Two Year Residence Permit for Foreigners in Turkey

Hair Transplant (Off topic, but fun)

When I first visited Turkey in 2019 to get my hair transplant done, yes I successfully got a new mane, the first thing I did was to apply for a residency permit for myself and my family. Those days it was much faster. We got our whole process done within 3 weeks. The hair transplant took 5 hours. Following weeks were painful. But in the end itv was well worth it. Topic for another blog. 😎

Percepts from the Ministry

”Turkey Government provides a one or two year Residence permit to foreigners who wish to stay longer than the tourist or business visa allows. It is obligatory for foreigners who want to stay in Turkey for more than the allowed time of visa, visa exemption or ninety days to apply for a residence permit.

Foreigners who completed their applications should be present at the provincial/district migration management directorates in the province they want to live, on the day of appointment determined by the e-system. Foreigners who are not present at the provincial/district migration management directorates on the day of appointment without a valid reason are deemed to have not applied at all. In determining the valid reason, management may ask for some information and documents. As a rule, residence permit extension applications are done according to the same principles.

According to the Law on Foreigners and International Protection No. 6458, a residence permit document shall stand for the permit issued for the purpose of staying in Turkey. This document granted by competent authorities entitles the right to reside in a specific location in Turkey for a given period of time. Residence permit, which is of great importance in terms of the provision and protection of public order shall be issued following the request and application by the foreigner.”

Who can apply

Short term and long term permits are granted for individuals and families, students or NGOs and humanitarian workers.

1. Students - Can apply through their school or University.

2. Employees - Can apply through the company they work for.

3. Self Employed/ Business Owners. If you establish a company but not live in Turkey, you may apply for Residence permit first and then the Work Permit.

4. Buy a residential property with a title deed (of any cost), and you’re entitled to a 2 year permit by default. This by far is the best option.

5. Limitations: Normally the TRC is for 1 year first time, then for 2 years. But recently the ministry is issuing for upto 2 years.

Earlier you could apply for the Residency Permit from your resident or home country at the nearest Turkish Consulate, but since early this year you may only apply after entering Turkey at the local immigration office.

Preparation and Submission

Though Resident Permit documents and application can be prepared and submitted by the individual himself, hiring a consultant or lawyer will be the best thing you will do. You can thank me later for this piece of advice. This will save you multiple visits for re-submission of the correct and authentic documents, and the pain of getting rejected.

Your appointed Consultant may also accompany you to the application centre, however it is normally submitted by the individuals themselves.

Your consultant will also make sure that all the documents are legally translated and attested or notarised by the local authorities.

You must either own a property, or a valid rental agreement in order to apply for your Residency Permit.

It will take you about a week to 10 days to get the submission appointment date and about a month from the day the application is accepted.

Turkey Consultants is a registered and licensed consultancy based in Istanbul, Turkey. For more information on migration, property, or business set-up get in touch with us today.