Switching Between Residence Permits: Conditions, Time Limits and Application Guide

What is a residence permit switch application?

The difference between a switch, an extension and a first application

In a switch application, the legal basis of the person's stay in Türkiye is assessed afresh. A person who stays as a student coming to meet the conditions of a family residence permit, or a person who has lost the basis of a family permit requesting a short-term permit, falls within this scope. An extension, by contrast, aims at the continuation of the same type of permit in the following period. A first application is the foreign national's first entry into the system with a permit request according to the legal situation they are in; having held a card before does not mean that every later procedure is necessarily an extension. [1, Arts. 21-24 and 29][2, Arts. 21 and 26]

A change of address is not always a change of permit type

Notifications concerning a change of address, marital status or the name and surname in the passport, and a switch between types of permit, are different procedures. Article 23 of the Regulation provides that certain changes of information must be notified within 20 working days. For a move to another province, the procedure to be carried out in the new province is assessed separately. Since there are special explanations for students' changes of university and province, the general address notification period should not be applied unchanged to every student procedure. [2, Arts. 23 and 35][5]

Types of residence permit and grounds of stay must be kept apart

The Law regulates short-term, family, student, long-term, humanitarian and human trafficking victim residence permits. Tourism, ownership of immovable property, a commercial connection, treatment or certain educational programmes, on the other hand, are grounds of stay that may form the basis for granting the relevant type of permit. "Tourist permit" describes, in practice, the form of the short-term permit granted for tourism purposes. When expressions such as "workplace permit" or "investor residence permit" are used, it must be explained which provision of the Law they correspond to. [1, Arts. 30-31]

Establishing a company, buying immovable property or enrolling at a university does not create a right of residence independent of all the other conditions. Likewise, a residence permit does not, as a rule, replace a work permit. There must be consistency between the applicant's actual activity and the chosen purpose of stay.

The legal basis of a switch application and the competent authority

Article 29 of Law No. 6458

Article 29 of the Law regulates two basic situations together: the ending of the ground on which the permit was granted and the emergence of a different ground. In these situations the foreign national may request a residence permit suited to the new purpose of stay. This right does not remove the examination of the conditions of the new type of permit. Being able to make the application and the acceptance of the application are separate stages. [1, Art. 29]

Applying from inside Türkiye and the role of the provincial migration administration

Requesting a permit suited to a new purpose of stay because the ground of a valid permit has ended or changed is among the applications that may be made from inside Türkiye to the governorate. The switch from a family permit to a short-term one and the short-term applications of those who have completed higher education in Türkiye are also listed separately in the Law. The application procedures are followed through the process carried out by the provincial migration administration concerned and the guidance of the e-İkamet system. It cannot be said that every switch necessarily requires leaving the country; however, the person's lawful stay status and the application conditions are examined separately. [1, Art. 22][4][6]

The conditions of the new permit and individual assessment

The administration assesses the new purpose of stay, the documents, financial sufficiency, and the insurance and address conditions according to the relevant type of permit. In refusal, cancellation and non-extension acts, family ties, the length of residence, the situation in the country of origin and the best interests of the child are also taken into account. These elements should be explained in the file as a whole, not on the assumption that they replace the permit conditions. [1, Arts. 25 and 31-49]

For example, marriage to a Turkish citizen is an important legal fact for a family permit. However, the conditions relating to the sponsor and the applicant, the genuineness of the marriage and the situation of living together are also examined. Both the event that explains the ground of the application and the legal conditions attached to that event must be visible in the file.

Which time limits apply to a switch between residence permits?

The 10-day period where the current ground of stay has ended

A foreign national who holds one of the residence permits, whose ground for the grant has ended and who will continue to stay in Türkiye, applies for a residence permit suited to the new purpose within 10 days of the date on which the ground ended. It is provided that a residence permit application document will be issued to these applicants. The second paragraph of Article 26 of the Regulation provides that the current permit within this scope ends as of the date on which the ground ceased to exist. [2, Art. 26/1-2]

Why is looking at the expiry date on the card not enough?

The fact that a student card bears a later date does not, by itself, show that the person can stay with the same card until that date after graduation. The ending of the basis of a permit may have consequences before the date written on the card. For this reason, when the time is calculated, the date on which graduation, disenrolment, a freeze of enrolment or a change in the family relationship legally took place must be determined. [2, Arts. 26, 35/13 and 37/2]

Where a new ground has arisen while the old ground continues

A foreign national who has a new ground while the ground of the current permit continues may continue to stay on the current permit, or may request a new permit without waiting for the 60-day period applicable to extension applications. This provision does not mean that the application can be made under every condition and for an unlimited period. The validity of the current permit, the conditions of the new permit and the procedure for completing the application are assessed together. [2, Art. 26/3]

What does the 30 days on the e-İkamet screen refer to?

The entry screen for the switch application states that, if the application is started, the procedure must be completed within 30 days and in every case before the current permit ends. This is an explanation about completing an application that has been started in the system. It cannot be used as a permit that extends the 10-day period running from the end of the ground. Creating a draft on the screen, completing the application, submitting the documents and issuing the application document are separate records. [6]

The 6 months after graduation is not a period of stay

That those who have completed higher education in Türkiye must apply within 6 months of the date of graduation is one of the conditions of the special short-term permit ground in Article 31 of the Law. However, the student permit ends on the date of graduation, and the 10-day switch period in the Regulation runs from that date. The six-month condition does not mean that everyone who graduates can stay in Türkiye for another 6 months without applying. [1, Art. 31/1-i and 31/4][2, Art. 37/2]

What should be done if the time limit has been missed?

Exceeding the period does not produce the same result in every case. Article 21 of the Regulation contains provisions on the acceptance of applications that exceed the lawful period of stay to a certain extent and on special situations. These provisions should not be interpreted as a general right of postponement that makes the period granted for a switch optional. The delay is examined together in terms of the current stay status, the administrative fine, the admissibility of the application and, if there is any, deportation or an entry ban. [2, Art. 21/2-3][1, Art. 54]

If the system does not accept the procedure or the document cannot be obtained in time, error screens, application attempts and written application records should be kept. Obtaining information merely by telephone should not be used on the assumption that it replaces an application that had to be made within the time limit. It should not be assumed that a late application will necessarily be accepted or that paying only a fine will remove all consequences.

Which type of permit is considered in which situation?

