This text has been prepared based on Law No. 6458 on Foreigners and International Protection (YUKK), its Implementing Regulation, and the official statements of the Directorate General of Migration Management. Since the residence permit application process, issued circulars, and the practices of provincial directorates may change from time to time, it is advisable to confirm the current state of legislation and the official announcements of the Directorate General of Migration Management (goc.gov.tr) before making a concrete application; and in case of doubt, seeking support from an expert lawyer would be appropriate.
What is a Short-Term Residence Permit for Health Purposes?
A foreigner coming to Turkey for treatment, if required to undergo treatment for a period longer than their visa duration or the period granted by visa exemption, must obtain a short-term residence permit to legally stay in the country. The reason for treatment is a separate and independent application ground listed in the law for this type of permit.
The legal basis for this type of permit is:
Law No. 6458 on Foreigners and International Protection (YUKK) Art. 31/1-(f): “Those who will receive treatment, provided they do not carry any diseases deemed a threat to public health” may apply for a short-term residence permit.
YUKK Art. 32: General conditions required for granting a short-term residence permit.
YUKK Art. 33: Cases of permit refusal, cancellation, and non-extension.
Implementing Regulation Art. 28-29: Procedures and principles regarding the short-term residence permit.
Two points need to be emphasized. Firstly, it is a condition that the applicant **does not carry a disease that threatens public health**; this is regulated as a health impediment to the granting of the permit. Secondly, according to the official statement of the Directorate General of Migration Management, foreigners coming for treatment purposes are **required to be admitted to public or private hospitals** and their **residence permits are arranged to be suitable for their treatment periods.**
Can a Foreigner Who Enters for 90 Days with a Tourist Visa or Visa Exemption Apply for This Permit?
Short answer: Yes, they can apply. However, there is a crucial procedural condition for this.
A foreigner who enters Turkey with a visa or under a visa exemption (e.g., as a citizen of a country whose passport allows them to stay for up to 90 days) can apply for a residence permit **appropriate for their purpose of stay** while in the country. Since the purpose of treatment is also a valid purpose of stay enumerated in the law, there is **no legal impediment** for a person who entered as a tourist or with a visa exemption to apply for a short-term residence permit on the grounds of ***”health/treatment.”*** The fact that the person initially entered as a tourist does not prevent the application; what is important is that they are legally present in the country at the time of application and can document the reason for treatment.
Critical procedural condition — timing of the application:
The application is made through an online pre-application via the **e-residence system** (https://e-ikamet.goc.gov.tr), and an **appointment** is taken.
It is essential that this preliminary application and appointment are made before the foreigner’s visa or visa exemption period expires (i.e., before the 90-day legal stay right ends).
When an appointment is made within the visa/exemption period, the foreigner can legally stay in the country based on the preliminary application form until the appointment date; even if the appointment date extends beyond the legal stay period, their status is considered lawful during this time.
Points to note:
It is essential to apply before the deadline. If an application is made after the legal stay period (90 days) has been fully utilized, a violation and administrative fine may arise. Therefore, if the treatment is expected to exceed 90 days, the safest way is to initiate the application process before the deadline, or even as soon as the treatment begins.
The treatment document is the core of the application. Even if the person entered as a tourist, they must prove with a hospital document that they are truly receiving/will receive treatment. A mere statement of “I will receive treatment” is not sufficient; an official document from a public or private hospital indicating kadmission and commencement of treatment is required.
Differences in practice based on citizenship. In recent years, some provincial directorates have experienced practical differences based on citizenship, especially in tourism-purpose applications. An application for health purposes is based on a concrete and documented treatment reason, making it more solid than a tourism-purpose application; nevertheless, strongly supporting the application with documents is important to prevent rejection.
What are the Requirements for a Short-Term Residence Permit for Health Purposes?
In the application, both the general conditions in Article 32 of YUKK and the conditions specific to the reason for treatment are required together.
A) General Conditions (YUKK Article 32)
To submit supporting information and documents regarding the purpose of stay (here: documenting the reason for treatment).
Not to fall within the scope of YUKK Article 7 (not to be among foreigners who will not be allowed to enter Turkey; not to have an entry ban/deportation decision against them).
