Türkiye, with its natural beauty, strategic location, and tourism potential, welcomes millions of foreigners every year. However, foreigners who come with a short-term visa and wish to stay longer in Türkiye can apply for a residence permit for tourism purposes, also called a short-term residence permit.
This permit allows foreigners to reside in Türkiye for a specific period without engaging in employment, trade, or educational activities — solely for tourism, vacation, or cultural purposes.
Its legal basis is Article 31 of the Law on Foreigners and International Protection No. 6458 (YUKK) and the Regulation on Residence Permits.
The tourism residence permit is usually granted for a maximum of one year, and it may be extended by filing a renewal application before it expires. This permit does not grant the right to work and may only be used for tourism-related stays.
The tourist residence permit is granted to foreigners who wish to stay temporarily in Türkiye and who are not subject to any other residence category. Main applicant groups include:
• Foreigners who entered Türkiye with a visa or visa-exemption and wish to extend their stay,
• Persons without property ownership in Türkiye but planning a long-term touristic visit,
• Foreigners visiting for sightseeing, vacation, research, or cultural activities,
• Tourists who do not intend to return to their country shortly.
If the permit is used for purposes other than its stated one (for instance, covert employment, commercial activity, education, or medical treatment), the Directorate of Migration Management may reject the application or cancel an existing permit.
Applications are submitted online via the official e-Residence system of the Directorate General of Migration Management (DGMM):
https://e-ikamet.goc.gov.tr
A. Required Documents Before Application
B. Application Steps
• Log in to the e-residence system and complete the online form.
• The system assigns an appointment date automatically.
• Submit all required documents in person to the relevant Provincial Directorate of Migration Management on the appointment day.
• If necessary, the Directorate may request additional documents or an interview.
• After evaluation, the result is notified via SMS or e-mail.
C. Processing and Evaluation
• Applications are usually finalized within 30 to 90 days.
• In high-demand provinces (Istanbul, Ankara, Antalya, Muğla etc.), processing may take longer.
• If approved, the residence card is delivered to the applicant’s address by PTT (Post & Telegraph Corporation).
In recent years, DGMM has applied stricter scrutiny to applications for tourism residence. The most frequent reasons for rejection include:
• Incomplete, inaccurate, or forged documentation,
• Insufficient financial balance in the bank account,
• False or unverifiable accommodation declaration,
• Applications effectively made for work or commercial purposes rather than tourism,
• Concerns regarding public order or national security,
• Multiple foreigners registered at the same address,
• Previous misuse of residence permits for other purposes.
In provinces such as Antalya, Istanbul, Muğla, Aydın, Bursa, and Mersin, the DGMM may impose regional limits or quotas on tourism-based applications.
(Part 2 continues below — from Section 5 “Grounds for Cancellation” through the FAQ and Conclusion.)
Tourism Residence Permit in Türkiye (Part 2)
(Continuation from Section 5 onward)
Even if a tourist residence permit has been granted, it may later be revoked under certain circumstances.
Main reasons for cancellation include:
• Discovery of false or misleading information provided in the application,
• Proof that the foreigner has been working illegally in Türkiye,
• Threats to public order or national security,
• Loss of financial sufficiency or false address declaration,
• Previous deportation or existing restriction (ban) codes.
A cancellation decision is an administrative act, and if considered unlawful, it can be challenged before the courts.
After receiving notice of a rejection or cancellation, the foreigner has both administrative and judicial remedies.
A. Administrative Objection
An objection may be filed within 30 days of notification to the Provincial Directorate of Migration Management.
The petition should address the grounds of the decision and, if possible, include new supporting documents.
Although this remedy is not mandatory, it gives the authority an opportunity to reconsider. In practice, however, it is rarely effective since the appeal is submitted to the same institution that issued the decision.
B. Right to File a Lawsuit
A lawsuit may be filed in the competent administrative court within 60 days of notification.
C. What Happens After the Lawsuit?
If the court annuls the administrative act, the Migration Directorate must re-evaluate the application.
When the court finds the decision unjustified or disproportionate, it may order a stay of execution or full annulment.
D. Higher Judicial Remedies
A judgment of the administrative court can be appealed within 30 days before the Regional Administrative Court (Court of Appeal).
• Observe time limits carefully — the 30-day objection and 60-day filing periods are preclusive (non-extendable).
• Request the stay of execution together with the lawsuit.
• Ensure all documents are accurate and demonstrate that the purpose is purely touristic.
• Wait for the administration’s defense and submit all evidence completely.
• Foreigners who do not speak Turkish should act through a lawyer specialized in immigration law.
1. What is a tourist residence permit?
A tourist residence permit allows foreigners to stay in Türkiye temporarily for sightseeing, vacation, cultural or social purposes without engaging in work or study.
It is regulated under Article 31 of Law No. 6458 on Foreigners and International Protection.
2. For how long is a tourist residence permit granted?
It is generally issued for 6 to 12 months.
However, the DGMM may shorten this period based on the applicant’s situation, financial resources, or justification.
In some provinces (Istanbul, Antalya, Muğla, Aydın etc.), permits shorter than one year are common.
3. Can the tourist residence permit be extended?
Yes. A renewal may be submitted via the e-residence system no earlier than 60 days before expiry.
