Following our recent webinar on Mobility and Immigration in Türkiye, our experts Hatice Ahmetağaoğlu and Levent Demircioğlu received a range of insightful questions from attendees eager to learn more. While we covered many topics during the live session, there wasn’t time to address every question in detail. We’ve since gathered and answered all of them below.
If an expatriate leaves Türkiye while their family stays for schooling, do the family members need residence permits, or can they remain as tourists?
If the family plans to stay in Türkiye for more than 90 days within a 180-day period, they must obtain a residence permit. Tourist status (visa or visa exemption) is only valid for short stays. For longer stays, especially for children attending school, student residence permit is required.
Can a foreign national apply for citizenship after living in Türkiye for five years with a work permit?
Foreigners who have legally resided in Türkiye for five consecutive years with a valid work permit may apply for Turkish citizenship under Article 11 of Law No. 5901. Key conditions include:
- No more than 360 days spent outside Türkiye during the five year period.
- Proof of integration (e.g., speaking basic Turkish, having income, no criminal record).
- Demonstrated intent to settle in Türkiye (e.g., owning property, having a job). The application process can take 2 to 2.5 years, including interviews and background checks with final approval at the authorities’ discretion.
Can applicants travel abroad while their residence permit application is being processed?
It is not recommended to leave Türkiye before your residence permit application is finalized. If you leave during the evaluation period, your application may be rejected, especially if you’re not present for your appointment or if authorities find you were not in Türkiye during the process.
However, in some cases, you may request an exit paper from the Migration Office that allows you to leave Türkiye for up to 15 days and return legally.
Could you please explain the appeal process if an application is rejected?
If your residence permit application is rejected:
- You have 30 days to file an administrative appeal with the Provincial Directorate of Migration Management.
- If the administrative appeal fails, you can file a judicial appeal within 60 days at the Administrative Court.
- During the appeal process, you may stay in Türkiye unless a deportation order is issued.
A well-prepared appeal should include:
- A formal petition in Turkish.
- Supporting documents addressing the rejection reasons.
- Legal representation is highly recommended for better outcomes.
How are existing work and residence permits handled after becoming a citizen?
Once you obtain Turkish citizenship:
- Your residence permit and work permit become invalid.
- You must apply for a Turkish ID card and passport at the Directorate of Population and Citizenship Affairs.
- Your employer must update your status with SGK (Social Security Institution) to reflect your new citizenship.
- You no longer need a work permit to work in Türkiye, but you must ensure all employment and tax records are updated accordingly
How have immigration application volumes in Türkiye changed in recent years, and what factors are driving this trend?
In recent years, the volume of immigration applications has experienced a modest decline. A key factor contributing to this trend is the shift among companies toward hiring locally rather than sourcing talent internationally. Since local hires do not require immigration processing, this naturally leads to a reduction in application numbers. Additionally, the majority of individuals relocating fall within the 20 to 34 age range. These young professionals typically move independently, without accompanying family members, which results in fewer family-based immigration applications being submitted. These patterns reflect broader changes in corporate hiring strategies and individual migration behaviour.
Looking Ahead: Navigating Mobility in Türkiye with Confidence
Türkiye continues to be an exciting destination for global talent, but navigating its immigration landscape can be complex. Understanding residence permits, citizenship routes, and compliance rules helps ensure a smooth journey for both employees and employers.