To have accommodation conditions that comply with general health and safety standards.
To submit a criminal record certificate if requested (issued by the competent authorities of the country of which they are a citizen or where they legally reside).
To provide address information for their stay in Turkey.
B) Conditions Specific to the Treatment Reason
Not to carry a disease that threatens public health.
To be admitted to a public or private hospital (having been registered for hospital admission and commenced treatment).
Arrangement of the permit according to the treatment duration: The duration of the residence permit is determined according to the treatment period indicated in the hospital document. For example, if a treatment lasting one year is documented, the permit can be arranged for a corresponding duration.
C) Exemptions Regarding Health Insurance and Financial Means
According to the official statement of the Migration Management Directorate:
Foreigners who document that they have paid all treatment costs are not required to have health insurance.
During the treatment period, foreigners whose accommodation, subsistence, or health-related expenses are covered by relevant public institutions and organizations are not required to prove financial means or have valid health insurance.
In cases where these exemptions cannot be utilized, in accordance with the general rule applicable to short-term residence permits, valid health insurance (private health insurance, SGK provision document, document under a bilateral social security agreement, or GSS application document) must be submitted.
Required Documents — Application Checklist
The list below may vary depending on the type of application (initial application / extension / transition) and the provincial directorate’s request. Before each application, the personalized document list generated by the e-residence system at the end of the application must be taken as a basis.
General Documents (For All Short-Term Applications)
Residence Permit Application Form (filled out via e-residence and printed; signed by the foreigner or their legal representative/lawyer)
Original and photocopy of passport or document replacing passport (including pages showing identity information, photograph, last entry stamp, and validity period — the passport is expected to be valid for a period sufficiently longer than the requested permit duration)
Biometric photograph (usually 4 copies; taken within the last 6 months, with a white background)
Declaration of having sufficient and regular financial means (the administration may request supporting documents — such as bank statements, etc.; not required for those whose expenses are covered by a public institution)
Address/accommodation document: Residence (Domicile) Certificate or a notarized lease agreement; if staying in a hotel/hospital, a document related to accommodation
Valid health insurance (those who document that they have paid for treatment expenses, and those whose expenses are covered by a public institution, are exempt from this requirement)
Residence permit fee and card fee payment receipt (under Law No. 492 on Fees; as amounts may vary annually and by nationality, they must be confirmed at the time of application)
Criminal record certificate if requested (with apostille/consular approval and notarized Turkish translation)
Documents Specific to Treatment Reason
Hospital admission / treatment document: To be obtained from a public or private hospital where treatment will be received; a document showing that hospital admission registration has been completed and treatment has commenced
This document must clearly show the duration of treatment
The document must be signed by the chief physician and a doctor, and stamped/sealed
Additional medical information/documents that may be requested by the administration if necessary (from the hospital or relevant public institution)
Document confirming that treatment expenses have been paid/will be paid (if benefiting from health insurance exemption)
For Companions
Companion’s application documents prepared in their own name according to general provisions (passport, photograph, address, etc.)
Document proving the companionship relationship
Under the scope of Article 14 of the Annex to Health Services Fundamental Law No. 3359, the requirement for valid health insurance is not sought from the companion(s) of foreigners, not exceeding two people, in their residence permit application.
Verification Note: The criteria regarding the treatment document mentioned above (admission record + document proving the start of treatment, showing the duration of treatment, signatures of the chief physician and physician, stamp/seal), along with health insurance and financial means exemptions, have been confirmed by the official ‘Types of Residence Permits’ explanation from the Presidency of Migration Management. It should be noted that if foreign documents are obtained from abroad, an apostille / consular approval and a notarized Turkish translation may be required.
Application Process Step by Step
e-residence preliminary application: The application form is filled out at https://e-ikamet.goc.gov.tr. The application can be made by the foreigner themselves, their legal representative, or their lawyer with a power of attorney.
Booking an appointment: The system determines the appointment date and time at the end of the application. (In busy provinces such as Istanbul, Antalya, Izmir, appointments may be scheduled several weeks to months later.)
Preparation of documents: The documents on the checklist above must be completed by the appointment date.
Application to the Provincial/District Directorate of Migration Management: On the date and time of the appointment, an application is made to the relevant provincial directorate (or authorized application point) with the required documents.
