Immigration law: residence, deportation and citizenship
Has your residence permit been refused, or have you been served a deportation order? Deadlines in Turkish immigration law are short. Here is what applies and what to do.
Turkish immigration law governs how foreign nationals enter, live and work in Türkiye, the measures the state can take, such as deportation and administrative detention, and how those measures can be challenged. The main statute is the Law on Foreigners and International Protection No. 6458 (YUKK); citizenship is governed by the Turkish Citizenship Law No. 5901. Deadlines are very short: a lawsuit against a deportation order must be filed within seven days of notification.
There are six types of residence permit (ikamet izni): short-term, family, student, long-term, humanitarian and residence for victims of human trafficking. Applications are decided by the Provincial Directorates of Migration Management, which in Istanbul act on behalf of the Istanbul Governorship. A renewal must be filed within the sixty days before the permit expires, and in any case before it expires. Failing to leave within ten days after a renewal is refused, overstaying a visa or permit by more than ten days and working without a work permit are among the grounds for deportation (YUKK, Article 54).
A deportation order (sınır dışı etme kararı, often called "deport") can be challenged before the administrative court. The court decides within short statutory deadlines, generally within fifteen days, and its decision is final. Since the 2024 amendment, unless the person consents, they cannot be deported while the seven-day filing period is running or while the case is pending (YUKK, Article 53). A person held in a removal centre under administrative detention (idari gözetim) can challenge the detention before the criminal judgeship of peace; detention may not, as a rule, exceed six months. Deportation is usually followed by an entry ban of up to five years, which can be extended where there is a serious threat to public security.
Turkish citizenship can be acquired through the general route (five years of uninterrupted residence before applying, among other conditions), through at least three years of marriage to a Turkish citizen, or through exceptional routes such as investment. We assist clients with residence and work permit applications, challenges and lawsuits against refusals, deportation, detention and entry ban matters, citizenship applications, and the property, tenancy, employment and family law matters foreign residents face in Türkiye.
When you may need this
- Your residence permit application or renewal was refused and you are unsure how much time you have.
- You or a family member have been served a deportation order.
- A family member is being held in a removal centre under administrative detention.
- You found out at the border that you have an entry ban or restriction code.
- You overstayed your visa or residence permit and want to regularise your situation.
- You are married to a Turkish citizen and plan to apply for a family residence permit or citizenship by marriage.
- Your citizenship application has been pending for a long time or was refused.
- You need legal help with a work permit, buying property, a lease or setting up a company in Türkiye.
How the process works
- 01
Identifying the decision and the deadline
We review the decision served on you, the date of service and the legal basis cited. The seven-day deadline for deportation orders, the lawsuit deadline for residence refusals and any period given to leave the country are clarified at the first meeting.
- 02
Preparing the application
For residence, renewal, family residence or citizenship applications, we identify the required documents and any need for sworn translation or apostille. Missing or inconsistent documents are among the most common reasons for refusal.
- 03
Administrative challenge and lawsuit
We file an annulment action before the Istanbul administrative courts against a refusal, cancellation or deportation order and, where needed, request a stay of execution. The defendant is usually the Istanbul Governorship (Provincial Directorate of Migration Management).
- 04
Challenging administrative detention
We apply to the criminal judgeship of peace against detention in a removal centre. The judge must decide within five days, and a new application can be made if circumstances change.
- 05
Follow-up after the decision
We follow up on notifying the authorities of a favourable judgment, correcting residence records, and lifting an entry ban or obtaining prior entry permission. For citizenship applications we track the file through each stage.
Services in this area
- Residence permit applications, renewals and changes of permit type01
- Administrative lawsuits against residence refusals and cancellations02
- Lawsuits against deportation orders and challenges to administrative detention03
- Lifting entry bans and applications for prior entry permission04
- Citizenship applications through residence, marriage and investment05
- Work permit processes and advice to employers of foreign staff06
- Property acquisition, tenancy and company formation by foreigners07
- International protection applications and visa disputes08
Documents worth bringing
- Passport and, if any, residence permit card, visa or entry and exit records
- The refusal, cancellation, deportation or detention decision served on you, with proof of service
- Address registration, lease agreement or title deed
- Valid health insurance policy and proof of income
- Marriage certificate, civil registry record (nüfus kayıt örneği) and children's birth certificates
- Work permit, employment contract or student certificate
- Notarised Turkish translations of foreign-language documents and, where required, an apostille
How fees and costs are determined
Legal fees are set by a written fee agreement between lawyer and client (Attorneys Act No. 1136, Articles 163-164) and cannot be lower than the Minimum Attorney Fee Tariff (AAÜT) published each year by the Union of Turkish Bar Associations. Application follow-up, administrative lawsuits and detention challenges may be priced separately according to the scope of the work. If you are abroad, a power of attorney can be issued at a Turkish consulate or before a local notary with an apostille.
Residence permit fees and card costs, citizenship application fees and work permit fees are updated every year; current amounts are published by the Presidency of Migration Management (Göç İdaresi Başkanlığı) and the relevant authorities. In administrative court, filing fees, judgment fees and notification costs are paid; the losing party bears the court costs and the other side's attorney fee under the tariff. Translation, notary and apostille costs arise separately. A person in administrative detention who cannot afford a lawyer can, on request, be assigned one through the bar association.
Frequently asked questions
How long do I have to challenge a deportation order?
Seven days from the date the order is served on you, by filing a case at the administrative court. The court decides quickly, generally within fifteen days, and its decision is final. Unless you consent, you cannot be deported while the seven days are running or while the case is pending.
How can a deportation record or entry ban be lifted?
An entry ban lasts up to five years and can be extended by up to ten more years where there is a serious threat to public order or security. The Presidency of Migration Management can lift a ban, or allow entry for a specific period while the ban remains. Once the basis and duration of the ban are known, you can apply to the authority to lift it and, if refused, file an administrative lawsuit.
What happens if my residence permit is refused?
The refusal is served with its reasons and the available remedies. You can ask the administrative court to annul it; the filing period runs from the date of service. A person whose renewal is refused and who does not leave within ten days becomes liable to deportation, so if you intend to challenge the decision, act without delay.
When should I apply to renew my residence permit?
Within the sixty days before your permit expires, and in any case before it expires. The document you receive when applying allows you to stay in Türkiye until a decision is made, even if your permit expires in the meantime. Applying after expiry can mean an overstay and an administrative fine.
What are the conditions for citizenship through marriage?
Marrying a Turkish citizen does not grant citizenship automatically. A foreign spouse who has been married for at least three years, with the marriage continuing, may apply; the couple must live together as a family, the applicant must not engage in conduct incompatible with the marriage, and there must be no national security or public order obstacle (Law No. 5901, Article 16). The process includes an interview and background checks.
How do I apply for Turkish citizenship, and how long does it take?
Residents apply to the Provincial Directorate of Population and Citizenship in their province; those abroad apply through Turkish consulates. The general route requires five years of uninterrupted residence before applying, sufficient Turkish, the means to support yourself and no security obstacle, among other conditions. Processing time depends on the type of application and the security review; it usually takes months and can take longer.
Is citizenship by investment possible?
Yes. Buying property, investing capital or holding deposits can qualify for citizenship through the exceptional route (Law No. 5901, Article 12 and its implementing regulation). Minimum amounts and conditions, such as how long the property must be held, are set by regulation and change from time to time. Before committing, check the current conditions and whether the specific property qualifies.
This page is for general information only and does not constitute legal advice. Every legal matter has its own circumstances; please request a meeting for your specific situation.
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