There is no system under which everyone moves in the same order between permits. If the conditions of the new type of permit are met, a switch can be assessed; in some situations, the current permit continues and the rights provided by another permit are also used. The table below is for general guidance; it must be shown separately that the application conditions are met. [1, Arts. 29-49][2, Art. 26]

Switching to a student residence permit and changes during studies

Switching from a short-term permit to a student residence permit

For a foreign national who will study for an associate, bachelor's, master's or doctoral degree in Türkiye, the conditions of student residence are examined. Acceptance by a university or active enrolment is one of the basic documents of the application; merely having applied or contemplating a future enrolment does not create the same legal situation. The nature of the education programme, the enrolment date, the status of the current permit and the time of the new application must be determined together. [1, Arts. 38-40][2, Arts. 35-37]

The limitations in the Regulation on the grant of a student residence permit on the ground of special student status, open education or distance education must also be taken into account. Not every course or education record is the equivalent of a higher education student permit. If a Turkish language course or another education programme is concerned, the relevant short-term permit ground and the special conditions of that ground are examined separately. [1, Art. 31][2, Art. 35/14]

Switching from a student permit to a family permit

If the conditions for obtaining a family permit arise for a person who holds a student residence permit, a family residence permit is issued. As long as the student permit conditions continue to be met, the benefit of the rights provided by the student permit also continues. This provision prevents the idea that moving to a family permit ends all education-related rights. Nevertheless, actual student status and the conditions of the family permit must be followed separately. [2, Art. 26/4]

When a person with a family permit begins studies

Where the holder of a family residence permit comes to meet the conditions for obtaining a student permit, the family permit is continued and the person is allowed to benefit from the rights provided by the student permit. It therefore cannot be said that the existing family card must necessarily be cancelled and converted into a student card merely because of a university enrolment. If the family permit later ends, the need for a new application based on student status is assessed separately. [2, Art. 26/5]

Change of university, department or province, and freezing of enrolment

Change of education in the same province

Provided that studies are not interrupted and notification is made in time, continuation of the current permit is possible in a change of department or faculty within the same institution and in a change of institution within the same province. The current explanation of YİMER states that a change of faculty or department in the same province must be notified to the student office within 20 days. The number of days in this explanation should not be confused with the 20 working days the Regulation provides for general changes of information. [2, Art. 35/12][5]

Continuing studies in another province

When higher education is continued in a different province, the procedure is carried out in the new province. The current official explanation requires that, within 10 days of the change, an e-İkamet application be made by selecting the province in which the new university is located and that the documents be delivered in full to the student office. The records of the new application and the permit information from the previous province should be kept together. [2, Art. 35/12][5]

Freezing of enrolment and disenrolment

The Regulation provides that, if enrolment is frozen, the student permit is cut off from the date of the freeze. The ending of the student conditions, or facts showing that studies cannot be continued, may also have consequences for the permit. For this reason, obligations towards the migration administration must be handled separately when a university procedure is carried out; one should not wait in reliance on the date on the card. [2, Arts. 35/13 and 39][1, Art. 40]

Switching to a short-term residence permit after graduation

The special ground for those who have completed higher education in Türkiye

There is a special short-term permit ground for foreign nationals who have completed higher education in Türkiye and apply within 6 months of the date of graduation. Within this scope, the permit may be granted once only, for at most one year. The provision does not apply in the same way to everyone who has graduated from any higher education institution abroad; the condition that higher education was completed in Türkiye is important. [1, Art. 31/1-i and 31/4]

The possibility of an additional one-year permit in the 2026 announcements

Official university announcements published in 2026 explain a separate possibility of application for persons who, after completing higher education in Türkiye, obtained a one-year short-term permit under Article 31/1-i of the Law. Where these persons apply again while the current permit is valid or within 90 days of its end and meet the conditions in Article 32, they may obtain an additional one-year short-term permit under 31/1-g. The total period can thus reach two years as a result of two separate assessments. [19]

This practice does not mean that the initial special permit period in 31/4 is automatically raised to two years. The 90-day application possibility in the announcement is likewise not, on its own, a document that turns the entire period after the permit into lawful stay. The application should be prepared while the current permit continues; the type of application, the additional permit conditions and the stay status should be confirmed currently with the provincial migration administration. [1, Arts. 31-32][19]

The graduation date, the ceremony date and delivery of the diploma

The graduation date to be taken as the basis for the time limit must be determined from the official records and documents of the university concerned. The graduation ceremony being held later, or the diploma being delivered late, does not by itself change the legal graduation date. Differences in dates between the provisional graduation certificate, the diploma and the student affairs records should be clarified before the application. [2, Art. 37/2]

Example: graduation while the card period continues

Hypothetically, if a student whose card will expire in December graduates in June, one should not wait in reliance on the December date on the card alone. The effect of graduation on the student permit and the 10-day switch period are examined on the basis of the actual graduation date in June. The 6 months in the special short-term application after graduation is a different condition. This example is intended to show that the two periods do not extend each other.

Graduation, leaving education and enrolling in a new programme are different

Disenrolment from the school or leaving education is not the same as successfully completing higher education. In these cases the graduation ground cannot be used automatically; whether the person has another lawful purpose of stay is investigated. In a move to a new master's or doctoral programme, the end of the previous programme, the start of the new enrolment and the legal status of the intervening period are assessed together. [1, Arts. 31 and 38-40][2, Arts. 26 and 37]

Switching from a short-term or student permit to a family residence permit

Who can be the sponsor?

A family residence permit may be assessed in connection with the Turkish citizens specified in the Law, persons within the scope of Article 28 of Law No. 5901, foreign nationals who hold one of the residence permits, refugees and holders of subsidiary protection status. The permit is issued for the sponsor's foreign spouse and for the sponsor's or the spouse's minor or dependent foreign child. Not every kinship or living-together relationship falls within the scope of the family permit. [1, Arts. 34-35]

Conditions for the sponsor and the applicant

The sponsor's income, housing, health insurance and registration conditions are examined together with the applicant's family relationship and situation of living together. The income criterion in the Law is a monthly income not less than the minimum wage in total and not less than one third of the minimum wage per person in the family. The minimum wage on the date of the procedure and the number of family members are taken as the basis. The exceptions to the rule that the sponsor must have stayed on a residence permit for at least one year are also found in the Law; this condition cannot be applied in the same way to all sponsors. [1, Art. 35]

The marriage certificate and the genuineness of the marriage

In proving a marriage contracted abroad, the country that issued the document, the applicable agreements and the authentication and translation conditions are examined. In addition to submitting the marriage certificate, the genuine family relationship and living together, or the intention to live together, are important. The administration has the power to investigate marriages where there is reasonable suspicion that they were contracted solely to obtain a permit. The same address record or a wedding photograph does not by itself replace the whole examination. [1, Arts. 35 and 37][8]

Children, custody and the position of carers

A child's application should not be passed over by treating it as an annex to the parent's application. The birth record, custody, the other parent's consent and, if any, the death certificate are examined according to the specific family situation. Joint custody and custody granted to a single parent are not subject to the same document regime. The best interests of the child must be borne in mind at every stage. [2, Art. 122][8]

A family's carer or a person working in domestic services does not automatically fall within the scope of the family residence permit because of that relationship. The permit conditions suited to the nature of the employment relationship are dealt with separately. Treating a parent, a child, other relatives and a carer under a single status may lead to the wrong type of application being chosen. [1, Art. 34][11]

Switching from a family residence permit to a short-term permit

Divorce from a Turkish citizen spouse and the three-year condition

A foreign national married to a Turkish citizen may, in the event of divorce, obtain a short-term residence permit provided that they have stayed on a family residence permit for at least three years. Here, the length of the marriage and the period of stay on a family residence permit are not the same thing. It should also not be overlooked that this special provision is set up in the context of marriage to a Turkish citizen. In other situations, such as divorce from a foreign spouse, the relevant permit and switch provisions should be examined together rather than assuming the same result directly. [1, Art. 34/6]

