Family Residence Permit in Turkey: Requirements, Conditions, and Legal Process
Foreign nationals who wish to live in Türkiye (Turkey) with their family members may apply for a Family Residence Permit. This permit allows family unity by enabling foreign spouses, children, and dependents of Turkish citizens or residence permit holders to reside legally in the country. Below, you’ll find a clear explanation of the requirements, eligibility criteria, and important points to know before applying.
👨👩👧 Who Can Apply for a Family Residence Permit?
A Family Residence Permit can be granted to the following individuals:
👤The foreign spouse of a Turkish citizen or a foreign residence permit holder.
👶Minor children of either spouse (under 18 years old).
🧑🦽Dependent adult children who cannot take care of themselves due to health conditions.
The sponsor (the Turkish citizen or the foreigner holding a residence permit in Türkiye) must meet certain conditions to support the family members’ application.
🏡 Sponsor Requirements
To be eligible as a sponsor for a family residence permit, the person must:
💰Have sufficient and regular income to support the family. The total monthly income should be at least the minimum wage per family member.
🏠 Provide accommodation that meets general health and safety standards.
🩺Have valid health insurance covering all family members in Türkiye.
⚖️Have no criminal record for offenses against family members within the past five years.
📅Have resided in Türkiye legally for at least one year (for foreign sponsors).
💻 Online Application
When applying for a family residence permit, both the sponsor and the family members must provide several supporting documents. All foreign documents must be translated into Turkish and notarized or apostilled, depending on the applicant’s nationality.
Applications for a Family Residence Permit are submitted online through the official e-Residence (e-ikamet) system of the Directorate General of Migration Management (DGMM). After completing the online form, applicants must attend an in-person appointment at the Provincial Migration Office with all required documents.
⚖️Our team of attorneys provides professional assistance to ensure your online application is completed accurately and smoothly. See the details of our services here.
⏳ Duration and Renewal
A family residence permit is usually issued for a maximum of three years, but it cannot exceed the validity period of the sponsor’s residence permit.
Renewal applications should be submitted within 60 days before the expiry date. During renewal, applicants must again prove that the sponsorship conditions are still valid (income, accommodation, and insurance).
🎓 Rights and Limitations
Holders of a family residence permit can:
Reside legally in Türkiye.
Study in primary and secondary education without obtaining a separate student permit.
However, this permit does not grant the right to work. Family members who wish to work must obtain a work permit separately.
⚠️ Common Reasons for Rejection
Applications may be rejected or cancelled if:
The sponsor does not meet financial or legal requirements.
The marriage is determined to be a sham or fraudulent.
The applicant overstays or violates visa or residence rules.
Required documents are incomplete or invalid.
To avoid such issues, applicants should prepare all documents carefully and ensure that translations and notarizations comply with Turkish regulations.
⚖️ Professional Assistance
The residence permit process in Türkiye can be complex. Our law office provides professional legal support to help you complete your online application accurately and in full compliance with all legal requirements.
If you are applying for a residence permit, contact us for personalized guidance and support.
Learn more about our services here.