Yet, repeated extensions based on the same reason are now mostly rejected — the DGMM expects a more stable ground such as property ownership, family ties, education, or employment.
4. What documents are required for a tourist residence permit application?
Main documents include:
• Passport or travel document (valid ≥ 60 days beyond intended stay)
• Health insurance covering the entire stay
• Proof of financial means (bank statement or income certificate)
• Proof of accommodation (rental contract, hotel booking, or undertaking)
• 4 biometric photos
• E-residence application form
• Payment receipts for fees and card cost
Incomplete or false documents lead to immediate rejection.
5. Can I work in Türkiye with a tourist residence permit?
No. It does not grant work rights.
Foreigners must obtain a work permit from the Ministry of Labour and Social Security.
Working with only a tourist residence permit may result in fines and deportation.
6. How long does the application process take?
Normally 30 – 90 days, but longer in crowded provinces (Istanbul, Antalya).
Results are sent via e-mail/SMS, and approved cards are delivered by PTT.
7. What if my application is rejected?
The decision is served in writing.
The applicant may object within 30 days to the DGMM or directly file a lawsuit within 60 days before the court.
Deadlines are crucial — missing them forfeits the right to appeal.
A rejection is not final and can be overturned by court.
8. What is the time limit to file a lawsuit?
60 days from notification.
This period is strictly binding; after it expires, legal remedies are lost.
9. Can I sue against a cancellation decision?
Yes.
A cancellation is also an administrative act and may be challenged in court within 60 days.
If annulled, the DGMM must re-examine the case.
10. May I remain in Türkiye while the lawsuit is pending?
If the court grants a stay of execution, the foreigner may stay legally until final judgment.
The stay temporarily suspends the administrative decision.
11. Must I leave the country immediately after rejection or cancellation?
Generally, the DGMM gives 10 days to depart voluntarily.
However, if a lawsuit is filed and the stay of execution is granted, this obligation is suspended.
12. Can I re-apply on the same grounds?
No. Re-applications based on identical grounds are usually rejected.
If the visa expires, the person must leave and re-enter Türkiye.
A new application should address previous shortcomings (e.g., by showing new property, family connection, or improved finances).
13. What are common reasons for cancellation?
• False or forged documents,
• Unauthorized employment,
• Incorrect address declaration,
• Public-order or security concerns,
• Loss of financial means,
• Fake accommodation documents.
In such cases, the permit may be canceled and deportation may follow.
14. In which provinces is obtaining a tourist residence permit more difficult?
In Istanbul, Antalya, Muğla, Aydın, Bursa, and Mersin, DGMM has imposed restrictions due to high foreigner density.
Approval rates for first-time tourist applications are low.
15. How to prove financial sufficiency?
The applicant must show resources adequate for living expenses during the stay.
DGMM usually expects an amount above the monthly minimum subsistence level.
For a 12-month permit, a bank balance of around ₺150,000 is considered safe.
The account must belong to the applicant.
16. Is there a risk of deportation after rejection or cancellation?
Yes.
If forged documents, false statements, public-order threats, or illegal work are found, DGMM may issue a deportation order and enter a restriction code (e.g., V-70, Ç-150, G-87).
Such measures can also be challenged in court.
17. How should the objection petition be prepared?
It must include detailed legal reasoning, evidence, and supporting documents — merely writing “I object” is insufficient.
A professional petition should state:
• Notification date of the decision,
• Legal grounds (Law No. 6458 Art. 31, Residence Regulation, etc.),
• Material evidence (bank statement, rental contract, insurance),
• Specific relief requested (re-evaluation or annulment).
18. Is hiring a lawyer mandatory?
Not mandatory but highly advisable.
Administrative litigation is technical; a lawyer ensures deadlines, procedural accuracy, and proper stay-of-execution requests.
19. If I win the case, can I get the permit again?
Yes.
Once the court annuls the rejection or cancellation, DGMM must re-process the file and generally grants the permit again.
20. How long does a lawsuit take?
On average 4 – 8 months, depending on court workload.
Requests for stay of execution are usually decided within 15 – 60 days.
21. Can my children attend school with a tourist residence permit?
Yes.
Children holding a tourist residence permit may enroll in state or private schools authorized by the Ministry of National Education.
For long-term education, however, an education-purpose residence permit is recommended.
22. What if the DGMM does not state any reason for rejection?
Sometimes the notice simply says “application not approved.”
In that case, the applicant may request the justification under the Right to Information Act, or — more effectively — learn it through a court case, since DGMM must explain its reasoning to the court.
23. When is renewal impossible?
Renewal is usually refused if:
• The previous permit was misused,
• The same reason was used repeatedly (2–3 times),
• Address changes were not reported,
• Financial means decreased.
In such cases, a different ground (property ownership, family, etc.) should be used.
24. Can a lawyer file the application on behalf of the foreigner?
Yes.
With a notarized power of attorney, lawyers may handle both residence and court procedures.
However, since the foreigner must give fingerprints personally, he or she must appear in person on the appointment day.
The tourist residence permit provides a legal way to reside in Türkiye temporarily.
However, enforcement has become significantly stricter; documents and purposes are carefully examined.
Therefore, during the application, objection, or litigation stages, working with a lawyer specialized in foreigners’ law ensures the process proceeds correctly and efficiently.
