Frequently Asked Questions About Humanitarian Residence Permit

What is a humanitarian residence permit and who can apply?
Under what circumstances is a humanitarian residence permit granted?
What documents are required to apply for a humanitarian residence permit?
How is a humanitarian residence permit application submitted?
How long does the humanitarian residence permit application take?
How long is the humanitarian residence permit valid and how can it be extended?
What can be done if the humanitarian residence permit application is rejected?
What are the main criteria in evaluating a humanitarian residence permit application?
Can a revoked humanitarian residence permit be reinstated?
Can a humanitarian residence permit application be made without health insurance?
Is it possible to apply without a valid ID or passport?
Does a long stay outside Turkey affect the humanitarian residence permit?
What should be done if the humanitarian residence permit is revoked due to public order concerns?
What documents are needed to prove hardship for a humanitarian residence permit?
Is family reunification possible with a humanitarian residence permit?
Does receiving social assistance affect the humanitarian residence permit application?
Can a humanitarian residence permit holder work or study?
How is the process handled if the Migration Administration requests additional documents?
How can applicants stay informed about legal changes after applying?

What is a Humanitarian Residence Permit?

A humanitarian residence permit is a special type of residence permit that allows foreigners to legally reside in Turkey due to extraordinary, humanitarian, or urgent reasons. It is granted when the applicant cannot obtain a regular residence permit, cannot practically leave the country, or leaving would violate laws and human rights. It especially covers cases such as war, persecution, human trafficking, forced marriage, serious illness, disasters, and the best interests of children.

This permit is granted in line with Turkey’s international human rights obligations and the Law on Foreigners and International Protection No. 6458, to protect fundamental rights of foreigners. In major cities like İzmir and Karşıyaka, working with a residence permit lawyer in Karşıyaka or a foreigner law attorney ensures a fast and lawful application process.

Legal Basis for the Humanitarian Residence Permit

The humanitarian residence permit is regulated by Article 46 of Law No. 6458 on Foreigners and International Protection and relevant provisions of the Residence Permit Regulation. Turkey’s international human rights treaties and the European Convention on Human Rights also form its legal basis. Circulars and administrative procedures issued by the Migration Administration detail the application process and acceptance conditions.

Legal changes and emerging needs directly affect the application procedures. Applications prepared with support from İzmir lawyers, Karşıyaka lawyers, and citizenship application consultants comply fully with legal requirements and reduce rejection risks.

Who Can Apply for a Humanitarian Residence Permit?

The humanitarian residence permit may be granted to foreigners in the following special situations:

Those who cannot leave Turkey and face serious risk of human rights violations if they do,
Those whose stay in Turkey is deemed necessary for the best interests of children,
Those unable to return to their countries due to war, internal unrest, severe social incidents, natural disasters, or epidemics,
Victims of human trafficking or those suffering severe hardship,
Foreigners whose deportation is temporarily suspended or who cannot be sent back,
Victims, witnesses, or those in need of protection in judicial or administrative proceedings,
Those who cannot benefit from other types of residence permits but must remain in Turkey.

The humanitarian residence permit is entirely discretionary and granted by the Migration Administration. Applications supported by Karşıyaka citizenship law attorneys, residence permit lawyers, or İzmir lawyers ensure detailed explanation of personal circumstances and a strong legal foundation.

Requirements for Humanitarian Residence Permit Application

While more flexible than other permits, applications must be supported by documents clearly demonstrating the applicant’s special circumstances. Basic requirements include:

Concrete reasons proving the necessity to stay in Turkey,
Identity or travel document (if available),
Written application to the Migration Administration,
Supporting reports, witness statements, judicial or administrative documents if required,
Health insurance and proof of livelihood (may vary depending on application type).

Acceptance is at the sole discretion of the Migration Administration and evaluated case-by-case. Documenting humanitarian reasons and explaining rights violations are crucial. The application file must be carefully prepared with professional assistance.

Required Documents for Humanitarian Residence Permit Application

Depending on the applicant’s situation and hardship, basic documents may include:

Application form (available from the Migration Administration or online),
Identity card, passport, or other official document,
A petition explaining the necessity to stay in Turkey,
Supporting documents (hospital reports, legal documents, hardship certificates, witness statements, social service reports, etc.),
Proof of residence (if needed),
Biometric photo,
Receipt of fee payment (may not always be required),
Health insurance and proof of financial means if applicable.

The Migration Administration may request additional documents depending on the case. Working with a residence permit lawyer in İzmir or Karşıyaka greatly facilitates complete application submission.

How to Apply for a Humanitarian Residence Permit?

The application is made through these steps:

Preparing a detailed petition explaining the necessity of stay in Turkey,
Gathering all official documents, reports, and supporting materials,
Submitting the application in person to the local Migration Administration office,
Attending an interview if necessary and providing additional documents,
Tracking the application via the e-residence system or local Migration Administration,
Upon approval, the residence card is prepared and delivered to the applicant.

Support from a lawyer or consultant at every stage ensures fast and complete processing.

Evaluation and Outcome of the Application

The necessity of stay and humanitarian reasons are carefully reviewed. The Migration Administration evaluates documents and declarations both administratively and legally. The result may take weeks to months depending on case complexity and workload.

Complete documentation and clear justifications speed up evaluation,
If approved, a humanitarian residence permit card is issued,
If rejected, a reasoned decision is provided and administrative appeal or litigation rights arise.

Legal support during appeals prevents loss of rights and reduces applicant hardship.

Duration, Extension, and Cancellation of Humanitarian Residence Permit

Usually granted for six months to one year at the Migration Administration’s discretion, extensions can be requested if the situation persists. Each extension request must document ongoing hardship or necessity of stay.

Cancellation may occur due to:

Disappearance of humanitarian or extraordinary reasons,
Submission of misleading or false information during the application,
Occurrence of threats to public order or safety.

Cancellation notices are sent officially and deportation procedures may be initiated. Working with a lawyer ensures effective rights protection in extension and cancellation processes.

Common Problems and Solutions

Frequent problems include:

Incomplete or insufficient documents,
Inability to adequately prove hardship,
Requests for additional documents by the Migration Administration,
Long processing times,
Unjustified rejection or cancellation decisions,
Application rejection due to misleading or inconsistent statements.

Preparing applications with an experienced Karşıyaka foreign law attorney, residence permit lawyer, or citizenship application consultant is strongly advised. Professional support is critical to completing files fully and avoiding loss of rights.

Importance of Working with K&L Legal Consultancy on Humanitarian Residence Permit Applications

K&L Legal Consultancy provides professional support in İzmir and Karşıyaka through experienced attorneys and consultants, ensuring:

Legally strong application preparation,
Effective documentation of hardship and special circumstances,
Rapid identification and correction of deficient documents,
Professional communication with the Migration Administration,
Efficient management of appeals and lawsuits in case of rejection or cancellation,
Up-to-date information on legal changes throughout the process,
Confidentiality and client-centered approach in all procedures.

Clients working with K&L Legal Consultancy benefit from comprehensive legal protection and effective counsel to secure lawful and safe residence in Turkey.