Why have refusals for residence permits in Turkey become more frequent? A step-by-step guide and tips.

Difficulties in obtaining a residence permit in Turkey

A few years ago, the process of obtaining a residence permit (RP) in Turkey was quite simple and accessible for many foreigners. However, in recent years, the situation has changed dramatically, and now many are facing rejections in obtaining these permits.

Reasons for refusal of residence permits

When do refusals for residence permits in Turkey most often occur? In which regions is the likelihood of a negative response the highest? What aspects should be considered when preparing documents? And what should be done in case of a refusal? In this article, we will present real examples and the opinion of a lawyer on this matter.

Current situation with residence permits

At the end of December 2022, a significant wave of refusals to issue residence permits began in Turkey, and there are currently no clear guidelines or regulations regarding this procedure. This issue affects not only Russians but also citizens of many other countries.

Stories of people

In this material, we will share the tragic stories of people who faced difficulties in obtaining and renewing their residence permits in Turkey. Additionally, we will attempt to analyze key points regarding the application process with the help of a lawyer, as well as discuss strategies for action in case of denial.

How to minimize the risks of failure

Our new material will also focus on how to reduce the risks of being denied a residence permit in 2024.

The case of Natalia

Natalia, a Russian citizen, shares her story: "My family and I lived in Turkey for several months before we submitted our application in March 2023 for a tourist residence permit in the Mugla area. To apply, we needed a standard set of documents, as well as a requirement for earthquake insurance, which was to be provided by the landlord."

First, we filled out an online application, and then we gathered all the necessary documents for a personal appointment called a rendezvous. When we learned about the decision, it shocked us: the employee simply issued a denial and didn't even look at our documents. He didn't explain the reasons for this step and hardly communicated with us; perhaps the language barrier played a role.

"After receiving the refusal, we were instructed to leave the country within ten days according to the information on the government website. However, judging by the messages in the chats, there are other options for action in such situations. We were not familiar with them, so we decided to leave."

The case of Svetlana

Refusals to obtain a residence permit can occur not only during the initial application but also when trying to extend existing documents. Svetlana shared her story: "I am 29 years old, and I have been living in Turkey since 2012, working in the tourism business. At first, I would come for the season and occasionally go back to Russia for 2-3 months, but for the last two years, I have hardly left the country."

The number of refusals for residence permits has increased, which makes many foreigners take the preparation of their documents more seriously. Your experiences and questions help to better understand the current situation with residence permits in Turkey, and we hope that through sharing information, we can protect others from similar troubles in the future. Be careful and prepare in advance!

Work visa and transition to tourist residency

At the beginning of my stay in the country, I had a work visa, but it was soon replaced by a tourist residence permit, as I switched to remote work for a foreign company.

The process of renewing a visa

In January, my visa was about to expire, so I applied for an extension two months before it ended. The appointment with the migration service was scheduled for January 10, 2023. After preparing all the necessary documents, I also called the hotline to find out what specific bank account information I would need, as I didn't have any funds in my Turkish account.

The specialists advised me to provide a document with an original seal, but it turned out to be impossible to do so. In the end, I just drafted the document and printed it out, and I also prepared a statement from the local bank to confirm the financial transactions.

It is worth noting that a year ago, the requirements for financial documents were more lenient, and it was possible to obtain a visa with a relatively small amount of paperwork.

Appointment at the migration service

On the day of the appointment I went to the Migration Service (Göç İdaresi) and presented my documents - they were accepted without any questions or comments. They did not take my fingerprints, as they were already recorded in the database from the previous application.

Usually the decision to extend or issue a visa comes in the form of an SMS message, and you can also track the status on the official website of the institution. Previously, decisions were made in two weeks, and the card arrived by mail in a month. However, this time the process took much longer. I checked the status of my application almost every day and each time I found out that it had not yet started to be considered.

Receiving a waiver

On March 3, I received a refusal notice, and I had to go to the migration service again to pick up an official document. I was left with the feeling that no one had even considered my documents. The official letter stated the reason for the refusal - lack of grounds for visa extension.

Leaving the country

After receiving a refusal, I had to leave the country within ten days, especially if my visa or visa-free entry for legal residence had expired. Living in a rented apartment, I had to close all utility bills, such as water and electricity, before I left.

I also learned that it is possible to recover some of the costs of visa processing in the form of tax deductions (for this you need to apply to the tax office) and the cost of insurance.

Packing and departure

Thus, I packed my belongings in one suitcase, some of which I gave to friends or sold. At the airport I had to pay a fine of about 350 liras for overstaying, as my visa expired on January 10, 2023, and my departure was scheduled for March 11. All formalities were completed and I left the country.

