Who Is Eligible in Turkey?
Turkey has specific legal regulations and procedures for foreign nationals who wish to obtain a residence permit under the scope of family reunification. In this article, we will explore what the family residence permit is, who can benefit from it in Turkey, and what key requirements must be met during the application process.
What Is a Family Residence Permit?
A family residence permit is a special type of residence permit granted to the foreign spouse and/or children of a person who legally resides in Turkey. This permit is issued with the aim of protecting family unity and becomes valid once certain legal and administrative conditions are met.
Who Can Apply for a Family Residence Permit in Turkey?
According to Article 34 of the Law on Foreigners and International Protection No. 6458, the following individuals are eligible to apply:
- Foreign spouses of Turkish citizens
- Foreign spouses of foreigners legally residing in Turkey
- Spouses of individuals with refugee or subsidiary protection status in Turkey
- Minor children (under 18) of the sponsor or their spouse
- Dependent foreign children of the sponsor or their spouse
Note: If the sponsor has more than one spouse, only one of them can be granted a family residence permit, but all children may benefit from it.
Application Requirements and Required Documents
Conditions for the Sponsor:
- Must have valid health insurance covering the whole family
- Must earn a monthly income equal to or more than one-third of the minimum wage per family member
- Must not have committed any crime against family order in the last five years
- Must have resided in Turkey with a valid permit for at least one year
- Must be registered in the address registration system
Conditions for the Applicant:
- Must prove the legitimacy of the marriage or family relationship
- Both spouses must be at least 18 years old
- Must declare the intention to live together in Turkey
- Must demonstrate that the marriage is not made solely to obtain a residence permit
Required Documents:
- Residence permit application form
- Original passport and a copy
- 4 biometric photos
- Marriage certificate or official document proving family ties
- ID or residence permit of the sponsor
- Income proof (e.g., payroll or bank statement)
- Valid health insurance policy
- Criminal record certificate
- Address registration certificate
- Rental contract or title deed copy
Duration and Renewal of Family Residence Permits
The family residence permit is issued for a maximum of three years per application and cannot exceed the duration of the sponsor’s own residence permit. Renewal applications can be made before the permit expires.
In case of divorce, a foreign spouse who has resided in Turkey for at least three years under a family permit may apply for a short-term residence permit. However, if the foreign spouse is a victim of domestic violence, the three-year condition is waived if proven by a court decision.
Legal Istanbul: Reliable Legal Support for Family Reunification
Legal Istanbul provides professional legal support to foreign nationals facing challenges in the family residence permit application process in Turkey. Our expert team assists with document preparation, translations, notary procedures, and official submissions to the Directorate General of Migration Management.
If you plan to obtain a residence permit in Turkey through marriage or family reunification, we are here to ensure that your process is smooth, lawful, and stress-free. Reach out to Legal Istanbul for step-by-step guidance and peace of mind.
Conclusion
Obtaining a residence permit under the scope of family reunification in Turkey requires fulfilling specific legal conditions. The accuracy and completeness of your documents are essential to the success of the application process. Legal Istanbul is proud to offer expert legal guidance at every step of your journey.
