Family Residence Permit in Turkey

The Law on Foreigners and International Protection (No. 6458) governs the family residence permit in Turkey, allowing eligible family members of Turkish citizens and certain other foreigners to stay in Turkey. This article details the requirements, eligibility, and duration of family residence permits.

The family residence permit can be granted to:

• Foreign spouses of Turkish citizens.
• Foreign minor children of the applicant or spouse.
• Dependent foreign children of the applicant or spouse.

In cases of polygamous marriages, only one spouse can receive a family residence permit. However, permits can be granted to all children of the foreign applicant.

Note: When applying for minor children, written consent from the other parent (with shared custody) is required if they are living abroad.

• Education: Children can attend primary and secondary education in Turkey until they turn 18 without needing a student residence permit.

• Transition to Short-Term Residence Permit: Permit holders can apply for a short-term residence permit in case of:

  • Divorce after three years of marriage.
  • Death of the supporting spouse.
  • Reaching 18 years of age after living in Turkey for at least three years on a family residence permit.

The sponsor must:

• Have valid health insurance covering all family members.
• Have a monthly income that is not less than one-third of the minimum wage per family member.
• Have no record of crimes against family order in the last 5 years.
• Have resided in Turkey for at least one year.
• Be registered in the Address Registration System.

The applicant must:

• Provide supporting information and documents related to their stay in Turkey.
• Prove cohabitation or intent to cohabit with the sponsor.
• Be at least 18 years old if applying as a spouse.
• Not fall under the scope of Article 7 of the Law on Foreigners and International Protection.
• Prove that the marriage was not solely for the purpose of obtaining a residence permit.

The family residence permit will be rejected, canceled, or not extended if:

• The requirements are not met or no longer apply.
• The permit is used for purposes other than those for which it was granted.
• The foreigner has a deportation order or entry ban.