Overview
Immigration law covers the entry, stay, work, property acquisition, international protection and exit of persons who are not Turkish citizens. The main rules are in the Law on Foreigners and International Protection No. 6458, while work permits fall under the International Labour Force Law No. 6735; citizenship is governed by the Turkish Citizenship Law No. 5901.
Every application is assessed against your nationality, status in Türkiye, entry and exit records, family ties, employment and any administrative decisions about you. Some decisions — deportation in particular — must be challenged within very short periods.
What we handle
Citizenship by investment
Foreigners who acquire real estate worth at least USD 400,000 (or equivalent) with a three-year no-sale annotation on the title may apply for citizenship by exception. We check the property, title and encumbrances, handle the purchase and annotations, and follow the eligibility and citizenship applications. Meeting the conditions does not automatically confer citizenship.
Citizenship by marriage
Marriage to a Turkish citizen does not confer citizenship directly. After at least three years of marriage, living together as a family and with no security or public order obstacle, the foreign spouse may apply.
Buying property
Purchases are subject to reciprocity, area limits and military or security zones. Title, encumbrances and zoning are reviewed and the land registry transfer handled, including through a power of attorney.
Residence permits
Short-term, family, student, long-term and humanitarian permits: choosing the right type, preparing first and renewal applications, and challenging refusals or cancellations.
Work permits
Fixed-term, indefinite and independent work permits, extensions, exemptions, refusals and administrative fines.
Entry bans and restriction codes
Administrative applications and annulment actions to lift entry bans and restriction codes.
Deportation and administrative detention
Annulment actions with stay requests against deportation decisions (7 days), and applications to criminal judgeships of peace against administrative detention.
Company formation and business
Setting up companies, share transfers and trade registry matters, alongside work and residence permit planning.
How the process works
Status review
Entry–exit records, current permits, family and work situation; the right application identified.
Application
Documents, translations and apostilles completed; application filed.
Challenging refusals
Administrative applications and lawsuits within short deadlines.
Investment and title
Property due diligence, purchase, annotation and citizenship eligibility process.
Before your meeting
Bring originals or legible copies of whichever of the following you have. You don’t need everything — missing items are identified together.
- Passport(s)
- Current residence or work permit card
- Entry–exit records
- Decisions and notifications concerning you
- Marriage, birth and family documents (apostilled and translated)
- Lease or title deed, health insurance
Key deadlines
| Matter | Period | Starts from |
|---|---|---|
| Lawsuit against a deportation decision | 7 days | Notification of the decision |
| Annulment action against a residence permit refusal | 60 days | Notification of the decision |
| Citizenship by investment property | USD 400,000 minimum, 3-year no-sale annotation | Title registration |
These are general rules; special provisions or a different starting date may apply in a particular case. It is best to have the deadline assessed on the day you receive a notification.
Frequently asked questions
Can I obtain Turkish citizenship by buying property?
Yes, if you acquire real estate worth at least USD 400,000 (or equivalent) and a three-year no-sale annotation is registered. The application is still assessed by the competent authorities; citizenship is not automatic.
How do I challenge a deportation decision?
File a lawsuit at the administrative court within 7 days of notification. During that period and while the case is pending, deportation cannot be carried out without your consent.
My residence permit was refused. What now?
Depending on the reasons, a new application with additional documents or an annulment action may be appropriate. Check your lawful stay and any duty to leave, to avoid an entry ban.
The information on this page is general and does not constitute legal advice, a guarantee of outcome or an undertaking in respect of any specific matter. Periods and amounts are subject to change by legislation.