I cannot say that I feel deeply disappointed about the refusal to renew my residence permit, as Turkey does not boast the most comfortable living environment. As it happens, most of my friends and my work were located there. At present I live and work in Moscow, and I am happy with my current situation. I have plans to buy an apartment in the near future, so I have no intention of leaving the country.

Return to Turkey: possible ways

It should be noted that it is quite realistic to return to Turkey after refusal to obtain or extend a residence permit, unless there is a ban on entry. The main thing is to comply with the requirements of visa-free entry. Russian citizens can stay on the territory of Turkey without a visa for 60+30 days within six months. That is, after using all the allowed visa-free days, it is necessary to wait three months before traveling to Turkey again.

New regulations on real estate in Turkey

Recently, new rules have been introduced in Turkey regarding the purchase of real estate by foreigners. Now, if the value of your property is less than 75 thousand dollars, you will not be able to be issued a residence permit related to the purchase. Instead, you will be granted a tourist visa. We have had cases where clients bought a home for 55 thousand dollars, but ended up being denied a residence permit because it was not done on a property certificate (tapu), but on a tourist visa.

Real estate value threshold

The threshold that determines the possibility of obtaining a residence permit for large cities such as Istanbul and Ankara is now 75 thousand dollars, while in less populated areas the limit has been reduced to 50 thousand dollars. If a person is denied a residence permit, they have ten days to leave the country. However, within 60 days of the denial, he has the option of filing a complaint with the court. This means that even if the ten days allowed for departure have passed, it is possible to start legal actions, although in this case the stay in Turkey will be illegal.

Changing the type of residence permit

If you want to change the type of residence permit, it is possible, but there are some nuances to consider. For example, a number of residence permits require that you obtain the appropriate visas in advance. For example:

• The process of obtaining a work visa cannot be done quickly.
• You will need to leave the country, get a job offer and a visa.
• You must then return with this visa to apply for a working residence permit.

Types of residence permits

At the moment, there are several types of residence permits in Turkey:

• Short-term.
• Family.
• Student.
• Long-term.
• On humanitarian grounds or for victims of human trafficking.

Full information on each of these types can be found on the official website of the Turkish Migration Service.

Closed areas

It should not be forgotten that there are 1169 closed areas in the country. If a foreigner decides to purchase real estate in such areas, he will not be able to register and legally reside in his property. This also means that obtaining a residence permit in these cases will not be possible. The situation is similar for renters. Investors who rent housing in closed areas are not eligible for a primary residence permit. However, this rule does not apply to those who are already registered in such places.

Popular gated communities

Closed areas include well-known neighborhoods and cities, such as in Alanya - such as:

• Mahmutlar
• Kargyjak
• Kestel
• Avsallar

What to do in case of refusal?

It is important to consider that a refusal to obtain a residence permit can occur not only during the initial application but also during its renewal. If you have been denied, the possible courses of action are as follows:

• To file a request with the court for a review of the decision.
• Try to apply for a different type of residence permit.
• Submit an internal complaint (petition, or in Turkish dilekçe), but this often does not yield results.

The best way is a lawsuit.

The most reliable way is to file a lawsuit in court. I have successfully challenged refusals, although this process takes some time. Usually, everything ended positively, and I always advise my clients whether it is worth starting this matter. All actions should be carried out through competent judicial authorities.

Conclusion

Anyone who has ever thought about living in Turkey knows that obtaining a residence permit (RP) is not just a formality, but a whole process that requires attention and understanding. Recent changes in legislation and the practices of migration services have led to an increase in the number of rejections faced by foreigners, including Russians. I hope that the examples provided, as well as the opinions of experts, will help our readers better prepare for this important stage and avoid potential mistakes.

I have spent enough time studying the new requirements and challenges that many of us face. The real stories I have gathered serve not only as a reminder of the difficulties but also as a source of useful information. However, I also noticed that the chaos surrounding the residency permit process does not inspire hope, and many feel lost, not knowing where to turn for help.

Tips for successfully obtaining a residence permit

For those considering the possibility of obtaining a residence permit in Turkey, my recommendation is to always prepare thoroughly. The main steps include:

• Gathering all necessary documents.
• Clarification of the latest changes in the requirements.
• Consultation with specialists.

Don't rely solely on information from the internet or general recommendations; it's better to consult with specialists who have experience in the field.

New hope

In conclusion, behind the end of every story lies not only the pain of loss but also the opportunity for a new beginning. I hope that my articles will serve as a guide and a source of hope for successfully obtaining residency in 2024. Don't let rejections break you; instead, use them as lessons to build your future life in wonderful Turkey with confidence and readiness.

We all deserve a second chance, and I'm sure you'll succeed!