A legal guide for foreign nationals in Türkiye, including Iranian citizens · Updated October 2026
The refusal of a residence permit application, the cancellation of a residence permit, a deportation decision and an entry ban are different legal decisions. Each has its own conditions, consequences and time limit for challenge.
This guide answers 50 frequently asked questions in two parts. Part One covers refusal, cancellation, deportation and the legal remedies available. Part Two covers the types of residence permit, documents, extension, family members and questions specific to Iranian citizens.
Key point: keep the text of the decision and the date on which it was notified to you. The time limits are short and run from notification.
Part One: Residence Permit Refusal, Cancellation, Deportation and Legal Remedies
1. What should I do if my residence permit application in Turkey is refused?
First obtain the official notification of the refusal and review the reasons given for the decision. Under Article 25 of Law No. 6458 on Foreigners and International Protection (Law No. 6458), a refusal decision must be notified to the person concerned, or to their legal representative or lawyer, and the notification must also set out the rights of appeal and the person’s legal obligations.
Depending on the reason for refusal, your current residence status and the statutory time limits, an administrative objection, a lawsuit before the administrative court or a new application may be possible.
Legal basis: Law No. 6458, Article 25.
2. What are the main reasons a short-term residence permit application is refused?
Under Articles 32 and 33 of Law No. 6458, the reasons for refusal may include failing to submit the required documents, not having suitable accommodation, failing to provide address information, using the residence permit contrary to the purpose for which it was issued, or the existence of a valid deportation decision or entry ban.
The reasons for refusal need to be assessed in light of the type of permit and the circumstances of the file.
Legal basis: Law No. 6458, Articles 32 and 33.
3. Can a residence permit refusal be challenged in court?
Yes. Where the statutory conditions are met, a decision refusing a residence permit application can be challenged before the administrative court.
Under Article 7 of Law No. 2577, the general period for filing a lawsuit in the administrative court is 60 days, unless a special law sets a different period. As a rule, this period is calculated from the day after written notification of the decision.
Depending on the type of permit and of decision, special procedural rules may also apply. The time limit and the competent authority should therefore be checked against the text of the decision notified to you.
Filing a lawsuit does not by itself suspend the execution of the administrative decision, and it does not by itself create a residence permit.
Legal basis: Law No. 2577, Articles 7 and 27; Law No. 6458.
4. Can I apply again after a residence permit refusal?
According to the official guidance of the Turkish Migration Administration, after a refusal it is, as a rule, not possible to apply again for the same residence purpose within six months.
If the person still has a lawful period of stay in Türkiye, they may be able to submit a new application for a different residence purpose, provided the relevant conditions are met.
A new application does not by itself cure earlier residence violations and does not guarantee a right to remain in Türkiye.
Source: official guidance of the Turkish Migration Administration.
5. What happens if my residence permit extension application is refused?
If an application to extend a residence permit is refused, the person should check their lawful status and the deadline for leaving Türkiye on the basis of the official notification.
Under Article 54(j) of Law No. 6458, a deportation decision (sınır dışı etme kararı) may be issued in respect of persons whose extension application has been refused and who have not left Türkiye within 10 days. The statutory protective provisions, including Article 55, must nevertheless be observed where they apply.
A refusal to extend is not in itself a deportation decision, and a lawsuit against the refusal does not by itself create a right to continue residing.
Legal basis: Law No. 6458, Articles 25, 54 and 55.
6. Does buying property or registering a company in Turkey prevent a residence permit refusal?
No. Owning property or carrying on business may be a basis for a short-term residence permit application, but it does not guarantee that a permit will be issued.
Article 31 of Law No. 6458 lists owning immovable property and establishing a commercial connection or business among the possible purposes of a short-term residence permit. Under the same Law, the type and value of property acceptable for this kind of application are determined by the Ministry of Interior.
The applicant must also meet the other statutory conditions.
Legal basis: Law No. 6458, Articles 31 to 33.
7. Does having a spouse or child in Turkey affect a refusal decision?
Yes. Under Article 25 of Law No. 6458, when considering the refusal of an application, the non-extension of a permit or the cancellation of a permit, the authorities must take into account factors such as the person’s family ties in Türkiye, the length of their residence, their situation in the country of origin and the best interests of the child.