Exception in the case of victimisation by domestic violence

If the foreign spouse's victimisation by domestic violence is established by a decision of the relevant court, the three-year condition is not required. In the administrative application, it should be shown which court decision exists and how the victimisation was established. It should not be assumed that any complaint application is the same as the court finding that the Law requires; the content of the specific decision should be examined. [1, Art. 34/6]

Death of the sponsor

In the event of the sponsor's death, those staying on a family residence permit dependent on the sponsor may be granted a short-term permit without the time condition being required. This provision differs from the three-year condition in the case of divorce. The death record, the current family permit and the documents relating to the new application should be submitted together. The non-requirement of the time condition does not mean that there is no need to make an application or for the other necessary examination. [1, Art. 34/7]

A child staying on a family permit coming of age

Among those who have stayed in Türkiye on a family residence permit for at least three years, those who complete 18 years of age may, if they request it, switch to a short-term residence permit. For a dependent adult child, the conditions for the continuation of the family permit are also assessed separately. Coming of age should not be presented, on its own, as a result that requires a switch to the same type of permit in all files. [1, Art. 34/1 and 34/5]

While the divorce case is pending and while the children's education continues

The filing of a divorce case and the legal realisation of the divorce are different stages. The actual change in the family relationship, the sponsor's situation and the conditions of the current permit must be examined separately. The child's schooling in Türkiye, the care relationship and the effects of the separation of family members can be documented in the file; however, the child's school enrolment does not automatically give the parent a right of residence. [1, Arts. 25, 34-36 and 38/3]

In this process, the new ground of application, the facts relating to family life and, if any, the need for protection should be assessed as complementary headings. Although it is possible to examine an event that meets the conditions of humanitarian residence, not every divorce or family dispute automatically meets the conditions of that type of permit. [1, Art. 46]

What is the relationship between a residence permit and a work permit?

A residence card does not by itself confer a right to work

A residence permit is the document relating to a foreign national's stay in Türkiye on a particular legal ground. If work is to begin, the work permit or the relevant exemption conditions must be satisfied separately. The valid work permit's taking the place of a residence permit is a separate regulation operating in the opposite direction. There are also special provisions that the work permits issued to international protection applicants, conditional refugees and persons under temporary protection do not take the place of a residence permit. [1, Art. 27][16, Arts. 12-13 and 17]

The work permit application is carried out through e-İzin

A work permit request is not completed in e-İkamet by selecting another type of residence. The e-İzin process of the competent Ministry is followed. According to the current official explanation, for foreign nationals who hold a residence permit issued for at least 6 months in Türkiye and valid on the date of application, employers can apply from inside the country; exceptions relating to specified special groups are reserved. This criterion should not be interpreted as requiring that a further 6 months of validity necessarily remain after the day of application. [11]

Company partnership and change of employer

Being a company partner or signing an employment contract is not, on its own, sufficient to begin work. The work to be done, the foreign national's partnership or management role, the employer and the current permit criteria are taken into account. The application that a change of employer requires for the work permit and a change of the residence type cannot be used in place of one another. [16, Arts. 6-10]

Can a work permit holder also be a student?

Where a work permit holder comes to meet the conditions of a student residence permit, the work permit continues and the person benefits from the rights provided by the student permit. As for a student permit holder's working, Article 41 of Law No. 6458 and the labour legislation apply; holding a student certificate is not, on its own, regarded as a work permit. The rule that associate and bachelor's degree students' right to work begins after the first year must also be borne in mind. [2, Art. 26/6][1, Art. 41][16, Art. 19]

When a work permit ends or is cancelled

The ending of a work permit also affects the residence basis that depends on it. Article 21 of the Regulation contains the 10-day application rule for requesting a residence permit suited to the new purpose of stay after a work permit that has expired or been cancelled. In the case of the refusal of a work permit extension request, the date of notification is important. If there is no other valid permit or status, merely continuing to look for work does not mean that lawful stay continues. [2, Arts. 21/6-7 and 25/3]

If a residence application can be planned while the work permit has not yet ended, it should not be left to the last day. The date on which the employment contract ended, the status of the work permit in the system, the cancellation or refusal notification and the new ground of stay should be determined together. The refusal and objection procedure relating to a work permit should not be confused with the refusal procedure relating to a residence permit. [11][16, Art. 21]

Switching to a long-term residence permit

Eight years of residence and the other conditions

For a long-term residence permit, as a rule at least eight years of uninterrupted stay in Türkiye on a residence permit is required; special statutory provisions are reserved. The conditions of not having received social assistance in the last three years, having sufficient and regular income to support oneself and one's family, if any, valid health insurance and the conditions required in terms of public order or security are also examined. A long-term permit is of indefinite duration; it is not merely a renewal of a previous short-term or family permit for a longer period. [1, Arts. 42-43][2, Art. 40][9]

Student periods, work permits and interruptions

In calculating the eight-year period, as a rule half of the periods spent on a student residence permit and the whole of the periods on other residence permits are taken into account. Periods spent on a valid work permit are also counted within the framework of the relevant rules. The same time interval cannot be counted twice, both as a student and as a work permit. For periods spent under a work permit exemption, nothing can be added to the total because of the separate provision in Article 13 of Law No. 6735. [1, Art. 28/2][2, Art. 38/2][16, Art. 13/6]

There are exceptions to the rule that all periods are counted. Periods spent on a humanitarian residence permit are not counted in the total. Periods spent on family residence permits cancelled because of a marriage of convenience are likewise not counted. Even if the type of permit today is different, the legal basis of the earlier periods should be checked. [2, Art. 44/4][1, Art. 37/3]

Hypothetical example of the calculation of periods

Assuming that there is no interruption and that all periods can be counted legally, four years of student residence corresponds to a period of two years. If six years of other suitable residence are added to this, the numerical threshold of eight years may be reached. This calculation alone is not sufficient for a permit to be granted; stays abroad, unpermitted gaps, income, social assistance and the other conditions are separately checked.

Periods spent abroad and gaps in which the person stayed in Türkiye without a residence permit are important in the examination of uninterruptedness. The Regulation provides for a check over one-year segments going back from the date of application and over the last five-year period. Statutory exceptions such as health, education and compulsory public service should be assessed together with the actual entry and exit records. Instead of merely adding up the card dates before the application, it is useful to prepare a chart showing all the periods. [1, Art. 28][2, Art. 40]

Statuses that are not granted the right to switch to a long-term permit

Refugees, conditional refugees, holders of subsidiary protection status, holders of a humanitarian residence permit and persons under temporary protection are not granted the right to switch to a long-term residence permit. Having been in Türkiye for a long time does not by itself remove these situations outside the scope. Protection statuses and residence permits should not be treated, in the calculation of periods or in a new application plan, as if they were the same type of document. [1, Art. 42/2][2, Art. 26/8]

Change of the ground of a short-term permit and special situations

Tourism, immovable property, commerce and treatment grounds

A change in the tourism, immovable property ownership, commercial connection, treatment or education grounds that underlie a short-term permit raises the question of how the new situation is to be presented to the administration. Remaining within the same type of permit does not mean that there is no need to notify that the real purpose has changed or to submit new documents. Whether the procedure is to be carried out as a switch, a new application or an information update should be determined by the new ground and the current e-İkamet guidance. [1, Arts. 29 and 31-33][2, Art. 26][7]

In the tourism purpose, the stay plan and the source of livelihood; in the immovable property ground, ownership and the conditions of use of the property; in a commercial connection, the actual activity and the documents; in treatment, the records of the health institution are important. A lease does not prove all purposes of stay. If the ground of the permit has ended, the legal situation cannot be corrected merely by ticking another form option.

