Foreigners who have stayed in Turkey with a residence permit for at least eight consecutive years can apply for a long-term residence permit of an indefinite nature, provided they meet certain conditions. So, what documents are required for the application, what are the social assistance and income requirements, why is the passport history of the last eight years important, and what rights does this permit provide?

In this guide, we comprehensively cover the documents and explanations required for long-term residence permits, based on the Directorate General of Migration Management’s “Documents Required for Initial and Transition Appointments” list. You can access official explanations from the residence permit types page of the Directorate General of Migration Management. Information: Document lists and procedures may change from time to time. Before applying, the personalized document list generated by the e-residence system should be taken as a basis.

Required Documents for Long-Term Residence Permit (For Those with at Least 8 Years of Uninterrupted Residence Permit)

Residence Permit Application Form — must be signed by the foreigner and/or their legal representative.

Original and photocopy of a passport or a document replacing it, valid for at least 6 months — photocopies are taken of the page containing identity information and the photograph, as well as the processed pages. Additionally, photocopies of the processed pages of all passports used for entry and exit in the last 8 years must also be submitted.

Four (4) photographs — taken within the last 6 months, with a white background and biometric. Family photos, selfies, photos that make identification difficult, outdated, or black-and-white photos should not be uploaded; otherwise, the document will not be issued.

Photocopies of previous residence permit documents (originals to be presented if available).

Original of the e-signed/signed and stamped/sealed document showing that social assistance has not been received in the last three years — obtainable from the Social Assistance and Solidarity Foundations under the Governorship/District Governorship.

Approved, e-signed/signed document stating that sufficient and regular financial means will be available during the stay.

Criminal record — obtainable from their own country’s authorities and Turkish judicial authorities. For those who present a document stating that a criminal record from their own country cannot be provided due to not entering/exiting their country, a criminal record obtained from Turkish authorities will be considered sufficient. (It is recommended to request it at least 3 months before the application, as the acquisition period may be long.)

Document showing registration in the Address Registration System — e-signed/signed and stamped/sealed from provincial/district population directorates.

Valid health insurance — the duration must cover the requested residence permit period. One of the following is considered sufficient:

Document obtained from the provincial social security unit within the scope of bilateral social security agreements,

SGK provision document (must cover the supporter and family members),

Document regarding the application made to SGK to become a general health insurance policyholder,

Private health insurance for at least 1 year — the policy must contain the phrase “This policy covers the minimum coverage structure determined in circular no. 9 dated 06/06/2014…”; the original with e-signature/signature and stamp/seal must be submitted for application, and a certified copy for renewal.

Long-Term Residence Permit Explanations

Since students are covered by general health insurance within three months from the registration date, valid health insurance is not initially required; they must notify the administration after obtaining GSS within three months.

If you are staying in rented accommodation, a notarized rental agreement; if you are staying in a hotel, a lodging document; if you are staying with a third person who is not a relative, that person’s (and their spouse’s, if married) notarized undertaking is required.

Important warning: Hosting for employment purposes and home and care services fall under unauthorized work; an administrative fine is imposed on the foreigner and the employer, and deportation proceedings may be initiated against the foreigner.

Children / Under 18 / Marriage / Transition: If parents cannot be identified, a birth certificate; if parents are absent (death certificate in case of death), certified consent; in case of divorce, a certified custody document; for those under 18, a consent form from the parent/legal representative abroad and an undertaking from a real/legal person in Turkey; a certified photocopy of the document proving marriage; for transition applications, the original of the previous residence permit document (photocopy is attached). The rule of Apostille + notarized Turkish translation for documents from abroad applies.

Application Checklist (Checklist)

Residence Permit Application Form (signed)

Original + photocopy of passport valid for at least 6 months

Photocopy of the processed pages of all passports used in the last 8 years

4 biometric photos (taken in the last 6 months, white background — family/selfie/black-and-white PROHIBITED)

Photocopies of previous residence permit documents (original if available)

SYDV document stating that no social assistance has been received in the last 3 years

Document certifying sufficient and regular financial means

Criminal record certificate (from own country + Turkish judicial authorities — recommended to request at least 3 months in advance)

Address Registration System registration document

Valid health insurance (private policy valid for at least 1 year or SGK/provision/GSS document) Double verification note: The above documents have been confirmed with the official “Documents Required for First and Transition Appointments” list by the Directorate General of Migration Management.

Rights Provided by Long-Term Residence Permit

Long-term residence permits are issued indefinitely. Foreigners holding this permit can largely benefit from the rights granted to Turkish citizens, excluding military service obligations, voting and eligibility for election, entering public service, and duty-free vehicle import, and subject to specific legal provisions, provided that social security rights are reserved. The permit may be cancelled if the individual poses a serious threat to public order/security or is found outside Turkey for more than one year without interruption for reasons other than health, education, and compulsory public service in their country.

For the relationship between a residence permit and the right to work, and for work permit processes, the article on the 2M Hukuk blog, Most Frequently Asked Questions About Foreigners’ Work Permits; for cancellation and deportation processes, the article What is a Deportation Decision? Annulment Lawsuit, Removal Center, Administrative Detention, and Entry Ban Process can be reviewed.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How many years are required for a long-term residence permit? As a rule, one must have resided in Turkey with a residence permit for at least 8 uninterrupted years (half of the student residence permit period and the entirety of other permits are taken into account).

Why are my passports for the last 8 years requested? To verify uninterrupted residency and periods of stay abroad, the processed pages of all passports used for entry and exit in the last 8 years are requested.

Does having received social assistance affect the application? One must not have received social assistance within the last three years; you prove this with a document obtained from SYDV.

I cannot obtain my criminal record from my country, what should I do? If you submit a document showing that the record cannot be issued because you cannot enter/exit your country, a criminal record obtained from Turkish authorities will be deemed sufficient.

Is the long-term permit indefinite? Yes, it is issued indefinitely; however, it can be revoked in cases stipulated by law (for example, staying abroad for more than 1 year uninterruptedly).

Why is Expert Lawyer Support Necessary?

A long-term residence permit requires 8 years of uninterrupted residence, correct calculation of periods of stay abroad, complete submission of the last 8 years of passport history, documentation of social assistance and income conditions, and timely provision of a criminal record certificate. A deficiency in one of these elements or an incorrect calculation of the period can lead to the rejection of the application; in case of rejection, filing an annulment lawsuit within the period is of great importance.

2M Hukuk Law Office was established and, from its office in Tuzla, offers consultancy and legal representation services in foreigners’ law, residence and work permit applications, and administrative lawsuits, primarily serving the regions of Pendik, Kartal, Maltepe and Gebze/Kocaeli. You can access our team and contact information via this link.

In addition to foreigners’ law, 2M Hukuk Law Office also provides services with an experienced team of lawyers in condominium and residential complex/apartment management disputes, including Istanbul residential complex and apartment consultancy, condominium law attorney services, preparation of residential complex meeting invitations and minutes, acting as a condominium law attorney, Istanbul condominium law attorney, and Tuzla condominium law attorney.

Conclusion

A long-term residence permit is a type of permit that grants indefinite stay and extensive rights to foreigners who have been legally residing in Turkey for a long time. The correct calculation of the eight-year period and the complete preparation of documents for social assistance, income, criminal record, and health insurance are crucial for a positive outcome of the application.

This article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For current legislation and practices, it is recommended to obtain confirmation from the official sources of the Directorate General of Migration Management.

2M Law Office — Tuzla / Istanbul · Pendik · Kartal · Maltepe · Gebze – Kocaeli