A legal guide for Russian citizens · Updated October 2026
The rules for staying in Türkiye depend on the purpose: tourism, property ownership, family, study or work. A residence permit refusal, the cancellation of a permit, a deportation decision and an entry ban are different legal decisions, each with its own time limit and route of challenge.
This guide answers the 50 questions Russian citizens ask us most often about a residence permit in Turkey: visa-free entry and the 90/180-day rule, permit types, residence through property ownership, family and student permits, work permits, refusals, deportation and entry bans. Each answer states its legal basis.
Key point: keep the text of any decision and the date on which it was notified to you. The time limits are short (7 days for a deportation decision) and run from notification.
Contents
- I. General rules, visa-free entry and the 90/180-day rule
- II. Short-term residence permit
- III. Residence permit based on property ownership
- IV. Family and student residence permits
- V. Application, documents and booking an appointment
- VI. Extension, change of status and the long-term residence permit
- VII. Work permits and employment
- VIII. Refusal of a residence permit and appeals
- IX. Deportation, entry bans and overstaying
- X. Courts, representation, administrative detention and the humanitarian residence permit
I. General rules, visa-free entry and the 90/180-day rule
1. When does a Russian citizen need a residence permit in Turkey?
A residence permit (ikamet izni) is required for a foreigner who intends to stay in Türkiye longer than the period granted by a visa or visa exemption, or longer than 90 days. A residence permit that is not put to use within six months ceases to be valid.
Legal basis: Turkish Law No. 6458 on Foreigners and International Protection, Articles 19 and 20.
2. How long can a Russian citizen stay in Turkey without a visa?
Russian citizens holding ordinary passports are exempt from the visa requirement for tourist and business trips of up to 60 days per entry (according to the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs). Irrespective of this, under the law the total period of stay on a visa or under a visa exemption may not exceed 90 days in each 180-day period. For work, study or any other long-term stay, the appropriate visa or residence permit is required.
Before travelling, we recommend checking the current rules on the official website of the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Legal basis: Law No. 6458, Article 11; official information of the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs on the visa regime.
3. Can the visa-free period be “reset” by leaving Turkey and coming back?
No. Leaving and re-entering does not restart the 90-day count. What counts is the total number of days spent in Türkiye within a rolling 180-day period. A longer stay requires a residence permit or another lawful basis.
Legal basis: Law No. 6458, Article 11.
4. What types of residence permit are there in Turkey?
The law provides for six types of residence permit: short-term, family, student, long-term, humanitarian, and the residence permit for victims of human trafficking. The type of permit is chosen according to the purpose of stay, and each type has its own conditions.
Legal basis: Law No. 6458, Article 30.
5. Where and how is a residence permit application filed?
As a general rule, the law provides for the application to be filed with the Turkish consulate in the country of citizenship or lawful residence. Filing the application in Türkiye (with the provincial governorate – valilik) is provided for by Article 22 as an exception for the cases listed in it, which in practice cover a significant share of cases. Such foreigners apply through the official e-İkamet system (https://e-ikamet.goc.gov.tr) and then submit their documents in person to the provincial migration directorate on the appointed day. Booking an appointment through the official system is free of charge.
Legal basis: Law No. 6458, Articles 21 and 22; official information of the Turkish Migration Administration.
II. Short-term residence permit
6. Who is the short-term residence permit intended for?
A short-term residence permit may be issued, in particular, to persons who own real estate in Türkiye, persons who intend to establish business contacts or set up a business, tourists, persons receiving medical treatment, scientific researchers, participants in Turkish language courses and graduates of Turkish higher education institutions (within six months of graduation). Stating a purpose in the application form does not by itself guarantee that a residence permit will be issued: the applicant must prove that purpose with documents.
Legal basis: Law No. 6458, Articles 31 and 32.
7. Can I get a tourist residence permit?
Yes, the law provides for a short-term residence permit for a stay for tourism purposes. The applicant declares that they have sufficient and regular means for the whole period of stay and, if the migration authority so requests, provides information on their travel plan and place of accommodation.
