Foreigners who want to stay in Turkey longer than their visa or visa-free period must obtain a residence permit. Depending on the purpose of stay, the main types are short-term, family, student and long-term residence permits. Foreigners who will work in Turkey also need a work permit, which also serves as a residence permit. Highly qualified foreigners can obtain a Turquoise Card. A deportation decision can be challenged before the administrative court within only seven days of service, and the court's decision is final, so it is essential to act immediately.
Immigration law in Turkey at a glance
The entry, stay, work and exit of foreign nationals in Turkey are governed mainly by the Law on Foreigners and International Protection No. 6458 (often abbreviated as YUKK) and, for work permits, by the International Labour Force Law No. 6735. Residence permits are handled by the Presidency of Migration Management of the Ministry of Interior and the provincial migration management directorates; work permits are issued by the Ministry of Labour and Social Security.
Immigration questions are closely linked to other legal matters foreigners deal with in Turkey, especially buying property, applying for citizenship, setting up a company, and marriage or divorce with a Turkish citizen.
Visas and visa-free stay limits
Foreigners generally enter Turkey with a visa or under a visa exemption. The permitted stay is usually limited to a total of 90 days within any 180-day period, although this varies by nationality. If you wish to stay longer, you must apply for a residence permit before your permitted stay expires.
Overstaying (a visa violation) can result in an administrative fine, deportation and an entry ban. Paying the fine when leaving Turkey may affect whether an entry ban is imposed and for how long.
Types of residence permit
Article 30 of Law No. 6458 provides for six types of residence permit:
| Permit | Who it is for | Law No. 6458 |
|---|---|---|
| Short-term | Foreigners coming for tourism, property ownership, business connections or setting up a business, scientific research, medical treatment, education and similar purposes | Art. 31 |
| Family | Foreign spouses, children and dependent children of Turkish citizens, Blue Card holders and foreigners holding a residence permit | Art. 34 |
| Student | Foreigners enrolled in higher education or other education in Turkey | Art. 38 |
| Long-term | Foreigners who have stayed in Turkey with permits for at least eight years without interruption | Art. 42 |
| Humanitarian | Exceptional cases listed in the law, such as the best interests of a child | Art. 46 |
| Victim of human trafficking | Persons who may be victims of human trafficking | Art. 48 |
Foreigners who buy residential property in Turkey may obtain a short-term residence permit based on property ownership, subject to the conditions in the law and administrative regulations. The type and value of the property are taken into account, and some provinces and neighbourhoods have been closed to new residence registrations of foreigners. Check the current conditions before buying a property with a residence permit in mind.
Applying for and renewing a residence permit
- Where to applyAs a rule, the first application is made to the Turkish consulate in the applicant's country of nationality or legal residence. In the cases listed in the law, it can be made in Turkey to the provincial migration management directorate; applications in Turkey are started online through the e-İkamet system.
- DocumentsPassport, photographs, documents showing the purpose of stay (lease agreement, title deed, school enrolment, marriage certificate), proof of sufficient and regular financial means, and valid health insurance are usually required.
- AppointmentThe documents are submitted to the migration directorate on the appointment date; an address check or on-site inspection may follow.
- DecisionIf the application is approved, the residence permit card is sent to your address. A refusal can be challenged before the administrative court.
- RenewalAn extension must be requested before the permit expires, as a rule within the 60 days before expiry. A timely extension application allows you to stay in Turkey until a decision is made.
A residence permit may be cancelled if it is used for a purpose other than the one for which it was granted, if its conditions cease to exist, or if the holder spends longer than the permitted periods abroad.
Work permits
Foreigners who will work in Turkey, whether as employees or independently, must obtain a work permit (Law No. 6735). The application is generally filed online by the employer with the Ministry of Labour and Social Security. The main types are:
- Fixed-term work permit: Issued for work at a specific employer in a specific profession; up to one year in the first application, with longer periods possible on extension.
