Turkey has become a preferred country for foreigners with its history, cultural richness, and geopolitical importance. For foreigners settling in Turkey with the idea of long-term living, opportunities such as long-term residence permits and permanent residence offer great advantages. In this article, we will address in detail the answers to questions such as “How to obtain a long-term residence permit in Turkey?”, who can apply?, what documents are required for application? Additionally, you can find the advantages provided by these permits and important points to consider during the application process.
Before applying for a long-term residence permit, to learn about the general residence permit application process and required conditions in Turkey, you can review our article titled Residence Permit in Turkey: Application Process and Required Conditions.
What is Long-Term Residence Permit?
Long-term residence permit is a type of residence permit granted to foreigners who meet certain conditions in Turkey and grants the right to live in Turkey indefinitely. This permit is regulated under Law No. 6458 on Foreigners and International Protection and, unlike other short-term residence permits, offers long-term living and privileges similar to some citizenship rights. It is a type of residence permit granted to foreigners who have resided in Turkey continuously for 8 years. With this residence permit, the right to stay in Turkey is granted without the obligation to renew visa and residence permit. A person who receives long-term residence can benefit from work and education rights and health services.
The long-term residence permit is regulated by Articles 43 and 44 of Law No. 6458 on Foreigners and International Protection. In these articles, application conditions and rights are explained in detail.
Long-Term Residence Permit: Legal Basis
Long-term residence permit and permanent residence are regulated within the framework of Law No. 6458 on Foreigners and International Protection (First Entry into Force: April 11, 2014) and Regulations issued based on this law. According to this legislation:
- Article 43 of Law No. 6458: Long-term residence permit is granted to foreigners who have legally resided in Turkey continuously for at least eight years. This permit grants the foreigner permanent residence rights without being subject to a time limit.
- Article 44 of Law No. 6458: Long-term residence permit is granted with the approval of the Ministry of Interior. Foreigners who receive this permit benefit from the same rights as Turkish citizens, except for exceptions such as military service obligation and the right to vote and be elected.
- Law on Foreigners and International Protection Implementation Regulation: The documents and procedures required for long-term residence permit applications are determined in detail.
Who is Granted Long-Term Residence Permit?
Foreigners who have resided in Turkey with a legal residence permit continuously for at least eight years and who meet the conditions determined by the Ministry of Interior are issued indefinite residence permits by governorships.
However, refugees, conditional refugees, secondary protection status holders, those with humanitarian residence permits, and foreigners under temporary protection do not have this right.
Long-Term Residence Permit Application Conditions
Permanent residence permit is important for those who plan to settle here with a more permanent life idea in Turkey. To obtain this permit, the following conditions must be met:
- Continuous Residence: The foreigner must have resided in Turkey continuously for at least eight years. During this period, there should be no residence permit violations.
- Proving Livelihood: When applying for a long-term residence permit, the applicant must submit documents showing that they can support themselves and their family. They must not have received social assistance in the last three years. In total, they must prove their income that covers expenses of one-third of the minimum wage for each family member including themselves, not less than the minimum wage.
- Not Endangering Public Order and Security: You must prove that you have not committed a crime that would pose a threat to public order or security in Turkey.
Valid Insurance: You must have health insurance under the General Health Insurance (GSS) coverage. (Except for persons deemed appropriate by the Migration Policies Board)
Documents Required for Long-Term Residence Permit Applications
- Residence Permit Application Form: Must be signed by the foreigner and/or their legal representative or attorney with power of attorney.
- Photocopy of Passport or Document Replacing Passport: Photocopy of the page containing identity information and photograph and, if any, pages showing visa information (The original document must be with you on the appointment day.)
- Two (2) Biometric Photographs: Must have been taken within the last 6 months
- Document/receipt showing that the residence permit document fee has been paid
- Residence Certificate
- Valid Health Insurance
- Criminal Record: Will be obtained from own country authorities and Turkish judicial authorities
- E-signed/Signed or Stamped/Sealed Document showing that there are sufficient and regular financial means for the duration of stay
- Original E-Signed/Signed and Stamped/Sealed Document showing that no social assistance has been received in the last three years. Can be obtained from Social Assistance and Solidarity Foundations within Governorships/District Governorships.
- National Electronic Notification Address (UETS)
To access the documents required for long-term residence permit application in detail, you can access from the link below.
https://e-ikamet.goc.gov.tr/Ikamet/BasvuruIstenenBelgeler/BasvuruFormuIstenenBelgeler?tur=1
Points to Consider in Residence Permit Application in Turkey
Online application for long-term residence permit is made through the e-ikamet system, which is the official website of the Republic of Turkey Directorate General of Migration Management. (https://e-ikamet.goc.gov.tr/) The points to consider when applying for a residence permit in Turkey are as follows:
- Completeness of Documents: All documents required for the application must be submitted completely and correctly. Incomplete or incorrect documents may cause the application to be rejected.
- Compliance with Deadlines: A new application must be made before the expiration of your current residence permit period.
- Use of Online System: The application system operates online and appointments are also taken from this system. It is very important to enter correct information into the online system.
Not Missing the Appointment Day: You need to go to the relevant migration management directorate on your appointment date. Missed appointments can prolong the application process
Advantages Provided by Long-Term Residence Right
Obtaining a long-term residence permit offers many advantages to foreigners:
- Right to Uninterrupted Living: Long-term residence permit holders can live permanently in Turkey and travel without any visa renewal need.
- Benefiting from Health Services: You can benefit from all the facilities offered within the scope of “guide for foreigners to benefit from health services in Turkey”.
- Work and Education Rights: With a long-term residence permit, you can easily use your work and education rights in Turkey.
In fact, we can summarize it as follows; They can benefit from the rights granted to Turkish citizens, except for the obligation to perform military service, the right to vote and be elected, to enter public offices and to import vehicles as exempt, and subject to the reservation of rights related to social security in special laws.
How is the Eight-Year Period Calculated?
The calculation of the continuous eight years specified in the conditions is important. Half of the student residence permit period specified in Article 38 of Law No. 6458 on Foreigners and International Protection is counted. All other residence permits are counted in full.
Can a New Application Be Made for Cancelled Long-Term Residence Permit?
It is possible to make a new application for a cancelled long-term residence permit. Applications are made abroad to Turkey’s foreign missions (consulates), and domestically through Provincial Migration Management Directorates. In re-applications, the condition of continuous eight years of residence is not sought again. Such applications are evaluated as a priority and concluded within one month at the latest.
Why Should You Choose Us?
- Expertise and Experience: With our team specialized in long-term residence permit applications, we are with you at every stage. With our experience in migration law, we minimize the risk of making mistakes in your applications.
- Personalized Consultancy: Every foreigner’s situation is different. By offering solutions specific to your needs, we ensure that the process is completed quickly and effectively.
- Fast and Reliable Service: We guarantee that your applications are made on time and correctly. We lighten your workload by following the process on your behalf.
- Language Support: We provide communication support in English and other languages besides Turkish, ensuring that our foreign clients understand the processes easily.
- Transparency and Trust: We conduct all our transactions transparently and regularly inform you about the process.
- Success-Oriented Approach: Our goal is to ensure that your applications are concluded positively as soon as possible. We develop strategies suitable for your needs with our professional team.
By choosing us, you can make your long-term residence permit applications with confidence and prevent problems that may occur in the process. Contact us for more information or consultancy services!
Issues such as residence permits, work permits, citizenship applications, and deportation decisions in Turkey are evaluated within the scope of foreigners law. For detailed information about the legal rights and processes of foreigners, Ankara Foreigners Law Lawyer you can visit our page.