The Migration Administration is entitled to request documents proving income and, in practice, may assess its amount in relation to the minimum wage. The requirements for proving income change, so they should be checked as at the date of application. Stating a tourism purpose does not by itself guarantee that a residence permit will be issued or extended.
Legal basis: Law No. 6458, Articles 31(1)(e) and 32; document list of the Turkish Migration Administration in the e-İkamet system.
8. For how long is a short-term residence permit issued?
As a rule, a short-term residence permit is issued for up to two years at a time. For investors (Article 31(1)(j)), the period may be up to five years. In addition, the period of the residence permit must be at least 60 days shorter than the validity of the passport.
Legal basis: Law No. 6458, Articles 23(1) and 31(2), (5).
9. Is health insurance required?
Yes. A short-term residence permit requires valid health insurance for the whole period requested. According to the official list, acceptable documents include, for example, a private health insurance policy or documents from the Social Security Institution (SGK), including under bilateral social security agreements.
Legal basis: Official document list of the Turkish Migration Administration; Law No. 6458, Article 35 (for the family residence permit).
10. Do I need to prove my income?
For a number of residence permit types, yes. The general document list for the short-term residence permit requires a document or declaration showing sufficient and regular means for the period of stay. For the family residence permit, the law sets specific income criteria (see question 17); for the tourist residence permit, see question 7.
Legal basis: Official document list of the Turkish Migration Administration; Law No. 6458, Article 35.
III. Residence permit based on property ownership
11. Can I get a residence permit by buying property in Turkey?
Ownership of residential property may be a basis for a short-term residence permit, but it does not guarantee that one will be issued. Under the requirements the Migration Administration has applied since 16 October 2023, the value of the home on the date of acquisition must be at least USD 200,000 (in the Turkish lira equivalent). The property must be residential and must be used by the foreigner personally to live in; under these requirements it may not be rented out or otherwise used to generate income. For an inherited or gifted home, an up-to-date valuation report is generally requested. The nature and value of the property for this type of residence permit are determined by the Ministry of Interior, so the conditions in force need to be checked as at the date of application.
These conditions should not be confused with the minimum amount of USD 400,000 for obtaining citizenship through investment in real estate.
Legal basis: Law No. 6458, Articles 31(1)(b) and 31(6); requirements and practice of the Turkish Migration Administration.
12. What are “closed neighbourhoods” and are they in force now?
From 2022, the Migration Administration closed certain neighbourhoods (mahalle) in which the proportion of foreigners exceeded the set threshold to new address registration by foreigners and to first-time residence permit applications.
According to reports from practising lawyers, this restriction has not been applied in Istanbul since June 2026. However, as at the date of this update we were unable to find an official announcement by the Migration Administration lifting it, and the restrictions may be reintroduced.
For this reason, before buying or renting a home with a view to obtaining a residence permit, you should check with the provincial migration directorate whether an application will be accepted for the specific address. Being able to buy a property does not mean being able to obtain a residence permit on the basis of it.
Legal basis: Announcements and practice of the Turkish Migration Administration.
13. Does a property-based residence permit need to be extended, and what is required?
Yes. A residence permit based on home ownership is issued for a limited period and is extended under the general extension rules (see question 26). Under the Migration Administration’s requirements, a first-time application is generally accompanied by an address numbering certificate (numarataj) issued by the municipality, and an extension application by a document confirming that ownership continues (tapu devam belgesi).
If the basis for the residence permit has ceased to exist (for example, the home has been sold), the short-term residence permit is not extended or is cancelled. In that case, a switch to another type of residence permit should be considered in advance.
Legal basis: Law No. 6458, Articles 24, 29 and 33(1)(a); requirements and practice of the Turkish Migration Administration.
14. Can I get a residence permit on the basis of inherited or gifted property?
For a home received by inheritance or as a gift, the Migration Administration generally requests an up-to-date property valuation report. The other conditions for a home-based residence permit (residential designation, use for the owner’s own residence, the ban on renting out, the value requirement) are assessed by the Migration Administration in each individual case.
