Foreigners who come to Turkey can count on tourist and humanitarian residence permits, as well as international protection. Find out more about the relevant laws in the country and their main provisions

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Law No. 6458 "On Foreigners and International Protection" is in force in Turkey, which regulates the legal status and stay of foreigners on the territory of the state. It was approved on April 11, 2014 to improve Turkey's migration policy while respecting human rights and freedoms.

What does the Law on Foreigners and International Protection in Turkey say?

In general, this Law is the Turkish Code for Foreigners. It defines the rules of the country's visa regime and the procedure for issuing a residence permit, as well as the grounds for deportation and the rules of international protection. The Law on Foreigners and International Protection in Turkey was approved as part of the implementation of the National Program for the Adaptation of Turkish Legislation to the EU Legislation.

Basic provisions of the Law on Foreigners and International Protection in Türkiye

• Visa regime – the Law stipulates that a foreigner can stay in Turkey on the basis of a visa or visa-free regime for up to 90 days within 180 days. Grounds for refusing to issue a visa or cross the border: lack of financial support for a stay in Türkiye, lack of a medical insurance policy, and detection of acute infectious diseases in a tourist. Those foreigners who plan a longer stay in Turkey must apply for a temporary residence permit (long-term visa) at the Turkish consulate.

• Residence permit – the Turkish authorities allocate the following types of residence permit: short-term, long-term, for family reunification (family), for study, on humanitarian grounds, and for victims of human trafficking. Grounds for obtaining a residence permit: the presence of real estate in Turkey, long-term treatment or travel, study, starting a business, etc.

• Residence for stateless persons – foreigners who do not have citizenship have the right to reside in Turkey on the basis of a special Vatansız Kişi Kimlik Belgesi stateless identity card.

• Work permit – according to the Law on Foreigners and International Protection, a work permit is also a basis for legal residence in Turkey. That is, foreign citizens do not need to obtain two documents from different state authorities.

• Temporary protection – persons in need of international protection will receive state assistance, and the ban on employment will not apply to them.

• Deportation procedure – the law stipulates that those foreigners who pose a threat to Turkey or are involved in terrorist activities are subject to deportation; live in the country on funds obtained illegally; use forged documents; violated migration legislation; committed a criminal offense; work without a work permit.

• The maximum period of restriction of the right to enter Türkiye cannot exceed five years (up to 10 years in the case of a threat to national security).

• Detention of a foreign citizen at the border cannot exceed four hours.

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Products from Visit World for a comfortable trip:

Checklist for obtaining a visa and necessary documents in Turkey;

Legal advice on immigration in Turkey;

Insurance for residence permit in Turkey.

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Read more about healthcare in Turkey for expats and foreigners, as well as health insurance and medical tourism here.

E-Devlet: How to join Turkey's e-government service portal - read here.

Investing in Turkey: the best opportunities for foreigners - details here.