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How to Apply for a Family Residence Permit in Turkey?
Applying for a family residence permit in Turkey allows the foreign spouse or foreign children who meet certain conditions to stay legally in Turkey for the purpose of family unity. The application is initiated through the e-Residence system of the Presidency of Migration Management. In connection with this topic Foreigners Law You can also review the content titled.
In a family residence permit, not only the applicant, but also the spouse or parent called "supporter" must meet the requirements for income, health insurance, address, and criminal record.
What is a Family Residence Permit?
A family residence permit is a type of residence permit issued to foreign family members of certain individuals in Turkey. The family residence permit can be issued for a maximum of three years at a time. Also Legal Remedies for Foreigners Whose Residence Permit Has Been Rejected should be evaluated together with the concrete case.
If the sponsor is a foreigner, the duration of the permit granted cannot exceed the duration of the sponsor's residence or work permit. Work and Residence Permit Processes of Foreigners in Turkey its content explains other legal points related to this stage.
Who Can Get a Family Residence Permit?
Foreign family members of the following people can apply for a family residence permit:
- Turkish citizens,
- Persons covered by the Blue Card,
- Foreigners with a valid residence or work permit in Turkey,
- Refugee or subsidiary protection status holders.
Permission can be issued to the following foreign family members of these persons:
- Foreign spouse,
- Minor foreign child of himself or his spouse,
- Dependent foreign child of himself or his spouse.
In case of marriage with more than one spouse, only one of the spouses can obtain a family residence permit. However, it is possible for children from other spouses to apply if they meet the conditions. About the relevant aspect of the process Guide to Applying for a Residence Permit for Foreigners in Turkey There is detailed information on the page.
Who is a Supporter?
The sponsor is the person who forms the basis for the family residence permit on behalf of the foreign spouse or child. A Turkish citizen spouse, a foreign spouse living legally in Turkey, or a parent with eligible status can be supportive.
| Requirement for the Sponsor | Description |
|---|---|
| Sufficient income | The total income should not be less than the minimum wage and there should be at least one-third of the minimum wage for each member of the family. |
| Health insurance | During the requested leave, there must be valid health insurance covering family members. |
| Suitable accommodation | A verifiable residential address that is appropriate for the family population must be shown. |
| Criminal Record | It must be documented that no conviction of crimes against family order has been held in the last five years. |
| Address registration | The sponsor must be registered in the address registration system. |
| Residence period in Turkey | As a rule, at least one year of legal residence is required for the foreign sponsor. |
There are exceptions to the one-year residence requirement for those who have a residence permit or work permit for scientific research purposes, those covered by the Blue Card, and foreigners married to Turkish citizens.
How to Apply for a Family Residence Permit?
The application process generally consists of the following steps:
- It is entered into the e-Residence system of the Presidency of Migration Management.
- "I am applying for a residence permit for the first time" or the appropriate application type is selected.
- The family residence permit is selected and the applicant and supporting information is filled in.
- The application form is created and the appointment date is taken.
- The necessary documents are prepared and submitted to the relevant Provincial Directorate of Migration Management on the appointment date.
- The fee and residence permit card fee are paid.
Passport, telephone, e-mail, address and health insurance information in the application form must be correct. A foreigner who does not attend the appointment without a valid excuse may be deemed to have never applied.
The application can be pursued through a lawyer or legal representative. However, the administration may require the foreigner and the sponsor to be present in person.
Documents Requested from the Applicant
- Signed residence permit application form,
- Photocopy of passport or passport substitute document,
- Current biometric photo,
- Residence permit fee and card fee receipts,
- Marriage certificate or official record showing family ties,
- Document showing the address to stay in Turkey,
- Depending on the nature of the application, birth, custody or dependency certificates.
For marriage, birth, and custody certificates obtained from abroad, an apostille or consular certification may be required, depending on the country where the document was issued. Notarized Turkish translations of the documents must also be attached to the application file.
Documents Requested from the Sponsor
- If he is a Turkish citizen, his identity card and identity register copy,
- If foreigner, passport and residence or work permit document,
- Documents showing income status,
- Health insurance covering family members,
- Criminal record,
- Residence and address registration document,
- Invoice, lease agreement or title deed document related to the address,
- Current biometric photo.
Income; It can be explained by payroll, pension, rental income, bank records or other documents showing regular earnings. If the administration deems it necessary, it may request additional information and documents.
Family Residence Permit Application for Children
In the application to be made on behalf of the child, a birth certificate, custody decision and, if necessary, the consent of the other parent may be requested. A document showing that the mother or father who has joint custody outside of Turkey allows the application must be submitted.
If one of the parents has died, the death certificate; custody decision if there is divorce; If the other parent is missing, the relevant court or official authority decision should be added to the file.
Children with a family residence permit can study in primary and secondary education institutions until the age of 18 without obtaining a student residence permit.
Does a Family Residence Permit Give the Right to Work?
A family residence permit gives the foreigner the right to live in Turkey, but not the right to work alone. In order for the foreigner to work in Turkey, he must also obtain a work permit or work permit exemption.
How long does it take for the application to be finalized?
Residence permit applications are expected to be finalized within 90 days at the latest from the submission of the necessary information and documents to the competent authority.
If the administration requests missing documents, the documents must be completed within the given period. Incorrect contact information or failure to submit missing documents may result in a negative application.
Why is a Family Residence Permit Rejected?
- The sponsor does not meet the income, insurance or address conditions,
- Failure to prove family ties with valid documents,
- Determining that the spouses do not live together or do not intend to live,
- If it is determined that the marriage was made only for the purpose of obtaining a residence permit,
- Submission of false or misleading documents,
- Use of the permit for purposes other than the purpose for which it was granted,
- There is a valid deportation or entry ban on the applicant to Turkey.
The decision to refuse, cancel or not extend is notified to the foreigner, his legal representative or lawyer. An annulment lawsuit can be filed in the administrative court for unlawful decisions. Since the duration of the lawsuit is calculated according to the date of notification, the notification document should be kept.
What Happens in Case of Divorce or Death of the Sponsor?
A foreigner who is married to a Turkish citizen and stays in Turkey with a family residence permit for at least three years can switch to a short-term residence permit after divorce. If the victimization of domestic violence is proven by a court decision, the three-year period requirement is not required.
In the event of the death of the sponsor, the foreigner who is in Turkey with a family residence permit affiliated to the sponsor can request a short-term residence permit without the requirement of the duration.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many years is a family residence permit issued?
It can be given a maximum of three years at a time. If the sponsor is a foreigner, the duration of the permit cannot exceed the duration of the sponsor's residence permit.
Does a foreigner who marries a Turkish citizen automatically get a residence permit?
Marriage provides the right to apply, but the requirements for income, insurance, address, and genuine family unity must be met.
What is the income requirement for a family residence permit?
The total income of the sponsor should not be less than the minimum wage and there should be an income of at least one-third of the minimum wage for each member of the family.
Is a marriage made abroad valid in Turkey?
A duly issued marriage certificate can be used. Apostille or certification and notarized Turkish translation may be required for the document.
Can I work with a family residence permit?
In order to work, a work permit or work permit exemption must also be obtained.
Can a lawsuit be filed if the family residence permit is rejected?
Yes. An annulment lawsuit can be filed in the competent administrative court against unlawful rejection, annulment or non-extension decisions.
Legal information: This content has been prepared for general information purposes. Required documents; It may vary depending on the sponsor's citizenship, the applicant's position within the family, and the country where the documents are issued. Before applying, the current list of documents and personal legal situation should be examined separately.
