Immigration Law in Turkey
Frequently Asked Questions About Foreigners Law in Turkey
- What topics does foreigners law cover in Turkey?
- What rights do foreigners have in Turkey?
- What documents are required to obtain a residence permit in Turkey?
- How to obtain a short-term residence permit in Turkey?
- What must the employer do to obtain a work permit in Turkey?
- Can foreigners apply for citizenship in Turkey?
- How is citizenship acquired through marriage in Turkey?
- Do foreigners have the right to purchase real estate in Turkey?
- What can a foreigner who is deported in Turkey do?
- How to apply for international protection in Turkey?
- Who is granted temporary protection status in Turkey?
- What are the conditions for long-term residence permits for foreigners in Turkey?
- Can a work permit application be appealed if rejected in Turkey?
- How is access to health services for foreigners in Turkey?
- Do foreigners have the right to establish a company in Turkey?
- How long does the citizenship application take in Turkey?
- How to appeal a residence permit rejection in Turkey?
- Which foreigners can acquire citizenship by exceptional means in Turkey?
- Is lawyer support mandatory for foreigners in notary procedures in Turkey?
- How does KL Legal Consultancy assist with foreigners law in Turkey?
What is Foreigners Law in Turkey?
Which areas does foreigners law cover in Turkey?
Foreigners law is a branch of law that covers the rights, obligations, and specific legal regulations applicable to foreign nationals located within a state's territory. In Turkey, foreigners law is primarily based on fundamental legislation such as the Law No. 6458 on Foreigners and International Protection, Law No. 6735 on International Labor Force, and Law No. 5901 on Turkish Citizenship.
Foreigners law in Turkey directly affects many areas including residence (permits), work permits, citizenship applications, deportation procedures, visa regimes, refugee rights, international protection status, acquisition of property, and inheritance rights of foreigners. At the same time, this branch of law is strictly bound to international agreements and conventions to which Turkey is a party.
Rules apply broadly to foreigners duration of stay in Turkey, legal statuses, permissible activities, entry and exit from the country, investment activities, and even personal rights such as marriage and divorce. For example, the legal obligations and rights of a person arriving with a tourist visa differ completely from those of a foreigner holding a work permit.
Therefore, foreigners law requires professional support both at individual and institutional levels. Specialized lawyers such as a "Turkey immigration lawyer" or "Izmir immigration lawyer" are indispensable for ensuring correct application filings, preventing loss of rights, and effectively utilizing administrative objection channels.
What Are the Rights and Obligations of Foreigners in Turkey?
What are the legal rights and obligations of foreigners living in Turkey?
Foreigners residing in Turkey have various rights and obligations depending on their status and duration of stay. These rights are shaped in accordance with the Constitution, Law No. 6458 on Foreigners and International Protection, Law No. 6735 on International Labor Force, and other relevant legislation. Turkey, as a state governed by the rule of law that respects human rights, guarantees the fundamental rights of foreigners.
Rights:
Foreigners in Turkey can benefit from certain fundamental rights while residing in the country. These include the right to life, personal security, access to health services, the right to education, the right to a fair trial, and respect for private life. Foreigners holding residence permits may also have the right to work. Furthermore, foreigners can purchase real estate, establish companies, and conduct commercial activities in Turkey unless legally prohibited.
Investors, persons possessing international labor qualifications, or foreigners covered by certain agreements may enjoy additional rights. Applications in this scope are assessed more flexibly and some procedures may be expedited.
Obligations:
Foreigners are obliged to comply with public order, general morality, and laws during their stay in Turkey. Proper declaration of residence address, obtaining visa or residence permits within deadlines, and fulfilling tax obligations are highly important from an administrative supervision perspective.
Additionally, foreigners must obtain a work permit before starting to work. Otherwise, both the foreigner and the employer may face substantial fines. Similarly, persons staying in Turkey for a long time without a residence permit are subject to deportation procedures.
Therefore, foreigners must correctly understand their legal obligations in Turkey and not neglect these processes. Legal support from a "Turkey immigration lawyer" or "Izmir immigration lawyer" is critical to prevent possible loss of rights and administrative sanctions.