Humanitarian residence and human trafficking victim permits

These permits are assessed on the basis of their statutory protective purposes and special conditions. Where the holder of a humanitarian residence or human trafficking victim permit comes to meet the conditions of student residence, it is possible for them to benefit from the rights provided by that permit without switching to a student permit. It should not be said that switching to a new type of permit is mandatory without examining the basis of the current protection. [1, Arts. 46-49][2, Art. 26/7]

Temporary protection and international protection documents

Temporary protection, an international protection application and protection statuses are not in the same legal category as the six types of residence permit in the Law. It should not be assumed that, starting from these documents, an ordinary change of type can be made through e-İkamet. The protection legislation to which the application is subject, the notification obligations and the permit exceptions are examined under the event's own conditions. [1, Arts. 20, 30, 76, 83 and 91]

How is a residence permit switch application made?

Step one: Determining the current situation and the new ground

First, the card, the passport, previous applications and the documents showing the new event are compared. Which permit exists, on what ground it was granted, whether that ground continues and when the conditions of the new permit arose are turned into a written chronology. If there is a cancellation, refusal, deportation or entry ban decision, these decisions are placed in the file separately. In this way, the correct type of procedure can be chosen before the application form is filled in.

Step two: The official e-İkamet application

For residence procedures, the official online channel is the e-İkamet system. In the switch menu, identity and current card details are used; the type of application, the ground of stay, the address and the contact details must be entered correctly. The application form and number obtained from the system are kept. Leaving an application as a draft does not mean that the procedure has been completed. [6]

The form, the appointment and the submission of documents are not the same stage

The application form is generated mainly in the online process. The appointment or file submission continues with the presentation of this form and the supporting documents to the competent authority. Waiting to fill in the form for the first time on the day of the appointment may cause errors in the time limits and in following the procedure. When errors in the identity, passport or card number are noticed, the correction procedure of the system and the provincial directorate concerned should be followed instead of producing new and contradictory records. [4][6]

Step three: Current documents for the type of application

The document list that the system generates for the applicant is checked together with the official explanations for the relevant type of permit. Preparations such as the authentication and translation of a foreign document, the sponsor's papers, custody or proof of income may take time and should not be left to the last day. The administration may request additional documents; records showing which document was submitted and when should be kept. [2, Arts. 21-22][7][8][9][10]

Step four: The competent submission channel and the appointment

The general process runs through the appointment and document submission guidance of the provincial migration administration concerned. For student applications, the current official explanation provides for the delivery of the documents requested after the online application to the university's international student office. For foreign nationals who wish, there is also the possibility of delivering the file through notaries in the province where the application is made; the notary route is not mandatory for all applications. The applicant should follow the current submission channel for their own procedure. [4][5]

Depending on the type of application, personal presence, biometric registration or an additional examination may be required. Conducting the procedure through a lawyer or legal representative does not prevent the administration from requiring the foreign national to be present. If one cannot attend the appointment, one should not merely wait with the idea of obtaining a new date; the processing status of the application and the lawful stay period should be checked together. [2, Art. 21][5]

Step five: The application document and following the result

The application document issued after the application has been properly accepted is different from an ordinary appointment printout. The type of document, the application number and the validity information should be checked. The communication channels notified for the result, requests for additional documents and notifications are followed regularly. An email or SMS should not be used in place of the full decision and the legally valid record of notification. [2, Art. 21/8-9 and 26/1]

Language and representation in the application

A Turkish proficiency certificate is not among the general conditions of the types of residence explained here; the enrolment conditions of a particular education programme are different. For the understanding of forms and notifications, translation or appropriate language support should be obtained when necessary. In following the file through a lawyer, the scope of the power of attorney and, if it was issued in a foreign country, the authentication and translation conditions are checked. Legal representation does not in every case replace the applicant's personal statement or the personal participation required by the administration. [1, Arts. 32, 35, 39 and 43][2, Art. 21]

What documents are required for a switch application?

Common groups of documents

The application form, the passport or a document in its place, current residence details, biometric photographs of the quality and number required on the application form, address and housing details and the records of the necessary fee and document charge are the basic groups. The scope of the papers relating to health insurance, income and the ground of stay varies according to the type of permit. For information verified through electronic systems, whether a paper document is also needed should be checked from the current form. In the current lists for some switch applications, a document showing the UETS address is also requested; obtaining an electronic notification address and submitting a document to the application file are separate stages. [5][7][8][9][10]

Validity of the passport

In fixed-term residence applications, the general rule that the passport must be valid for at least 60 days longer than the permit period requested is taken into account. It is therefore not sufficient to say only "the passport must have 6 months left" for all applications. For the indefinite long-term permit and special exceptions, the relevant current application list should be examined separately. There must be consistency between the identity and processed pages of the passport and the information in the system. [1, Arts. 21 and 23][9]

Biometric photographs and changing document lists

It is not appropriate to apply an old internet list to every application as to the number of photographs or the submission of a particular paper document. There may be differences between the official lists by type and the old collective explanations. The list generated by the system on the date of application, the technical qualities requested and the application-specific notification of the provincial directorate concerned should be taken as the basis together. [7][8][9][10]

Documents for the switch to family residence

Marriage or birth certificates, the sponsor's identity and status, the scope of income and insurance, address and housing records and the necessary criminal record documents are examined. The identity and permit documents to be submitted may differ depending on whether the sponsor is a Turkish citizen or a foreign national. In files involving divorce, a previous marriage, custody or death, the relevant official decisions and records must be completed. [1, Arts. 34-35][8]

Documents for the switch to student residence

The record showing active studies, the duration and nature of the programme, the submission papers requested by the university and address details are important. Where student or insurance information is verified electronically, the document guidance of the current form is followed. It would not be right to submit pre-registration, active student status, graduation and enrolment-freeze documents in place of one another. [1, Arts. 38-40][5][10]

Documents for the switch to a short-term permit

The documents must support the ground chosen. In the graduation ground, the university's graduation record; in the immovable property ground, the relevant ownership and use documents; in treatment, the records of the health institution; in a commercial connection, the papers showing the activity stand out. In the tourism ground, the purpose of the planned stay, accommodation and the source of livelihood are explained together. [1, Arts. 31-32][7]

Documents for the switch to a long-term permit

Previous residence and work permits, entry and exit records, information showing the social assistance position in the last three years, sufficient and regular income, insurance, address and the necessary criminal records are important. The accuracy of the calculation of periods and the material conditions must be proved separately. In particular, for the income condition of the long-term permit, it should not be assumed that a general support undertaking by a third person will be regarded as sufficient. [2, Art. 40][9]

