Turkey Family Residence Permit

Turkey, with its rich culture, eventful history, and unique strategic location, has always been an attractive destination for immigrants from around the world. One of the primary concerns for individuals choosing Turkey as their second home is uniting their family members and living alongside their loved ones. The Turkish government has provided a legal path to achieve this goal, known as the Family Residence Permit (Aile İkamet İzni).

This article is a complete, step-by-step guide, drafted based on Turkey's Law No. 6458 on Foreigners and International Protection, familiarizing you with all aspects, conditions, required documents, and application stages for this type of residence permit.

Turkey Family Residence Permit (Aile İkamet İzni): Key Concepts and Objectives

The Family Residence Permit is a type of residence authorization that allows Turkish citizens or foreign nationals legally residing in the country to apply for residency for their spouse, children under 18, and dependent adult children. The primary objective of this law is to support the integrity of the family unit and provide a safe and legal environment for family members to live together on Turkish soil. Although this process involves specific details and steps, it is easily achievable with complete preparation and information.

In this guide, two key roles are defined:

• Financial Sponsor (Sponsor): An individual who is a Turkish citizen or holds a legal residence permit in Turkey and assumes the financial and legal responsibility for their family members.
• Applicant (Applicant): Family members (spouse and children) who apply for the residence card through the financial sponsor.

Section 1: The Financial Sponsor (Sponsor): Eligibility Criteria

To begin the process, it must first be determined whether the primary individual residing in Turkey meets the necessary conditions to sponsor their family. According to the rules of the Turkish Directorate General of Migration Management (Göç İdaresi), the following individuals can act as a financial sponsor:

1. Turkish Citizens: Any Turkish citizen can apply for a family residence permit for their foreign spouse and children. This is the simplest and most direct path for a sponsor.
2. Foreign Nationals with a Valid Residence Permit: Foreigners who themselves hold one of the valid types of residence permits in Turkey can sponsor their family. A crucial condition exists in this case: the foreign sponsor must have resided in Turkey for at least one year with a valid residence permit and their address must be registered in the Address Registration System (Adres Kayıt Sistemi). This condition is to prove the stability and permanence of the sponsor's presence in Turkey. Valid types of residence permits for the sponsor include:
   • Work Permit (Çalışma İzni)
   • Long-Term Residence Permit (Uzun Dönem İkamet İzni)
   • Student Residence Permit (Öğrenci İkamet İzni)
   • Other types of short-term residence permits (excluding tourist permits in some special cases)
3. Blue Card Holders (Mavi Kart): Individuals who were formerly Turkish citizens and renounced their citizenship for certain reasons can act as a financial sponsor using their Blue Card.
4. Refugees and Subsidiary Protection Status Holders: Individuals under the international protection of the Turkish government can also apply for family reunification through this route.

Section 2: Applicants: Defining Eligible Family Members

The law clearly defines who can be covered as a family member under this type of residence permit:

• Legal Spouse (Eş):
  • The marriage must be officially and legally registered. A valid marriage certificate is mandatory.
  • Both parties (sponsor and applicant spouse) must be over 18 years of age.
  • The marriage must not have been entered into solely for the purpose of obtaining residency (a sham marriage). Migration officers have the right to conduct investigations and interviews to prove the authenticity of the relationship if they suspect otherwise.
  • Important Note on Polygamy: Turkish law does not recognize polygamy. If the financial sponsor has more than one spouse according to the laws of their home country, they can only apply for a family residence permit for one spouse. However, the sponsor can apply for a family residence permit for their children from other spouses, provided the conditions relating to children are met.

• Children Under 18 (Ergin Olmayan Çocuk):
  • Includes biological or adopted children of the financial sponsor and/or their spouse.
  • Parental Consent: If custody of the child is shared and one parent lives outside Turkey, a formal and notarized consent letter from that parent is mandatory for the child to live in Turkey. This document is vital to prevent legal problems and international child abduction.
  • Custody Order: In case of parental divorce, a court order granting custody of the child to the parent present in Turkey is necessary.
• Dependent Adult Children (Bağımlı Ergin Çocuk):
  • Children over 18 years of age who are unable to live independently due to severe physical or mental disability and are entirely dependent on their parents' care.
  • Proof of this dependency requires submitting valid and comprehensive medical reports from state or accredited hospitals clearly detailing the child's condition.

Note: This type of residence permit does not include parents, siblings, or other relatives of the financial sponsor. These individuals must apply for residency in Turkey through other methods such as a tourist permit or property ownership.