Before completing the inheritance or gift formalities, it is advisable to check whether the property will meet the requirements for a residence permit.
Legal basis: Law No. 6458, Articles 31(1)(b) and 31(6); requirements and practice of the Turkish Migration Administration.
15. What if the home is registered in joint ownership with family members?
If the home is owned by family members in shares or jointly, the Migration Administration generally requires a document proving the family relationship with the persons named in the title deed (tapu). Documents issued in Russia must, as a rule, bear an apostille and be accompanied by a notarised translation into Turkish.
Whether each family member can obtain a residence permit on this basis, and whether the requirements on the value and use of the home are met, is checked when the specific application is examined.
Legal basis: Law No. 6458, Article 31(1)(b); requirements and practice of the Turkish Migration Administration.
IV. Family and student residence permits
16. Who can get a family residence permit?
A family residence permit may be issued to the foreign spouse and to the minor or dependent children (their own or their spouse’s) of Turkish citizens and of foreigners holding a residence permit, as well as of certain other categories of persons specified in the law. It is issued for up to three years at a time, but not for longer than the residence permit of the person providing support (destekleyici; in practice often called the “sponsor”). In the case of polygamy, a family residence permit is issued to only one spouse.
Legal basis: Law No. 6458, Article 34(1) and (2).
17. What requirements must the sponsor meet?
As a rule, the following are required: a monthly income of the sponsor that in total is not below the minimum wage and at the same time amounts to at least one third of the minimum wage for each family member; accommodation that meets general standards and health insurance for all family members; no conviction for crimes against the family in the last five years; residence in Türkiye on a residence permit for at least one year; and address registration. The one-year residence requirement does not apply, in particular, to spouses of Turkish citizens and to persons holding a work permit.
Legal basis: Law No. 6458, Article 35.
18. Can the spouse of a Turkish citizen get a family residence permit?
Yes, provided the conditions set by law are met. The marriage must not have been entered into solely for the purpose of obtaining a residence permit; where there are reasonable doubts, the authorities are entitled to check the marriage, including after the residence permit has been issued. Both spouses must be at least 18 years old. After a divorce, the foreign spouse of a Turkish citizen who has lived on a family residence permit for at least three years may obtain a short-term residence permit (where domestic violence has been proven by a court, the three-year requirement does not apply).
Persons who have lived on a family residence permit for at least three years and have reached the age of 18 may switch to a short-term residence permit. If the sponsor dies, the family members may obtain a short-term residence permit without any length-of-residence requirement.
Legal basis: Law No. 6458, Articles 34(5)–(7), 35(3) and 37.
19. Does a child need a separate residence permit?
Yes. A residence permit is issued separately for each foreigner, including children. For a child born in Türkiye to parents holding residence permits, the application is filed in Türkiye. If the other parent with joint custody is abroad, that parent’s consent is required. Birth in Türkiye does not, as a rule, by itself give the child Turkish citizenship: only a child who cannot acquire the citizenship of any state from their foreign parents acquires Turkish citizenship by place of birth.
Legal basis: Law No. 6458, Articles 22(1)(g), 23(1) and 34(3); Law No. 5901, the Turkish Citizenship Law, Article 8.
20. How do I get a student residence permit, and can a student work?
A student residence permit is issued to foreigners studying at a Turkish higher education institution on two-year higher education programmes (ön lisans) or on bachelor’s, master’s or doctoral programmes. It does not give parents or relatives a right to a residence permit. Students may work only if they hold a work permit, which is issued under Law No. 6735. For students on ön lisans and bachelor’s programmes, this right arises after the first year of study and is limited to part-time work.
Legal basis: Law No. 6458, Articles 38–41; Law No. 6735 on International Labour Force; Work Permit Evaluation Criteria of the Turkish Ministry of Labour and Social Security.
