Information Page on Residence and Work Permits for Foreigners in Turkey

What is a Residence Permit for Foreigners?

The Residence Permit, a document required for foreigners living in Turkey to reside legally, legalizes the length of stay of foreigners coming to the country for various purposes. These purposes may include work, study, investment, tourism, family reunification and health.

A Residence Permit is a document that foreigners must obtain by applying to the General Directorate of Migration Management of the Ministry of Interior. The application process includes various stages such as the identification information of foreigners, passport, determination of the place of residence and submission of documents appropriate for the purpose. On average, it can take 1-2 months to receive the result of the application.

Foreigners can apply for a Residence Permit through the official website of the Directorate General of Migration Management or seek assistance from private companies that provide Residence Permit Consultancy Services. In this way, the application process can be completed more easily and quickly.

What is the E Residence System?

The system used for Residence Permit applications of foreigners in Turkey was digitized with the e-residence system introduced in 2015. This system enables foreigners to apply for Residence Permit online, submit documents digitally during the application process and track the results of the application online.

The e-residency system helps foreigners to complete their Residence Permit applications more easily and quickly by speeding up the application process. Foreigners save time and costs by digitally submitting documents in the application process. They can also track their application results online and better manage the preparation and delivery process of their Residence Permit cards.

The e-residency system also digitizes the Residence Permit cards of foreigners. Foreigners can view their Residence Permit cards online, update their information and re-request them in case of loss.

The e-residence system provides many conveniences for foreigners in the Residence Permit application process. However, the necessary documents still need to be provided during the application process. Foreigners who wish to apply for a Residence Permit can apply through the official website of the Directorate General of Migration Management. During the application process, the required documents must be completed and the relevant fees must be paid.

In conclusion, the e-residency system in Turkey has provided many conveniences for foreigners in the Residence Permit application process. This system allows foreigners to submit their applications online, submit documents digitally and track the results of their applications online. The e-residency system also digitizes the Residence Permit cards of foreigners, making them easier to manage.

Where and How to Apply for a Residence Permit?

To apply for a Residence Permit, you must first enter the e-residency system on the official website of the General Directorate of Migration Management. Prepare the necessary documents to apply and make an appointment. Once you have made an appointment, you can prepare your documents and apply to the Directorate General of Migration Management on the appointed date and time. On average, the result of the application is announced within 1-2 months.

The documents required for the Residence Permit application include the following:

1. Passport: A passport valid for at least 60 days.
2. Application Form: The application form you can obtain online or from the Directorate General of Migration Management.
3. Photograph: A photograph taken within the last 6 months with a white background.
4. Residence Address: Determination of the place of residence and notification of the address.
5. Purposeful Documentation: The documents required to obtain a residence permit may vary depending on the purpose of the foreigner. For example, an employment contract for employment purposes, an admission certificate for study purposes or a hotel reservation for tourism purposes.
6. Health Insurance: Foreigners in Turkey must have health insurance valid in Turkey in order to obtain a residence permit.

Foreigners are required to submit the above-mentioned documents in full when applying for a Residence Permit. In addition, the relevant fees must be paid during the application process.

Foreigners who want to apply for a Residence Permit can complete their applications by following the steps on the official website of the Directorate General of Migration Management or by getting help from private companies that provide Residence Permit Consultancy Services.

Other Information on Residence Permit:

• In order to make an initial or transitional application, the application must be made through the e-Residency system and applied to the relevant Provincial Directorate of Migration Management with the required documents.
• The residence permit extension application must be submitted 60 days before or before the expiration of the permit.
• Foreigners holding a work permit may stay in Turkey without a residence permit for the duration of the work permit.
• Foreigners must have health insurance covering the desired period of residence. Bilateral social security agreements, SSI documents, general health insurance or private health insurance can be one of them.
• The address where you will stay must be declared accurately and completely, and the relevant authorities must be notified when the address information changes.
• After obtaining the Residence Permit Application Document approved by the Directorate and the fee receipt, it is possible to leave the country provided that you enter within 15 days. If staying abroad for more than 15 days, visa provisions apply.
• Residence permit applications are finalized within 90 days at the latest. The 90-day period starts from the date on which the information and documents are fully submitted to the competent authority.

