TURKEY: Changes to Residence Permit Law

September 14, 2016


Back in August, we published an article which discussed the new foreign labour law which came into effect immediately.  The new law also provided various amendments to the 2014 Law on International Protection (aka Residence Permit Law). There are several of the changes that have been made to the Residence Permit Law via the Law on International Workforce; these are listed below:

  • Short-term Residence Permits may now be issued for up to two years validity – instead of one year (except for those for investment or N. Cypriot nationals – see below).
  • Dependent Residence Permits may now be issued for up to three years validity – instead of two years (but no longer than the validity of the principal”s status in Turkey).
  • Remaining abroad for more than 120 cumulative days in the last year no longer cancels a short-term Residence Permit. Rules regarding the cancellation of short term Residence Permits with regard to stays abroad will be defined by regulation.
  • Remaining abroad for more than 180 cumulative days in the last year no longer cancels a dependent Residence Permit. Rules regarding the cancellation of family Residence Permit with regard to stays abroad will be defined by regulation.
  • The section regarding the 24 work hours limit for undergraduate students has been removed. New working hours criteria will be defined by regulation.
  • Short-term Residence Permits may be issued for up to five years for Northern Cyprus nationals and unemployed foreign nationals and their family members living in Turkey who are investing in Turkey (according to the criteria, scope and amount set by the Council of Ministers).

Advice

You should expect these changes to the residence permit system in Turkey to be implemented in the coming months. 

It is important that you confirm up-to-date information for upcoming Turkish immigration matters with a Turkish provider on a case-by-case basis.

If you require any additional information regarding the changes to these residence permit laws in Turkey please contact a member of our team at [email protected].