Erdal Nuhbasa – Law and Consulting Firm – Legal Services
Erdal Nuhbasa – Law and Consulting Firm – Legal Services
Family Residence Permit in Turkey is one of the most commonly applied residence permits, allowing foreigners to live in Turkey together with their family members. I prepared, detailed and up-to-date information for 2026, including family residence permit fees, family residence extension costs, single-entry visa fee, and the application process.
If you have a sponsor who is legally residing in Turkey, you may apply for a Family Residence Permit. The sponsor can be either a Turkish citizen or a foreigner holding a valid residence permit.
Under Turkish immigration law, the following persons may apply for a Family Residence Permit:
Applications are submitted online through the e-Ikamet system of the Directorate of Migration Management. After completing the application form, an appointment date is generated.
1. Residence Permit Application Form: The Residence Permit Application Form must be completed online and signed by the applicant, their legal representative, or an authorized lawyer with a power of attorney.
2. Passport or Equivalent Travel Document: Copy of the passport or travel document is needed. The original passport must be presented on the appointment day
3. Biometric Photographs: Two (2) biometric photographs which was taken within the last 6 months. The photos must have white background and compliant with ICAO standards
4. Proof of Payment of Residence Permit Fees: Receipt showing payment of Residence permit fee and Residence permit card fee. Applicants who are exempt from the residence permit fee will only pay the card fee.
5. Single Entry Visa Fee Receipt (If Applicable): The single entry visa fee must be paid if:
– The applicant entered Turkey visa-free and applies for a residence permit for the first time, or
– The applicant overstayed their legal stay period
Applicants exempt from the single entry visa fee are excluded.
6. Proof of Marriage or Family Relationship: One of the following documents must be submitted: (Marriage certificate, Civil Registration Record (Vukuatlı Nüfus Kayıt Örneği) if married to a Turkish citizen or Any official document proving the marital relationship)
Important: Documents issued in Turkey must be e-signed/signed and stamped. Documents issued abroad must be apostilled and submitted with a notarized Turkish translation. If the issuing country is not a party to the Apostille Convention, consular and Ministry approvals are required.
7. National Electronic Notification Address (UETS): It is required for extension and transition applications, it can be obtained from Post Office (PTT), but it is not required for applicants under 18 years old.
Where applicable, the following documents may be required:
In addition to the applicant’s documents, the sponsor must submit the following:
1. Identity Document: Turkish ID card (if Turkish citizen), or Residence permit card / work permit card (if foreign sponsor)
2. Proof of Address (Residence Registration): Address registration document (Yerleşim Yeri Belgesi) obtained from e-Devlet, Or notarized rental agreement / title deed (Tapu)
3. Proof of Sufficient Income: The sponsor must demonstrate sufficient and stable income to support the family. This may include: Salary slips (last 3 months), Employment letter, Tax plate (for self-employed sponsors), SGK service record, Bank statements (if applicable)
4. Health Insurance Coverage: If the sponsor provides family coverage through SGK, proof of active social security registration must be submitted.
5. Criminal Record Certificate: Adli Sicil Kaydı obtained from e-Devlet
6. Undertaking Letter (Taahhütname): A notarized sponsorship undertaking may be required confirming that the sponsor will financially support the applicant.
| Fee Type | Amount |
|---|---|
| Residence Permit Card Fee | 964 TRY |
| Residence Permit Fee | Varies by nationality and duration |
| Single Entry Visa Fee | 9,376.40 TRY (first application only) |
| Extension Fees | Card fee + residence permit fee |
For 2026, the fees and costs for family residence fees are as follows:
964 TRY. This card fee is mandatory for all residence permit applications, including first-time applications and extensions.
The residence permit fee varies depending on nationality and duration of stay. The amount is generally calculated annually and may differ due to reciprocity agreements between countries. Some nationalities are exempt from residence permit fees. You can check through here: https://erdalnuhbasa.com/2026-residence-permit-card-fee-and-residence-tax-in-turkey/
The single entry visa fee is required only for first-time residence permit applications if the applicant entered Turkey with a visa. For 2026, this fee is approximately 9,376.40 TRY.
