Foreign nationals who are in Turkey for tourism and whose visa or visa exemption period has expired can continue their stay in the country by obtaining a Tourist Residence Permit. If you’re looking to extend your stay beyond your visa duration, this permit provides a legal solution. In this comprehensive guide, brought to you by Turkey in Detail, we will walk you through the entire process of applying for a Tourist Residence Permit, the conditions required, common reasons for rejection, and more.
What is a Tourist Residence Permit?
A Tourist Residence Permit is designed for foreign nationals who wish to stay in Turkey for tourism purposes beyond the allowed visa period. As one of the short-term residence permits, it allows visitors to enjoy extended stays while exploring Turkey. This permit is regulated under Article 31 of the Law on Foreigners and International Protection.
By obtaining a Tourist Residence Permit, foreign nationals can stay in Turkey for a specific period, often exceeding 90 days, even if they had initially entered with a visa exemption. The permit allows tourists to continue their travel plans without worrying about overstaying their visa.
How to Obtain a Tourist Residence Permit?
The process of obtaining a Tourist Residence Permit begins with an online application. After submitting the required documents to the Directorate General of Migration Management, an interview will be scheduled at the Immigration Office. This interview is a critical step, where authorities will assess whether the applicant’s purpose aligns with tourism, and whether the submitted documents meet the required standards.
It is crucial to apply with the support of an expert legal advisor to ensure all procedures are followed correctly. Turkey in Detail offers professional assistance throughout this process to ensure a smooth and successful application.
What Are the Conditions for Obtaining a Tourist Residence Permit?
As a short-term residence permit, the Tourist Residence Permit has specific conditions for approval. These conditions typically align with the general criteria for short-term residence permits and include the following:
- Submitting the necessary documents for the application
- Not being banned from entering Turkey due to legal reasons
- Providing a criminal record certificate if required by the authorities of your country of citizenship
- Proof of address where you will reside in Turkey
Additionally, applicants will need to provide details of their travel plans during their stay in Turkey. It is essential to submit all the necessary documentation to avoid delays or rejections.
Required Documents for the Tourist Residence Permit Application
To apply for a Tourist Residence Permit, you will need to submit several essential documents. Incomplete or incorrect submissions can delay or negatively impact your application. To ensure the best chance of success, we recommend applying with the assistance of a lawyer who specializes in immigration law.
The primary documents required include:
- Residence permit application form
- Photocopy of your passport or passport replacement document
- Biometric photo
- Proof of sufficient financial means for the duration of your stay
- Valid health insurance covering your stay in Turkey (with the original signed and stamped policy)
- Document showing your registration in the address registration system (if applicable)
- Proof of accommodation in Turkey
Depending on the specifics of your application, additional documents may be requested by the authorities.
How Long Does It Take to Obtain a Tourist Residence Permit?
While the timeline for processing a Tourist Residence Permit can vary based on the workload of the relevant authorities and other factors, the application is generally processed within 1 month. According to the law, the authority must provide a decision within 90 days of the application submission.
During the application period, you may leave Turkey for a period not exceeding 15 days. This flexibility ensures that you can travel without affecting the outcome of your permit application.
Rejection of a Tourist Residence Permit Application
An application for a Tourist Residence Permit can be rejected if the applicant does not meet the necessary conditions or submits incomplete documents. The common reasons for rejection include:
- The applicant is subject to a deportation or entry ban order
- The application is made after the expiration of the visa
- The applicant is diagnosed with an infectious disease that threatens public health
- The applicant does not meet one or more of the requirements for a Tourist Residence Permit
If your application for a Tourist Residence Permit is rejected, there are several steps you can take to address the issue.
What to Do if Your Tourist Residence Permit Application is Rejected?
In the event that your Tourist Residence Permit application is rejected, you may be able to reapply once the conditions for the permit are met. If your rejection occurs despite fulfilling all the requirements and following the correct application process, you have the option to file an annulment lawsuit to challenge the rejection decision.
