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UTU Hukuk & Danışmanlık
Immigration Law

Residence Permits

UTU Hukuk ve Danışmanlık3 min readUpdate:

Foreigners who will stay in Türkiye longer than the period granted by their visa or visa exemption, or for more than 90 days, ikamet izni must obtain one. In this article, we provide basic information on applying for a residence permit, extending the permit and using the residence permit document.

Currency note

This article was prepared on the basis of the legislation and practice in force on the date of publication. Practice regarding the receipt of residence permit applications, the delivery of documents and the documents issued during the application process may have changed since then. You are advised to consult a lawyer for the current position.

Contents
  1. Residence permit application and extension
  2. About the residence permit document
  3. Frequently asked questions
  4. Consultation request

Residence Permit Application and Extension

From now on, your residence permit documents will be sent to your residential addresses. You must therefore provide your address details correctly and completely when applying for a residence permit. If you wish to extend your residence permit, you must apply to the governorship of the province in which you reside.

You may start applying from 60 days before the expiry of the period. You must have made your extension application before your permit expires.

  1. Place of applicationThe extension application is made to the governorship of the province of residence.
  2. Time of applicationAn application may be made from 60 days before the expiry of the period.
  3. Last dayThe extension application must have been made before the period expires.
  4. Application certificateA certificate free of charge is issued when the application is made.

Document issued upon application

When you apply for a residence permit, you will be given an “application certificate” free of any charge. This certificate grants you the right to remain lawfully in Türkiye until your application is concluded, even if your residence permit has expired.

About the Residence Permit Document

Please take care to carry your residence permit document together with your passport. If you lose the document, apply to the competent authority as soon as possible. At this stage you are not expected to take any action regarding the signature field on the back of your card; please leave that area blank. A residence permit document may not be used for any purpose other than that for which it was issued, and this document alone does not confer the right to work. With a valid residence permit you may enter through border gates without obtaining a visa.

Practical checklist · Do

  • Carry your document together with your passport.
  • If you lose your document, apply to the competent authority as soon as possible.
  • Leave the signature field on the back of the card blank.

Practical checklist · Remember

  • The residence permit document cannot be used for purposes other than that for which it was issued.
  • The document does not by itself confer the right to work.
  • With your valid residence permit, you may enter through border gates without obtaining a visa.

Residence Permits: Frequently Asked Questions

Who is required to obtain a residence permit?

According to the article, foreigners who will stay in Türkiye longer than the period granted by their visa or visa exemption, or longer than 90 days, are required to obtain a residence permit.

When and where is an application for extension of a residence permit made?

The extension application is made to the governorship of the province of residence. The application may be made starting from 60 days before the permit expires and must be made before it expires.

Does a residence permit document confer a right to work?

No. The article states that the residence permit document cannot be used for purposes other than that for which it was issued and does not by itself confer a right to work.

Consultation request

Do you have a question about residence permits?

As UTU Hukuk Danışmanlık, we provide legal representation and advisory services in the field of Foreigners Law.

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