Rights Granted by the Long-Term Residence Permit in Turkey
The long-term residence permit in Turkey is a type of residence permit granted to foreigners who have continuously resided in Turkey for at least 8 years or meet the requirements set by the Migration Policies Board. This permit provides certain rights and advantages to its holders.
Rights for Long-Term Residence Permit Holders
Exemption from Military Service
Foreigners holding a long-term residence permit in Turkey are exempt from mandatory military service, which is required for Turkish citizens.
Voting and Public Service Limitations
Long-term residence permit holders cannot:
- Exercise voting rights or run for elections,
- Hold public office,
- Import vehicles duty-free.
Social Security Benefits
Foreigners with a long-term residence permit retain their acquired social security rights and must adhere to the provisions of relevant laws for the use of these rights.
Freedom to Travel and Reside in Turkey
Long-term residence permit holders can freely travel and reside within Turkey. They have rights related to:
- Travel, residence, commercial activities, employment, inheritance, investment, and real estate acquisition.
Equal Treatment with Turkish Citizens
In many aspects, foreigners with long-term residence permits enjoy rights and obligations equal to those of Turkish citizens, as per the regulations applied by the relevant authorities. However, they are restricted from certain rights that specifically require Turkish citizenship under special laws.
Limitations Stated in Special Laws
While the long-term residence permit offers many benefits, some rights and obligations are restricted to Turkish citizens by law. For example:
- Holding specific public office positions,
- Access to certain trade privileges.