Foreigners have to apply to residence permit if they want to stay beyond their visa duration in Turkey. Residence permit is the only way of a Turkish visa extension in order not to be in overstay status. Here is the step by step guide for the Turkish residence permit application.
First of all, you need to choose the Turkish residence permit type such as touristic residence permit, family residence permit, university student residence permit or Turkish language course residence permit. Your visa type needs to be compatible with your residence permit type, for example you can apply to Turkish language course residence permit if you enter Turkey with Turkish language course visa only. After you identify the right residence permit type for you, you need to make an online residence permit application at e-ikamet.goc.gov.tr to fill in the form and get a residence permit appointment. In Istanbul, you can choose the appointment location, but the appointment date is determined by the immigration office.
When you complete your online residence permit application, you need to prepare your documents and submit them to the immigration office at your appointment date. These are the common documents for all Turkish residence permit types: passport copy, visa copy, entry stamp copy, biometric photo, residence permit tax payment, residence permit card payment, health insurance, address document. Also, you need to provide the specific document required by your residence permit type, for example university student letter to apply for student residence permit.
When your documents are complete, you can submit it at the immigration office. If your residence permit application file is not complete at the time of appointment, the immigration officer will give you extra 30 days to complete the missing documents. After you submit all documents, the immigration officer will evaluate your Turkish residence permit application. If your residence permit application is approved, your residence permit card will be printed and sent to you by Turkish Post Office PTT. If your Turkish residence permit application is rejected, you need to collect your rejection paper from the immigration office and leave Turkey before your visa period ends. If your residence permit is rejected after your visa expires, then you need to leave Turkey in 10 days.
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