However, having a spouse or child in Türkiye does not by itself guarantee that a residence permit will be issued or extended. The final decision depends on the statutory conditions and the individual circumstances of the file.
Legal basis: Law No. 6458, Article 25.
8. Can the Migration Administration cancel a valid residence permit?
Yes. If the statutory conditions for issuing the permit cease to exist, if it is established that the permit has been used contrary to the purpose for which it was issued, or if one of the statutory grounds for cancellation exists, the relevant authority may cancel the residence permit.
For short-term residence permits, the main grounds are set out in Article 33 of Law No. 6458. The cancellation decision must be notified to the person in accordance with the rules.
Legal basis: Law No. 6458, Articles 25 and 33.
9. What is the difference between refusal of an application and cancellation of a residence permit?
A refusal occurs when the administrative authority does not agree to issue or extend a permit.
Cancellation concerns a situation where a permit has already been issued but later loses its validity on one of the statutory grounds.
The two decisions can have different effects on the person’s lawful status and on the remedies available.
Legal basis: Law No. 6458, Articles 25 and 33.
10. What should I do if my residence permit card has expired?
It needs to be checked whether an extension application was filed in time and whether the person holds a valid extension application document.
If the extension application was filed in accordance with Article 24 and before the permit expired, it is possible to remain with the relevant document until a decision is made.
Otherwise, continued presence may be treated as a residence violation and may lead to consequences such as a fine or immigration decisions.
Legal basis: Law No. 6458, Articles 24 and 54.
11. Does paying the overstay fine make an unlawful stay lawful?
No. Paying the fine does not by itself mean obtaining a residence permit, lifting an entry ban or cancelling a deportation decision.
The financial penalty and lawful residence status are two separate matters. Payment of the fine may be relevant when the conditions for re-entry are assessed, but the other statutory conditions must also be examined.
Legal basis: Law No. 6458, Articles 9 and 54.
12. Does an unlawful stay always lead to deportation?
Turkish law provides for a deportation decision in respect of certain residence violations. For example, exceeding the permitted period of a visa or visa exemption by more than 10 days, or staying more than 10 days after the expiry of a residence permit without an acceptable reason, are among the cases listed in Article 54.
However, Article 55 prohibits the issuing of a deportation decision in certain individual circumstances, including a risk of torture or inhuman punishment in the destination country and some serious medical conditions.
The type of violation and the person’s individual situation therefore need to be assessed separately.
Legal basis: Law No. 6458, Articles 54 and 55.
13. What is a deportation decision in Turkey?
A deportation decision (sınır dışı etme kararı) is an administrative decision under which a foreign national is required, in accordance with the statutory rules, to leave Türkiye and may be removed to the country of origin, a transit country or a third country.
It is not the same as the refusal of a residence permit application or an entry ban.
Legal basis: Law No. 6458, Article 52.
14. What grounds can lead to a deportation decision?
The statutory grounds include the use of forged documents, certain visa and residence violations, working without a permit, breach of the entry and exit rules, and posing a threat to public order or public security.
Each file must nevertheless be assessed in light of the specific statutory ground relied on and the limits laid down in Article 55.
Legal basis: Law No. 6458, Articles 54 and 55.
15. Which authority issues a deportation decision in Turkey?
Under Article 53 of Law No. 6458, a deportation decision is taken by the governorates (valilik), either on the instruction of the Directorate General of Migration Management or of their own motion.
The decision, together with its reasons, must be notified to the foreign national or to their legal representative or lawyer.
Legal basis: Law No. 6458, Article 53.
16. What is the time limit to appeal a deportation decision?
The foreign national, or their legal representative or lawyer, may apply to the administrative court within 7 days of notification of the deportation decision.
The person who files the case must also inform the authority that issued the decision that the case has been filed.
In accordance with Article 53, the court decides within 15 days of the file being completed or the necessary procedural steps being concluded. The court’s decision in this matter is final.
Legal basis: Law No. 6458, Article 53, as amended by Law No. 7533.
17. Is a lawyer mandatory to appeal a deportation decision?
The Law allows the foreign national, their legal representative or their lawyer to apply to the court. Having a lawyer is therefore not a compulsory condition for filing the case in every instance.
However, given the short time limit and the importance of the grounds and evidence, obtaining specialist legal advice is recommended.