Turkey in Detail recommends seeking legal support from a specialized lawyer to ensure that your Tourist Residence Permit application is reconsidered properly.
How to Extend Your Tourist Residence Permit?
Extending a Tourist Residence Permit follows a process similar to the initial application. However, when applying for an extension, you must select the “Extension Application” option during the online process. Once the application is submitted, you must attend an appointment at the Provincial Immigration Administration, bringing all necessary documents for the extension.
It’s important to note that the extension application can only be submitted up to 15 days after the permit’s expiration, and no earlier than 60 days before the expiration date.
Required Documents for a Tourist Residence Permit Extension Application
The documents required to extend a Tourist Residence Permit are the same as those needed for the initial application. In addition, applicants must submit a photocopy of the expired residence permit. Authorities will verify whether the applicant still meets the eligibility criteria for the Tourist Residence Permit and is using it for its intended purpose.
Refusal of Tourist Residence Permit
A Tourist Residence Permit may be revoked if the holder fails to meet the conditions or uses the permit for purposes other than tourism. The Tourist Residence Permit may also be canceled if the holder does not begin using the residence permit within 6 months of issuance.
What to Do if Your Tourist Residence Permit is Canceled?
If your Tourist Residence Permit is canceled, you have the right to file an appeal and lawsuit to challenge the cancellation. You have 60 days from the date of cancellation to initiate the appeal process. Initially, an objection should be made to the administration that issued the cancellation decision. If the objection is not successful, you may proceed with filing an annulment lawsuit.
Turkey in Detail is here to help you navigate this process, providing professional legal services to ensure that your Tourist Residence Permit is either reinstated or that your case is handled properly.
What Can We Do For You?
At Turkey in Detail, we have over 25 years of experience assisting foreign nationals with obtaining and extending their Tourist Residence Permits in Turkey. Our expert legal team provides comprehensive support for immigration matters across Turkey, particularly in cities such as Antalya, Izmir, Istanbul, Ankara, Bursa, and Mersin.
Our services for foreign clients applying for a Tourist Residence Permit include:
- Consultancy on obtaining a Tourist Residence Permit
- Assistance with Tourist Residence Permit applications
- Preparing the required documents for the Tourist Residence Permit application
- Preparing clients for the Tourist Residence Permit interview process
- Filing and managing appeals and lawsuits in the event of a rejection
We offer our services in four languages: Turkish, Russian, German, and English. For more details or to get assistance with your Tourist Residence Permit application, contact us via our WhatsApp contact line.
Our centrally located office is designed to provide the best support for students. You can easily find us by visiting Turkey in Detail on Google Maps.
FAQs
Can Touristic Residents Work in Turkey?
- Foreigners with a Tourist Residence Permit are not permitted to work in Turkey under this type of residence permit. However, they may apply for a work permit if they meet the necessary criteria.
What Happens If Missing Documents Are Submitted for a Tourist Residence Permit?
If any documents are missing from your Tourist Residence Permit application, you will be granted an additional 30 days to submit the missing materials. If the documents are not provided within this period, the application will be canceled. Missing documents can delay the process and negatively affect the outcome of your application.
How Much Money Should I Have in the Bank for a Tourist Residence Permit?
- There is no specific minimum amount required in the bank for a Tourist Residence Permit application. However, the applicant must demonstrate sufficient financial means to cover the duration of their stay in Turkey.
Can Turkish Citizenship Be Obtained Through a Tourist Residence Permit?
- The duration of stay under a Tourist Residence Permit is not counted towards the residency requirement for Turkish citizenship. While the Tourist Residence Permit is not intended for permanent settlement, it may contribute to future citizenship applications.
How Long Does a Tourist Residence Permit Allow You to Stay in Turkey?
A Tourist Residence Permit is typically issued for 6 months to 1 year, with the maximum duration being 1 year.