Types of Residence Permits and Application Procedures for Foreigners in Turkey
What types of residence permits exist for foreigners in Turkey and how are applications made?
Foreigners who wish to stay in Turkey for more than 90 days must obtain a residence permit. According to Law No. 6458 on Foreigners and International Protection, there are various residence permit types regulated according to different needs. Each of these permits requires separate conditions and documents and should be determined according to the applicant's purpose of stay in Turkey.
Types of Residence Permits in Turkey
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Short-Term Residence Permit:
Granted for various reasons such as tourism, business meetings, real estate acquisition, medical treatment, or learning Turkish. Issued for a maximum duration of 1 year. -
Family Residence Permit:
Given to family members of a foreigner married to a Turkish citizen or residing in Turkey. Valid up to 2 years and can be extended. -
Student Residence Permit:
Issued to foreigners receiving university or school education in Turkey. Limited to the duration of education. -
Long-Term Residence Permit:
Granted to foreigners who have legally and uninterruptedly resided in Turkey for at least 8 years, have not received social assistance, and have a regular income. It is indefinite. -
Humanitarian Residence Permit and Victim of Human Trafficking Permit:
Exceptional residence permits granted in compulsory and special cases.
Application Process
Applications start with an online appointment through the Directorate General of Migration Management’s system at e-ikamet.goc.gov.tr. Subsequently, the foreigner applies in person to the Provincial Directorate of Migration Management with the required documents on the designated date.
However, minor mistakes during the application process — such as the rental contract not being notarized, incomplete document submission, or insufficient health insurance — may lead to rejection of the application. Technical issues like incorrect form filling or late arrival to the appointment are also quite common.
Therefore, conducting the residence permit application process with an expert "Turkey residence permit lawyer" or "Izmir residence permit lawyer" prevents time loss and ensures the application is completed fully and lawfully. Professional legal support minimizes the risk of rejection and guarantees a safer progression of the process.
Work Rights and Permit Procedures for Foreigners in Turkey
What are the conditions for foreigners to obtain work permits in Turkey?
Foreigners must obtain permission from the Ministry of Labor and Social Security to work legally in Turkey. The Law No. 6735 on International Labor Force and its implementing regulations regulate foreigners work in Turkey in detail. Working without permission causes serious administrative fines for both foreigners and employers and may result in deportation.
Who Must Obtain a Work Permit?
Every foreigner who wants to work in the private sector, public institutions, or independently in Turkey must obtain a work permit. This permit is evaluated based on the employer's application and the foreigner's professional qualifications. Persons in Turkey with student residence permits can work under limited conditions.
Types of Work Permits
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Temporary Work Permit:
Issued for a specific employer and workplace. Valid up to 1 year on first application. -
Permanent Work Permit:
Granted to foreigners who have legally worked in Turkey continuously for a long time. -
Independent Work Permit:
Applicable for self-employed persons but granted very restrictively. -
Turquoise Card:
A privileged permit type for foreigners with qualified labor force. Includes temporary and permanent phases.
Application Process
Applications are made by the employer via the International Labor Force System (UDGS) on the e-Government platform. After application, documents must be completed within 10 business days. If the foreigner applies from abroad, they must submit documents after entering Turkey and complete the process.
Applications are frequently rejected due to faulty or incomplete documents, availability of the position in the Turkish labor market, employer’s financial and legal inadequacies, among other reasons. This not only prolongs the process but may cause the foreigner to lose the right to stay legally.
Therefore, working with a "Turkey work permit lawyer" ensures not only the preparation of the application but also legal backing of the application rationale. For companies operating in and around Izmir, support from an "Izmir work permit lawyer" or "Karşıyaka work permit lawyer" offers professional solutions that accelerate and secure the process.
Citizenship Application Process for Foreigners in Turkey
How can foreigners apply for citizenship in Turkey?
