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April 14, 2014 Laws Regarding Residency

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takinjoon
  10/27/2013 11:54 EST

I'm looking to move to Turkey sometime in the beginning of next year (2014) and I found that there are new April 14, 2014 laws that will eventually be implemented.

Would you please confirm the following:

(1) under the current laws, is it possible to obtain a residence permit for up to 5 years, at once?
(2) under the new laws, it seems that residence permit is issued for 1 year maximum -- does anyone know whether this can be renewed each year?

I just came across this site so I have much reading to do however if you could also clear up the process of obtaining a residence permit for Istanbul, that would be much appreciated.

Thank you.

carole0825
  1/29/2014 20:14 EST

Hi
I am also planning on moving to Turkey this yr and have been pulling my hair out over the new residency permit laws coming out. What I have read is that for first time residency applications u will have to make an appointment and go to ur own Turkish consulate or Embassy in ur own country and you can only apply for a 1 yr permit but then you can renew it for a further yr before the first one runs out but you renew it in Turkey.
I am hoping that even when this new law does start that it takes a while to get up and running which would mean I could still get my permit when I get there on my tourist visa cos going to the consulate in London will be a big headache as I live hrs away from it.

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OorWullie
  2/19/2014 06:07 EST

There is no hard and fast rule about how long you can get a residency permit for (this is Turkey!). Your personal situation will have a bearing but suffice as to say you will NOT get 5 years. Yes, maximum is one year but it is more common for it to be less than that. Most are for periods ranging from 3 to 9 months. And yes, you then visit a branch of the Police who handle residency matters to renew your residency prior to your initial one expiring. Providing your personal/work situation still qualifies you, they will renew it, and often for a slightly longer period of time. Just make sure you turn up at the Police office in your best bib & tucker. Trust me, it matters.

carole0825
  4/11/2014 18:59 EST

I have since found out that the new law regarding residency permits being done in ur own home country has been postponed for the unforseeable future so will still be done through the foreigners polis in Turkey. The good thing that has changed is that the new system means that instead of paying 206tl for the permit as from today 11th April it will now cost 50tl. This is because they are changing the blue notebook type to a one page id card instead.

Tigerman55
  4/12/2014 08:46 EST

Well that sounds good news. However, don't hold your breath. The laws here are always changing, so whats law today is not necessary law tomorrow.

Tigerman55
  4/12/2014 08:55 EST

I don't know where you heard about obtaining a 5 year residence permit, as you have never been able to have your first residence permit granted for 5 years.

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