- Indefinite work permit: Available to holders of a long-term residence permit or foreigners who have worked legally in Turkey for a long period.
- Independent work permit: For foreigners providing professional services independently who meet the statutory conditions.
A valid work permit, or a work permit exemption, replaces the residence permit. Working without a permit exposes both the foreigner and the employer to administrative fines and may lead to deportation of the foreigner.
Owning or managing a company in Turkey does not by itself give the right to work or reside; company partners and directors who will work in Turkey also need a work permit. Company formation is explained in our commercial law guide.
The Turquoise Card
The Turquoise Card is a work permit for foreigners whose education, professional experience, contribution to science and technology, or investment in Turkey is considered to make a significant contribution to the national economy (Law No. 6735, Art. 11). For Turquoise Card holders:
- The first three years are a transition period; holders who continue to meet the conditions then receive an indefinite card.
- The foreign spouse and dependent children receive a document that serves as a residence permit.
- The holder and family members can apply for Turkish citizenship through the exceptional route.
Deportation decisions and how to challenge them
In the cases listed in Article 54 of Law No. 6458, such as a threat to public order or security, violation of residence permit rules, unauthorised work, visa violations or use of forged documents, the governor's office may issue a deportation decision. The procedure for challenging it is as follows:
- Service of the decisionThe deportation decision, with its reasons, is served on the foreigner, their legal representative or their lawyer. The notification must state the consequences of the decision and the right to appeal.
- Lawsuit within 7 daysThe foreigner, their legal representative or lawyer may apply to the administrative court within seven days of service (Law No. 6458, Art. 53).
- Protection during the caseUnless the foreigner consents, they are not deported during the seven-day period or, if a lawsuit is filed, until the case is decided. There are exceptions for certain persons considered a threat to public order or security.
- DecisionThe court decides within a short time, and its decision is final.
The time limit for challenging a deportation decision is only seven days, and the administrative court's decision cannot be appealed. There is no second chance. Seek legal advice as soon as the decision is served, bringing all related documents. Depending on the case, additional remedies such as an individual application to the Constitutional Court may also be considered.
Administrative detention
Foreigners subject to a deportation decision who are at risk of absconding, who pose a threat to public order or security, or who fall within other cases listed in the law may be placed under administrative detention by the governor's office and held at removal centres (Law No. 6458, Art. 57). The foreigner, their legal representative or lawyer can challenge the detention before the criminal judgeship of peace. Detention cannot exceed the maximum period set by law, and the need for continued detention is reviewed monthly by the governor's office.
Entry bans and restriction codes
An entry ban may be imposed on foreigners who have been deported or who have violated visa or residence rules (Law No. 6458, Art. 9). In practice, entry bans are recorded in the foreigner's file as restriction codes (tahdit kodları). For deported foreigners, the entry ban period generally cannot exceed five years, although it can be extended where there is a serious threat to public order or security. The available remedies are:
- Application for removal or reduction: An application can be made to the Presidency of Migration Management to lift the ban or shorten its duration.
- Administrative court: An annulment action can be filed against the entry ban decision, or against the refusal to lift it, within the time limit for administrative lawsuits.
- Temporary entry permission: In the cases provided for by law, a foreigner subject to an entry ban may be allowed to enter Turkey for a limited period.
Which code appears in your record, and the reason behind it, determines the right course of action. The first step is usually to find out exactly which restriction has been entered.
International protection
Foreigners who have a well-founded fear of persecution in their country, or who face a risk of serious harm, may apply for international protection. Law No. 6458 provides for three statuses: refugee (Art. 61), conditional refugee (Art. 62) and subsidiary protection (Art. 63). A separate temporary protection regime applies in cases of mass influx. Applications are made to the provincial migration directorates, and negative decisions can be challenged in court within short statutory time limits. No one may be returned to a place where they would be subjected to torture or inhuman treatment (the principle of non-refoulement, Art. 4).
