Family Residence Permit Application in Türkiye: Step-by-Step Guide

Family Residence Permit Application in Türkiye: Step-by-Step Guide

Introduction

The family residence permit is an important right that enables foreigners living in Türkiye to stay together with their families. Both foreigners married to Turkish citizens and foreigners who legally reside in Türkiye can benefit from this permit. However, details such as documents, fees, and ideal application timing require attention. With this guide, you can learn the entire process and reduce the likelihood of encountering problems.

1. What Is a “Family Residence Permit”?

A family residence permit is a residence type that allows the spouse and dependent children of a sponsor (a person with legal status in Türkiye) to stay in Türkiye.
The sponsor may be a Turkish citizen or a foreigner living in Türkiye with a valid residence or work permit.
Legal purpose: to protect family unity and enable foreigners to live with their families.

Who can apply?

The sponsor’s spouse (whether the sponsor is a Turkish citizen or a foreigner with legal status).
The sponsor’s or the spouse’s children who are under 18 or in dependent status.

2. Application Requirements

To obtain a family residence permit, both the sponsor and the applicant must meet certain conditions. These conditions are critical to approval.

2.1 Requirements for the Sponsor

Because the sponsor facilitates the applicants’ stay in Türkiye, the sponsor is expected to meet certain criteria:

Having legal status in Türkiye (Turkish citizenship or a valid residence/work permit).
Financial means: sufficient income to support the applicant(s).
- In practice, Provincial Directorates of Migration Management may require the sponsor’s income to be at or above certain multiples of the minimum wage.
Health insurance: valid health insurance covering family members.
Criminal record: the sponsor is expected not to have serious criminal convictions or offenses against public order.

2.2 Requirements for the Applicant

The foreigner applying must also meet certain criteria:

Lawful entry and status: if the person entered with a visa or visa exemption, the application should be made before its expiry.
“Genuine” marriage: applications based on sham marriages may be refused.
Intention to live together as a family: actual cohabitation with the sponsor (residing at the same address, etc.) may be important.

3. Required Documents (Complete Preparation Guide)

Submitting incomplete or incorrect documents may lead to refusal. Below are detailed lists for both the applicant and the sponsor.

3.1 Common Documents (Required in Every Application)

Residence permit application form (printed and signed after completion on the e-Ikamet system)
Passport or equivalent document (original and copies) — it is recommended that the passport be valid for 60 days beyond the requested residence period
Entry/exit stamps and visas should be visible in the passport (with copies)
4 biometric photos (taken within the last 6 months, on a white background)
Valid health insurance (covering all family members for the requested residence term)
Criminal record (with apostille and/or notarized Turkish translation, depending on the issuing country)
Receipts for the appointment and application fees (residence fee, card fee, etc.)
Proof of address: Address Registration System (AKS) entry or documents such as a rental contract/title deed for the residence

3.2 Documents for the Sponsor

Turkish ID card (if the sponsor is a Turkish citizen)
Passport, residence permit, or work permit (if the sponsor is a foreigner)
Proof of income: payslips, bank statements, tax certificate (if self-employed), etc.
Social security records (for sponsors holding a work permit)
Marriage certificate (if married) or other documents proving family ties (full-scope population registry record, family book)
Proof of accommodation: lease agreement, title deed, housing rental contract, or similar document

4. Application Process: Step by Step

4.1 Pre-Application via e-Ikamet

Log in to e-Ikamet (https://e-ikamet.goc.gov.tr).
Choose the relevant option among “First Application,” “Extension,” or “Transfer.”
Select the category for the family residence permit.
Carefully fill in all required information (passport number, entry date, sponsor’s details, etc.).
The system will direct you to book an appointment after the pre-application.

4.2 Appointment and Submission

After you select the appointment date and time, go to the Provincial or District Directorate of Migration Management on the appointment day.
Submit all documents in full.
Biometric data (digital photo, fingerprints) may be taken.
Submit the receipts showing payment of the application fee and card fee.