Payment of fee and card cost: The residence permit fee and card cost are paid; the receipt is added to the file.
Evaluation and outcome: The application is evaluated; if it results in a positive outcome, the residence permit card is sent to the declared address via PTT.
Address registration: Foreigners who obtain a residence permit have an obligation to register with the address registration system within the period stipulated in the legislation (although there are special periods such as 20 business days for humanitarian residence permits); this obligation should not be neglected.
Duration, Extension, and Cancellation
Duration: Short-term residence permits for health purposes are issued in accordance with the duration of treatment. Short-term residence permits can generally be granted for a maximum of two years at a time; however, the decisive factor for the treatment justification is the treatment duration specified in the hospital document.
Extension: If treatment continues, an extension application can be made with an up-to-date hospital document. For an extension, it is also necessary to document that the treatment justification, which is the basis of the permit, continues.
Reasons for refusal / cancellation / non-extension (YUKK art. 33):
Failure to meet one/several of the required conditions or their cessation (e.g., end of treatment),
Detection that the permit is being used for a purpose other than its intended purpose (most critical risk: coming with a treatment permit and actually working),
Having a valid deportation or entry ban decision against them,
Falling into violation regarding the duration of stay abroad.
Since using the permit for purposes other than its intended aim can lead not only to the cancellation of the current permit but also to negative evaluation in subsequent applications, it is essential to switch to the correct type of permit, especially if there is an intention to work (see below).
Can a Work Permit be Applied for After a Residence Permit for Health Purposes?
This is one of the most confusing issues in practice and one that leads to the most loss of rights. Let’s clearly distinguish it.
1) A residence permit does not, by itself, grant the right to work
Pursuant to International Labor Law No. 6735, a work permit or work permit exemption serves as a residence permit; however, the reverse is not true. Possessing a residence permit for health purposes does not grant the right to work in Turkey. To be able to work in Turkey, it is mandatory to obtain a work permit separately and independently from the residence permit. Being in the country with a treatment permit and actually working can lead to both the cancellation of the existing permit on grounds of “misuse of purpose” and an administrative fine for the employer, as well as deportation proceedings for the foreign national.
2) Transition to a work permit from within the country is possible — but there’s a critical time requirement
As a rule, work permit applications are made by the employer via the Ministry of Labor and Social Security’s e-Permit system (foreign nationals cannot apply individually; the application is made by the employer or an authorized consulting firm).
There are two application methods:
Application from abroad: The foreign national applies for a work visa/permit at the Turkish foreign representation (consulate) in their country of residence; the employer simultaneously completes the application to the Ministry from within Turkey.
Application from within Turkey: If the foreigner is in Turkey, a work permit application can also be made from within the country. However, for this, the foreigner must have a valid residence permit that is still active on the application date and has a duration of at least six months.
This is the key point regarding a residence permit for health purposes:
Since residence permits for health purposes are issued “in accordance with the treatment period”, they can often be short-term. If the residence permit obtained for health purposes is less than six months, a work permit application cannot be made from within Turkey; in this case, the application must be made from abroad (via the consulate).
Conversely, if a residence permit for health purposes, valid for at least six months due to the treatment period, has been obtained and this permit is still valid at the time of application, the employer can apply for a work permit from within Turkey.
Additionally, in practice, the administration generally accepts residence permits other than student residence permits for domestic work permit applications; however, this is a practice dependent on the administration’s specific assessment, and the six-month validity requirement is, in any case, a prerequisite.
3) Practical strategy
If a long treatment process is anticipated and there is an intention to work afterwards, obtaining a health-purpose permit valid for at least six months will facilitate the transition to a work permit from within Turkey in the future.
Once the work permit is approved, since this document replaces the residence permit, there is no need to obtain a new residence permit.
When a work permit is approved domestically, obligations such as submitting the insured employment declaration form must be followed up within 30 days from the permit approval date.