Translation, apostille, authentication and children's documents

For documents obtained from abroad, an apostille, consular authentication and a Turkish translation may be required, depending on the applicable international agreement and the type of document. An apostille does not mean that the entire content of the document will be accepted without dispute in Türkiye or that the need for translation disappears. The consistency of the documents with the identity and date information should be checked. [7][8][9][10]

For children, joint custody, the custody of a single parent, the death of the other parent or the other parent being in different countries are distinguished from one another. It cannot be said that the same consent letter will be requested in every file. The authority of the person making the application to represent the child and the child's care arrangement should be explained with concrete documents. [2, Art. 122]

Financial sufficiency, health insurance and application costs

The source and continuity of income

The assessment of income or means of livelihood is made according to the type of permit. Bank movements, salary, pension, rental income, a scholarship or suitable support documents may be used. A short-term deposit of money into an account is not the same as explaining regular livelihood throughout the requested stay. There are special criteria for family and long-term permits; for the other permits, the declaration and, where necessary, the request for supplementary documents are assessed together. [1, Arts. 35 and 43][2, Arts. 22 and 40]

The insurance document and exemptions

The scope and validity of the insurance must be consistent with the permit requested. Bases such as a social security entitlement, a bilateral agreement, general health insurance or private insurance are examined according to their own conditions. Since there are special explanations for students and certain age groups, it should not be said that everyone must necessarily buy the same private policy. It must be ensured that the right concerned can be seen in the system or proved by a document. [4][5][7][8][9][10]

Is a health check mandatory in every switch?

There is no general document list under which the same medical examination is mandatory in all switch applications. However, an application for treatment, an assessment relating to public health or a need for proof specific to the type of permit may bring a health document into play. Health insurance and a health report are different documents; which is requested in the file, and for what reason, should be determined. [1, Arts. 15 and 31-32][7][8][9][10]

Fees, card charge and other costs

The residence permit fee is assessed according to nationality, the period requested, the type of permit and any exemptions. The residence permit document fee is a separate payment item announced for the relevant year. Translation, notary and insurance costs are separate from these. It is not mandatory to buy an intermediary service in order to obtain an online appointment; the free use of the official application channel does not mean that no fee or document charge is payable by every applicant. [5][7][8][9][10]

Payments should be made consistently with the application number and the necessary records should be kept. It should not be assumed that no charge will arise in the new procedure because a payment was made for the previous permit. The current amount and any set-off or exemption should be checked against the application-specific official assessment of charges.

Staying in Türkiye and leaving the country while the application is pending

The legal importance of the application document

The Regulation contains provisions on staying in Türkiye until the application is concluded with a properly issued residence permit application document; for the switch application of a foreign national whose ground has ended, the issue of this document is stated separately. This protection should not be equated with the claim that merely an online draft was opened or an appointment screen was obtained. Whether a document has been issued for the completed application, the validity information on it and the administration's records should be checked. [2, Art. 21/8-9 and 26/1]

If the application is delayed or the date on the document approaches, a written confirmation of status and, if necessary, a current document should be requested from the provincial migration administration concerned. The refusal of the application, its removal from processing or another decision may affect the stay status. It should not be assumed that the facility granted during the examination of the application continues automatically throughout an action filed later. [1, Arts. 25 and 54][3, Art. 27]

Leaving the country and returning within 15 days

According to official explanations, an exemption from the visa requirement on entry may be applied if the person exits within the requested permit period and returns within 15 days each time, by presenting an approved application document meeting the necessary conditions together with the fee payment records, or with a fee exemption shown on the document. If 15 days is exceeded, the general visa provisions come into play. The approval of the document, the current application status, the passport and any entry restrictions should be verified before travel. [2, Art. 21/9][4][5]

Does an appointment printout replace a travel document?

An appointment printout, an approved application document and a valid residence card are not the same document. Before travel, one should not rely on the application number alone without determining with which document the exit and return will be made. For a person whose application has been refused or whose permit has been cancelled, it cannot be accepted that the travel facility used during the examination of the application continues unchanged.

How long does a switch application take to be concluded?

The start of the 90-day assessment period

The 90-day period for concluding the application runs from the date on which the information and documents are delivered in full to the competent authority. The date on which the online form was first opened may not be the same as the date on which all the papers were delivered. If the period is extended, the applicant is to be informed. No general assurance can be given that every application will be concluded in about a month. [1, Art. 21/5][2, Art. 22/2][4][5]

Notification of missing documents

Missing or supplementary information and documents are notified; under the Regulation, if they are not completed within 30 days, removal of the application from processing comes into play. The date of notification, the scope of the document requested and the proof of submission should be kept. The completion of a missing document and the satisfaction of the material conditions of the application are separate matters; the formal completion of the file does not necessarily mean it will be accepted. [2, Art. 22/1]

The administration's failure to respond and following the result

The passing of ninety days does not give rise to an automatic permit or a right to a new card. The stage the application has reached and whether any document is missing can be asked in writing. The legal routes available if the administration remains silent are examined on the basis of Article 10 of the İYUK and the nature of the specific application. The route to be followed against an express refusal decision and in an application that has not yet been answered have different starting points. [3, Arts. 10-11]

What can be done if the switch application is refused?

Comparing the reason for refusal with the application file

Reasons such as failure to meet the conditions of the new type of permit, the purpose of stay not being verified by documents, application or notification problems, a public order assessment or a valid entry ban may come into play in the refusal examination. All the pages of the refusal letter and the record of notification should be obtained; the reason stated should be compared with the documents actually submitted. Removal from processing because of a missing document and a refusal on the merits are not the same decision. [1, Arts. 25, 33, 36 and 40][2, Art. 22]

Does the old residence permit retain its validity?

If the ground of the old permit has ended, the provision of Article 26/2 of the Regulation is important; the refusal of the new switch application does not revive the old permit that has ended. In a file in which the old ground continues and a new permit is requested only on an additional ground, the validity and duration of the current permit and whether it has separately been cancelled are examined. It cannot be said that all switch refusals automatically cancel the old card or that the old card can be returned to in every case. [2, Art. 26/2-3]

Administrative application and annulment action

Against the refusal of a residence permit request, as a general rule an annulment action may be filed before the administrative court within 60 days from the day following written notification. An administrative application under Article 11 of the İYUK, if it meets the statutory conditions and is made within the time limit for suing, suspends the running period. The remaining time runs from the day following the notification of the express refusal answer or the end of the 30-day period of non-response; a full 60 days does not start again. An administrative application is not a mandatory preliminary stage in all of these disputes. [3, Arts. 7-8 and 11]

The time of electronic notification

A notification made through UETS is deemed to have been made at the end of the fifth day following the date on which it reached the electronic address. The arrival of an email or SMS alert, the reading of the document and its being deemed legally served may be different dates. When the time is calculated, the UETS evidence record or the physical notification document should be taken as the basis. [12, Art. 7/a]

Filing an action does not automatically extend the right to stay

The filing of an annulment action or a request for a stay of execution does not by itself stop the implementation of the act. For a stay of execution, the conditions of manifest unlawfulness and of damage that is difficult or impossible to remedy are assessed together and a court decision is required. The stay status should be handled together with the other existing permits and separate administrative acts. [3, Art. 27]

