Switching Between Residence Permits

What is a Residence Permit Transfer Application?

Switching Between Residence Permits application is the official application made to change the type of residence permit a foreigner has in Turkey or to switch from one to another. This transition request is made in cases where the reason for the current residence permit of foreigners expires or a different reason arises. This application is made taking into account the current residence permit holder’s situation and goals in Turkey.

How to Apply for Residence Permit Transition?

You can follow the steps below to apply for a residence permit pass:

• Prepare Required Documents:

The first step is to prepare the documents required for the type of residence permit you are targeting. Documents may vary depending on which residence permit type you want to switch to. For example, business plan for workplace permit, investment documents for investor permit, documents showing family relationship for family reunification permit.

• Visit the Official Website of the Turkish Immigration Administration:

Go to the official website of the Turkish Immigration Administration and make an appointment to apply for a residence permit from the online transactions section. In this step you will be asked to fill in the required information.

• Make an Appointment Online:

After filling in the required information, make an appointment online for a suitable date and time. The appointment date should be selected depending on your current residence permit status and the readiness of your documents.

• Prepare for Appointment Day:

On the day of your appointment, go to the application center, taking all the necessary documents with you. The application center may be a center authorized by the Turkish Immigration Administration. Don’t forget to have your documents and ID with you.

• Fill out the Application Form:

Fill out the application form given to you at the application center. The form will contain your personal information, the reason for which you are requesting a residence permit and other required information.

• Submit Documents and Complete Your Application:

Submit the completed application form and other required documents to the authorized officer. They will review your documents and guide you to complete your application.

• Fingerprint and Biometric Data Recording:

During the application, they may record your fingerprint and biometric data. This step is done for authentication and security purposes.

• Evaluation of the Application:

Your application will be examined and evaluated by the Turkish Immigration Administration. Ensuring that your documents and application form are complete and accurate ensures that your application is processed quickly.

• Result Notification:

You will be notified of the result of your application after the evaluation process. If the application is accepted, a new residence permit will be issued to you and the old permit will be cancelled. If the application is rejected, you will be informed of the reason.

You can apply for a residence permit by following these steps.

Another point to be considered at this point is that if there is a transition application made due to the expiration of the reason for the current residence permit of the applicant foreigner, this application must be submitted to the administration within 10 days at the latest from the date on which the reason expires. It is a legal requirement that the residence permit transition application must be made within 10 days after the residence permit reason expires. However, in order to give a clear answer about what will happen if this period is missed, it is necessary to know the immigration legislation in Turkey in detail. Generally, if such legal deadlines are missed, various consequences may occur. These may include:

• Penalty or Administrative Sanction: A penalty or administrative sanction may be imposed on the person who misses the legal deadline. This sanction may be a fine or some other type of sanction.

• Rejection of Residence Permit Application: If the application is not made within the specified period after the residence permit reason expires, you may lose your right to apply for a transfer. In this case, your residence permit pass application may be rejected, which may affect your legal status in Turkey.

• Instruction to Leave the Country: When the residence permit expires or there is no valid permit, the authorities may instruct the person to leave the country. In this case, the person may be required to leave Turkey and may need to obtain appropriate permits to re-enter.

However, in each case, different results may occur depending on the initiative of the competent authorities. Therefore, it is important not to miss the legal deadlines and to contact the Turkish Immigration Administration or a competent lawyer in case of any uncertainty.

Contrary to the disappearance of the reason, if a foreigner wants to apply for a residence permit because a new reason has emerged, there is no time requirement here. The person will be able to request a transfer to a new residence permit without waiting for the residence period to expire.

In Which Situations Which Residence Permit Should Be Obtained?

• It is possible for a foreigner who has one of the residence permit types to switch to another residence permit if he meets the conditions specified in the legislation. In which cases, which type of residence can be adopted is listed below:

• Conditions for Obtaining a Family Residence Permit for Student Residence Permit Holders:

• If the conditions for obtaining a family residence permit are met for a foreigner who has a student residence permit, he or she can switch to a family residence permit. In this case, if the foreign student continues to meet the residence permit conditions, he or she can benefit from the rights provided by the student residence permit.

• Conditions for Obtaining a Student Residence Permit for Family Residence Permit Holders:

For a foreigner who has a family residence permit, if the conditions for obtaining a student residence permit are met, the family residence permit is continued. However, the student still benefits from the same rights provided by the residence permit.

• Conditions for Obtaining a Student Residence Permit for Work Permit Holders:

If the conditions for obtaining a student residence permit are met for a foreigner who has a work permit, his work permit continues. In this case, the same rights provided by the student residence permit are enjoyed.

• Conditions for Obtaining a Student Residence Permit for Humanitarian Residence Permit or Human Trafficking Victim Residence Permit Holders:

Foreigners who have a humanitarian residence permit or a residence permit for victims of human trafficking can benefit from the rights provided by this permit without switching to a student residence permit, if the conditions for obtaining a student residence permit are met.

• In Case of Marriage to a Turkish Citizen:

In case of marriage with a Turkish citizen, it is possible to switch from a short-term residence permit to a family residence permit. Additionally, in case of divorce of a foreigner married to a Turkish citizen who has a family residence permit, a short-term residence permit may be granted, provided that he/she has stayed with the family residence permit for at least 3 years.

