Turkey is among the preferred countries to live or establish a business in. However, foreigners who plan to live in Turkey for a long time or make investment plans should be aware of the legal permits required.
To live in Turkey for an extended period of time, one of the following requirements must be fulfilled: obtaining a visa, residence permit, work permit, or Turkish citizenship.
I. Visa
Visa A visa grants the right to stay in Turkey for 90 days. This may be sufficient for foreigners who wish to stay in Turkey as tourists, but it will not be sufficient for long-term residency plans. Foreigners who wish to stay in Turkey for more than 90 days will need to obtain a residence permit, work permit, or citizenship through investment.
II. Residence Permit
Residence Permit Foreigners who wish to live in Turkey for a longer period than the visa allows must obtain a residence permit. Residenc permit applications in Turkey must be made with a justifiable reason. Therefore, residence permit applications are also divided into some types. According to the short-term residence permit types, one can be granted the right to stay for 1 to 2 years. Obtaining a long-term residence permit is subject to stricter conditions. Foreigners who have resided in Turkey for a continuous 8 years can apply for a long-term residence permit.
III. Work Permit
Work Permit Another option for living in Turkey is to obtain a work permit. Foreigners who have a work permit do not need to obtain a residence permit. Therefore, a work permit is more comprehensive than a residence permit. It provides both the opportunity to live legally and the opportunity to work. A work permit can be obtained by working as an employee in an employer-employee relationship, or by foreign nationals who are partners or directors of a company in Turkey.
The employer company will make the work permit application for foreigners who wish to work in Turkey with an employment contract. However, foreign nationals who are partners or directors of a company in Turkey must have their work permit applications made by the company of which they are partners or directors.
IV. Turkish Citizenship
Acquiring Turkish Citizenship The easiest way to live in Turkey is to acquire Turkish citizenship. Turkish citizenship provides the opportunity to live in any city in Turkey for as long as one wishes. In addition to this, acquiring Turkish citizenship also comes with all the rights granted to Turkish citizens by the Republic of Turkey.
Acquiring Turkish citizenship can be done through general conditions such as lineage, marriage, and continuous residence. In addition, it is also possible to acquire citizenship in Turkey through exceptional means, such as through investment.
V. International Protection
International Protection The Republic of Turkey also evaluates international protection (refugee) applications from foreign nationals who are in distress and provides the opportunity to live in Turkey. However, the authority to evaluate international protection applications lies entirely with the administrative authority.
We, as BAL Law Firm, provide legal consultancy services to our foreign clients who want to establish their lives in a foreign country.
It may not be as easy as it seems to settle and live in a foreign country, especially in Turkey where laws are complex and written rules can be interpreted in different ways. Therefore, foreigners who want to live in Turkey will need reliable lawyers to seek legal advice.
As BAL Law Firm lawyers, we provide legal consultancy services to our foreign clients who want to live, reside, obtain Turkish citizenship, rent a house, or establish a company in Turkey.
Call Us : +90 212 909 86 34
Send Email : info@ballawyer.com