A document of stay or exit given after a refusal or non-extension decision must be examined separately. The document under Article 22/11 of the Regulation provides for a stay of at most 10 days; this period is different from the 60-day period for the residence action and the 10-day period for the switch application. Whether there is another valid basis of stay or a special act affecting the implementation of the decision should be assessed separately. [2, Art. 22/11][1, Art. 25]

Deportation decision and re-application

If, in addition, a deportation decision has been issued, the special 7-day time limit for suing from service of this decision and the protection in Article 53/3 of Law No. 6458 apply separately. An action filed against the refusal of residence is not deemed to have been filed against a separate deportation decision. If there is an entry ban or an administrative detention act, the routes of application against them should also be followed. [1, Arts. 53 and 57]

In a re-application for residence within 6 months of a refusal or permit cancellation, a new ground for the request is required to be presented. This does not necessarily mean that another type of permit must be chosen or that no application at all is possible for 6 months. Making the new application does not by itself suspend the time limit for suing against the previous refusal decision. [2, Art. 21/10][3, Arts. 7 and 11]

Court decision, further appeal and litigation costs

The implementation of an annulment or stay of execution decision is followed on the basis of the decision's reasoning and operative part. Under the general rule of Article 28 of the İYUK, what the decision requires is performed without delay; the period cannot exceed 30 days from service on the administration. An annulment decision does not mean that, in every case, the court itself issues a new residence card. The further appeal route open against an administrative court decision, and its time limit, should be checked against the decision together with the special provisions. [3, Arts. 28 and 45-46]

The special procedure in short-term permit cases and the current route of appeal

A special procedure was added in 2024 by Article 31/7 of Law No. 6458 for actions concerning the refusal of a short-term residence permit application or the cancellation of a permit. The completion of the file upon submission of the defence or the lapse of the defence period, the two-month procedural period where notification cannot be made to the address given by the claimant and leaving the hearing to the discretion of the court fall within this scope. The two months here is not the time limit for filing an action or the period within which the case will necessarily be concluded. [1, Art. 31/7 and provisional Art. 3]

Article 46/2-d of the İYUK, as amended in 2026, leaves actions arising from Law No. 6458 outside the new, expanded possibility of appeal. It therefore cannot be assumed that every residence action can be appealed to the Council of State. The nature of the specific decision, the special finality provision, the date of the regional administrative court decision and the notice of the route of appeal are assessed together. [3, Arts. 45-46; Law No. 7589, provisional Art. 1/3]

Court fees, notification costs and, where the conditions exist, the attorney's fee in favour of the other party should be included in the financial planning. The attorney's fee awarded by the court and the fee agreement that the person makes with their own lawyer are different. The possibility of legal aid for a person who cannot meet the costs of the case is examined taking into account their financial position, the basis of their claim and, for foreign nationals, the condition of reciprocity. The statutory exceptions relating to the Stateless Person Identity Document and holders of international protection status are reserved. [3, Art. 31][17, Arts. 323, 326 and 334-336][18, Arts. 163-164 and 168][1, Arts. 51 and 88]

What do court decisions and academic assessment show about switch applications?

Proving current records in a switch to student residence

In its decision dated 8 December 2020, E.2016/711, K.2020/5931, the 10th Chamber of the Council of State examined the student residence permit request of a person with a history of family and short-term residence. The administration argued that the person had no final enrolment; however, the court of first instance, assessing that no evidence confirming this claim had been submitted against the student certificate in the file and that no correspondence had been conducted with the university, annulled the refusal act. The majority of the Council of State upheld this decision. [14]

The decision points to the importance of showing student status through current and verifiable records. Given that there is also a dissenting opinion on the purpose of the application, it should not be concluded from this example that every student certificate automatically gives rise to a right to a permit or that the administration cannot verify the genuine purpose of study.

A lifted entry ban in the switch from a family permit to a short-term one

In its decision dated 20 October 2021, E.2016/938, K.2021/4947, the 10th Chamber of the Council of State dealt with the application of a person who wished to switch from family residence to a short-term permit. The administration, relying on an earlier entry ban record, required the person to come to Türkiye again with a visa carrying a special annotation. It was seen in the file that the ban had previously been lifted and that a family permit had been granted afterwards. The chamber quashed the decision dismissing the action, stating that a lifted ban cannot be a ground for refusal and that, in this specific case, entry by visa again could not be required. [15]

The result here is not the direct grant of a permit; the other conditions of the short-term permit must be assessed. The decision reveals the importance of documents showing the current legal status of an old restriction record in the application. The same result cannot be reached automatically in another file in which an entry ban is still valid. Both decisions are assessed within the conditions of their own disputes; they constitute neither a definite outcome nor a guarantee of success for other applications.

The need for independent residence when the family relationship changes

Şule Arslan examines the protection problems that arise, when the family relationship changes, from the residence of family members depending on the sponsor's situation. In particular, she distinguishes the conditions for switching to an independent type of permit after divorce, the death of the sponsor and coming of age, and proposes clearer protective regulation for the parent who holds custody of a child whose education continues in Türkiye. This view should not be read as an automatic right to a permit under the current law. In a switch file, the family ties, the child's situation and the new ground of stay need to be documented together. The European Union regulations in the study are for comparison; they are not switch rules directly applied in Türkiye. [13, pp. 343-346 and 356]

How should the switch file be prepared and which mistakes should be avoided?

Chronology of dates and documents

The dates of entry into the country, previous permits, the emergence of the new ground, the end of the old ground, the system application, the submission of documents and notification should be gathered in a single chart. The supporting document should be written against each event. In this way, differences between the date on the card and the university, population or work record showing the material event can be seen.

Taking the administration's counter-assessment into account

While the applicant asserts that there is a new purpose of stay, the administration may question the genuineness of this purpose or whether the conditions of the new permit are met. For example, a university enrolment certificate does not always, on its own, answer the question whether active study is being pursued. A family document does not replace the sponsor's income and insurance conditions. In preparing the file, not only the applicant's strengths but also the gaps that may form a ground for refusal should be addressed. [1, Arts. 32, 35 and 39-40][14]

Contradictory address or date records should be explained, the registration number of a document said to have been submitted should be available, and the document lifting a ban that ended earlier should be added. Proving a fact that emerged later and one that already existed on the date of the act are separate matters. This distinction affects the legal route to be followed for a new application and for the annulment of the previous decision.

Common mistakes

• Treating the expiry date on the card as the only determining factor even where the ground of the permit has ended.
• Mistaking the 6-month application condition after graduation for a right to stay 6 months without applying.
• Treating the opening of a draft in e-İkamet as the same as a completed application and an application document.
• Thinking that a card change is mandatory where student rights can be used with a family permit.
• Using a residence card in place of a work permit, or adding a work permit exemption period to the long-term calculation.
• Confusing the length of the marriage with the period of stay on a family residence permit.
• Applying an old number of photographs and document list unchanged to all types of permit.
• Assuming that a new application suspends the time limit for suing against the previous refusal decision.
• Using an address, lease, income or study document that is contrary to the truth.
• Not keeping the application number, proof of submission, the UETS record and copies of decisions.

