What is a Family Residence Permit?

The family residency permit is governed by Articles 34 and 37 of the Law on Foreigners and International Protection govern family residence permits. These articles are short-term residence permits granted to foreign nationals or persons for the purpose of protecting and sustaining family unity. It is awarded to foreign nationals with family status.

How to Get a Family Residence Permit?

It makes it easier for foreign citizens to obtain a family residence permit in Turkey. Foreign nationals who are married to Turkish citizens, foreigners with a legal residence permit in Turkey, and foreigners married to foreigners with secondary protection status are all eligible to apply. The sponsor or sponsor can obtain a residence permit for his/her spouse and children through his/her own or his/her spouse can obtain a family residence permit for his/her children who are related to but not related to his/her spouse.

All rights regarding social security remain reserved for the person who has the right to Turkish citizenship by birth, those who have departed from Turkish citizenship within the scope of the permission to withdraw from citizenship, and the children of these persons who are treated under the same conditions as him, provided that all provisions regarding public order and public security are reserved. The exercise of these rights benefits the family residence permit as well.

Who Can Get a Family Residence Permit?

Citizens of Turkey, foreigners with one of the residence permits, and those with secondary protection status:

• To the foreign spouse,
• To the minor foreign child of himself or his/her spouse,
• The dependent foreign child of himself or his/her spouse may be granted a family residence permit for a period not exceeding 3 years.

The duration of the family residence permit cannot in any way exceed the duration of the sponsor's or sponsor's residence permit.

Documents Requested for Family Residence Permit

The documents required for a family residence permit differ depending on who is sponsoring the foreign person.

Documents Requested from Foreigners Married to Turkish Citizens

• Original and photocopy of passport,
• Marriage Certificate,
• The original and photocopy of the identity card of the sponsor,
• 4 photographs,
• Foreign health insurance,
• Proof of income level of the sponsor,
• Criminal record document of the sponsor,
• Family history document of the sponsor,
• Private insurance or SGK of the sponsor,
• Document showing address proof information

Documents Requested from Foreigners Who Marry a Foreign Spouse with Residence Permit in Turkey

• Application Form,
• Original and photocopy of passport,
• Original and photocopy of the sponsor's passport,
• Marriage Certificate,
• 4 photographs,
• Proof of income level of the sponsor,
• The original and a photocopy of the sponsor's residence or work permit
• Foreign health insurance,
• Criminal record document,
• Document showing the address proof information of the place of residence,

How to Make a Family Residence Permit Appointment?

In Turkey, appointments for family residence permits are made with the Migration Management or District Working Group Presidency in the province where the foreigner resides. Appointment dates may differ depending on the provinces in which foreigners reside. When scheduling an appointment, the main factors to consider are the correct entry of the passport number, the application date period, the fact that the foreigner's visa or visa exemption has not expired, the correct entry of the supporting information, and the accuracy of the income certificate.

Family Residence Permit Application Period

The foreigner must apply for a visa or visa exemption within the time limit. Foreigners who enter Turkey with a visa exemption can stay for a maximum of 90 days and must begin the application process for family residence before this period expires.

How Much Are the Fees for Turkey Family Residence Permit?

Foreigners seeking a family residence permit in Turkey must pay different fees depending on their nationality. A single entry visa fee is also paid for some citizens of some countries who come with a visa exemption, depending on their nationality. Fees will be waived for German citizens who marry a Turkish citizen and apply for a family residence permit. Aside from state fees, there will be expenses for the foreigner's age, foreign health insurance, notary fees for address registration documents, and application service fees.

How Long Does It Take to Issue a Family Residence Permit?

The application and intensity of the family residence permit may differ. This period must be communicated to the foreigner by the Republic of Turkey's official institutions within 90 days.

How to Get an Approved Family Residence Permit Certificate?

The approved family residence permit is sent to the foreigner's residence address after the application stages are completed. It is delivered between 1 and 3 business days after the foreigner's phone number is verified by the PTT.

Reasons for Refusal of Family Residence Permit, Cancellation and Non-Extension?

• Determining that the family residence permit is being used for purposes other than those for which it was issued,
• Failure to fulfill the conditions required for family residence permit,
• A family residence permit cannot be obtained if there is a valid deportation order or an entry ban. Existing residence permits are revoked or not renewed.

Can Those with Family Residence Permits Work?

This residence permit is insufficient for foreign nationals with a family residence permit to work in Turkey. Unless otherwise specified in the contracts to which Turkey is a party, foreigners require a work permit in order to work dependently or independently within the country's borders. In addition to this permit, an exceptional work permit may be applied for. Foreigners with a family residence permit may apply for an exceptional work permit in Turkey without seeking a period of residence.

What Should Those Who Have Been Denied Family Residence Permits Do?

Foreigners who leave the country after the decision to deny a family residence permit may re-enter at a later date. If a re-application is desired within the next 180 days of receiving notification of the rejection decision of the previous application, a new residence permit application must be submitted. After the foreigner receives notification of the rejection decision, the 6-month period must be completed before applying for the same residence permit again.

How Long Can a Family Residence Permit Be Obtained?

The family residence permit is valid for up to three years, depending on the insurance and employment status of the supporting or sponsoring spouse. The foreigner's passport validity is also assessed.

How to Renew Family Residence Permit?

The income status and insurance of the supporting or sponsoring spouse, as well as the foreigner's passport duration, are all considered in the family residence permit renewal application. If the family residence permit is due to expire in less than 120 days, a renewal application must be submitted. Applications made after the family residence permit period has expired are treated as new applications.

Can Foreigners with Family Residence Permits Switch to Short-Term Residence Permits?

Foreigners who divorce after three years of marriage to their supporting or sponsoring spouse may apply for a short-term residence permit. Foreigners who are subjected to violence by their supportive spouse, do not live in a family union, or do not have the opportunity to obtain a family residence permit can also switch to a short-term residence permit if it is proven through a court decision that they have been subjected to violence.

How to Get a Family Residence Permit Urgently?

Due to the severity and difficulty of the pandemic, family residence permit applications and their outcomes may be delayed. Applications submitted outside of Istanbul's province, where the population density is highest, are processed more quickly.

Conclusion

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