Short-Term Residence Permit in Turkey: Conditions, Duration, and Application (LFIP Art. 31-33)

Short-Term Residence Permit in Turkey: Conditions, Duration, and Application (LFIP Art. 31-33)

Short-Term Residence Permit in Turkey: Conditions, Duration, and Application (LFIP Art. 31-33)

Introduction:

One of the most common types of residence permits for foreigners wishing to stay in Turkey for a specific period is the "Short-Term Residence Permit." This permit type, which can be granted for a wide variety of purposes such as tourism, scientific research, commercial activities, learning Turkish, or acquiring immovable property, is regulated in detail between Articles 31 and 33 of Law No. 6458 on Foreigners and International Protection (LFIP). This article will explain who can obtain a short-term residence permit, the conditions for this permit, its duration, application procedures, and grounds for rejection or revocation, within the framework of current legislation.

1. Who Can Obtain a Short-Term Residence Permit? (LFIP Art. 31/1)

Article 31/1 of the LFIP lists the foreigners and purposes for which a short-term residence permit may be granted:

  • a) Those Arriving for Scientific Research: If the research is subject to permission, permission obtained from the relevant institution is required; otherwise, a statement regarding the research subject must be submitted (Regulation Art. 28/2).
  • b) Those Who Own Immovable Property in Turkey: The immovable property must be a residence and used for this purpose. Family members can also apply if they have shared or joint ownership of the residence (Regulation Art. 28/3).
  • c) Those Establishing Commercial Connections or Businesses: For requests exceeding three months, an invitation letter or similar documents from the persons or companies to be contacted may be requested (Regulation Art. 28/4).
  • d) Those Participating in In-Service Training Programs: Information such as the content, duration, and location of the training must be provided (Regulation Art. 28/5).
  • e) Those Arriving for Educational or Similar Purposes within the Framework of Student Exchange Programs: Documents from the relevant institution must be submitted (Regulation Art. 28/6).
  • f) Those Staying for Tourism Purposes: Their travel plan and statement regarding the purpose of stay are evaluated (Regulation Art. 28/7).
  • g) Those Receiving Medical Treatment, Provided They Do Not Carry a Disease Considered a Threat to Public Health: Admission to public or private hospitals is required, and health insurance is not requested from those who document they have paid all treatment expenses (Regulation Art. 28/11).
  • h) Those Required to Stay in Turkey Pursuant to a Request or Decision of Judicial or Administrative Authorities.
  • i) Those Transferring from a Family Residence Permit to a Short-Term Residence Permit.
  • j) Those Attending Turkish Language Courses: Can be granted максимум (a maximum of) twice, conditional upon enrollment in an institution authorized by the Ministry of National Education (Regulation Art. 28/13).
  • k) Those Participating in Education, Research, Internships, and Courses in Turkey Through Public Institutions: The duration cannot exceed one year (Regulation Art. 28/14).
  • l) Those Who Apply Within Six Months of Graduating from Higher Education in Turkey: Granted once for a maximum period of one year (Regulation Art. 28/16).
  • m) Those Not Working in Turkey but Making an Investment of a Scope and Amount to be Determined by the President, and Their Foreign Spouses, Their and Their Spouses' Minor or Dependent Foreign Children.
  • n) Citizens of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC).

2. Duration of a Short-Term Residence Permit (LFIP Art. 31/2-5)

  • As a rule, a short-term residence permit is granted for a maximum of two years each time (LFIP Art. 31/2). (Note: This period was increased from one year to two years by Law No. 6735 dated 28/7/2016.)
  • Permits granted for attending Turkish language courses can be issued a maximum of twice (LFIP Art. 31/3).
  • Permits granted to those кто (who) have completed higher education are issued once for a maximum period of one year after graduation (LFIP Art. 31/4).
  • Permits granted to investors (subparagraph m) and TRNC citizens (subparagraph n) can be issued for a maximum period of five years each time (LFIP Art. 31/5).

3. What are the Conditions for a Short-Term Residence Permit? (LFIP Art. 32)

To obtain a short-term residence permit, a foreigner must meet the following conditions:

  • To apply by putting forward one or more of the reasons stipulated in Article 31/1 of the LFIP and to submit information and documents related to this request.
  • Not to be within the scope of Article 7 of the LFIP (foreigners who will not be permitted entry into Turkey).
  • To have accommodation conditions compliant with general health and safety standards.
  • Upon request, to submit a criminal record certificate issued by the competent authorities in their country of citizenship or legal residence.
  • To provide information on their address of stay in Turkey.
  • To have valid health insurance (except for those arriving for medical treatment and some other exceptions).
  • To have sufficient and regular financial means.

4. Rejection, Revocation, or Non-Renewal of a Short-Term Residence Permit (LFIP Art. 33)

A short-term residence permit shall not be granted, shall be revoked if already granted, or shall not be renewed if expired in the following cases:

  • Failure to meet or ceasing to meet one or more of the conditions stipulated in Article 32 of the LFIP.
  • Determination that the residence permit is used for a purpose other than that for which it was granted.
  • Existence of a current deportation order or entry ban to Turkey.
  • Violation regarding the duration of stay abroad (exceeding a total of one hundred and twenty days abroad within the last year, according to Regulation Art. 29/1/c).

5. Application and Evaluation Process

Short-term residence permit applications are generally initiated online through the e-Residence system of the Presidency of Migration Management. After collecting the necessary documents, an appointment is made, and the application is submitted पानी (in person) to the relevant Provincial Directorate of Migration Management. Applications are finalized within 90 days at the latest.

Conclusion and Legal Assistance:

A short-term residence permit is an important gateway for many foreigners wishing to legally stay in Turkey. However, the application process, required documents, and conditions to be met must be carefully followed. It is important to know your rights and take the correct steps if your application is rejected or your existing permit is revoked.

As SKF VISION LAW, our expert team is pleased to assist you with short-term residence permit applications, preparation of necessary documents, follow-up of the application process, and legal remedies against possible adverse decisions. You can contact us for detailed information and consultation.

DISCLAIMER: This article has been prepared for general informational purposes based on the legal provisions in effect at the time of its writing. Foreigners law (or: Immigration Law) is a frequently updated and complex field. Due to potential changes in legislation, it is possible that the information in this article may become outdated. Therefore, before taking any legal action or making any decision, it is of vital importance that you obtain current and personalized consultation from a lawyer specializing in foreigners law (or: immigration law). This article does not constitute legal advice.

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