Conditions for Obtaining Turkish Permanent Residency
What is Turkish Kimlik?
Kimlik in Turkish means “identity”. The term “Kimlik” is also used for the Turkish residence permit card. Foreign individuals who apply for residency and life in Turkey, after their documents are approved and accepted, the Directorate General of Migration Management issues them a residence card which is known as Kimlik. This card identifies you as a resident of Turkey and grants you some privileges. However, it is important to note that by receiving this card, you do not become a Turkish citizen and cannot obtain a Turkish passport. Also, this card does not grant you permission to work in Turkey, and if you wish to be employed, you must apply for a work permit as well. Therefore, obtaining a Kimlik provides advantages and facilities, but it should be noted that there are other restrictions and laws that must be followed.
Permanent residency in Turkey is granted to foreign nationals who meet specific conditions stipulated by law. Articles 42-45 of the Law on Foreigners and International Protection in Turkey outline the conditions for Turkish permanent residency. Foreign nationals who have resided in Turkey for eight years without interruption, if they meet the conditions specified by the Directorate General of Migration Management, can apply for a Turkish permanent and long-term residence permit. When calculating this eight-year period, half of the duration of a student residence permit and the entire duration of permits obtained for other reasons are calculated. If the applications are approved by the Ministry, individuals holding a permanent residence permit do not need to renew their residence permit annually or every two years.
Individuals who meet the following conditions cannot apply for Turkish permanent residency:
1. Refugees
2. Holders of humanitarian residence permits
3. Conditional refugees
4. Holders of subsidiary protection status
5. Persons under temporary protection
Is Turkey a Suitable Destination for Migration and Permanent Residency?
There are several important reasons that have made Turkey an attractive option for individuals looking to migrate from Iran:
1. Proximity to Iran: Turkey’s geographical location, proximity to Iran, and direct connections with this country have made it an ideal migration destination for Iranians.
2. Social Freedoms: Turkey is known as a country with high social freedoms, which can be attractive to individuals seeking social freedom.
3. Regions with Pleasant Climate: Turkey enjoys attractive natural landscapes due to its diverse climates, which can improve life quality.
4. Vibrancy and Dynamism: Being in a country with a dynamic culture and active urban life is attractive for individuals looking for new experiences.
5. Proximity of Customs and Traditions: The similarity of Turkish customs and traditions with Iranian culture can provide a positive cultural connection for Iranians.
6. Location on the European Connection Route: Turkey, as a country on the route connecting with Europe, offers many commercial and economic opportunities.
Given these points, many of our compatriots view Turkey as an attractive destination for permanent residency.
Conditions for obtaining a long-term residence permit in Turkey are:
1. Minimum eight years of residency in Turkey: The applicant for a long-term residence permit must have resided in Turkey for at least eight consecutive years. In calculating the duration of residency, half of the duration of a student residence permit is also considered.
2. Having regular income: The applicant must have sufficient income to be able to cover their and their family’s expenses.
3. Not receiving social assistance: The applicant must not have received social assistance from the government in the last three years.
4. No threat to public health, order, and security: The applicant must not have posed any threat to public health, public order, or public security, except for exceptional cases recognized by the Migration Policy Board.
During the review process, specific calculations are performed, and necessary evaluations are conducted to ensure that the applicant meets the required conditions.
Calculation of Stay Duration:
When calculating an individual’s stay duration in Turkey, the individual’s residency is examined in 1-year periods. If they reside in Turkey for 180 days in each 1-year period, that year is approved for calculating the stay duration. All 8 years will be examined in this manner. If the conditions mentioned above are met for all 8 years, this factor is approved by the Directorate General of Migration Management for the applicant. More information: Minimum price for buying a house in Turkey for residency. If the applicant resides in Turkey for less than 180 days during the year, the days of the last 5 years are examined. If the applicant has spent more than 365 days outside of Turkey in a 5-year period or has resided outside the country for more than 6 months, either at once or consecutively, the application will be rejected. Periods spent in Turkey without a residence permit and the days of stay of foreigners who have been deported from this country but have remained in the country are not included in these calculations.
