One of the most annoying parts of trying to settle in a foreign country can often be the local regulations and bureaucratic complexities. The process of legalizing your stay is frequently associated with exhaustion and confusion.
However, it’s not really the case for Turkey, where the process is relatively straightforward and simple.
Required documents
• Application form
• Copy of passport (or other acceptable identification)
• Four biometric photos
• Proof of sufficient financial means (e.g. bank statement)
• Proof of payment for processing fees
• Health insurance
• Document showing the registration in the Address Registration System
• Document of residence (e.g. title deed, rent agreement, etc.)
• House numbering document (numarataj)
As you can see, the list of required documents is by no means over the top and the Turkish authorities are asking for a quite basic package.
Application process
To get this process started you have to lodge an application through an official website run by the Directorate General of Migration Management (https://e-ikamet.goc.gov.tr).
You must have some things from the documents package ready beforehand as you will be adding them into the application form.
Firstly, you have to upload a biometric photo, the system will not accept one unless it is. Secondly, prepare the health insurance before getting started, because you will have to enter the insurance’s policy number into the system. And lastly, you will be required to provide the address of your stay in the application form, so sort out the housing in advance.
Other than the aforementioned items, the application form includes basic information, including name, passport number, duration and purpose of stay, etc.
Once you complete the application form, you will get a printable PDF file for the appointment at the migration office. The system will assign you a unique reference number that will be used to pay the necessary fees specified in the application form. Keep or print out (if you paid online) the receipts as you will need to include them in the application package.
A couple of days after finishing the application form, you will receive an email or a text message (depending on your preference) with the date, time and location of your appointment.
Appointment
Head to the migration office you got the appointment from some time before the set time and join what is more often than not a live queue. Even though your appointment info may state an exact time slot, it’s usually an approximate time you will be received, especially in the largest cities, where application numbers are high.
When your turn comes, submit the documents to the official you are directed to. They will either accept the application or tell you that there is something missing. If so, don’t worry, it is not a big deal. You can bring the missing document(s) along with the rest of your package to the same migration branch whenever within a given time frame.
When your application is officially accepted, you will be given a note stating that you are currently waiting for the outcome of your application. Do not lose this document, as it will prove the legality of your stay, when a police officer may do a random ID check on the street, for instance.
Depending on the processing speed, you will receive the confirmation of approval of your application via text or email and then your residence permit via post within weeks.
