Frequently Asked Questions About Long-Term Residence Permit in Turkey

What is a long-term residence permit in Turkey, and what rights does it provide?
Who can apply for a long-term residence permit in Turkey?
What conditions must be met to obtain a long-term residence permit in Turkey?
What documents must be submitted when applying for a long-term residence permit in Turkey?
How and where is the long-term residence permit application made in Turkey?
How long does it take for a long-term residence permit application in Turkey to be processed?
For how many years is the long-term residence permit granted in Turkey, and can its duration be renewed?
What can be done if a long-term residence permit application is rejected in Turkey?
Does receiving social assistance in the past prevent obtaining a long-term residence permit in Turkey?
Under what circumstances can a long-term residence permit be cancelled in Turkey?
Does changing the address affect the long-term residence permit process in Turkey?
Can a long-term residence permit application be made in Turkey without health insurance?
Will a long-term residence permit application be rejected in Turkey if the income document is insufficient?
How is the process affected if incomplete or incorrect documents are submitted in the long-term residence permit application in Turkey?
Is attorney support mandatory for long-term residence permit applications in İzmir and Karşıyaka?
Can a new application be made after a long-term residence permit application is rejected in Turkey?
Does staying abroad for a long time affect the validity of the long-term residence permit in Turkey?
What should be done if the residence permit is cancelled in Turkey due to public security reasons?
Can family reunification applications be made with a long-term residence permit in Turkey?
How are legal regulation changes following the long-term residence permit application in Turkey monitored?

What is a Long-Term Residence Permit?

What does a long-term residence permit mean and what rights does it grant to foreigners in Turkey?

A long-term residence permit is the right to permanent residence granted to foreign nationals who have legally and continuously resided in Turkey for at least eight years. This permit is given to foreigners who fulfill certain application requirements and provides the opportunity for permanent residence without a validity period.

With a long-term residence permit, the right to reside in Turkey becomes permanent; it also offers advantages in many areas such as education, health, social security, and access to public services. At the same time, this permit does not replace a work permit but constitutes an important assurance for those planning long-term residence.

For foreigners living in İzmir who wish to apply for a long-term residence permit, the process can be carried out more quickly and smoothly with the assistance of an “İzmir citizenship lawyer” or “İzmir immigration law attorney.” The long-term residence permit is an important step for foreigners aiming to establish a stable and legal life in Turkey.

Legal Basis of the Long-Term Residence Permit

On which legal regulations is the long-term residence permit based?

The long-term residence permit is regulated pursuant to Article 42 of the Law No. 6458 on Foreigners and International Protection and the provisions of the Residence Permit Regulation. This legal framework defines in detail the basic elements such as application conditions, rights, and obligations.

Current procedures and principles regarding the application process are determined by circulars and implementation instructions issued by the Directorate General of Migration Management. Changes in legislation throughout Turkey may directly affect long-term residence permit applications. Therefore, conducting the application under the guidance of an expert “İzmir immigration law attorney” or “Karşıyaka citizenship lawyer” ensures that the process proceeds in accordance with current legislation.

Who Can Apply for a Long-Term Residence Permit?

Who is eligible to apply for a long-term residence permit and what conditions are required?

Foreign nationals who can apply for a long-term residence permit must meet certain legal conditions. These conditions are as follows:

Have legally and continuously resided in Turkey for at least eight years,
Have not received social assistance in the last three years,
Have a regular and sufficient income,
Have valid health insurance,
Not pose a threat to public order or security.

Half of the residence periods spent with a student residence permit and the entire duration of other residence permits are included in the calculation of this period. However, persons under international protection, temporary protection, or humanitarian residence permit cannot apply for this right.

Before applying for a long-term residence permit, it is critical to verify that the applicant meets all legal requirements. Acting under the guidance of an “İzmir citizenship law attorney” or “Karşıyaka immigration law attorney” during this process increases the likelihood of success.

Application Conditions for the Long-Term Residence Permit

What conditions must be fulfilled to obtain a long-term residence permit?

To be able to apply for a long-term residence permit, the foreign national must meet the following conditions:

Have legally and continuously resided in Turkey for at least eight years,
Have not benefited from social assistance in the last three years (except for some exceptions),
Have a regular and sufficient income to cover their own and, if any, their family members’ living expenses,
Have valid health insurance within the scope of general health insurance,
Not pose a risk to public order or security.

Half of the residence permits granted during student status and all other residence permits are included in the eight-year calculation. Prior to application, the previous residence periods must be complete and there must be no legal gaps in visa transitions.

Foreigners wishing to apply for a long-term residence permit in İzmir benefit from working with an “İzmir immigration law attorney” or “Karşıyaka citizenship law attorney,” which ensures proper evaluation of the process and minimizes the risk of rejection.

Required Documents for the Long-Term Residence Permit Application

Which documents must be submitted for a long-term residence permit application?

During the long-term residence permit application, the following documents must be prepared completely and up-to-date:

Long-term residence permit application form (completed and printed via the e-residence system),
Valid passport or travel document,
Previous residence permit card, if available,
Residence permit documents covering the last eight years,
Official document proving no social assistance has been received (covering the last three years),
Documents showing regular and sufficient income (e.g., bank statements or payroll slips),
Valid health insurance policy,
Biometric photograph taken within the last six months,
Document showing residence address (rental agreement, title deed, or student dormitory registration),
Criminal record if deemed necessary,
Receipts of fee and card payments.