Section 3: The Four Key Requirements for a Successful Application (4 Main Conditions)

Success in obtaining a Family Residence Permit is contingent upon the financial sponsor and applicants meeting specific conditions. These conditions are divided into four main categories:

1. Financial Sufficiency

The financial sponsor must demonstrate that they have sufficient financial capacity to cover the living expenses of themselves and all family members without needing social assistance from the Turkish government. The formula for calculating the minimum required income is as follows:

Sponsor's Total Monthly Income $\ge$ (One Times the National Minimum Wage) $+$ (One-Third of the Minimum Wage for each family member)

For example, assuming the net minimum wage in Turkey in 2025 is 22,000 Turkish Lira (TL):

• For a 2-person family (Sponsor + Spouse): 22,000 TL + (22,000 TL / 3) $\approx$ 22,000 TL + 7,333 TL = 29,333 TL Monthly Income
• For a 3-person family (Sponsor + Spouse + 1 Child): 22,000 TL + (2 * 7,333 TL) $\approx$ 22,000 TL + 14,666 TL = 36,666 TL Monthly Income

Proof of Income Documents: Pay slips, bank statements showing transactions for the last 6 months, employment contracts, income certificates from the workplace, title deeds, and notarized rental agreements (if earning income from property rental), etc.

2. Valid Health Insurance

Having health insurance that covers all family members is a definitive requirement. This insurance can be one of two types:

• State Insurance (SGK): If the financial sponsor is employed in Turkey and covered by Social Security Insurance (SGK), they can extend this coverage to their family members.
• Private Insurance (Özel Sağlık Sigortası): If state insurance is not an option, the sponsor must purchase a valid private health insurance policy for each family member from insurance companies approved by the Turkish Migration Directorate. This policy must be valid for at least one year and provide the necessary coverage.

3. Accommodation Conditions

The financial sponsor must have a registered and specific address in Turkey.

• Address Registration: The residential address must be registered in the Address and Population Registration System (Adres Kayıt Sistemi - AKS). This is done at the local Population Directorate (Nüfus Müdürlüğü).
• Proof of Residence Documents: Submission of the Title Deed (Tapu) if the sponsor owns the property, or a Notarized Rental Contract (Noter Onaylı Kira Kontratı) if they are a tenant.

4. General Conditions and Records

• Criminal Record Certificate: The financial sponsor must provide a criminal record certificate (Adli Sicil Kaydı) showing that they have not committed crimes related to domestic violence within the last five years.
• Public Security: None of the family members (sponsor and applicants) should pose a threat to the public order and security of Turkey.
• Public Health: Applicants must not have contagious diseases that endanger public health.

Section 4: The Step-by-Step Residence Application Process (7 Steps to Card Issuance)

The application process begins online and is completed with an in-person appointment at the Migration Directorate.

Step 1: Preparation and Collection of Documents

This is the most crucial and time-consuming stage. A comprehensive list of required documents is as follows:

• Common Documents for All:
  • Completed online application form (e-ikamet)
  • Original and copy of the passport (valid for at least 6 months longer than the requested residence period)
  • Four biometric photos (recent, with a white background)
  • Valid health insurance for all members
  • Receipt for payment of residence card fees and 'Right of Soil' fee (Harç Bedeli)
• Sponsor's Specific Documents:
  • Original and copy of the Turkish ID card (for citizens) or Residence/Work Card (for foreigners)
  • Address Registration Certificate from the Population Directorate (Yerleşim Yeri Belgesi)
  • Criminal Record Certificate (Adli Sicil Kaydı)
  • Proof of financial solvency documents (pay slips, bank statements, etc.)
• Applicants' Specific Documents (Spouse and Children):
  • Marriage Certificate: Original version along with official translation and necessary certifications (Apostille or Consulate approval).
  • Children's Birth Certificates: Original version along with official translation and necessary certifications.
  • Consent Letter or Custody Order: If necessary (as explained in Section 2).

Step 2: Online Application via the e-ikamet System

Visit the official website of the Turkish Migration Directorate (e-ikamet.goc.gov.tr) and select the "New Application" option. Enter your information and your family members' details carefully, matching the passport information. After completing the form, the system will provide you with a PDF file containing the application details and the date and time of your in-person appointment (Randevu).

Step 3: Setting and Attending the Appointment (Randevu)

On the specified date and time, the financial sponsor, along with all applicant family members, must be present at the Provincial Migration Directorate (İl Göç İdaresi Müdürlüğü) of their residence location.

Step 4: Submission of Documents and Interview

On the appointment day, submit all original documents and their copies in a folder to the migration officer. The officer may ask questions to verify the accuracy of the information and the authenticity of the family relationship.

