualifications, the opinion of the relevant ministry, and work permit are reviewed together. Possession of the document alone does not grant the right to practice the profession.

Five years of uninterrupted residence is not sufficient on its own. Other conditions—such as the intention to settle in Turkey, a source of income, sufficient proficiency in Turkish, general health, public order, and national security—are also taken into account.

No. The type of residence permit, its continuity, the purpose of settling in Turkey, and other requirements at the time of application are taken into account. Not every residence permit automatically grants the right to citizenship.

The period spent in Turkey for educational purposes is evaluated separately for the purpose of calculating residency requirements for citizenship, based on the current type of permit and the intention to settle in Turkey. The rule that “half of the time spent as a student counts toward long-term residency” does not automatically apply to citizenship.

A foreign national who has been married to a Turkish citizen for at least three years and whose marriage is still in effect may apply for Turkish citizenship by marriage, provided they also meet the other requirements.

No. The marriage must have lasted at least three years, the couple must have lived together as a family, the spouse must not have engaged in any activities incompatible with marriage, and security requirements must be met.

In an application for citizenship through marriage, the continuation of the marriage is one of the basic requirements. Divorce may result in the application being denied; other avenues for citizenship may also be considered.

If the Turkish citizen spouse dies after the application is filed, the requirement to live together as a family does not apply. Other application and security requirements continue to be evaluated.

No. Having a child who is a Turkish citizen does not, in and of itself, grant citizenship. However, it may provide certain advantages in the assessment of a person’s residence and work permit applications; the appropriate path to citizenship is also reviewed.

No. Being born in Turkey does not, in and of itself, confer citizenship. However, special provisions based on the place of birth may apply to children who cannot acquire citizenship from either parent and would otherwise be stateless.

The requirement to speak Turkish sufficiently is evaluated in applications for citizenship through the general process. The review may vary depending on the type of application and legal exceptions.

The nature of the criminal record, the nature of the offense, whether the conviction is final, and assessments regarding public order or national security are important factors. It cannot be said that every record automatically constitutes grounds for rejection or that it has no effect whatsoever.

The processing time varies depending on the type of application, institutional reviews, security checks, and missing documents. There is no fixed processing time that applies to everyone.

If the grounds for the rejection can be resolved, a new application may be considered. It is also possible to file a lawsuit challenging the legality of the administrative decision within the statutory time limits; the time limit should be calculated based on the date of service.

Turkey permits multiple citizenship under certain conditions; however, the laws of the individual’s home country may differ. Whether renunciation of citizenship is required must be determined based on the rules of both countries.

To apply for citizenship through real estate investment, the applicant must purchase real estate worth at least 400,000 U.S. dollars or the equivalent and have a restriction placed on the title deed stating that the property cannot be sold for three years.

No. The property must meet the specified minimum investment amount, comply with the sale and appraisal conditions, be subject to a three-year non-sale restriction, and obtain the required compliance certificate.

Joint applications may be considered for the investor’s foreign spouse and children who meet the relevant criteria. Age, dependency, marital status, and other documentation requirements are reviewed individually.

This service varies depending on the foreign national’s country of citizenship and the practices of the relevant diplomatic mission in Turkey. Information regarding appointments, residency status, required documents, and processing times should be verified through the official announcement of the relevant consulate.

Passport applications can be processed in accordance with the current consular procedures of Azerbaijan’s diplomatic missions. The appointment requirement, required documents, and processing time must be confirmed with the diplomatic mission where the application will be submitted.

Passport renewal, temporary travel documents, and other consular services may vary from time to time. Before stating that “renewal is absolutely not possible” or “every application is accepted,” you should obtain up-to-date written information from Turkmenistan’s authorized representative office.

The application is processed based on the individual’s citizenship and the identification, passport, appointment, and civil status documents required by the consulate. The necessary translation, notarization, or certification procedures required for the document to be used in Turkey are also verified.

The document can be obtained from the relevant authority in the individual’s home country, from a consulate, or, if available, through an official electronic application system. The requirements for an apostille, consular certification, certified translation, and notarization for documents to be used in Turkey vary depending on the situation.