Legal basis: Law No. 6458, Article 53.
18. Does a court appeal stop the deportation decision from being carried out?
As a rule, yes. Under Article 53 of Law No. 6458, without prejudice to departure with the person’s consent, the deportation decision is not carried out during the seven-day statutory period for filing a case and, if an application is made to the court, until the judicial proceedings end.
The Law provides exceptions for certain cases. This protection is therefore not absolute, and each file must be assessed separately.
This statutory protection relates to an appeal against a deportation decision and should not be confused with a challenge to the refusal or cancellation of a residence permit.
Legal basis: Law No. 6458, Article 53.
19. Is there an opportunity to leave voluntarily after a deportation decision?
Yes. Under Article 56 of Law No. 6458, in the cases covered by that provision a period of between 15 and 30 days is set for leaving Türkiye.
However, this period is not granted in every file. For example, the Law provides exceptions in cases involving a risk of absconding, the use of forged documents or a threat to public order and security.
Legal basis: Law No. 6458, Article 56.
20. Can a person who faces a risk of torture in the destination country be deported?
Article 4 of Law No. 6458 lays down the principle that a person may not be returned to a place where they would face specified risks such as torture, inhuman treatment or a threat to life or freedom.
Article 55 also prohibits the issuing of a deportation decision in certain specific situations, including where there are serious indications of a risk of torture or inhuman punishment.
These risks must be assessed on the basis of the individual circumstances and the relevant evidence.
Legal basis: Law No. 6458, Articles 4 and 55.
21. Is re-entry to Turkey banned after deportation?
Under Article 9 of Law No. 6458, an entry ban is imposed on persons who have been deported. However, the Law provides that, in specified circumstances, the ban may not be applied, may be lifted, or entry may be permitted for a fixed period.
The duration of an entry ban is, as a rule, a maximum of five years, and it may be extended by up to a further ten years where there is a serious threat to public order or public security.
Legal basis: Law No. 6458, Article 9.
22. Can an entry ban to Turkey be challenged?
Yes. An entry ban is a separate administrative decision and, depending on the type of decision and the circumstances of the file, it may be pursued through administrative or judicial channels.
In addition, Article 9 of Law No. 6458 allows the Migration Administration, where the statutory conditions are met, to lift the entry ban or, while keeping the ban in place, to permit entry for a specified period.
Legal basis: Law No. 6458, Articles 9 and 10.
23. Which documents matter when challenging a residence permit refusal or a deportation decision?
Important documents may include the official notification of the decision, the passport, previous residence permit cards, proof that the application was filed, family documents, medical records, address documents and any other documents relating to the reason for the administrative decision.
The documents needed depend on the subject of the case. Keeping a complete copy of the notification and a record of the date you received it is particularly important, because the statutory time limits are usually linked to notification of the decision.
24. Can the court be asked to stay the execution of an administrative decision?
Yes. Under Article 27 of Law No. 2577, filing a lawsuit does not by itself suspend the execution of an administrative decision.
The court may order a stay of execution only if both of the following conditions are met:
- harm that would be difficult or impossible to remedy is likely to arise;
- the administrative decision is manifestly unlawful.
It should be noted that, for a court appeal against a deportation decision, Article 53 of Law No. 6458 provides a special statutory protection. Under that Article, except where the person consents to leave, the deportation decision is not carried out during the statutory appeal period and during the judicial proceedings.
That protection in respect of a deportation decision is also subject to the statutory exceptions.
Legal basis: Law No. 2577, Article 27; Law No. 6458, Article 53.
25. If the court annuls the Migration Administration’s decision, is a residence permit issued automatically?
No. The annulment of the Migration Administration’s decision by the court does not necessarily mean that a residence permit card is issued immediately and automatically.
Under Article 28 of Law No. 2577, the authority concerned is required to take the steps needed to implement the court’s judgment without delay. As a rule, this period should not exceed 30 days from notification of the judgment to the authority.
Depending on the terms of the judgment, the Migration Administration may be required to re-examine the application or to take a new decision in line with the court’s ruling.
Legal basis: Law No. 2577, Article 28.