4.3 Evaluation of the Application

The Presidency of Migration Management reviews the application.
If there are missing or suspicious points, additional documents may be requested from the sponsor or the applicant.
If the application is refused, you have the right to file an administrative lawsuit for annulment.

4.4 Decision and Delivery of the Residence Card

If approved, the applicant can legally stay in Türkiye for the duration of the permit.
After the card is printed, it is delivered on the date or in the manner indicated by the authority.
In case of any change (address, new passport, etc.), it must be reported to the Migration Management within 20 days.

5. Duration, Validity, Extension, and Cancellation

5.1 Duration and Validity

A family residence permit may be granted for up to 3 years per application. However, its validity cannot exceed the sponsor’s residence or permit duration.

5.2 Extension (Renewal)

The extension application must be made 60 days before the current permit expires.
The same documentation is generally required for extensions (copy of the current permit, proof of income, insurance, etc.).
Late applications may be refused or treated as a new application.

5.3 Grounds for Cancellation and Refusal

A family residence permit may be cancelled or refused in the following cases:

The sponsor or the applicant no longer meets the conditions (e.g., loss of income, lapse of health insurance)
Use for purposes other than intended
Violation of rules such as staying abroad for long periods (e.g., more than 180 days in a year)
Death of the sponsor: the existing permit usually remains valid until its expiry, but a new family permit may not be issued
Divorce: if the person has stayed in Türkiye with a family residence permit for at least 3 years, they may switch to a short-term residence permit; in cases of domestic violence, the 3-year condition may be waived

6. Practical Points / Tips

Timing is crucial: apply before your visa or visa-exempt period expires.
Document deficiencies are the most common reason for refusal: do not neglect apostille, notarization, and sworn Turkish translations.
“Sham marriage” concerns: large age differences, separate addresses, or a very short marriage may trigger closer scrutiny.
Have proof of income ready: the sponsor’s financial situation should be solid.
Health insurance coverage is critical: the policy must cover the requested residence period.
Address changes must be reported: notify the Migration Management within 20 days.
Education for foreign children: children holding a family permit can study without a separate student permit until age 18.
The card cannot outlast the sponsor’s status: if the sponsor’s permit ends, the family permit is affected.
Submit a complete application: If you think you may encounter difficulties during the process, consider applying with support from an experienced lawyer.

Family Residence Permit – Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Who can be granted a family residence permit?
A family residence permit may be granted to the:

Spouse of a Turkish citizen,
Spouse of a foreigner who legally holds a residence or work permit in Türkiye,
Spouse of a person with refugee or subsidiary protection status,
and to their children under 18.
Example: A Russian national married to a Turkish citizen can apply. Likewise, the spouse of a foreigner living in Türkiye with a work permit can apply.

2. For how long is a family residence permit issued?
It may be issued for up to 3 years. However, it cannot exceed the sponsor’s own permit duration.
Example: If the sponsor has a 2-year residence permit, the spouse cannot receive 3 years; the maximum would be 2 years.

3. Does the length of the marriage matter?
Yes. Especially where there is suspicion of a sham marriage, the length of the marriage is considered. In newly concluded marriages, the Migration Management may request additional documents or conduct an interview.
In practice: It is important to show that the marriage has lasted at least several months, that the spouses live together, and that they share the same registered address.

4. How much income must be shown?
The law does not set a specific figure; however, in practice the authorities generally expect regular income at least comparable to the monthly net minimum wage (or a certain per-capita amount). The sponsor must be able to cover all family expenses.
Tip: Attach payslips, bank statements, tax certificates, or proof of rental income.

5. Where do I apply?
Applications are made only via the e-Ikamet system (https://e-ikamet.goc.gov.tr). After completing the form, the system assigns an appointment date. On the appointment day, you must personally appear at the Provincial/District Directorate of Migration Management with your documents.

6. What documents are required?
Basic documents include:

e-Ikamet application form
Passport and copies
4 biometric photos
Health insurance (covering family members)
Proof of address or rental contract
Marriage certificate (apostilled + notarized Turkish translation)
Proof of income (payslips, bank statements)
Criminal record
If documents are in a foreign language, sworn Turkish translation and notarization are required.