Competent authorities and courts
| Decision | Where to challenge it | Time limit |
|---|---|---|
| Deportation decision | Administrative court | 7 days from service |
| Administrative detention | Criminal judgeship of peace | During detention |
| Refusal or cancellation of a residence permit | Administrative court | Time limit for administrative lawsuits (generally 60 days) |
| Refusal of a work permit | Objection to the Ministry, then administrative court | Statutory time limits |
| Entry ban | Application to the Presidency of Migration Management; administrative court | Time limit for administrative lawsuits |
| International protection decisions | Administrative court | Short statutory time limits |
The general rules for lawsuits against public authorities are explained in our administrative law guide.
Conditions for residence and work permits, neighbourhoods closed to residence registration, fees and application procedures change frequently. Check the current announcements of the Presidency of Migration Management and the Ministry of Labour and Social Security before applying.
Documents usually required
- Valid passport and entry-exit records
- Current and previous residence permit cards and e-İkamet application records
- Documents showing the purpose of stay: lease agreement, title deed, marriage certificate, student certificate, employment contract
- Health insurance policy and proof of financial means
- Any deportation, detention or entry ban decision, together with the notification document
- Documents from abroad with an apostille and sworn Turkish translation
Relevant legislation
Turkish legislation is published (in Turkish) at mevzuat.gov.tr:
- Law on Foreigners and International Protection No. 6458 — Art. 4, 9, 30–48, 53–54, 57, 61–63
- Regulation on the Implementation of Law No. 6458
- International Labour Force Law No. 6735 — Art. 11 (Turquoise Card)
- Temporary Protection Regulation
- Administrative Procedure Law No. 2577
Immigration Law: topics
The main topics within Turkish immigration law are listed below. Detailed guides for each are in preparation.
- Types of residence permit
- Work permits
- Turquoise Card
- Appeals against deportation decisions
- Entry ban codes and their removal
- International protection
Frequently asked questions about residence and work permits in Turkey
How long can I stay in Turkey without a residence permit?
With a visa or visa exemption, the permitted stay is generally a total of 90 days within any 180-day period, although this varies by nationality. To stay longer, you must apply for a residence permit before your permitted stay ends. Overstaying can lead to a fine, deportation and an entry ban.
Does buying property give me a residence permit?
Property ownership can be the basis of a short-term residence permit application, but the permit is not automatic. The type and value of the property are considered, and some neighbourhoods are closed to new residence registrations of foreigners. Check the current rules before buying.
When should I apply to renew my residence permit?
As a rule, within the 60 days before your current permit expires, and in any case before it expires. A timely renewal application allows you to remain in Turkey lawfully until a decision is made.
Do I need a separate residence permit if I have a work permit?
No. A valid work permit, or a work permit exemption, also serves as a residence permit. However, it is tied to the conditions under which it was issued, such as the specific employer for a fixed-term permit.
Can I work in my own company in Turkey without a work permit?
No. Being a shareholder or director of a company does not by itself give the right to work in Turkey. Foreign partners and directors who actively work in the company need a work permit, unless an exemption applies.
What should I do if I receive a deportation decision?
Act immediately. You have only seven days from service to file a lawsuit before the administrative court, and the court's decision is final. While the time limit is running, and if you file a lawsuit until it is decided, you will not be deported without your consent, except in certain public order or security cases.
How can I find out whether I have an entry ban?
Entry bans are recorded as restriction codes in the migration authorities' system. You or your lawyer can request information from the Presidency of Migration Management or a provincial migration directorate. Knowing the exact code and its reason is the first step towards lifting it.
Can an entry ban be lifted?
Yes, in some cases. You can apply to the Presidency of Migration Management to lift or shorten the ban, and challenge the ban or a refusal to lift it before the administrative court. In certain cases, temporary entry permission may be granted. The chances depend on the reason for the ban.
This article is for general information only and does not constitute legal advice. Please consult a lawyer about your specific situation. Legislation and court practice change over time, so check the current legislation before taking any step. Last updated: 7 October 2026