V. Application, documents and booking an appointment
21. What documents are usually required?
The general list includes: the application form; a copy of the passport (with the original presented on filing); two biometric photographs; receipts for payment of the fee and of the cost of the permit document; valid health insurance; a document showing sufficient means; address documents (for example, a certificate of place of residence from e-Devlet or a notarised tenancy agreement); and documents proving the purpose of stay. The Migration Administration may request additional documents.
Legal basis: Official document list of the Turkish Migration Administration.
22. How long must the passport be valid?
The passport must be valid for at least 60 days longer than the residence permit period requested. Accordingly, a residence permit is issued for a period that is at least 60 days shorter than the validity of the passport.
Legal basis: Law No. 6458, Articles 21(2) and 23(1).
23. Do Russian documents need an apostille?
Russia and Türkiye are parties to the 1961 Hague Apostille Convention, which abolishes the requirement of legalisation. For this reason, Russian official documents (for example, birth or marriage certificates) to be submitted to Turkish authorities must, as a rule, bear an apostille and be accompanied by a notarised translation into Turkish. Documents issued by Turkish authorities must bear an electronic or handwritten signature and a seal.
Legal basis: Hague Convention of 5 October 1961; official document list of the Turkish Migration Administration.
24. How long does an application take and what fees are payable?
Under the law, a residence permit application must be decided within 90 days. If the documents are incomplete, the examination may be postponed until they are submitted, and the applicant is notified of this.
As a rule, the residence permit fee and the cost of producing the residence permit card (belge bedeli) are payable. Citizens of countries exempt from the residence permit fee pay only the cost of the card. Foreigners who entered without a visa and are applying for the first time, as well as those who have overstayed, generally also pay the single-entry visa fee, unless their country is exempt from it on the basis of reciprocity. Whether this fee applies to Russian citizens is determined when the payments are assessed (tahakkuk) as at the date of application. The amounts of the fees are updated every year, so the current amounts should be checked before applying.
Legal basis: Law No. 6458, Article 21; Law No. 492 on Fees; official information of the Turkish Migration Administration.
25. Do I need to register my address?
Yes. According to the official information of the Migration Administration, for a first-time application the address must be registered within 20 working days after the residence permit is approved. For foreigners who obtained a residence permit and a work permit through a consulate, the law sets a period of 20 working days from the date of entry into Türkiye. For an extension or a change of residence permit type, the address must be registered beforehand. If the address changes while the residence permit is valid, the new address must be notified to the provincial migration directorate and to the population directorate within 20 working days.
Legal basis: Official information of the Turkish Migration Administration; Law No. 6458, Article 26(2) (for those entering with a residence permit and a work permit obtained at a consulate).
VI. Extension, change of status and the long-term residence permit
26. When should I apply for an extension, and can I stay in Turkey while it is being processed?
An extension application is filed within the 60 days preceding the expiry of the residence permit and, in any event, before it expires. The extended residence permit takes effect from the expiry date of the previous one.
You may stay in Türkiye while the application is being processed: a person who has applied for an extension in time is issued a document that is exempt from fees. With this document, the foreigner may reside in Türkiye until a decision is made, even if the previous residence permit has already expired. This rule concerns extensions and does not automatically apply to first-time applications.
Legal basis: Law No. 6458, Article 24(2)–(3).
27. Can I leave Turkey before receiving the residence permit card?
In certain cases, yes. According to the official information of the Migration Administration, a foreigner who holds an application document approved by the directorate (İkamet İzni Müracaat Belgesi) and the payment receipt may leave Türkiye on condition that they return within 15 days. If the foreigner stays abroad for longer than 15 days, the general visa rules apply on entry.
Legal basis: Official information of the Turkish Migration Administration, section “15 Günlük Çıkış-Giriş Hakkı”.
28. Can I change the type of my residence permit?
Yes. If the basis for the previous residence permit has ceased to exist or a new purpose of stay has arisen, the foreigner may apply for a residence permit that matches the new purpose. In a number of cases, such applications are filed from within Türkiye. The change of type does not happen automatically: the conditions of the new type of residence permit must be met.
