Frequently Asked Questions About Turkish Immigration Procedures

At Yilmaz Attorneys, with offices in both Antalya and Ankara, we specialize in assisting foreign nationals with Turkish immigration and residency matters. This comprehensive FAQ addresses common questions on obtaining a residence permit in Turkey, work permits for foreigners, and visa-related inquiries.

1. Residence Permit in Turkey for Foreigners

Q1: How can I find the address and phone numbers of the provincial migration management offices?

You can find contact details for all 81 provincial migration management offices across Turkey on the official website of the General Directorate of Migration Management (www.goc.gov.tr). Navigate to the "Contact" or "Provincial Organisation" section to access specific office information.

Q2: Can individuals married to Turkish citizens apply for a residence permit after a visa breach?

Foreign nationals who are married to Turkish citizens and have breached their visa or residence permit terms generally must leave Turkey. However, if leaving the country is not possible due to exceptional circumstances, they should contact the local provincial migration management office for guidance on possible exceptions or remedial steps.

Q3: I studied at University X for 2 years and transferred to University Y. What should I do regarding my residence permit?

If you transfer universities within the same province in Turkey, your existing residence permit remains valid. You should notify your local Directorate of Migration Management about the change in your educational institution within 20 working days. If you are transferring to a university in a different province, you will need to apply for a new residence permit to reflect your new address and educational institution.

Q4: Can I travel abroad during the 90-day residence permit evaluation process?

Yes, it's possible to travel abroad while your residence permit application is under evaluation:

• First-time Applicants: On the appointment day, an application form is issued, allowing you multiple entries and exits within a 15-day period without voiding your application.

• Extension Applicants: For those renewing their residence permit, the application form acts as an interim document. It allows similar multiple exit and entry rights within a 15-day period.

Make sure to carry the application form and any other necessary documentation when traveling.

Q5: Do I need to submit a criminal record for each family member when applying for a family residence permit?

For family residence permits, typically only the sponsor (the family member who holds residency and supports the application) is required to submit a criminal record document. Additional documents may be requested for the spouse and children, depending on individual circumstances and the requirements of the local migration office.

2. Work Permits in Turkey for Foreigners

Q1: How can I find the contact information for provincial migration management offices regarding work permits?

Contact details for all provincial migration management offices in Turkey can be found on the official website of the General Directorate of Migration Management (www.goc.gov.tr) under the "Contact" or "Provincial Organisation" section.

Q2: Can individuals married to Turkish citizens apply for a residence permit after a visa breach?

Foreigners married to Turkish citizens who have breached their visa conditions must generally leave Turkey. For specific exceptions, they should contact the relevant migration office to clarify if any accommodations can be made based on their marital status and other circumstances.

Q3: My work permit is about to expire. Can I apply for a residence permit?

Yes, foreign nationals can apply for a residence permit up to 60 days before their work permit expires. This ensures they maintain legal status in Turkey while transitioning from a work permit to a residence permit, if necessary.

Q4: Do I need a residence permit once my work permit is issued?

No, a valid work permit in Turkey also serves as a residence permit for the duration of its validity. The expiration date of your work permit is considered the expiration date of your residence permit as well.

Q5: Will my residence permit be canceled when my work permit expires?

Your work permit acts as a residence permit during its validity period. Once the work permit expires, you have an additional 10 days to apply for another residence permit or to leave Turkey to remain in compliance with Turkish immigration laws.

Q6: Can I study in Turkey if I hold a work permit?

Yes, foreign nationals with a valid work permit in Turkey can also pursue educational opportunities. They benefit from most of the rights associated with a student residence permit. However, they must continue to meet the conditions of their work permit and maintain legal status throughout their studies.

Q7: How many months/years of residence permit are needed to apply for a work permit?

Foreign nationals typically need at least 6 months of continuous residence in Turkey to apply for a work permit, unless they are exempt under specific regulations. This period excludes time spent in Turkey under short-term touristic residence permits.

Q8: Do I need to make any notifications after receiving a work permit?

Yes, according to Article 27 of the Law on Foreigners and International Protection, foreigners who receive a work permit must register at the Provincial Directorate of Migration Management within 20 days of starting work in Turkey.