Part Two: Obtaining, Extending and Types of Turkish Residence Permit
26. What types of residence permit exist in Turkey?
Under Article 30 of Law No. 6458, there are six main types of residence permit in Türkiye: short-term, family, student, long-term, humanitarian, and the residence permit for victims of human trafficking.
The conditions differ for each type, and the applicant should choose the appropriate permit according to the purpose of their stay in Türkiye.
Legal basis: Law No. 6458, Article 30.
27. Who is the Turkish short-term residence permit suitable for?
A short-term residence permit may be issued for purposes such as tourism, owning immovable property, establishing a commercial connection or setting up a business, scientific research, medical treatment and certain educational programmes.
Having one of these purposes does not by itself guarantee that a permit will be issued. The applicant must also provide the relevant documents and meet the statutory conditions.
In most cases this type of permit is issued for a maximum of two years at a time, but different rules apply to some groups.
Legal basis: Law No. 6458, Articles 31 to 33.
28. Can Iranian citizens obtain a residence permit by buying property in Turkey?
Yes. Ownership of residential property in Türkiye can be one of the bases for a short-term residence permit application. However, buying property does not by itself guarantee that a residence permit will be granted.
Under Article 31 of Law No. 6458, the type and value of property acceptable for a residence permit application are determined by the Ministry of Interior. In addition, according to the Migration Administration’s guidance, the property must be residential and must be used for that purpose.
Before buying property with a view to obtaining a residence permit, it is therefore necessary to check the Migration Administration’s current conditions and criteria, the status of the property and the other legal requirements.
Legal basis: Law No. 6458, Articles 31 to 33; official guidance of the Migration Administration on short-term residence permits.
29. Who is eligible for a Turkish family residence permit?
Subject to the statutory conditions, a family residence permit may be issued to the foreign spouse and to the foreign minor children or dependent children of certain Turkish citizens and of foreigners holding a qualifying residence status.
This permit is issued for a maximum of three years at a time. Where the sponsor holds a residence permit, the duration of the family residence permit cannot exceed the validity of the sponsor’s permit.
Legal basis: Law No. 6458, Articles 34 to 36.
30. How can Iranian students obtain a student residence permit?
Foreign students studying at a higher education institution in Türkiye at associate, bachelor’s, master’s or doctoral level may apply for a student residence permit in accordance with the statutory conditions.
Documents showing enrolment or admission, a valid passport and address information are among the important documents.
A student residence permit does not by itself create a right of residence for the student’s parents or other relatives.
Legal basis: Law No. 6458, Articles 38 to 40.
31. Does registering a company in Turkey automatically give a residence permit or work permit?
No. Registering a company or holding shares in a Turkish company does not by itself mean obtaining a residence permit or a work permit.
Establishing a commercial connection or setting up a business can be one of the bases for a short-term residence permit application, but the conditions for the permit must be established separately.
In addition, to work lawfully in Türkiye the rules on work permits must, as a rule, be complied with.
Legal basis: Law No. 6458, Articles 27 and 31; Law No. 6735 on the International Labour Force.
32. Can a long-term residence permit be obtained after eight years of residence in Turkey?
Under Article 42 of Law No. 6458, foreign nationals who have lived in Türkiye continuously on a residence permit for at least eight years may apply for a long-term residence permit if the statutory conditions are met. The Law also provides that this type of permit may be granted to persons who meet the conditions set by the Ministry of Interior.
Under Article 28 of the same Law, staying outside Türkiye for more than six months in one year, or for more than one year in the last five years, interrupts the calculation of residence, except in the exceptional cases provided by law. In addition, when continuous residence is calculated, only half of the period spent on a student residence permit is counted, whereas periods on other residence permits are counted in full.
The conditions relating to income, health insurance, receipt of social assistance and public order and security must also be examined under Article 43. Certain groups with international protection or temporary protection status are also subject to statutory restrictions.
Legal basis: Law No. 6458, Articles 28, 42 and 43.
33. How is a Turkish residence permit application filed?
Residence permit applications in Türkiye are filed through the Migration Administration’s official electronic system, e-İkamet.
The applicant selects the type of permit, enters the required information and follows the steps indicated in the system. Depending on the type of application, attending the Migration Administration office in person and submitting documents may also be required.