Judicial Framework in Residence Permit/Administrative Disputes Based on Health Reasons
Regarding the rejection of residence permit applications based on health reasons, it is difficult to find a finalized primary high court decision in open sources that directly and exclusively resolves this issue. However, from the administrative judiciary and Constitutional Court’s approach to administrative disputes based on health excuses and the legal value of health reports, key areas where disputes in such applications tend to concentrate can be derived:
Issuance of the health report by an authorized institution and its fulfillment of procedural requirements: The administration can determine the status and jurisdiction of health service providing institutions through regulatory actions; it is required not only that the report exists, but also that it meets the technical criteria in the relevant legislation.
Sufficiency of the report content: For the health excuse to be accepted, the report must clearly demonstrate the seriousness and necessity of the condition.
Legal certainty and legitimate expectation: When the administration changes criteria in the health sector, its failure to include transitional provisions to protect individuals who acted in reliance on existing regulations may constitute unlawfulness due to “incomplete regulation.”
Limits of the administration’s discretionary power: The administration has the authority to consider public resources and service requirements, but this authority is limited by the principles of proportionality and justification.
Important warning (use of case law): If a Supreme Court / Regional Courts of Justice / Council of State / Constitutional Court decision is referenced in a petition or publication, the decision number, date, and justification must be verified one-to-one from official or reliable sources such as UYAP / Kazancı / Lexpera. Decision references based on memory or not confirmed should not be used. The headings above are provided as dispute themes instead of specific decision details; each decision to be used in the petition must be separately confirmed.
Why is Expert Legal Support Necessary?
Although health-purpose residence permit applications may seem simple at first glance, they entail many technical risks:
The application being made before the legal stay period expires and through the correct channel (e-ikamet),
The hospital document fully meeting the content required by legislation (duration, signature, stamp),
The proper justification for exemptions regarding health insurance and financial means,
If a work permit is aimed for in the future, the permit being planned to be valid for at least six months,
In case of rejection, establishing a strategy for filing an objection within the time limit and an annulment lawsuit.
A procedural error made during these processes can lead to both the rejection of the application and difficult-to-remedy loss of rights. 2M Hukuk Law Office, from its office in Tuzla, provides consultation and legal representation services to foreign clients primarily in the Pendik, Kartal, Maltepe and Gebze/Kocaeli regions, in immigration law, residence and work permit applications, and administrative lawsuits filed against these processes.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
I entered as a tourist, and my treatment will exceed 90 days. Do I need to get a new visa? No. Before your visa or visa exemption period expires, you can apply for a short-term residence permit for treatment purposes via e-residence. The determining factor is that you submit your application within your legal stay period and provide hospital documentation for your treatment.
I am paying my own treatment expenses. Is health insurance still required? If you document that you are covering all treatment expenses, a separate health insurance requirement will not be sought.
Can I work while I have a health permit? No. A residence permit for health purposes does not grant the right to work. To work, a separate work permit must be obtained; otherwise, your permit may be cancelled due to misuse.
How do I switch from a health permit to a work permit? Your employer submits the work permit application. For applications made within the country, you must have a residence permit that is valid for at least six months and has not expired at the time of application. If your permit is for less than six months, the application must be made from abroad (consulate).
Is insurance also required for my companion? For those arriving under Article 14 of Annex to Law No. 3359, a valid health insurance is not required for a maximum of two companions during the residence permit application. Companion procedures other than these are subject to general provisions.
Can my lawyer submit my application? Yes. The application can be made by the foreigner themselves, their legal representative, or their lawyer authorized by a power of attorney.
Conclusion
A short-term residence permit for health (treatment) purposes is a valid and independent application route recognized under YUKK m. 31/1-(f) for foreigners coming to Turkey for treatment who will exceed their visa/exemption period. Foreigners arriving with a tourist visa or visa exemption can also apply for this permit by presenting a hospital admission/treatment document before their legal stay expires. The permit does not grant the right to work; while transition to a work permit is possible, it is subject to the condition of having a residence permit valid for at least six months. Correct planning of the process both reduces the risk of refusal and paves the way for a future transition to a work permit.
This article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Each specific case should be evaluated within its own conditions. For current legislation, fee amounts, and provincial directorate practices, it is recommended to obtain confirmation from the official sources of the Presidency of Migration Management.
2M Law Firm — Tuzla / Istanbul · Pendik · Kartal · Maltepe · Gebze – Kocaeli
