What To Do If Your Application For A Residence Permit in Turkey Is Rejected?

You dreamed of a long-term residence in Turkey, but unfortunately, your application for a residence permit was rejected. Do not despair, there are ways to resolve this situation.

To begin with, it is necessary to emphasize the fact that the official sites of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Migration Service of Turkey, have no information indicating any restrictions on residence permits for foreign citizens. In addition, this information is not confirmed by the employees of the 157 hotline for foreigners.

However, in some cases, there may be refusals to obtaining a residence permit in Turkey. And in this blog article, we will consider such issues as: what is a residence permit in Turkey and how you can get it, the most common reasons for refusal of a residence permit, whether in the case of refusal to reapply for a residence permit in Turkey, as well as some actions that you can take in the case of refusal.

What Is A Residence Permit in Turkey?

A residence permit in Turkey is called an "ikamet". It grants virtually all rights except the right to vote in elections. A residence permit gives you the right to open a bank account, take out a mortgage, buy a SIM card, and so on. In other words, you become a full member of the society of the Turkish state. In view of the fact that the Turkish state is experiencing a large influx of foreign nationals from virtually all countries, the rules of issuance and some of the nuances of the process have been changed in the current year 2023.

A foreign citizen should apply for admission to the local office of the Migration Service – an "appointment" before the end of the period of legal stay in Turkey. In other words, this is the exact date that gives you the opportunity to visit the Migration Service to apply for a residence permit. All applications are accepted with the rules for obtaining a residence permit in Turkey, a list of necessary documents, and the procedure for registration you can be read in detail on the official website of the Ministry of Interior of the Republic of Turkey. Link here.

Why Can I Be Denied A Residence Permit in Turkey And What Are The Most Common Reasons For Refusal?

Before turning to practical advice and recommendations on what to do if a residence permit is denied in Turkey, let's understand the main reasons for its denial. According to Articles 33, 36, and 40 of the Aliens and International Protection Act, the most common reasons for refusing a residence permit are:

Providing false documents or documents containing false information.
Providing false information about the place of residence in Turkey, such as providing a fictitious address.
Violation of the requirements for obtaining an ikamet, such as failure to submit necessary documents or failure to pay fees.
Discovery of an applicant's open criminal record in Turkey or in the country of residence.
Delay in renewing visa documents, e.g. expiration of a visa.
Violation of one or more provisions for the issuance of the ikamet, such as failure to comply with the rules of stay or violation of the laws of the Republic of Turkey.
Lack of clear reasoning for being in Turkey, e.g. failure to provide sufficient proof of the purpose of stay.

In addition to the above reasons, you can also point out some that can also often occur:

Lack of health insurance: Turkish law requires health insurance for all foreign nationals applying for a residence permit. If you do not have insurance, your application may be rejected.
You may be required to provide proof of stable income to make sure the authorities can support you and your family in Turkey. Lack of such a certificate or failure to meet the minimum requirements may result in a rejection.
If you have been working without permission, your application for a residence permit may also be rejected.
When applying for a residence permit through the purchase of real estate: While previously the amount of purchase did not matter in order to obtain a residence permit under the TAPU, now foreigners who wish to obtain a residence permit in Turkey on the basis of ownership, must purchase real estate with an estimated value of at least $ 75,000. Consequently, if the appraised value of the property will be less than $ 75,000, it could be one of the reasons for refusing a residence permit.
In addition, when buying a property, you should make sure that it is not located in an area close to the residence permit, as in this case, too, will be denied a residence permit for the purchase of the real estate. With a detailed list of closed regions and districts of Turkey, you can see the official website of the Ministry of Interior of the Republic of Turkey, by clicking on the link.

Can I Reapply For A Residence Permit in Turkey in Case Of Rejection?

If a foreign citizen has provided an incomplete package of documents when applying for a residence permit or filled out papers incorrectly, it can be the reason for refusal to obtain a residence permit in Turkey. In this case, the employee of the Migration Department will give the applicant one month to correct the mistakes and supplement the documents. If a foreign citizen does not provide a full set of documents in the specified period, the application will be canceled, and reapplying for the same residence permit will be possible only after six months.

Therefore, you can try to reapply for a residence permit before the expiry of your stay in Turkey. For example, if you received a waiver for a tourist residence permit, you can re-apply on the basis of the acquisition of real estate in Turkey, etc. However, if your term of stay in Turkey has expired, you must leave the country within 10 days of receiving a residence permit waiver.

So What Should You Do If You Are Denied A Residence Permit in Turkey?

In the case of a refusal to obtain a residence permit in Turkey, it is important to analyze the situation and eliminate all the reasons that may have influenced the negative decision. To do this:

Find out the reason for the refusal

The first step is to find out the reason for the denial. You may be given a written explanation stating the reasons why your application was denied. Understanding the reasons for the denial will help you prepare for the next steps and prevent repeated mistakes.

Challenge the denial through the courts

If you think your application was denied by mistake or illegally, you have the right to appeal the decision. Contact a lawyer or immigration agent who can help you gather the documents and file an appeal. There may be a time limit for filing an appeal, so there is no time to waste in this case.

Try other types of residence permits

Being denied one type of residence permit does not mean that you cannot get another. Explore the options available, such as a residence permit based on an investment in real estate in Turkey, or based on business or family ties. Choosing the right type of residence permit can increase your chances of obtaining a residence permit in Turkey.

Refusal to obtain a residence permit in Turkey can be an unpleasant surprise, but this is not a reason to give up. In this situation, it is important to learn the reasons for rejection, pay attention to your mistakes and use alternative ways.

Overcome obstacles to your dream of living in Turkey and obtaining a residence permit by purchasing real estate together with Realtor Global. We will be happy to provide you with the necessary assistance in any matter.

Another blog article you might like: Changes in the Turkish Citizenship by Investment Law