Q9: I am under temporary protection; can I get a work permit?

Yes, foreigners under temporary protection can apply for a work permit. Typically, you can apply 6 months after receiving your Temporary Protection Identification Document. There are specific regulations for work permits under temporary protection status.

Q10: I have refugee status in Turkey. Can I work?

Refugees or those with subsidiary protection in Turkey can generally work without additional restrictions. The identity document issued to them often acts as a work permit, but specific circumstances may vary and should be verified with the relevant authorities.

Q11: I'm a student in Turkey. How can I apply for a work permit?

Foreign students at Turkish universities can apply for a work permit after completing their first year of study (except for students enrolled in language learning or foundation programs). Applications are submitted to the Ministry of Labor and Social Security. Approval is subject to specific conditions and regulations regarding student employment in Turkey.

Q12: Can graduate or doctoral students apply for a work permit while studying?

Yes, foreign graduate and doctoral students can apply for a work permit, subject to approval by the Ministry of Labor and Social Security. If granted, the work permit may allow them to work part-time while studying, and they are exempt from needing a separate residence permit for the duration of the work permit.

3. Visa FAQs for Foreigners in Turkey

Q1: Do I need a visa to enter Turkey?

Most foreigners need a visa to enter Turkey unless they are citizens of countries with visa exemption agreements. The specific visa requirements depend on your nationality and the purpose and duration of your stay.

Q2: Can I stay in Turkey for one year with a one-year visa?

No, a standard visa allows you to stay in Turkey for a maximum of 90 days within any 180-day period. If you wish to stay longer, you must apply for a suitable residence permit.

Q3: What should I do if I am banned from entering Turkey?

If you have an entry ban to Turkey, you must apply for an annotated visa through a Turkish Foreign Representative Office abroad. Approval from the Ministry of Interior may be required, depending on the reasons for the ban and your circumstances.

Q4: Can I use my visa after my residence permit expires?

No, you cannot use a previously obtained visa after your residence permit expires. Once your residence permit expires, you must leave Turkey and re-enter using a valid visa or visa exemption status, if applicable.

Q5: What is an annotated visa?

An annotated visa is a special type of visa that requires approval from the Ministry of Interior. It is issued under specific conditions based on an application made to a Turkish foreign representative office. This type of visa is typically required in exceptional cases such as an entry ban lift or special humanitarian considerations.

Q6: Where can I find the status of my annotated visa application?

You can check the status by contacting the Turkish Foreign Representative Office where you submitted your application. Alternatively, you can call YiMER157 (the Foreigners Communication Center) and provide your security details to receive an update on your application status.

Q7: How long do I have to use my visa after it is issued?

Typically, you must use the visa within 6 months of its issuance by the consulate. If you do not enter Turkey within this period, the visa may expire, and you would need to reapply.

Q8: How can I apply for an e-Visa?

You can apply for an e-Visa, suitable for tourism or business purposes, through the official e-Visa website at www.evisa.gov.tr. The e-Visa is valid for short-term stays, and eligibility depends on your nationality.

Q9: Can I enter Turkey if my passport is about to expire?

No, your passport must be valid for at least 60 days beyond the expiry date of your visa, visa exemption, or residence permit. If your passport does not meet this requirement, you should renew it before traveling to Turkey.

4. Conclusion

Navigating the legal requirements for residence permits, work permits, and visas in Turkey can be complex. It's important to stay updated on the latest regulations to ensure a smooth and legal stay in the country.

Yilmaz Attorneys, located in both Antalya and Ankara, offers expert assistance to foreign nationals seeking guidance on Turkish immigration processes. With our extensive experience in immigration law, residence permit applications, and work permit processes, we aim to provide clear and reliable legal support tailored to your needs. Whether you're applying for a residence permit, pursuing employment opportunities, or dealing with visa concerns, our team of professionals is here to help.

Disclaimer: This article serves as a general guide and may not cover all unique circumstances. Visa, residence, and work permit regulations in Turkey may change, and processing times can vary. For personalized legal advice and the most up-to-date information, consider consulting with an experienced immigration attorney or the relevant government authorities.