• Right of Passage for Long Term Residence Permit:

If the conditions are met; There is also the right to switch from student, family and short-term residence permit types to long-term residence permit.

Important Note: Refugees, conditional refugees, holders of subsidiary protection status, those with humanitarian residence permits and those under temporary protection are not granted the right to transition to a long-term residence permit.

In residence permit transition applications, the procedures and required documents for residence permit types vary. In order for applications to be made smoothly, quickly and effectively, it will be useful to get advice from an expert foreigners lawyer.

What are the Required Documents for Residence Permit Transfer Application?

For residence permit transition applications, there are documents that the foreign applicant must prepare and submit in full to the Provincial Immigration Administration. However, at this point it will not be possible to put forward a fixed list. Because; The documents required for each type of residence are different. Therefore, below, we will examine respectively which documents are required for each type of residence permit that is possible to obtain. 

Documents Required for Family Residence Permit Transfer Application

Documents required for the foreign applicant:

• Application form
• Copy of passport or similar identification document
• 4 biometric photographs
• Residence fee and card fee payment documents
• Copy of the document proving marriage status
• Documents requested from the sponsor:
• If a Turkish citizen, the original and copy of the ID Card or Identity Card
• If foreigner, copy of passport or identity document, copy of residence/work permit or other identity documents
• Valid health insurance
• Criminal record
• Document showing that it is registered in the Address Registration System
• Document showing the place to stay (copy of title deed, notarized rental agreement, etc.)
• Additional documents regarding children:
• If the identity information of the parents cannot be determined, the child’s certified birth certificate
• If parents are divorced, certified custody of the child or certified consent from the other parent
• If a parent has died, death certificate

Documents Required for Long Term Residence Permit Transfer Application

Documents required for application:

• Residence permit transition application form
• Photocopy of a passport or passport substitute document valid for at least 6 months
• 4 biometric photographs
• Photocopy of the previous residence permit (The original must be submitted on the appointment day.)
• The original signed and sealed document showing that no social assistance has been received in the last 3 years.
• Approved and signed document showing that you have sufficient and regular financial means for the duration of your stay.

• Criminal record
• Valid health insurance document
• Document showing that it is registered in the Address Registration System
• Documentation of the place to stay (deed copy, notarized copy of the rental agreement, etc.)

Additional documents regarding children:

• If the identity information of the parents cannot be determined, the child’s certified birth certificate
• If a parent is not present, certified consent is required. (In case of death of the other parent, a death certificate must be presented.)
• In case of divorce, approved custody document of the child
• If the applicant is under 18 years of age, a notarized consent of the parent or legal representative abroad and a notarized undertaking given by real or legal persons in Turkey are required.

Documents Required for Short-Term Residence Permit Transfer Application

The documents required for transition to a short-term residence permit are:

• Residence permit application form
• Copy of passport or passport substitute document
• 4 biometric photographs
• Copy of previous residence permit (The original must be submitted on the appointment day.)
• Document stating that one has sufficient and regular financial means
• Document/receipt showing that the residence fee and card fee have been paid
• Valid health insurance document
• Document showing that it is registered in the Address Registration System
• Documentation of the place to stay (deed copy, notarized copy of the rental agreement, etc.)
• Documents according to the reason for short-term residence permit stay (visa suitable for those who will come for scientific research purposes, admission to the hospital for those who will receive treatment and a document showing that the treatment has started)

3. Required Documents for Student Residence Permit Transfer Application

Documents required for transition to student residence permit:

• Residence permit transition application form
• Copy of passport or passport substitute document
• 4 biometric photographs
• Copy of previous residence permit (The original must be submitted on the appointment day.)
• Declaration that one has sufficient and regular financial means
• Student certificate showing that you benefit from active student rights
• Valid health insurance document
• Documents such as residence permit, notarized rental agreement or proof of residence in a dormitory

Additional documents required for children:

• If the identity information of the parents cannot be determined, the child’s certified birth certificate
• If a parent is not present, certified consent is required. (In case of death of the other parent, a death certificate must be presented.)
• In case of divorce, approved custody document of the child

Documents Required for Touristic Residence Permit Application

The following documents are required to apply for a tourist residence permit:

• Residence permit application form
• Private health insurance document (insurance period must cover the requested residence permit period)
• 4 biometric photographs
• Copy of passport or passport substitute document
• Documentation of the place to stay (notarized rental agreement, hotel accommodation document, etc.)

How Long Does It Take for Residence Permit Transfer Applications to Be Finalized?

The completion time for a residence permit transition application in Turkey may vary depending on various factors. Finalization time may vary depending on the density of the relevant Provincial Immigration Administration or Foreigners Branch where the application is made, the type of residence applied for and whether the file is complete or not. In general, if the application file is complete and complete, it may take between 1 and 3 months on average for the application to be finalized. However, during busy periods or in cases of lack of documentation, this period may be extended. However, if we look at it in general terms, we can say that it lasts approximately 1 month.

Frequently Asked Questions