A document or statement contrary to the truth may give rise to administrative and criminal consequences that are not limited to the refusal of the application. The passport, residence card, health and financial records should be shared only to the extent necessary and through secure channels; they should not be uploaded to publicly accessible comment or off-application message areas. [1, Art. 54]

Legal assessment and following up the application

The legal work in a switch file covers determining the current permit and the new purpose of stay, the calculation of time limits, the document and representation conditions, the application channel and, where necessary, the route against a refusal decision. In preparing the application, the situation of family members and children is examined together with the work and education records. The process does not end with the filling in of the first form; notifications of additional documents, notifications, the issue of the card and the implementation of the decision are also followed.

For the first review, the current card and passport, previous application records, the documents showing the new ground and, if any, all the decisions are useful. Even if the documents are not yet complete, it should be stated clearly that there is an event or notification involving a time limit. The legal basis on which the application will rest is determined on the basis of the person's actual situation and current records.

Conclusion

In a switch between residence permits, the basic question, before the name under which the new card will be issued, is on which ground the stay in Türkiye rests. The ending of the current ground, the addition of a new ground and a mere change of information give rise to different procedures. The calculation of time should also start from the date on which these events legally took place.

Proper preparation rests on separating a switch from an extension, documenting the conditions of the new permit, completing the official application within the time limit and monitoring the stay status with the application document. In events that give rise to more than one procedure, such as graduation, divorce, the end of a work permit or a refusal decision, each application and action should be handled with its own time limit.

Frequently asked questions

What is a switch between residence permits?

It is the request for a permit suited to the new situation upon the ending of the ground of the current permit or the emergence of a new ground of stay. The conditions of the new type must also be met separately. [1, Art. 29] Details: The distinction between a switch, an extension and a first application.

Is it necessary to wait for the last 60 days of the current permit in order to switch?

It is not, if a new ground has arisen while the old ground continues. The Regulation allows a new permit to be requested without waiting for the 60-day period applicable to extension applications. [2, Art. 26/3] Details: Application time limits.

When does the 10-day switch period start?

It starts from the date on which the ground on which the current permit was granted ended. The legal date of the event should be determined by the diploma or other official records; the expiry date of the card is not the starting point in every case. [2, Art. 26/1-2] Details: The ending of the ground.

Does the 30 days on the e-İkamet screen extend the 10-day period?

No. The explanation on the screen relates to completing an application that has been started and appears together with the condition of completion before the current permit ends. It does not replace the 10-day switch period in the legislation. [2, Art. 26][6] Details: The different time limits.

After graduating, can I stay in Türkiye for 6 months without applying?

The 6 months in the special short-term application after graduation is not an automatic right of stay. The student permit ends on the date of graduation; the 10-day period for the switch is considered separately. [1, Art. 31][2, Art. 37/2] Details: Application after graduation.

For how many years can a short-term permit be granted on the graduation ground?

The first special permit under 31/1-i is granted once only and for at most one year; an application is required within 6 months of graduation. The 2026 official announcements separately explain a conditional additional one-year application possibility under 31/1-g for those who have obtained this permit. It is not an automatic two-year permit. [1, Art. 31/1-i and 31/4][19] Details: The special graduation ground.

While I hold a family residence permit, is it mandatory to switch to a student permit?

For a family residence permit holder who comes to meet the student permit conditions, the family permit continues and it is possible to benefit from student rights. If the conditions of the family permit later end, the new situation is examined afresh. [2, Art. 26/5] Details: Studying with a family permit.

Are student rights lost when switching from a student permit to a family permit?

As long as the student permit conditions continue to be met, the benefit of student rights continues. Switching to a family permit does not mean that all education-related rights end. [2, Art. 26/4] Details: Switching from student to family permit.

While I have a work permit, do I need to obtain a student residence permit?

Where a work permit holder comes to meet the student conditions, the work permit continues and student rights are used. The conditions and expiry dates of both situations should be followed. [2, Art. 26/6] Details: Work and study.

Does marriage to a Turkish citizen automatically secure a family permit?

No. In addition to the marriage, the conditions of the sponsor and the applicant, the necessary documents and the genuineness of the marriage are examined. Even if a marriage record is submitted, an application must be made and the other conditions shown. [1, Arts. 34-37] Details: Family permit conditions.

On what basis is the three-year condition calculated after divorce?

For a foreign national married to a Turkish citizen, the relevant provision takes as its basis having stayed on a family residence permit for at least three years. The period between the marriage dates alone is not sufficient. There is an exception for domestic violence victimisation established by a court. [1, Art. 34/6] Details: Divorce and the exception.

When the sponsor dies, is it also necessary to wait three years?

In the event of the sponsor's death, those staying on a family permit dependent on the sponsor may be granted a short-term permit without the time condition being required. The application and the necessary examination are still carried out. [1, Art. 34/7] Details: Death of the sponsor.

Does the child's studying in Türkiye give the parent a right of residence?

School enrolment alone does not automatically give the parent a right of residence. While the best interests of the child and the care relationship are assessed, the conditions of the type of permit the parent will apply for must also be determined. [1, Arts. 25 and 38/3] Details: Child and family life.

What should be done on a change of university or province?

A change of education within the same province and continuing in another province are subject to different procedures. The current official explanation states a 20-day notification for a change of faculty or department in the same province and an application within 10 days for study in another province. [2, Art. 35/12][5] Details: Change of university and province.

Does the residence card remain valid when enrolment is frozen?

The Regulation provides that the student permit is cut off from the date of the enrolment freeze. If the person will stay in Türkiye, an appropriate new ground and the time of application should be assessed. [2, Art. 35/13] Details: Freezing of enrolment.

Is the whole of student residence counted for the long-term permit?

No. In the calculation of uninterrupted residence, half of the student permit periods is taken as the basis. Interruptions, other permit periods and the other conditions of the long-term permit are examined separately. [1, Arts. 28/2 and 43] Details: Calculation of the eight-year period.

Is a period spent under a work permit exemption added to the long-term calculation?

It is not added, under Article 13/6 of Law No. 6735. A work permit and a work permit exemption do not produce the same result in this calculation. [16] Details: Work and exemption periods.

Can one switch from humanitarian residence to long-term residence?

Holders of a humanitarian residence permit are not granted the right to switch to a long-term permit. The other protection statuses outside the scope listed in the Law are also taken into account separately. [1, Art. 42/2] Details: Statuses outside the scope.

Is it mandatory to leave the country for a switch application?

It is not mandatory in every case. The Law provides that the relevant switch applications can be made from inside Türkiye to the governorate. The person's lawful stay status, any entry ban and the conditions of the new permit are examined separately. [1, Arts. 22 and 29] Details: Applying from inside Türkiye.

If the card expires during the application, can I stay in Türkiye?

The stay status is determined on the basis of the application document for a properly completed application and the administration's records. It should not be assumed that the same protection arises merely from a draft form or an appointment printout. [2, Art. 21/8-9 and 26/1] Details: Staying with the application document.

Can I leave the country with the application document?

With a document and payment records that meet the necessary conditions, or with a fee exemption shown on the document, there is a facility to exit within the requested permit period and return within 15 days each time. The current application status and entry conditions should be verified before travel. [2, Art. 21/9][5] Details: Leaving and returning.

What documents and how many photographs are required in a switch application?