The appropriate diplomatic mission is determined based on the province where you live and the procedure to be carried out. The current jurisdictions and appointment schedules of the Embassy in Ankara and the Consulate General in Istanbul should be confirmed directly with the relevant diplomatic mission before submitting your application.

Some consular offices accept applications by appointment only. Business days, official holidays, application hours, and the current appointment process should be checked through the consulate’s official channels.

Under the temporary import regulations, the individual must have a genuine place of residence abroad, have spent at least 185 days abroad during the one-year period preceding the date of entry into Turkey, and must present the necessary documents regarding ownership, insurance, or power of attorney for the vehicle.

One of the basic requirements is to have actually spent at least 185 days abroad during the one-year period preceding the date of entry into Turkey. However, the 185 days alone are not sufficient; the individual must have a genuine place of residence and domicile abroad. The days do not need to be consecutive.

The period granted for the vehicle may not exceed the duration of the residence permit and is generally a maximum of 730 days. Customs registration, insurance, and personal circumstances are also reviewed.

Foreign nationals who do not hold a residence permit in Turkey may generally be granted a maximum of 90 days of vehicle use within a 180-day period, provided they do not exceed their legal right to stay.

According to a statement from the BTK, devices brought into the country from abroad can be used for 120 days without registration. At the end of this period, devices for which an IMEI registration has not been completed may be blocked from use on mobile networks in Turkey.

The IMEI registration fee is updated annually. The exact amount must be verified using the Revenue Administration’s current fee schedule and the e-Government IMEI registration screen; amounts that cannot be confirmed through official sources should not be published.

According to a statement from the Ministry of Trade, meat and dairy products may not be brought into the country by passengers. Current customs regulations regarding food products should be checked before traveling.

The passenger exemption published for travelers over the age of 18 includes a limit of 600 cigarettes. Separate quantity limits for other tobacco products and current regulations should also be checked.

Passengers over the age of 18 may bring in one liter of alcoholic beverages with an alcohol content exceeding 22 percent or two liters of beverages with an alcohol content not exceeding 22 percent, in accordance with the current passenger allowance. Customs regulations and declaration requirements must also be observed.

e-Government, SGK, and official records; MHRS and hospital appointments; e-Nabız and health records are available. Access is subject to the foreign ID number and the current registration requirements of the relevant application.

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To date, social security agreements have been signed with 35 countries. In addition, there is a separate cooperation agreement with Bulgaria regarding the payment in Turkey of pension benefits to which individuals who migrated to Turkey after May 1, 1989, are entitled under Bulgarian law. You can check whether there is an agreement with your country using the search tool on the website.

Yes, this is one of the main purposes of these agreements. The agreement determines which country’s social security laws apply to workers temporarily employed in the other country, thereby preventing duplicate coverage. If there is no agreement with your country, this protection does not apply.

In countries with which an agreement is in place, it is possible to combine periods of service completed in the contracting states, and this combination may be a determining factor in qualifying for benefits such as retirement benefits. The specifics of the process vary from country to country; the Social Security Institution conducts the final assessment.

These agreements provide access to health care benefits in the other contracting country in cases of temporary stay, permanent residence, or temporary employment. Since the types of insurance coverage vary depending on the agreement, it is necessary to obtain confirmation from the Social Security Institution (SGK) before proceeding.

The exemption is issued for the period requested by the foreign national, provided that it does not exceed the time limits specified in Article 48 of the Regulation on the Implementation of the International Labor Force Act. The document is valid for a period 60 days shorter than the validity period of the passport and is issued separately for each foreign national.

If the work is expected to exceed the exemption periods specified in Article 48, a work permit must be obtained from the Ministry. The exemption ceases to be valid when its term expires, or when it is terminated or revoked by the General Directorate.

For those granted an exemption under subparagraphs (b) and (c) of the first paragraph of Article 48, a new application under the same exemption may not be filed until six months have elapsed from the date the document was issued; for other exemptions, a new application may not be filed until twelve months have elapsed.

