- Residence Permit Application in Turkey – Required Documents and Conditions

A Detailed Legal Guide For Residence Permit Application

Residence Permit Application Required Documents and Conditions

Applying for a residence permit in Turkey requires careful attention, as the legislation and requirements frequently change. Following the most up-to-date regulations is crucial to ensure that your application is accepted.

The required documents may vary depending on the type of residence permit you are applying for and the province where the application is submitted. Before preparing your documents, it is essential to determine which residence permit category best suits your purpose of stay.

1- Types of Residence Permits in Turkey

You can find detailed information about types of residence permits on our residence permits page.

a) Family Residence Permit Can be granted to the foreign spouse, minor, or dependent child of a Turkish citizen, a foreigner holding a residence permit, or a refugee.

b) Short-Term Residence Permit There are subcategories under the short-term residence permit, including:

• Digital Nomad Residence Permit,
• Investment Purposes
• Transition from Family to Short-Term Permit,
• Property Ownership (Residence through real estate),
• Business or Commercial Connections,
• Tourism Purposes,
• Medical Treatment,
• Turkish Language Courses,
• Üniversite Eğitimi,

c) Long-Term Residence Permit
Foreigners who have legally resided in Turkey for at least 8 consecutive years may apply. Holders of humanitarian or international protection status cannot transition to this category.

d) Student Residence Permit
Applicable for students enrolled in primary, secondary, or higher education in Turkey. Holders of student residence permits may act as sponsors for their spouse and children under the Family Residence Permit.

e) Humanitarian Residence Permit
Granted to foreigners who cannot be deported or returned to their country for legal or humanitarian reasons.

f) Residence Permit for Victims of Human Trafficking Issued to individuals identified as victims of human trafficking.

2- Accommodation Document Requirement

Applicants must prove their place of residence in Turkey with valid documentation. Accepted accommodation proofs include:

• Property owners: A copy of the title deed and a numbering certificate (numarataj belgesi).
• Tenants: A notarized rental agreement including the landlord’s details.
• Hotel or temporary stays: A reservation or payment receipt showing the entire duration of stay.
• Staying with a third party: A notarized letter of undertaking (taahhütname) from the host. If the host is married, the spouse’s notarized consent is also required. Additionally, an up-to-date utility bill (electricity, water, natural gas, or landline) in the host’s name must be presented.
• Students in dormitories: An electronically signed or stamped and sealed dormitory confirmation letter.

3- Required Documents for a Residence Permit Application

The exact list of documents varies depending on the type of permit and the province. You can contact us for help. Below is a general list of documents commonly required for residence permit applications in Turkey:

• Residence Permit Application Form
• Copy of Passport (bio page and entry stamp)
• 2 Biometric Photos
• Payment Receipts for Residence Fee and Card Fee
• Visa Fee Payment Receipt (if applicable)
• Valid Health Insurance Policy
• Proof of Accommodation in Turkey
• UETS Address (for renewal applications))
• Proof of Financial Means (sufficient and sustainable income declaration)

4- Common Reason for Residence Permit Rejection – Article 32

One of the most frequent reasons for residence permit rejections is based on Article 32 of the Law on Foreigners and International Protection, which occurs when one or more application conditions are not met or no longer exist.

There may be several different legal grounds for such a rejection. To determine the correct appeal process, the applicant must first receive the official rejection notice (tebligat) from the Directorate of Migration Management. Please note that after receiving the notification, the foreigner must leave Turkey within 10 days unless they plan to appeal the decision.

Foreigners who believe their residence permit was unfairly rejected can file an annulment lawsuit (appeal case) before the competent administrative court within the legal deadline. Many unjustified rejection decisions by the Migration Authority have been successfully overturned by Turkish courts.

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