Turkey – Types of Residence Permits

Short-Term Residence Permit

Short-term residence permit is regulated by Articles 31-33 of the Law on Foreigners and International Protection No. 6458, as well as Articles 28 and 29 of the Regulation for Implementation of the Law on Foreigners and International Protection.

Who May Apply To Short-Term Residence Permit?

1. Foreigners conducting scientific research must obtain a license from relevant institutions and organizations if the research is subject to permission. If not, a statement concerning the research subject is required.
2. Foreigners who own immovable property in Turkey can apply for a residence permit, provided that the property is a house used for this purpose. Family members living in shared or cooperated property can also apply.
3. Foreigners establishing business or commercial connections for more than three months need to provide an invitation letter or similar documents from the persons or companies they will be contacting.
4. Foreigners participating in on-the-job training programs can obtain a residence permit for the duration of the training based on provided documents.
5. Foreigners attending educational or similar programs as part of student exchange programs or agreements need to obtain documents from the relevant institutions. The duration of the residence permit cannot exceed the educational or similar purposes.
6. Foreigners staying for tourism purposes need to provide information on their travel plans. Additional documents and information may be required if necessary.
7. Foreigners coming for medical treatment, without posing a public health threat, must be admitted to public or private hospitals. Valid health insurance is not required if treatment expenses are paid.
8. Foreigners required to stay in Turkey according to a request or decision of judicial or administrative authorities.
9. Foreigners transferring from a family residence permit.
10. Foreigners attending a Turkish language course. Residence permit can be issued twice for this purpose, with the duration not exceeding the period of the course.
11. Foreigners attending education programs, research, internships, or courses through a public agency. The residence permit duration cannot exceed one year, and valid health insurance and financial proof are not required if covered by public institutions.
12. Foreigners applying within six months upon graduation from a higher education program in Turkey can be issued a residence permit for a maximum of one year.
13. Foreigners who do not work in Turkey but make an investment determined by the Council of Ministers can obtain a residence permit for up to five years. This aims to promote foreigners contributing to the national economy.
14. Citizens of Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus can obtain a residence permit for up to five years.

Short-term residence permits are usually issued for a maximum of two years, except for specific cases mentioned above.

Family Residence Permit

Family residence permit is regulated by Articles 34-37 of the Law on Foreigners and International Protection No. 6458, as well as Articles 30-34 of the Regulation for Implementation of the Law on Foreigners and International Protection.

Who May Apply To Family Residence Permit?

1. Foreign spouses, children, or dependent children of Turkish citizens, persons within the scope of Article 28 of Law No 5901, foreigners holding residence permits, as well as refugees and subsidiary protection beneficiaries.
2. In case of polygamous marriage, only one spouse can be issued a family residence permit. However, children from other spouses can also be granted residence permits.
3. Consent of the mother or father who lives abroad and shares custody is required for family residence permits issued to children.

Family residence permits allow the holder the right of education in primary and secondary educational institutions until the age of 18 without obtaining a student residence permit.

Other conditions, reasons of refusal, non-renewal, or cancellation of family residence permits, as well as the right of transfer to a short-term residence permit, are specified in the relevant laws and regulations.

Student Residence Permit

Student residence permit is regulated by Articles 38-41 of the Law on Foreigners and International Protection No. 6458, as well as Articles 35-39 of the Regulation for Implementation of the Law on Foreigners and International Protection.

Who May Apply To Student Residence Permit?

1. Foreigners receiving primary or secondary education and not holding a family residence permit.
2. Foreigners attending associate, undergraduate, graduate, postgraduate, medical, or dental programs.

The duration of the student residence permit cannot exceed the period of study. Health insurance requirements depend on certain conditions. The right to work for students is subject to obtaining a work permit.

Reasons for refusal, cancelation, or non-renewal of student residence permits are specified in the relevant laws and regulations.

Long-Term Residence Permit

Long-term residence permit is regulated by Articles 42-45 of the Law on Foreigners and International Protection, as well as Articles 40-43 of the Regulation for Implementation of the Law on Foreigners and International Protection.

Who May Apply To Long-Term Residence Permit? Foreigners who have continuously resided in Turkey for at least eight years on a permit or meet the conditions set out by the Ministry.

Long-term residence permits are issued indefinitely and grant the same rights as accorded to Turkish citizens, with some exceptions.