Official system: e-ikamet.goc.gov.tr
34. What documents are required for a Turkish residence permit application?
The documents required depend on the type of permit, but they usually include the application form, a valid passport, biometric photographs, address information, documents relating to the purpose of stay, health insurance where required, and receipts for payment of the statutory fees.
The Migration Administration may also request additional documents depending on the type of application and the applicant’s circumstances.
35. How long must a passport be valid for a Turkish residence permit application?
Under Article 21 of Law No. 6458, the applicant’s passport or travel document must be valid for at least 60 days longer than the period of residence requested.
In addition, under Article 23, the duration of the residence permit issued must be at least 60 days shorter than the validity of the passport or the document replacing it.
Legal basis: Law No. 6458, Articles 21 and 23.
36. Do documents issued in Iran need to be translated and authenticated?
Official documents issued in Iran may need an official translation into Turkish and authentication, depending on the type of document and the requirements of the receiving authority in Türkiye.
According to the official list of the Hague Conference as at the date this guide was updated, Iran is not a party to the Hague Apostille Convention of 5 October 1961. Iranian documents therefore cannot be authenticated through that Convention’s apostille mechanism.
Where authentication is required, the relevant legal formalities must be followed, including consular legalisation if the competent authority requests it.
The exact requirements for documents such as marriage certificates, birth certificates and custody documents must be checked separately.
Sources: official list of parties to the Apostille Convention, Hague Conference; Turkish administrative guidance on foreign documents.
37. Is health insurance mandatory for a Turkish residence permit?
For many types of residence permit, valid health cover that matches the period of residence is required.
The type of insurance accepted and the exemptions depend on the person’s age and status, the type of permit and the relevant rules. For example, for a family residence permit application the Law lays down specific conditions on health insurance cover for family members.
Legal basis: Law No. 6458, Articles 35 and 43; implementing regulations on residence.
38. How long does a residence permit application take to process?
Under Article 21 of Law No. 6458, a residence permit application must be examined and decided within 90 days at the latest.
If the required documents or information are incomplete, the examination may, under Article 21, be postponed until the deficiencies are remedied. According to the Migration Administration’s guidance, the 90-day period is calculated from the time the information and documents are submitted in full to the competent authority.
The applicant should therefore follow up the Migration Administration’s requests and notices about completing the documents.
Legal basis: Law No. 6458, Article 21; relevant implementing regulations.
39. When should I apply to extend a Turkish residence permit?
Under Article 24 of Law No. 6458, an extension application may be filed from 60 days before the residence permit expires.
In any event, the application must be submitted before the current permit expires.
It is advisable to prepare the required documents in advance in order to avoid delay in filing the application.
Legal basis: Law No. 6458, Article 24.
40. Can the type of residence permit be changed in Turkey?
Yes. If the reason for which the previous residence permit was issued has ended, or a new purpose of stay has arisen, the person may apply to change the type of permit, subject to the statutory conditions.
For example, in some circumstances it is possible to change from a family residence permit to a short-term residence permit.
The change is not automatic, and the conditions for the new type must be met.
Legal basis: Law No. 6458, Articles 22 and 29.
41. Can I stay in Turkey while my extension application is being examined?
Yes. Under Article 24 of Law No. 6458, a person who has filed an extension application before the current permit expires and in accordance with the rules receives a document relating to the extension application.
With this document they may reside in Türkiye until a decision is made on the application, even if the previous residence permit card expires in the meantime.
This rule relates to extension applications and should not be extended to all first-time applications without checking the conditions.
Legal basis: Law No. 6458, Article 24.
42. Can I leave Turkey before receiving the new residence permit card?
Yes. According to the official guidance of the Turkish Migration Administration, applicants who hold a residence permit application document approved by the Migration Administration (İkamet İzni Müracaat Belgesi) and the receipts for the required fees may, in accordance with the statutory conditions, leave Türkiye before receiving the residence permit card.
To benefit from the re-entry facility, the person must return to Türkiye within 15 days. If the stay abroad exceeds 15 days, the general visa rules apply.
Merely registering the initial application in the system, without completing the steps and obtaining the required documents, does not necessarily create this right.
Official source: Turkish Migration Administration, section “15 Günlük Çıkış-Giriş Hakkı”.
43. What should I do if my address in Turkey changes?
Residence permit holders must keep their address information up to date in accordance with the rules.