Legal basis: Law No. 6458, Articles 22(1)(ğ) and 29.
29. Does a long absence from Turkey affect the residence permit?
Yes. An absence from Türkiye of more than six months within one year, or of more than one year in total over the last five years (except for compulsory public service, study and medical treatment), is treated as an interruption of residence; periods before the interruption are not taken into account when filing applications or switching to another type of residence permit. In addition, short-term and family residence permits may be cancelled because of a prolonged stay abroad, in the manner laid down in secondary legislation.
Legal basis: Law No. 6458, Articles 28, 33(2) and 36(2).
30. When can I get a long-term residence permit, what rights does it give and when is it cancelled?
Foreigners who have lived in Türkiye continuously on a residence permit for at least eight years may obtain a long-term residence permit if the following conditions are met: no social assistance received in the last three years, sufficient and regular income, valid health insurance, and no threat to public order and security. Periods on a student residence permit count for half; a long absence breaks continuity (see question 29). Holders of a humanitarian residence permit and persons under international or temporary protection are not entitled to switch to a long-term residence permit.
Holders of a long-term residence permit generally enjoy the rights of Turkish citizens, with the exception of military service obligations, the right to vote and to be elected, entry into public service and the duty-free import of vehicles, as well as the restrictions laid down in special laws. These rights may be restricted by decision of the President.
A long-term residence permit is cancelled if the foreigner poses a serious threat to public order or security, and also in the event of a continuous stay abroad of more than one year for reasons unrelated to health, study or compulsory public service in their own country.
Legal basis: Law No. 6458, Articles 28 and 42–45; Regulation on the Implementation of Law No. 6458.
VII. Work permits and employment
31. Do I need a work permit if I already have a residence permit?
Yes. Foreigners are prohibited from working or being employed in Türkiye without a work permit, unless otherwise provided by law or an international treaty. Holding a residence permit on another basis does not give the right to work. At the same time, a valid work permit or work permit exemption document is treated as equivalent to a residence permit.
Legal basis: Law No. 6735 on International Labour Force, Articles 6(1), 6(3) and 12; Law No. 6458, Article 27.
32. How is a work permit application filed and what criteria apply?
The application is filed with the Ministry of Labour and Social Security in Türkiye, through a Turkish consulate abroad, or through an authorised intermediary; as a rule, it is filed by the employer. An application may be filed inside Türkiye if the foreigner holds a valid residence permit issued for at least six months; in all other cases, the foreigner applies to the Turkish consulate in the country of citizenship or lawful residence for a work visa. An application with a complete set of documents is usually decided within 30 days. An extension application is filed within the 60 days before the permit expires; one filed after expiry is rejected.
The Ministry applies official evaluation criteria. As a general rule, at least five Turkish citizens must be employed in the company for each foreign worker; the company is subject to financial requirements (for example, paid-up capital of at least 500,000 Turkish lira, or prescribed sales or export figures); and the foreigner’s salary must be no lower than the prescribed multiple of the minimum wage, depending on the position.
These are general criteria: for a number of employers and applicants they do not apply, in whole or in part. For example, special rules are provided for certain sectors (including IT, tourism and healthcare) and projects, and for some categories of foreigners – for example, those married to a Turkish citizen for at least three years, or holders of a long-term residence permit or a humanitarian residence permit – the requirements on staff numbers, financial figures and salary level do not apply as a general rule. Such an exemption does not confer an absolute right to obtain a permit. In addition, from 3 August 2026, where the application is filed inside Türkiye, the requirements on staff numbers and financial figures do not apply to foreigners who, within the last three years, have been lawfully present in Türkiye for at least one year on the basis of a work permit, a residence permit or international protection. This exception applies to no more than three such foreigners per employer; the number of foreigners working on a permit must not, as a general rule, exceed the number of Turkish citizens working there, and the salary requirement remains in place. The criteria are updated periodically, so the applicable requirements should be checked for the specific case.
