One of the most frequently asked questions for foreigners in Turkey whose residence permits have expired, whose visas have ended, or who have lost their legal status for any reason is this: “Is there an amnesty for undocumented foreigners, and is it still ongoing? Will it continue in 2026?” In this article, we explain in a simple and clear language what the practice known as “amnesty for undocumented foreigners” actually means, who it covers, and what the situation is for the 2025–2026 period

What Does Amnesty for Undocumented Foreigners Mean?

First, an important point needs to be clarified: There is no general amnesty law for undocumented foreigners currently in effect in Turkey. However, despite this, some administrative regulations implemented especially in recent years allow foreigners who meet certain conditions to regain legal status without leaving the country. For this reason, these practices are commonly referred to as “amnesty” among the public. Therefore, what is being discussed here is not an amnesty in the classical sense; it is an exceptional practice that provides an opportunity to return to legal status.

Is This Practice Still Ongoing in 2025?

Yes. As of 2025, this practice effectively continues, especially for foreigners working in domestic services. For foreigners whose residence permit has expired, who have violated their visa, or whose residence application has been previously rejected; it is possible to re-obtain legal status through a work permit, provided the correct conditions are met. Thanks to this practice: The foreign person does not need to leave the country, The risk of deportation is largely eliminated, When a work permit is obtained, residency rights are also acquired.

Who Can Benefit from This “Amnesty”?

The scope of the practice is not as broad as commonly thought. The most critical point is the field of work. Generally, the following individuals can benefit from this opportunity: Foreigners working as nannies, Foreigners providing care for the elderly or sick. Foreigners working in commercial establishments such as restaurants, cafes, factories, stores, or offices are not covered by this scope.

Is it Necessary to Leave the Country for the Application?

No. On the contrary, in most cases, leaving the country can make the process even more difficult. The correct strategy is to submit the application before leaving Turkey and to manage the process in a legally compliant manner.

Under What Circumstances is the Application Rejected?

Not every application is automatically accepted. The following situations, in particular, are risky: Having a security or restriction code, Applying for domestic services when it is not actually domestic service, The employer lacking financial adequacy, False or incomplete declaration. Therefore, making applications without properly establishing the legal basis can lead to serious consequences.

Will the Amnesty for Undocumented Foreigners Continue in 2026?

Considering current practices, it is highly probable that a similar system will continue in 2026. However, it should not be forgotten that such regulations rely more on administrative practices than on law. The conditions and scope may change over time. Therefore, each specific case must be evaluated individually within the framework of current legislation.

In Conclusion, Is There Really an Amnesty?

In summary: ✔ There is no general amnesty law, ✔ However, for foreigners working in domestic services, there is a de facto opportunity to return to legal status, ✔ The practice continues in 2025, ✔ The outlook for 2026 is positive, but caution should be exercised. An article suggestion.

Why is Expert Lawyer Support Vitally Important in the Amnesty Process for Undocumented Foreigners?

The practice known publicly as ‘amnesty for undocumented foreigners’ is not a right that automatically yields results for every application. On the contrary, this process can lead to different outcomes based on the administration’s discretion, the content of the application, and the specifics of the individual case. Therefore, the legally correct structuring of the process is extremely important.

Especially in cities with a high foreign population, such as Istanbul, residence permit violation, visa overstay, illegal employment, and deportation risk are intertwined. The most frequently encountered cases in practice pertain to foreigners living in districts such as Fatih, Esenyurt, Küçükçekmece, Başakşehir, Zeytinburnu, Bağcılar, Avcılar, Sultanbeyli, Pendik, and Tuzla. Incorrect applications made in these regions can often directly result in restriction code assignment and deportation procedures.

In this context;

Pre-determination of whether there are restriction codes such as G, Ç, N for the foreigner,

Legal analysis of whether the application can truly be evaluated within the scope of domestic services,

Demonstration of the employer’s financial and legal adequacy in accordance with the legislation,

Ensuring that incomplete, contradictory, or false statements do not lead to deportation and entry ban,

Correct determination of the appeal, new application, or litigation path in case of rejection

is only possible by having the process managed from start to finish by a lawyer specialized in foreign nationals’ law.

At this point, 2M Hukuk Avukatlık Bürosu, operating from its base in Istanbul Tuzla, provides effective and up-to-date legal consultancy to clients in the areas of foreign nationals’ law, residence and work permit applications, deportation procedures, and the removal of restriction codes; especially for clients living in Istanbul’s districts with a high foreign population.

It must be remembered that; errors made during this process are not limited solely to the rejection of the application, but can also result in deportation, a long-term ban on entry to Turkey, and all future residence and work permit applications being negatively affected.

Therefore, it is vitally important that every specific case considered under the scope of “amnesty for undocumented foreigners” during the 2025–2026 period be handled on a case-by-case basis and in light of current legislation, with the support of an expert lawyer.