According to the Migration Administration’s guidance, a change of address during the validity of the permit must be reported within 20 working days, with the required documents, to the relevant authorities, including the provincial migration directorate and the civil registry office.
Failing to report a change of address can cause problems with official correspondence and with residence matters.
44. Can the Iranian spouse of a Turkish citizen obtain a family residence permit?
Yes. The foreign spouse of a Turkish citizen may apply for a family residence permit if the statutory conditions are met.
The marriage must be legally valid and the conditions laid down in the Law must be satisfied. Where there is reasonable doubt that the marriage is a sham entered into solely to obtain a residence permit, the authorities may examine the matter.
Legal basis: Law No. 6458, Articles 34, 35 and 37.
45. Do Iranian children need a separate residence permit?
Yes. Under Article 23 of Law No. 6458, a residence permit is issued separately for each foreign national.
The parents’ residence permit therefore does not by itself replace the permit the child needs. Depending on the circumstances, the child may be eligible for a family residence permit or another type of permit.
Legal basis: Law No. 6458, Articles 23 and 34.
46. Does a child born in Turkey automatically acquire Turkish citizenship?
No. Birth on Turkish territory does not by itself lead to Turkish citizenship in every case.
Under the Turkish Citizenship Law, a child’s citizenship depends on the citizenship status of the parents and the relevant rules. In specified cases, a child who is born in Türkiye and does not acquire the citizenship of any country through the parents may acquire Turkish citizenship from birth.
Legal basis: Turkish Citizenship Law No. 5901, Article 8.
47. If the parents are separated, what documents are needed for the child’s residence permit?
The documents required depend on the custody situation and the type of residence permit.
Under Article 34 of Law No. 6458, in a family residence permit application for a child, the consent of a parent who is outside Türkiye and holds joint custody is required.
Where relevant, a custody judgment, a letter of consent from the other parent, a birth certificate, and translation and legal authentication of the documents may also be needed.
Legal basis: Law No. 6458, Article 34.
48. How many days can Iranian citizens stay in Turkey without a visa?
According to the official information of the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Iranian citizens may stay in Türkiye for up to 90 days on trips covered by the visa exemption.
Under Article 11 of Law No. 6458, the total period of stay on a visa or visa exemption may not exceed 90 days in any 180-day period.
For a longer stay, an appropriate permit or another legal basis is required.
Visa rules may change. Check the official information of the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs before travelling.
Legal basis: Law No. 6458, Articles 11 and 19; official visa rules of the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
49. What happens if an Iranian passport expires during residence in Turkey?
An expired passport can cause problems for extending a residence permit, travelling abroad and re-entering Türkiye.
The residence permit holder should apply to the relevant consular authorities to renew the passport and, if the passport details change, check the status of their residence file with the Migration Administration.
The validity of the passport must also be consistent with the statutory conditions for issuing or extending a residence permit.
Legal basis: Law No. 6458, Articles 7, 21 and 23.
50. Does a short exit from Turkey and re-entry restart the 90-day visa-free period?
No. Leaving Türkiye and re-entering does not automatically restart the permitted period of stay.
The basic rule is that the total number of days a person spends in Türkiye in any rolling 180-day period may not exceed 90, unless the person has another legal basis for staying.
Before planning a re-entry, the total number of days spent in Türkiye over the previous 180 days should therefore be calculated.
Legal basis: Law No. 6458, Article 11.
Next step
If your residence permit application has been refused, your residence permit has been cancelled, or you have received a deportation decision or an entry ban, first establish three things: the text of the decision, the date of notification and your current residence status. The appropriate course depends on these three points.
Tercan Legal
The lawyers at Tercan Legal can review the decision notified to you and your documents, check the time limits and assess the legal remedies available. Reviewing a file does not mean that an outcome is guaranteed.
To arrange an initial call, you can email info@tercanlegal.com or send a message on WhatsApp +90 506 689 97 22.
Before any matter is accepted, identity verification and the necessary legal checks, including sanctions checks, are carried out.
This material is general information based on the rules and administrative practice as of October 2026 and is not legal advice. Rules and administrative practice change; the requirements in force should be checked on the date of the application or transaction. Reading this guide does not create an attorney-client relationship, and the outcome of any case cannot be guaranteed.