Legal basis: Law No. 6735, Articles 7 and 9; official information of the Ministry of Labour and Social Security on types of application; Work Permit Evaluation Criteria of the Turkish Ministry of Labour and Social Security, Sections A (including item A.4.1), B and Ç.
33. What types of work permit are there and for how long are they issued?
An ordinary (fixed-term) permit is issued on first application for up to one year, for work with a specific employer; on extension with the same employer, for up to two years; and on subsequent extensions, for up to three years. An indefinite permit may be issued to holders of a long-term residence permit or to persons who have worked lawfully for at least eight years; however, meeting the conditions does not confer an absolute right to it. In addition, there is an independent work permit for professionals and the “Turkuaz Kart” for qualified foreigners.
A permit obtained abroad is cancelled if the foreigner has not entered Türkiye within six months; a prolonged stay abroad may also be a ground for cancellation.
Legal basis: Law No. 6735, Articles 10, 11, 12 and 15.
34. Can a company founder or partner get a work permit?
Yes. The law allows a work permit to be issued, in particular, to managing partners of limited liability companies and to board members of joint-stock companies who are shareholders. Registering a company does not by itself give a right to work or to a residence permit.
According to the official criteria of the Ministry of Labour and Social Security, the company’s paid-up capital must be at least 500,000 Turkish lira, and the foreign partner’s share at least 500,000 lira and at least 20%. At least five Turkish citizens must work in the company, and from the seventh month of the first permit’s validity this requirement must be met every month. If the foreign partner’s share in the capital is at least USD 100,000, neither the requirements on capital and size of share nor the requirement to employ five Turkish citizens apply to their application. The other conditions for examining the application remain in place.
Legal basis: Law No. 6735, Article 10(5); Work Permit Evaluation Criteria of the Turkish Ministry of Labour and Social Security, Section C.1 (items C.1.1 and C.1.2).
35. What are the consequences of working without a permit, and can a refusal be appealed?
For working without a permit, administrative fines are imposed on both the foreigner and the employer; for a repeat violation, the fines are doubled. Information about a foreigner working without a permit is sent to the Ministry of Interior for a decision on deportation, and the employer is obliged to cover the costs of the foreigner’s accommodation, return and, where necessary, medical treatment. Working without a permit is also a ground for a deportation decision under Law No. 6458.
A refusal to issue a permit, or the cancellation of a permit, may be challenged before the Ministry of Labour and Social Security within 30 days of the date of notification; if the objection is rejected, the decision may be contested in the administrative court. For some categories (for example, persons married to a Turkish citizen for at least three years, or holders of a long-term residence permit), certain evaluation criteria do not apply.
Legal basis: Law No. 6735, Articles 21 and 23; Law No. 6458, Article 54(1)(ğ); Work Permit Evaluation Criteria of the Ministry of Labour and Social Security, Section Ç.1.
VIII. Refusal of a residence permit and appeals
36. What should I do if my residence permit is refused?
A decision refusing to issue a residence permit, refusing to extend it, or cancelling it is served on the foreigner, their legal representative or their lawyer. The notification must state how the decision can be effectively challenged. When such decisions are taken, family ties in Türkiye, the length of residence, the situation in the country of origin and the best interests of the child are taken into account. It is important to check the date of service, the reasons for refusal and the time limits straight away.
Legal basis: Law No. 6458, Article 25.
37. How can a residence permit refusal be appealed?
A refusal may be challenged in the administrative court. The general time limit for filing an action is 60 days from the day following the day of written notification, unless a special law sets a different time limit. For disputes over the refusal or cancellation of a short-term residence permit, Article 31(7) of Law No. 6458 (introduced by Law No. 7533) provides special procedural rules: the case is deemed ready for decision once the administrative authority’s objections have been submitted or the time limit for submitting them has expired, and whether to hold an oral hearing is left to the court’s discretion. Filing an action does not by itself suspend enforcement of the decision and does not give a new right of residence; however, a stay of execution of the decision (yürütmenin durdurulması) may be requested together with the action.