Establishing Sufficient and Regular Income Control:
Another condition for applicants for permanent residency in Turkey is the ability to have suitable and regular income. Based on this, the applicant must have at least an income that is not less than the valid minimum wage in the year of application. If the individual lives with their family, they must prove the ability to cover one-third of the minimum wage for themselves and for their family. Also, the applicant must have valid health insurance in Turkey and must not have benefited from any social assistance in the last 3 years. Official records from credible authorities are used to prove these conditions, and no commitments or statements from third parties are considered.
Rights of Those Who Obtained Permanent Residency:
Individuals who have obtained permanent residency in Turkey have rights similar to Turkish citizens, with the following differences:
1. Right to vote and be elected: These individuals do not have the right to vote or be elected in elections. Therefore, they cannot participate in elections or vote.
2. Public duties: They cannot work in public duties and cannot bring vehicles with exemption.
3. Military duty: Individuals with a permanent residence permit are exempt from military duty and are exempt from mandatory military service.
In other aspects, the laws applicable to Turkish citizens also apply to individuals with a permanent residence permit.
Reasons for Permanent Residency Rejection:
Rejection or refusal to grant Turkish permanent residency to individuals may occur for various reasons, and applicants may face the following grounds:
1. Failure to meet the necessary conditions: At the first stage, the main reason for rejecting the permanent residency application may be the failure to meet the necessary conditions. This requires correcting deficiencies and completing information so that a new application can be considered.
2. Threat to public order and security: If the foreign national seriously threatens public order or public security, the permanent residency of this individual may be canceled.
3. Staying outside of Turkey for more than one year without a legitimate reason: The residence permit of individuals who stay outside of Turkey for more than one year without a legitimate reason may be canceled. Therefore, individuals whose residence permits have been canceled can reapply for a long-term residence permit by completing documents and applying to the governorates or the Directorate General of Migration Management.
In the above cases, correcting deficiencies, proving discrepancies, or providing additional explanations can help individuals in obtaining Turkish permanent residency.
Required documents for Turkish permanent residence permit:
• Completing the Randevu form
• Passport (must be valid for at least 6 months)
• 4 passport-sized photos
• Documents proving income
• Criminal record
• A document stating that no social assistance has been received from the Turkish government in the last 3 years
• Photocopies of previous residence permits (original if available)
• A document showing 8 years of uninterrupted presence in Turkey
• Private health insurance
• Long-term residence permit application form
• Payment receipt
• Providing proof of residence address with the following conditions:
• If you are a tenant, a notarized copy of the house contract
• If you are staying in places like hotels, etc., a document confirming your stay in these places
• If you are staying in a dormitory or similar place, a document with an electronic or physical signature, sealed, stating that you are staying in the dormitory/guesthouse
• If you are staying with acquaintances or relatives, the address and document with the name of your host (with an undertaking)
Frequently asked questions related to residency in Turkey and purchasing property usually refer to various conditions. One common question is: “Can permanent residency be obtained by purchasing property in Turkey?” The answer to this question is as follows:
Individuals who purchase property in Turkey can obtain a temporary residence permit for one year in this country. This temporary residency is renewable, provided that the property belongs to them and the property deed is in the name of the residency applicant. If after one year, the property is still in the name of the residency applicant, it is possible to extend the temporary residency. Also, to obtain permanent residency in Turkey, the individual must have a temporary residence permit for at least 5 to 8 years. During this period, they must comply with conditions including insurance and other necessary requirements. These explanations demonstrate the connection between buying property and the possibility of obtaining residency in Turkey.
In general, to obtain permanent residency in Turkey, the following conditions should be considered:
1. Continuous Presence: To obtain permanent residency, you must have been present in Turkey for at least 180 days per year over the past 8 years.
2. Financial Capability: You must prove your ability to financially support yourself and your family to cover your living expenses and healthcare services.
3. No Criminal Record: You must avoid any criminal record and not engage in illegal or suspicious activities.
4. No National Threat: Your presence in Turkey should not pose a national threat to this country and should not endanger public security.
Compliance with these conditions allows you to apply for and receive permanent residency in Turkey.