The current e-İkamet document list for the type of permit and the applicant's situation should be taken as the basis. The number of photographs or all the documents in an old list cannot be applied unchanged to every application. [7][8][9][10] Details: Current document groups.

How is a missing or erroneous document corrected?

The deficiency notified by the administration and the time limit are followed; proof of submission is kept. The Regulation contains a 30-day completion provision for missing or supplementary documents. The source of the error should be explained rather than producing contradictory new records. [2, Art. 22/1] Details: Notification of missing documents.

What can be submitted as proof of income?

Depending on the type of permit, bank movements, salary, pension, rental income, a scholarship or suitable support documents may be assessed. The special income conditions in family and long-term permits apply separately. [1, Arts. 35 and 43][2, Arts. 22 and 40] Details: Financial sufficiency.

Is a medical examination mandatory in a switch application?

The same health check is not mandatory in every application. Depending on the purpose of the permit, the special situation and the official document requested, a health report may be required; health insurance and an examination report should be kept apart. [7][8][9][10] Details: Health documents.

How is the application fee determined?

The official assessment of charges is checked according to nationality, type of permit, duration and exemptions. The card charge, notary, translation and insurance costs are separate items. [5][7][8][9][10] Details: Fees and other costs.

Is knowing Turkish required for the application?

A Turkish proficiency certificate is not among the general conditions of the types of permit explained. The enrolment conditions of educational institutions are separate; the necessary language support should be obtained for understanding the application and notifications. [1, Arts. 32, 35, 39 and 43] Details: Language and representation.

Can a carer obtain a family residence permit together with the family?

A carer does not automatically fall within the scope of the family permit because of an employment or care relationship. The status of the family members and the carer's need for a work permit are assessed separately. [1, Art. 34][16] Details: Children and carers.

Is a switch application necessarily concluded in one month?

No. The official framework is an assessment period of at most 90 days starting from the full submission of information and documents; information is to be given if the period is extended. The passing of the period does not mean automatic acceptance. [2, Art. 22/2][5] Details: Period for concluding.

If a switch application is refused, can I return to the old card?

If the old ground has ended and the permit has therefore ended, the refusal decision does not revive the old permit. If the old ground continues, the permit period and whether there is also a separate cancellation decision are examined. [2, Art. 26/2-3] Details: Refusal and the old permit.

Within how many days is an action filed against a refusal decision?

The general time limit for suing in a refusal of a residence request is 60 days. In a separate deportation decision the special period is 7 days. Notification and the effect of an administrative application must be calculated correctly. [3, Arts. 7-11][1, Art. 53/3] Details: Legal routes.

Does an action or a new application suspend the existing time limits?

The filing of an action does not by itself extend the right to stay; a new permit application does not automatically suspend the time limit for suing against the old refusal decision. The effect of Article 11 of the İYUK on the time limit for suing depends on its own conditions. [3, Arts. 11 and 27] Details: Effect of the action and of the administrative application.

Sources

Date of checking of legislation and sources: 28 October 2026. The Law, the Regulation and official explanations of practice have been assessed together. Official forms and document lists should be re-checked on the date of application. Court decisions have been used within the limits of the stated event and legal assessment.

1. Law No. 6458 on Foreigners and International Protection (Yabancılar ve Uluslararası Koruma Kanunu). In particular Arts. 19-29, 30-49, 51, 53-57, 76, 83, 88 and 91. Ministry of Justice UYAP Legislation for the current text; also the Legislation Information System. For the original text of Art. 28/2, the TBMM adopted text; for the explanation of current practice, Migration Management permit types. For the special procedure of short-term permit cases, Law No. 7533, Arts. 35 and 38.
2. Regulation on the Implementation of the Law on Foreigners and International Protection. Official Gazette dated 17.03.2016, no. 29656; in particular Arts. 21-26, 35-40, 44 and 122. Read together with later amendments to the Law.
3. Administrative Procedure Law No. 2577 (İdari Yargılama Usulü Kanunu). In particular Arts. 7-11, 27-28, 31 and 45-46. For the 2026 amendment, Law No. 7589, Arts. 5-6 and provisional Art. 1/3; the transitional rule takes as its basis the regional administrative court decisions given after the provision entered into force.
4. Presidency of Migration Management, Residence General Information. Explanations of first, extension and switch applications; documents, assessment and the application document.
5. YİMER, Frequently Asked Questions. Explanations on student applications, changes of province and education, delivery through notaries, UETS, costs and conclusion.
6. Migration Management e-İkamet, Residence Permit Switch Application Entry. System explanation on completing the application within 30 days and before the current permit ends; also the e-İkamet home page.
7. e-İkamet, Documents Requested in a Short-Term Residence Permit Application. Official document list by type.
8. e-İkamet, Documents Requested in a Family Residence Permit Application. Official explanations concerning the applicant, the sponsor and children.
9. e-İkamet, Documents Requested in a Long-Term Residence Permit Application. Period, income, social assistance and other evidence.
10. e-İkamet, Documents Requested in a Student Residence Permit Application. Explanations on current application, electronic verification and student procedures.
11. Ministry of Labour and Social Security, Employment of Foreigners, Frequently Asked Questions. In particular explanations on the relationship of the work permit to residence, domestic application, students and exemption. Also Migration Management, Work Permit Frequently Asked Questions.
12. Notification Law No. 7201, in particular Art. 7/a.
13. Şule Arslan, Yabancıların ve Aile Üyelerinin Türkiye’de İkamet Hakkının Korunması: Avrupa Birliği Düzenlemeleri Işığında Bir Değerlendirme (Protecting the Right of Residence of Foreign Nationals and Their Family Members in Türkiye: An Assessment in Light of European Union Regulations), Public and Private International Law Bulletin, 45(2), 2025, pp. 331-359; in particular pp. 343-346 and 356. Full text. Online publication date: 5 February 2026.
14. Council of State 10th Chamber, 08.12.2020, E.2016/711, K.2020/5931. UYAP decision record; official full text of the Council of State. Student residence request; the annulment ruling upheld by majority vote.
15. Council of State 10th Chamber, 20.10.2021, E.2016/938, K.2021/4947. Official full text of the Council of State. Switch from family residence to a short-term permit, a lifted entry ban and the quashing of the dismissal ruling.
16. International Labour Force Law No. 6735 (Uluslararası İşgücü Kanunu). In particular Arts. 6-13, 17, 19 and 21; work permit, exemption, students and application routes. For current practice, together with source 11.
17. Code of Civil Procedure No. 6100 (Hukuk Muhakemeleri Kanunu). In particular Arts. 323, 326, 330 and 334-336; together with Art. 31 of the İYUK.
18. Attorneyship Law No. 1136 (Avukatlık Kanunu). In particular Arts. 163-164 and 168; the distinction between the fee set by contract and the opposing party's attorney's fee.
19. Kahramanmaraş Sütçü İmam University International Students Coordinatorship, Uluslararası Mezunlar İçin Kısa Dönem İkamet İzni Süresi İki Yıla Kadar Uzatılabilecek (the short-term residence permit period for international graduates can be extended to two years); also Üsküdar University, announcement on short-term permits of international graduates, 6 August 2026. An Art. 31/1-g application following the first 31/1-i permit and the conditions of the additional year.