Legal basis: Law No. 2577 on Administrative Procedure, Articles 7 and 27; Law No. 6458, Article 31(7) (as amended by Law No. 7533).
38. Can I file a new application straight after a refusal?
According to the guidance of the Turkish Migration Administration, after a residence permit has been refused, a repeat application for the same purpose is not accepted for six months. If the foreigner still has a lawful period of stay, they may apply for a different purpose, provided the relevant conditions are met. Before re-applying, it is advisable to check the Migration Administration’s current requirements.
Legal basis: Regulation on the Implementation of Law No. 6458; official guidance of the Turkish Migration Administration.
39. What happens if the extension of my residence permit is refused?
A refusal to extend is not by itself a deportation decision. However, under the law, a deportation decision is issued in respect of persons whose extension has been refused and who have not left Türkiye within 10 days (subject to the protective provisions of Article 55). The law does not expressly state when this ten-day period starts to run, so it is necessary to act without delay.
Legal basis: Law No. 6458, Articles 54(1)(j) and 55.
40. When can a valid residence permit be cancelled?
A short-term residence permit is cancelled, in particular, if the conditions for its issue are not met or have ceased to exist, if it is used for a purpose other than the one for which it was issued, or where there is a deportation decision or entry ban in force. Similar grounds are provided for the family and student residence permits.
Legal basis: Law No. 6458, Articles 33, 36 and 40.
IX. Deportation, entry bans and overstaying
41. What are the consequences of overstaying?
Exceeding the period of a visa or visa exemption by more than 10 days, and exceeding the period of a residence permit by more than 10 days without a valid reason, are grounds for a deportation decision. In addition, overstay charges are collected on departure in the manner laid down in the legislation on fees; failure to pay them may result in an entry ban or a requirement to obtain prior permission to enter. The law provides for a separate administrative fine where the foreigner has not left Türkiye within the period granted for voluntary departure (see question 46). Paying these charges or the fine does not by itself legalise the stay and does not automatically cancel a deportation decision or an entry ban.
Legal basis: Law No. 6458, Articles 9(2), (4), (7), 54(1)(e), (g) and 102(1)(c); legislation on fees.
42. Who issues a deportation decision and on what grounds?
A deportation decision is issued by the governorate (valilik), on the instruction of the Migration Administration or on its own initiative. The decision, stating the reasons, is served on the foreigner, their legal representative or their lawyer. If the foreigner does not have a lawyer, they are informed of the outcome and of the procedure and time limits for appeal.
The law lists the grounds, including: use of false information or forged documents, working without a permit, breach of the entry and exit rules, breach of visa or residence permit periods, cancellation of a residence permit, and a threat to public order, security or health. Each case is assessed in the light of the specific ground and the limitations in Article 55.
Legal basis: Law No. 6458, Articles 53(1), (2), 54 and 55.
43. What is the time limit for appealing a deportation decision?
The foreigner, their legal representative or their lawyer may apply to the administrative court within 7 days of the date on which the decision is served, and must notify the authority that issued the decision of this. The court decides the case within 15 days after the case file has been compiled; its decision is final. The time limit is very short, so it is necessary to act immediately.
Legal basis: Law No. 6458, Article 53(3) as amended by Law No. 7533.
44. Can a person be deported while an appeal is pending?
No. Unless the foreigner has personally consented to leave, they cannot be deported during the period for filing an action or, if an action is filed, until the court proceedings are concluded. This protection concerns appeals against a deportation decision and does not automatically extend to actions against the refusal of a residence permit.
Legal basis: Law No. 6458, Article 53(3).
45. Does deportation mean an entry ban?
Persons deported from Türkiye are, as a rule, banned from entering. The ban lasts up to five years; where there is a serious threat to public order or security, it may be extended by no more than a further ten years. The law provides for exceptions: a ban need not be imposed, in particular, if the foreigner applied to leave of their own accord before the violation was detected, paid the fines and the duration of the violation did not exceed the set limits, or if they left within the period granted for voluntary departure. The Migration Administration is entitled to lift the ban or to allow entry for a specified period.
