A foreigner whose application for a residence permit is rejected will not be able to reside in the country. For this reason, it is very important to appeal the decision in accordance with the law. Find out when a residence permit in Turkey can be denied, what to do if you are denied an Ikamet, how long it takes to process an appeal against a denial, and other important details

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Turkey attracts expats with its developed economy, high quality of life and appropriate level of social development. Foreigners come here to work, study, as digital nomads, for permanent residence or for treatment.

For a legal stay in the country, an expat must obtain an appropriate permit - Ikamet (permanent residence permit). Read about the grounds for obtaining the document and the procedure for its execution at the link.

And although the migration legislation of Turkey is quite favorable for foreigners, in some cases an expat may be refused a residence permit. What to do if your application for Ikamet was rejected? We will talk about the methods of appealing a negative decision below.

Is it possible to appeal a refusal in Ikamet?

Applying for a residence permit in Turkey does not guarantee 100% obtaining a permit. The immigration administration of the Turkish provinces considers each application individually and can usually reject it due to the lack of conditions for obtaining a permit or when submitting an incomplete package of documents.

In this case, the expat has the right to file an objection to the refusal of the request for a residence permit.

When can a residence permit in Turkey be refused?

There are many reasons why you may be rejected for Ikamet in Turkey, but the most common are the following:

- Failure to fulfill one or more requirements for obtaining a residence permit.

- Using the residence permit for the purpose for which it was issued (for example, working on the basis of a tourist permit).

- If the expat suffers a disease that is included in the list of those that pose a threat to the public.

- Lack of financial support for living in Turkey (own savings, regular salary, etc.).

- Absence of a health insurance policy that covers the entire period of stay in Turkey.

- Lack of living conditions that meet general health and safety standards.

- The expat did not provide information about the address of residence in Turkey.

- The application for obtaining a residence permit was submitted after a violation of visa legislation.

- The application was submitted for a type of residence permit that does not suit the applicant.

What to do if Ikamet is refused?

In the event that an expat is denied a permanent residence permit in Turkey, he will receive a corresponding "Letter Form" where the reasons for the rejection of the application will be indicated.

In order to appeal this decision, a foreigner must apply to the Administrative Court within 60 days after receiving the notification:

- If the decision to refuse to issue a residence permit is made by foreign missions, the lawsuit must be filed with the Ankara Administrative Court.

- If the decision is taken by the governorate, the lawsuit must be submitted to the administrative court at the location of the governorate.

How long does it take to review an appeal against the refusal to issue a residence permit in Turkey?

The duration of consideration of an appeal against a refusal in Ikamet depends on the city in which the expat applies. However, in large cities such as Istanbul, Ankara and Izmir, the average processing time is 6 to 9 months.

Also, the time of consideration may change depending on the volume of work and other reasons of the Court.

When should I leave Turkey if Ikamet was refused?

If the residence permit is refused, the foreigner must leave Turkey within 10 days after the visa expires.

Objecting to the refusal to issue a residence permit does not stop the deportation process.

Therefore, if you do not leave the country within the prescribed period, administrative fines will be imposed on you.

However, if the deportation decision is contested within the prescribed time limit, the deportation proceedings will be stopped. The deadline for appealing a deportation decision is 7 days.

When can I re-apply for Ikamet after rejection?

If the residence permit request is rejected, the foreigner can leave Turkey within the legal period and enter the country at any time. However, there is one condition:

- If a foreigner wants to submit a new application within 6 months, he/she must submit a new request for a residence permit with a different type of residence permit.

- If the applicant wants to apply for a residence permit for the same reason, it is necessary to wait 6 months.

In order to understand all the intricacies of the migration legislation of Turkey, we advise you to consult highly qualified lawyers. Specialists will help the expat in issuing and extending a residence permit, when submitting an application for citizenship, as well as in appealing any migration refusals.

Daria Rogova - Head of Insurance at Visit World

To move, travel or work safely in a new country, you will need travel insurance. You can apply for an extended policy on our website here.

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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