Residence permits

A foreigner who wishes to stay in Türkiye longer than their visa or visa exemption allows must obtain a residence permit. Residence permits are governed by Law No. 6458 on Foreigners and International Protection (YUKK); applications are made online to the Presidency of Migration Management.

Types

• Short-term residence permit (YUKK Art. 31): for tourism, property ownership, scientific research, business connections and similar purposes; granted for up to two years at a time.
• Family residence permit (Art. 34): for spouses and children of Turkish citizens or of foreigners holding a residence permit; up to three years at a time.
• Student residence permit (Art. 38): for foreigners studying at associate, bachelor's or postgraduate level in Türkiye.
• Long-term residence permit (Art. 42): for foreigners who have resided continuously for at least eight years with a residence permit, subject to the other legal conditions.
• Humanitarian residence permit and residence permit for victims of human trafficking (Arts. 46, 48).

Application and renewal

First applications are, as a rule, made to the consulate in the country of which the foreigner is a citizen or lawfully resides; in the cases listed in YUKK Article 21 they can be made in Türkiye to the provincial migration directorate. Renewal must be requested before the permit expires. Overstaying may lead to an administrative fine and a later entry ban.

Refusal or cancellation

A refusal, non-renewal or cancellation is notified in writing. As a rule, an action can be filed before the administrative court within 60 days of notification (Law No. 2577, Art. 7); an application to the administration within the same period also stops the time limit (Art. 11).

Sources

• Law No. 6458 on Foreigners and International Protection, Arts. 19–21, 30–49
• Administrative Procedure Law No. 2577, Arts. 7, 11