7. How long does the application take to finalize?
On average 1 to 3 months. This may vary depending on provincial workload. If documents are missing, the authority may suspend the process or request additional papers.
Tip: You can track the status online through the e-Ikamet system.

8. What if my application is refused?
After the refusal is notified to you:

An administrative objection may be filed within 30 days (in practice, this is rarely preferred as it is lodged with the same authority that issued the decision), and/or
An administrative lawsuit for annulment may be filed within 60 days before the competent court.
Obtaining legal assistance is very important at this stage; if a reasoned petition is not submitted, the case may be dismissed.

9. When should I apply for an extension?
60 days before the current permit expires. Late applications are treated like a “first application” and may jeopardize status.
Tip: Keep an eye on the “expiry date” in the e-Ikamet system.

10. Can I work in Türkiye with a family residence permit?
No. A family residence permit does not by itself confer the right to work.
However, holders may apply separately for a work permit to work legally.
Exception: Those who have been married to a Turkish citizen and have lived in Türkiye with a family residence permit for 3 years may directly obtain a work permit.

11. What happens to the permit in case of divorce?
Two scenarios:

If the marriage lasted at least 3 years, the person may switch to a short-term residence permit.
If the marriage lasted less than 3 years but the person is a victim of domestic violence, the 3-year condition may be waived.
Evidence such as court decisions and police reports is important.

12. What if my Turkish-citizen spouse passes away?
If the Turkish-citizen spouse dies, the current permit remains valid until its expiry. Afterwards, the person must switch to a short-term residence permit.
The Migration Management will request the death certificate and an updated address registration.

13. Can I travel abroad while holding a family residence permit?
Yes. However, spending more than 180 days outside Türkiye within one year may lead to cancellation of the permit.
Tip: If you plan a long trip, inform the Migration Management.

14. Can my children stay in Türkiye with the family residence permit?
Yes. Children under 18 may stay under the parents’ family residence permit. When they turn 18, they should switch to a student or short-term residence permit.
Children may attend school and access health services with this permit.

15. What happens if the family residence permit is cancelled?
After cancellation, the person must

leave Türkiye within the specified period, or
consult a specialized lawyer to file the appropriate case against the decision.
Otherwise, the person may fall into overstay/irregular status, which can result in administrative fines and removal (deportation) procedures.

16. Can I acquire Turkish citizenship while on a family residence permit?
Yes. Foreigners who have been married to a Turkish citizen for at least 3 years while holding a family residence permit may apply for citizenship, provided the marriage is ongoing and cohabitation is proven.
The citizenship process is carried out under Law No. 5901 on Turkish Citizenship. You can read our related article here: https://www.avkubrakeles.com/turk-vatandasligini-kazanmanin-yollari

17. Do holders of a family residence permit have a right to education?
Yes. Children under a family residence permit may receive primary and secondary education without a separate student permit. For university education, a student residence permit is required.

18. What are the fees?
Although they change every year, as of 2025:

Residence fee: approximately TRY 1,500–3,500
Card fee: around TRY 750
Fees may vary by nationality.
Fee exemptions: may apply under bilateral agreements with certain countries (e.g., Azerbaijan, Ukraine).

19. Do I need a lawyer for the application?
It is not mandatory but recommended. Many applications are refused due to missing documents, translation mistakes, insufficient proof of income, or system errors. An experienced foreigners-law attorney can streamline the process and reduce the risk of refusal.

20. May I leave Türkiye while my application is pending?
No. If you leave Türkiye before a decision is made, your application will be cancelled.
In urgent cases, you may request a one-time exit permit from the Migration Management.

In Summary

The family residence permit is a crucial legal status that protects family unity in Türkiye. However, even minor mistakes (e.g., missing documents, incorrect address declaration, suspicion of sham marriage) can lead to refusal. With complete documentation and, where needed, professional legal support, the process can proceed smoothly.