Foreigners can acquire Turkish citizenship by fulfilling the conditions stated in Law No. 5901 on Turkish Citizenship and completing the administrative process correctly. Citizenship is a very important legal status change for foreigners planning to live permanently in Turkey and requires a serious administrative evaluation process. Therefore, applications must be prepared and followed up professionally.
Ways to Apply for Turkish Citizenship
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General Application:
Foreigners who have resided in Turkey uninterruptedly for at least 5 years, have regular income, have no public order issues, and know Turkish can apply through this way. -
Citizenship Through Marriage:
Persons married to a Turkish citizen for at least 3 years can apply by proving the authenticity of the marriage. -
Exceptional Citizenship:
Granted by the decision of the President due to investment, scientific or sporting achievements, national interests, etc. -
Acquisition of Citizenship by Birth:
Children born in Turkey who are not citizens of any state can acquire citizenship this way. -
Reacquisition of Citizenship:
The route for persons who previously lost or were deprived of Turkish citizenship.
Application Process
Applications for persons residing in Turkey are made to Provincial Directorate of Population and Citizenship; for those living abroad, to diplomatic missions. Required documents vary by type but generally include passport, residence permit, income declaration, criminal record, health report, and documents showing Turkish language proficiency.
The application is evaluated by the Ministry of Interior after conducting security investigations and archival research. The process may take from 6 to 24 months and each application is subject to the discretion of the administration.
This discretion plays a decisive role in whether the application results positively or negatively. Therefore, strategically planning, justifying, and legally grounding the application is vital. Applications made with guidance from a "Turkey citizenship lawyer" or "Izmir citizenship lawyer" provide professional assurance in this respect. Especially in files regarding investment, marriage, or long-term residence, complete document submission and strong legal argument directly affect success.
Deportation Decisions and Appeal Procedures in Turkey
How to appeal deportation decisions made against foreigners in Turkey?
Foreigners who lose their legal status or are deemed to pose a threat to public order during residence, work, or citizenship procedures in Turkey may be subject to deportation decisions by the Directorate General of Migration Management. Articles 54 and 55 of Law No. 6458 on Foreigners and International Protection regulate the reasons and exceptions for deportation. However, these decisions are not final and can be appealed legally.
In Which Situations is a Deportation Decision Given?
- When the residence permit duration expires and legal stay period is exceeded,
- When entry to Turkey is made illegally,
- When a threat to public order or national security arises,
- When residence or work permits are obtained with false documents,
- When unauthorized work is detected,
- When a crime is committed or a judicial investigation is initiated.
Appeal Process and Legal Remedies
An annulment lawsuit must be filed at the administrative court in the province where the foreigner resides within 7 days from the notification of the deportation decision. When filed together with a request for stay of execution, the foreigner can remain in Turkey without being deported while the case is pending.
However, if this period is missed or the petition is not properly prepared, the person may be deported. This leads to irreversible consequences.
Since deportation decisions can be implemented rapidly, it is vital to contact a "Turkey deportation lawyer" or "Izmir deportation lawyer" immediately in such cases. The lawyer not only files the lawsuit but also makes urgent applications to prevent deportation and builds the necessary legal defense.
Additionally, although deportation decisions are issued for some foreigners, placement in removal centers may occur. In such cases, individual applications and appeals through legal counsel can ensure release.
International Protection and Temporary Protection Processes for Foreigners in Turkey
How to apply for international and temporary protection in Turkey?
Due to its geographical location on migration routes, Turkey hosts many foreigners fleeing war, persecution, or human rights violations in their countries. There are two main protection statuses in Turkey: International protection and temporary protection.
International Protection Status
According to Law No. 6458 on Foreigners and International Protection, three types of international protection status are defined:
- Refugee: Persons coming from non-European countries who face risk of persecution due to race, religion, political opinion, etc.
- Conditional Refugee: Persons from outside Europe who are allowed to stay in Turkey until resettlement to a third country.
- Subsidiary Protection: Persons who do not meet the refugee definition but would face serious harm if returned to their country.