What is a Work Permit for Foreigners?

Foreigners living in Turkey must obtain a Work Permit when they want to work legally. A work permit is an official document that gives foreign nationals the right to work and reside in Turkey.

A work permit can be obtained through applications made in Turkey or abroad. Employers of foreigners in Turkey can obtain work permits by applying to the Turkish Employment Agency (İŞKUR) through online platforms. In the work permit application of foreigners, it is important that the documents are complete and correct.

Work permits can be issued in different types. Temporary work permits may be granted for up to one year, provided that the permit holder works in a specific workplace or in workplaces in the same line of business. An indefinite work permit is valid for foreigners with a long-term residence permit or a legal work permit for at least eight years. An independent work permit is granted to foreigners who are members of professional professions, provided that special conditions are met.

The Turquoise Card is issued to foreigners who will invest or provide employment in Turkey. The Turquoise Card is issued for a transitional period of the first three years and the Ministry may request information and documents during the transitional period. The Turquoise Card, which is not canceled within the transition period, is issued indefinitely upon the application of the foreigner.

There are also work permit regulations for foreigners under international protection and foreigners under temporary protection. Documents requested during the application process include documents such as employment contract, passport, diploma or graduation certificate, trade registry gazette.

Foreigners living in Turkey who obtain work permits and work legally increase participation in the labor market and contribute to economic development. Therefore, it is important for foreigners applying for a work permit to prepare their documents completely and correctly.

Work Permit Application Process for Foreigners

Foreigners living in Turkey must follow the procedures set by the Ministry of Labor and Social Security when they want to apply for a work permit. Work permit applications can be made from Turkey or abroad.

For domestic applications, employers can apply through the Ministry of Labor and Social Security’s https ://www.turkiye.gov.tr/ address or the e-government system. In order to apply, the foreigner must have a valid residence permit. The duration of the residence permit must be at least 6 months. It is of great importance that the required documents are completed completely and correctly during the application.

For foreign applications, foreigners can apply for work permits and work visas to the relevant foreign representative offices of the Republic of Turkey. In this process, the specified conditions and necessary documents must be completed completely and correctly.

Factors such as the foreigner’s professional experience, education level, activities and investments in Turkey are taken into consideration when reviewing work permit applications. Applications are finalized by the ministry within 30 days at the latest.

If the applications are approved, the foreigner is granted a work permit for a certain period of time. The duration of the work permit is not less than one year and does not exceed the duration of the employment or service contract. Foreigners with a long-term residence permit or a legal work permit for at least eight years can apply for an indefinite work permit.

The Ministry of Labor and Social Security conducts the work permit application process for foreigners and finalizes the applications by conducting the necessary checks. Foreigners should carefully examine the conditions set by the ministry before applying for a work permit and complete the necessary documents in full.

Important Information for Foreign Nationals

There are some important information that foreigners should pay attention to while living and working in Turkey. This information is as follows:

• If you have any questions or problems, you can get help by calling the YİMER Alo 157 line established by the Ministry of Labor and Social Security.
• You can get help from the relevant Alo 170 line for the problems you are experiencing in your working life.
• It is important that you carry your identification documents (passport, residence permit, temporary protection identity card, work permit card, etc.) with you at all times.
• You are required to report information on your income, movable and immovable property, current information on your employment status and changes in address, identity and marital status to the relevant institutions within 30 days.
• Provincial Directorates of Migration Management do not charge a fee for any transaction or procedure.
• It is important that you avoid sharing your personal information with third parties. Apply individually or through your legal representative.
• Avoid sharing your personal information with brokers.
• Take care to submit the information and documents requested by public institutions on time.

Conclusion and Evaluation

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