Yes. The work permit exemption certificate allows a foreign national to enter and exit the country multiple times within the time periods specified in the first paragraph of Article 48.

No. Foreign nationals eligible for exemption must still fulfill their social security obligations. The exemption only waives the requirement to obtain a work permit; it does not waive the obligation to obtain social security coverage.

No. If the duration of service provided by foreign architects, engineers, and urban planners—who are engaged in professional services and subject to the exemption provisions—exceeds one month, they are required to obtain a work permit from the Ministry after fulfilling their academic and professional qualifications, become a provisional member of the relevant professional association, and comply with the practices of national institutions and organizations.

Yes, but not immediately. You can apply for a work permit or an exemption from the work permit requirement six months after the date the temporary protection ID was issued. Applications submitted before this six-month period has expired will not be considered.

No. A temporary protection identity document does not grant the right to transition to a long-term residence permit. To obtain a long-term residence permit, you must have resided in the country for eight consecutive years with a valid residence permit; temporary protection is not counted toward this requirement.

No. The document grants the right to reside in Turkey, but it does not entitle the holder to apply for Turkish citizenship. Citizenship is subject to separate requirements and constitutes a separate status.

Individuals who have been registered and issued a temporary protection identification document may receive health care services within the boundaries of the province where they reside. The services provided depend on the province in which they are registered.

Yes. Individuals who have been issued a temporary protection identification document may enroll in elementary and middle schools in accordance with the regulations of the Ministry of National Education. It is also possible to pursue university studies with this document.

No. Including those who have obtained work permits under the temporary protection program, you must obtain permission from the immigration office in the province where you are registered to travel between provinces. Changing cities without permission puts your status at risk.

If a person leaves the country without official permission from the Presidency of Migration Management, their temporary protection card will be revoked. Possession of a work permit does not alter this outcome.

Yes. Temporary protection ends on an individual basis if a person under temporary protection is admitted to a third country on humanitarian grounds or as part of a resettlement program, or if they depart for a third country.

Apply to the Provincial Directorate of Migration Management in the province where you are located. In Istanbul, you can also contact the coordination centers in Kumkapı and Sultanbeyli.

First, a birth certificate is obtained; if the birth took place outside a hospital, a document certifying the birth is obtained from the village or neighborhood office. The child is then registered at the Directorate of Population and Citizenship. If registration is delayed, the child’s access to health and education services may be disrupted.

The application is submitted to the Provincial Directorate of Migration Management of the province where the applicant is registered. Placement depends on the capacity of the centers and the Directorate’s assessment.

The decision is made by the governor’s office in the province where the foreign national was apprehended, processed, or identified, either on its own initiative or upon instruction from the Presidency of Migration Management. The assessment forming the basis for the decision is conducted by officials of the provincial or district migration management directorate.

The assessment and decision-making process must be completed within 48 hours at the latest. This period begins at the moment the foreign national is handed over to the provincial immigration office by law enforcement, along with the necessary documents; if the office identifies the individual on its own, the period begins at the time of identification.

The key point is that the assessment must be completed in the province where the foreign national was processed, apprehended, or identified. For reasons such as administrative or physical capacity, and upon request by the governor’s office and with the authorization of the Presidency, the foreign national may be transferred to the immigration office or a deportation center in the nearest province.

No. The decision to deport is made on a case-by-case basis for each foreign national. No blanket decision can be made; each case is evaluated based on its own circumstances.

The decision, together with its grounds, is served on the foreign national, his or her legal representative, or attorney. If the foreign national is not represented by an attorney, he or she or his or her legal representative is informed of the outcome of the decision, as well as the procedures and deadlines for filing an appeal.

They may be deported to their country of origin, to a country through which they are transiting, to a country through which they are transiting en route to Turkey, or to another third country. The country of origin is not the only option.

Yes. When a decision is served, the procedure and deadline for filing an objection are also provided. The deadlines are short and begin to run from the date of service; therefore, it is important to note the date the notice was received and to seek legal assistance without delay.