Legal basis: Law No. 6458, Articles 9 and 10.
X. Courts, representation, administrative detention and the humanitarian residence permit
46. Is a period granted for voluntary departure?
As a rule, persons in respect of whom a deportation decision has been issued are granted a period of 15 to 30 days, specified in the decision, to leave Türkiye and are issued an exit permit. This period is not granted, for example, where there is a risk of absconding, a breach of the entry or exit rules, use of forged documents, or a threat to public order, security or health.
Legal basis: Law No. 6458, Article 56.
47. What is administrative detention in a removal centre?
In certain cases, the governorate may decide on administrative detention in a removal centre (geri gönderme merkezi) or apply alternative measures (for example, residence at a specified address or regular reporting to the authorities). The period of detention may not exceed six months and, in certain cases, may be extended by no more than a further six months. A detention decision may be appealed to the criminal judge of peace (sulh ceza hâkimi), who decides the appeal within five days.
Legal basis: Law No. 6458, Articles 57 and 57/A.
48. Who cannot be deported?
A deportation decision is not issued, in particular, in respect of persons who face the death penalty, torture, or inhuman or degrading treatment in the country of destination; persons for whom travel is dangerous because of serious health problems, age or pregnancy; persons undergoing treatment for life-threatening illnesses where that treatment is not available in the country of return; and certain victims of human trafficking and of violence. The assessment is carried out individually.
Legal basis: Law No. 6458, Articles 4 and 55.
49. What is a humanitarian residence permit?
A humanitarian residence permit may be issued by the governorate, with the approval of the Migration Administration, for a period determined by the Ministry, without the conditions for the other types of residence permit having to be met. It is provided for, in particular, where the best interests of the child so require; where a foreigner who is subject to a deportation decision or an entry ban cannot be removed, or their departure is unreasonable or impossible; where a deportation decision is not issued under Article 55; where a deportation decision is under appeal; and in emergency situations. The holder of such a residence permit must register their address within 20 working days. Issuing a humanitarian residence permit remains at the discretion of the administrative authority: the existence of one of these grounds, including an appeal against a deportation decision, does not by itself give a right to obtain it. The residence permit is cancelled when the grounds for issuing it cease to exist.
Legal basis: Law No. 6458, Articles 46 and 47.
50. Can a lawyer handle my case if I am outside Turkey?
Yes. A foreigner may be represented by a lawyer in administrative and court proceedings. A power of attorney executed in Russia must, as a rule, bear an apostille and be accompanied by a notarised translation into Turkish; the scope of the powers must be stated clearly. Given the short time limits (for example, 7 days to appeal against deportation), it is best to contact a lawyer immediately after receiving the decision.
Legal basis: Law No. 6458, Articles 25(2) and 53; Hague Convention of 5 October 1961.
Legal support with residence permits in Turkey
Tercan Legal assists with choosing and obtaining the right residence permit, with work permits, and with challenges to refusals, cancellations, deportation decisions and entry bans. If you have received a decision, the first step is to check it and the time limit for challenging it without delay. Matters are handled by lawyers registered with the Istanbul Bar Association, with Russian-language client support.
The first introductory online meeting (20 minutes) is free of charge. Document review, written opinions and detailed consultations are charged separately; the fee is agreed in advance and recorded in the engagement agreement.
Contact us at info@tercanlegal.com, on WhatsApp +90 506 689 97 22 or on Telegram. Our office is in Istanbul; we act for clients across Türkiye, including remotely.
See also: Buying Property in Turkey as a Russian Citizen: 50 Legal Questions and Answers · Residence Permit Refusal in Turkey: What to Do
This material is general information based on the rules and administrative practice as of October 2026 and is not legal advice. Rules and practice change; check the requirements in force on the date of your transaction or application. Tercan Legal advises on Turkish law only. Reading this guide does not create an attorney-client relationship, and the outcome of any matter cannot be guaranteed.
