Türkiye long-term residence permit

Refugees, conditional refugees, subsidiary protection holders, humanitarian residence permit holders and people under temporary protection have no right to transfer to long-term residence.

Article 43 requires at least eight years of uninterrupted residence on residence permits, no social assistance received in the last three years, sufficient and regular income to support the applicant and any family, valid health insurance, and no threat to public order or security. Foreigners approved under special conditions set by the Ministry only need to satisfy the public order condition.

All residence permit time counts in full, except student permits, which count half. Absences of more than six months in a year, or more than one year in total within the last five years, break continuity unless they were for compulsory public service, education or health; after a break, earlier periods are not counted. Permits later cancelled because they were based on a marriage of convenience are disregarded.

The permit is cancelled if the holder poses a serious threat to public order or security, or stays outside Türkiye continuously for more than one year for reasons other than health, education or compulsory public service in their own country. Procedures for re-applying after such a cancellation are set by regulation.

Holders enjoy the rights of Turkish citizens, subject to special laws and the rules on acquired social security rights, with four exceptions: military service, voting and standing for election, entering public service and duty-free import of vehicles. The President can restrict these rights partly or fully. Holders can also apply for an indefinite work permit.