Turkey Family Residence Permit for Iranian Citizens

Turkey Family Residence Permit for Iranian Citizens

Turkey Family Residence Permit is regulated in Articles 34 and 37 of the Law on Foreigners and International Protection, and is a type of short-term residence permit granted to foreign family members in order to protect family unity. It is given to foreign nationals in family status. Permission to foreign nationals is given through the person referred to by the law as “sponsor”.

Who is this permit given to?

This permit is given to Republic of Turkey citizens, those included in the 28th article of the Law No.5901 or foreigners who have one of the legal residence permits in Turkey, refugees and subsidiary protection status holders’;

1. Foreign national spouse;
2. To his / her spouse’s or his / her underage foreign national child;
3. To his or his spouse’s dependent foreign child;

How to get a Turkey Family Residence Permit?

The legislation for Turkey Family Residence Permit has not limited the sponsor only to Turkish citizens, but has interpreted it broadly. Not only foreigners who are married to a Turkish citizen, but also foreigners who have legal residence permits in Turkey, refugees and foreigners who are married to foreigners with secondary protection can apply. In this case, a Iranian sponsor can obtain a residence permit for his/her spouse, as well as obtain a residence permit in Turkey for his/her own children and children who are dependent on his/her spouse.

If the Iranian sponsor has more than one spouse, only one of the spouses is granted a family residence permit. However, all children of the Iranian sponsor are granted a residence permit within the scope of family residence. If one of the parents with joint custody is abroad in the applications of the children, the consent of the mother or father who is abroad is sought. Children living in Turkey within the scope of family residence can continue their education in educational institutions without taking student residence until they reach the age of maturity.

Children who have resided in Turkey for at least 3 years with a family residence permit and are of age can be converted to a short-term residence permit if they request it. Iranian citizens who have been married to Turkish citizens and have been residing with a family residence permit for at least 3 years can apply for a short-term residence permit in case of divorce. However, in cases where it is determined by the court decision that the foreign spouse has been victimized due to domestic violence, the 3 year requirement is not sought.

In how many days is the Turkey Family Residence Permit issued?

Family Residence Permit is issued for a maximum of 3 years and in any case, if the sponsor is a foreign national, it cannot exceed the duration of the sponsor’s residence permit.

According to the Law on Foreigners, the sponsor must meet the following conditions. If the Iranian sponsor does not fulfill these conditions, his/her’s application within the scope of family residence permit will not be accepted.

• General health insurance covering the sponsor and the foreign national person who will obtain a residence permit;
• The sponsor’s monthly income must be at least 1/3 of the minimum wage per individual;
• The sponsor has not committed a crime against family order in the last 5 years;
• The sponsor has been residing in Turkey for at least 1 year and is registered in the address registration system;
• Spouses are not younger than 18 years old.

Documents Required for Turkey Family Residence Permit

The list of documents requested from the sponsor and the foreigner in the Family Residence Permit application varies according to the status of the sponsor.

Documents Required from French Citizens Married to a Turkish Citizen:

• Residence Permit Form
• Original and photocopy of the Passport
• 4 photographs
• Marriage Registration Certificate
• Original and photocopy of the marriage registration of the sponsor
• Health insurance (It should be to cover all family members);
• Document showing the income level of the sponsor;
• Criminal record certificate;
• Certificate of residence.