Applications for international protection are made in person to the provincial migration directorate. Identity information, reasons for asylum, and supporting documents are submitted. The applicant is given an "International Protection Applicant Identity Document" and may legally stay in Turkey with this document.
Temporary Protection Status
Implemented especially after the mass migration wave from Syria, this system was introduced to meet the need for collective protection. Temporary protection applications are evaluated by the Directorate General of Migration Management. Applicants receive temporary protection identity and are directed to live in designated provinces.
Persons under temporary protection status have access to basic health services, education, shelter, and limited work rights. However, they cannot move to another city without permission and must report address changes.
These applications are complex and sensitive. A minor misstatement may cause loss of status. Therefore, legal support must be obtained in international or temporary protection requests. A "Turkey immigration lawyer" can effectively defend the rights of foreigners both in application and appeal processes.
Foreigners Rights to Real Estate Purchase and Restrictions in Turkey
How can foreigners purchase real estate in Turkey and what are the limitations?
Foreign natural persons can purchase immovable property in Turkey within certain conditions and restrictions. This right is regulated under Article 35 of the Land Registry Law No. 2644. However, in practice, property acquisition by foreigners requires meticulous legal and bureaucratic procedures.
Who Can Purchase Real Estate in Turkey?
Following the removal of the reciprocity principle by Turkey, citizens of most countries can acquire real estate in Turkey. However, this right is not legally recognized for citizens of some countries (e.g., Syria). Moreover, foreigners are prohibited from acquiring property in some military zones and security-sensitive areas.
Real Estate Purchase Conditions
- Total acquisition limit: A foreign natural person can purchase up to 30 hectares of immovable property throughout Turkey.
- Military prohibited zones: Acquisition in military zones and special security areas is strictly prohibited.
- Purpose limitation: The acquired property must be used for the declared purpose within 2 years; otherwise, ownership rights may be lost.
Foreigners may buy residential, land, workplace properties; however, agricultural lands and transactions related to limited real rights require specific approvals.
Application and Title Deed Process
The purchase transaction is conducted by applying to the General Directorate of Land Registry and Cadastre. The foreign buyer must submit identity documents, tax number, title deed information, and valuation report of the property. Sworn translator and notary approval may be required during the process.
Foreigners seeking Turkish citizenship through real estate investment must purchase property worth at least USD 400,000 and have a notation on the title deed stating that the property will not be sold for 3 years.
In this process, proceeding under the guidance of a "Turkey citizenship lawyer" or "Izmir immigration lawyer" is important both for legal compliance and for preventing possible future cancellations. Additionally, the cleanliness of title deed records, mortgage status, and legal obstacles must be professionally investigated.
Importance of Lawyer Support in Legal Procedures of Foreigners in Turkey
Why is it important for foreigners to work with a lawyer in their legal procedures in Turkey?
Every legal procedure foreigners undertake in Turkey—whether citizenship application, residence or work permit, or real estate acquisition—involves a serious administrative, technical, and legal process. These procedures are not merely document submissions but require accurate knowledge of legislation, deadline monitoring, discretion over administrative decisions, and preventive legal strategies against possible rejection.
Legal procedures for foreigners in Turkey frequently change and their implementation can vary between cities. Therefore, working with an experienced and competent "Turkey immigration lawyer" who has up-to-date information not only facilitates the application process but also foresees risks and prevents loss of rights.
Main Advantages Provided by Lawyer Support:
- Complete and lawful preparation of documents,
- Correct and fast use of online systems,
- Timely and effective appeals against rejected applications,
- Immediate intervention in urgent cases such as removal orders,
- Strategic guidance in special application types such as investment, citizenship, or work.
In cities with a dense foreign population like Izmir and Istanbul, working with local experts such as "Izmir citizenship lawyer," "Izmir residence permit lawyer," or "Karşıyaka immigration lawyer" is important to bridge language and procedural differences.
As KL Legal Consultancy, we provide professional, reliable, and personalized legal consultancy services throughout the process for foreigners wishing to carry out legal procedures in Turkey. Our expert lawyer team is always by your side to protect your rights and properly manage your administrative applications.