This fee is NOT paid for residence permit extensions.
In addition to official government fees, applicants should also expect the following expenses:
These costs may vary depending on the applicant’s personal circumstances.
For extension applications, the following documents are required:
Important: Extension applications must be submitted within the last 60 days before the expiration date and before the permit expires.
Family residence permits must be extended before the expiration date, ideally within the last 60 days of validity.
For extension applications in 2026:
Even if you qualify as a family member, both the sponsor and the applicant must meet certain conditions before the permit is issued (these are general eligibility conditions, not an exhaustive list):
Although many applications are approved, family residence permit applications may be rejected for various legal or procedural reasons. The most common grounds for refusal include:
1. Insufficient Income of the Sponsor: The sponsor must demonstrate sufficient and stable financial resources to support all family members. If income is below the legal threshold or cannot be properly documented, the application may be rejected.
2. Suspicion of Sham Marriage: If the authorities suspect that the marriage was concluded solely for residence permit purposes, the application may be denied. The Migration Office may conduct interviews or request additional documentation.
3. Missing or Improperly Legalized Documents: Documents issued abroad must be apostilled and notarized with a Turkish translation. Failure to submit properly legalized documents is one of the most common reasons for rejection.
4. Invalid or Insufficient Health Insurance: Health insurance must fully cover the requested residence period. Policies with gaps, limited coverage, or incorrect dates may lead to refusal.
5. Address Registration Problems: If the sponsor’s address registration is not properly updated or if the accommodation is deemed insufficient for family unity, the application may not be approved.
6. Criminal Record Issues: Certain criminal convictions, especially those related to family order or public security, may negatively affect the application.
7. Overstay or Visa Violations: Previous overstays, unpaid administrative fines, or entry bans may result in rejection or additional penalties.
No. A family residence permit does not automatically grant the right to work. A work permit is required. However, foreigners who are married to a Turkish citizen and living in Turkey with their spouse may apply for an exceptional work permit without the residence duration requirement.
Yes. Applications may be submitted through a lawyer with a valid power of attorney..
Residence permit fees and card charges can be paid online via the Digital Tax Office of the Revenue Administration using a credit/debit card, or at authorized banks (Ziraat, VakıfBank, Halkbank) and tax office counters. Payments must be made using the assessment (reference) number provided after the e-Ikamet application.
A family residence permit can be issued for up to 3 years, but it cannot exceed the validity period of the sponsor’s permit.
Generally, only minor children qualify. However, dependent adult children may be considered in exceptional circumstances, subject to approval by the Migration Office.
A family residence permit does not directly grant citizenship. However, it may be counted as legal residence when assessing eligibility for long-term residence or citizenship by marriage, depending on the circumstances.
Yes. Valid private health insurance covering the entire duration of the permit is mandatory for all applicants, unless exempt under Turkish law.
Yes. Minor children holding a family residence permit may enroll in Turkish public or private schools without needing a student residence permit.
Yes. Extensions are possible as long as the legal conditions continue to exist, including family unity, valid insurance, and sufficient income.
Yes. the applicant must personally attend the Migration Office appointment, even if the application is prepared by a lawyer.
In case of divorce: The family residence permit is usually cancelled, unless the applicant qualifies for another residence permit type under Turkish law.
Yes. Address registration with the Population Directorate is mandatory within the legal timeframe after receiving the residence permit card.
No, but due to frequent legislative changes and strict document requirements, working with a lawyer significantly reduces the risk of rejection or delay.
For more information or if you have any questions, you can contact us via email or WhatsApp. Contact details are provided below.
Erdal Nuhbasa Law and Consulting
Kartaltepe Mah. Bahçesaray Sok. No:19/3 Bakırköy, Istanbul, Turkey
erdalnuhbasa@hotmail.com
www.erdalnuhbasa.com