The Migration Administration may request additional documents depending on the nature of the application. Preparing documents completely is very important for the positive outcome of the application. Therefore, conducting the process with an “İzmir citizenship law attorney” or “Karşıyaka immigration law attorney” reduces the risk of errors in document preparation and speeds up the process.

How to Apply for a Long-Term Residence Permit?

What are the steps for applying for a long-term residence permit?

The long-term residence permit application is conducted according to the official procedures set by the Directorate General of Migration Management with the following steps:

Online application through the e-Residence system:
The applicant fills out the long-term residence permit application form via the e-Residence system.
Appointment scheduling:
The applicant selects the relevant province or district migration office and sets the appointment date and time through the system.
Preparation of documents:
Required documents are collected completely and up-to-date.
Document submission on appointment day:
The applicant personally applies to the selected migration office to submit documents. A brief interview may be conducted if deemed necessary.
Application follow-up:
The application process is regularly monitored via the e-Residence system.
Result and card delivery:
When the application is approved, the long-term residence permit card is sent by mail to the applicant’s address.

To ensure a flawless and smooth process, acting with the assistance of an “İzmir immigration law attorney” or “Karşıyaka citizenship lawyer” provides applicants significant advantages. Professional support ensures the application is made timely with correct documents and reduces the risk of rejection.

Evaluation and Conclusion of the Long-Term Residence Permit Application

How does the process proceed after the long-term residence permit application, and when are the results announced?

After the documents are submitted to the relevant migration office, the long-term residence permit application enters the evaluation phase. During this process, the applicant’s:

Eight years of legal and continuous residence,
Whether social assistance has been received,
Sufficiency of income level,
Compliance with public order and security

are considered. If there are deficiencies or inconsistencies in the documents, additional documents may be requested or the application may be rejected.

The duration of processing depends on the workload of the migration office where the application was made. In İzmir and its surroundings, this period usually varies between 1 and 2 months. For approved applications, the long-term residence permit card is sent by mail to the applicant’s address.

In the case of rejection, a reasoned decision is provided in writing and the applicant has the right to administrative appeal. In such situations, having the support of an “İzmir immigration law attorney” or “Karşıyaka citizenship lawyer” ensures the appeal process is conducted effectively and prevents loss of rights.

Duration, Renewal, and Cancellation of the Long-Term Residence Permit

How long is the long-term residence permit valid, can it be renewed, and under what circumstances can it be cancelled?

The long-term residence permit is a special type of residence permit granting the right to indefinite residence in Turkey. Unlike other residence permits, it is not subject to a specific period and does not require renewal. However, this right can be cancelled under certain circumstances.

The long-term residence permit can be cancelled in the following cases:

Staying consecutively outside Turkey for more than one year,
Occurrence of situations posing a threat to public order or security,
Submission of false documents or making false statements,
Committing crimes that prevent long-term residence in Turkey.

After cancellation of the long-term residence permit, the foreign national may apply for another type of residence permit if they meet the conditions. Therefore, it is very important to pay attention to legal obligations during the validity of the long-term residence permit.

For applicants living in İzmir, maintaining contact with an “İzmir citizenship law attorney” or “Karşıyaka immigration law attorney” is an effective measure for protecting the permit right and preventing cancellation risks.

Common Problems and Solutions in Long-Term Residence Permit Applications

What problems are commonly encountered in long-term residence permit applications and how are they resolved?

Some common problems may be encountered in long-term residence permit applications. These problems that may lead to rejection or delay include:

Incorrect or incomplete calculation of uninterrupted residence period,
Failure to meet eligibility due to past receipt of social assistance,
Deficiencies in income declaration or health insurance documents,
Submission of outdated documents,
Inconsistencies or incomplete records in the address registration system,
Making false statements or using forged documents.

In such cases, it is very important that the application file is prepared completely and in accordance with legal regulations. Ensuring the accuracy of documents, responding promptly to additional requests, and effectively managing possible rejection decisions are required.

Working with an “İzmir immigration law attorney” or “Karşıyaka citizenship lawyer” ensures that applicants avoid loss of rights and accelerates the process by conducting the application in compliance with the law.

The Importance of Attorney Support with KL Legal Consultancy for Long-Term Residence Permit Applications in Karşıyaka and İzmir

Why is it advantageous to work with KL Legal Consultancy for long-term residence permit applications?

Applying for a long-term residence permit is a legal process that requires meticulous management. KL Legal Consultancy, operating in İzmir and Karşıyaka, provides comprehensive support to applicants with its experienced “İzmir citizenship lawyer,” “Karşıyaka immigration law attorney,” and expert consultancy team.

The main advantages of working with KL Legal Consultancy are:

Complete, up-to-date, and legally compliant preparation of required documents,
Professional handling of online application and appointment procedures through the e-Residence system,
Early detection and correction of missing or incorrect documents,
Effective monitoring of administrative appeal processes in cases of rejection or cancellation,
Instant evaluation of current legislative changes and timely notification of the client,
Confidential, transparent, and client-focused service approach at every stage.

Foreigners working with KL Legal Consultancy complete their long-term residence permit application not just as a procedure but as the first step towards a legal, secure, and sustainable life in Turkey.