Residence and Work Permits in Turkey: Types & Process

The permit a foreign national needs to stay in Turkey depends on why they’re here. Short-term stays, family reunification, studying, and long years of continuous residence each lead to a different residence permit, with its own conditions and paperwork. A work permit is a separate matter entirely, issued under different rules. We help you work out which one applies to you and manage the process from start to end.

Initial Assessment

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Short-Term Residence A short-term residence permit is issued to foreign nationals who want to stay in Turkey temporarily for a specific reason — owning property, business dealings, tourism, or a non-formal education programme, for instance. Family Residence Permit A family residence permit is granted to the spouse and children of a Turkish citizen or of a foreign national who holds a valid residence or work permit. Student Residence Permit A student residence permit is granted to foreign nationals enrolled in formal education in Turkey and remains valid for the length of the study. Long-Term Residence Permit A long-term residence permit is granted indefinitely to foreign nationals who have lived in Turkey continuously for at least eight years and meet certain conditions. Work Permit A work permit isn’t a type of residence permit — it’s a separate authorisation, based on its own law, that allows a foreign national to work for an employer in Turkey. Residence Permit Rejection and Cancellation Appeal If your residence permit application has been rejected, or a permit you already hold has been cancelled, legal routes are available against that decision.

Who It’s For

Foreign nationals staying in Turkey longer than 90 days or beyond their visa/visa-exemption period

Those married to a Turkish citizen and staying under family reunification

Students enrolled in formal or higher education in Turkey

Those who have lived in Turkey continuously for at least eight years and want to move to long-term status

Process Steps

01

Initial Consultation
Within 1 day

We work out which residence permit type fits your reason for being in Turkey.
02

Document and System Preparation
Depends on appointment date

An appointment is booked through the e-residence system and documents prepared.
03

Application
A few days

The file is submitted to the Provincial Directorate of Migration Management.
04

Result and Card Delivery
Varies by case

The application is decided; the residence card is delivered once approved.

Not sure whether your situation fits this process?

Initial Assessment

Frequently Asked Questions

It depends on your reason for being in Turkey — a short-term reason, family unity, education, or long-term residence; we assess the options together.

No, they’re separate permits; a work permit usually also grants residence rights, but the application process differs.

It can be possible depending on your situation — for example, moving from student to family residence, or to long-term status, is assessed separately.

Objection and legal appeal routes are available against a rejection; we cover this in detail on a separate page.

From the initial assessment to document preparation, application, and following up on the result — we’re with you at every stage.

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.