Step 5: Application Evaluation Period

After submitting the documents, your application enters the evaluation phase, which can legally take up to 90 days. During this period, you can track your application status through the same e-ikamet website. It is strongly advised not to leave Turkey during this period, as your departure may be interpreted as withdrawal from the application, leading to the automatic cancellation of the file.

Step 6: Receiving the Residence Card

If the application is approved, the Family Residence Card (İkamet İzni Kartı) will be printed and sent via the Turkish National Post (PTT) to your registered address.

Step 7: Residence Permit Renewal

The Family Residence Permit is usually issued with a maximum validity of three years (but its duration cannot exceed the validity of the financial sponsor's residence permit). For renewal, you must re-apply through the e-ikamet system within 60 days before the expiration date of your current card.

Section 5: Validation of Foreign Documents: Apostille and Official Notarization (Noter)

One of the main reasons for the rejection of many applications is defects in foreign documents. Any document issued outside Turkey (such as a marriage certificate, birth certificate, custody order) must undergo the following legal steps:

1. Apostille: If the country issuing the document is a member of the Hague Apostille Convention, the Apostille seal must be obtained from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs or the relevant authority in that country. This seal validates the document for use in other member countries.
2. Consulate Approval: If your country is not a member of the Apostille Convention, the document must first be approved by your country's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and then by the Turkish Consulate in that country.
3. Translation and Notarization in Turkey: Upon arrival in Turkey, the Apostilled or approved document must be translated into Turkish by a sworn official translator (Yeminli Tercüman) and then certified (notarized) at a Notary Public (Noter) office.

Section 6: Comprehensive Comparison: Family vs. Other Residence Permits (Tourist and Student)

Section 7: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) and Vital Tips

1. Can I get a family residence permit for my parents?

   No, the family residence law does not cover parents, except in extremely rare cases where full dependency (due to severe illness) and the lack of any other caregiver in the home country can be proven, which is a very difficult process. The best route for parents is to use a tourist permit or other types of residence.

2. What is the minimum income required for the financial sponsor in 2025?

   This amount depends on the minimum wage announced by the government at the start of each year. For example, if the minimum wage is 22,000 TL, the income for a 2-person family must be at least 29,333 TL per month. Always check the latest figures on the Migration Directorate's website.

3. What should I do if my family residence application is rejected?

   The Migration Directorate will notify you of the reason for the rejection. You have the right to appeal the decision within 60 days and file a lawsuit in the administrative court. You can also re-apply after fixing the deficiencies in the file.

4. Can my spouse work in Turkey with a Family Residence Card?

   No, the Family Residence Card alone is not a work permit. Your spouse must find an employer, and that employer must apply for a Work Permit (Çalışma İzni) on their behalf through the Ministry of Labor and Social Security. If approved, their Family Residence Card will also act as a Work Permit.

5. If I divorce my spouse (the financial sponsor), what happens to my residence status?

   Upon divorce, your family residence permit becomes invalid. However, under certain conditions, you can apply for a short-term residence permit: if you have lived in Turkey with a family residence permit for at least 3 years, or if you were a victim of domestic violence and can prove it with a court order.

6. My child will turn 18 soon. What happens to their residence permit?

   As soon as your child turns 18, their family residence permit will no longer be valid. Before their card expires, they must apply independently for another type of residence permit (such as a student permit if they enroll in university, or a short-term permit).

7. I am a student. Can I get a family residence permit for my spouse and child?

   Yes, foreign students with a valid student residence permit can apply as a financial sponsor for their spouse and children under 18. The validity of their residence permit cannot exceed the validity of your student residence permit.

8. What is the difference between Apostille and Consulate Approval?

   Apostille is a simplified process between member countries of the Hague Convention. A single Apostille stamp is sufficient to validate the document. But for non-member countries, the document must go through a multi-stage process involving approval from the home country's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and then approval from the Turkish Consulate in that country, which is more complex.

9. Can I travel to my home country during the 90-day evaluation period?

   The recommendation is strongly negative. Leaving Turkey during this period, especially if your visa has expired, may lead to the cancellation of the application. It's best to stay in Turkey until you receive the result and your card.

10. What are the consequences of being caught in a sham (fake) marriage?

    If the Migration Directorate determines that the marriage was solely for the purpose of obtaining residency, they will reject the residence application, cancel any issued card, deport the offending individual, and may ban their entry to Turkey for a period.

Conclusion

Obtaining a family residence permit in Turkey is an unparalleled opportunity to live alongside your loved ones in a beautiful and dynamic country. The key to success in this process is accuracy, honesty, and complete preparation. Prepare your documents meticulously and in accordance with the latest laws, follow the steps correctly, and avoid providing any false information. With proper planning, you can easily solidify your family unit in Turkey and enjoy life in the country.