Obtaining a Permanent Residence Permit (PRP) in Turkey is a process that allows foreigners to live and work in Turkey on a long-term basis, usually with no restrictions on working, traveling and residing in the country. It also grants you many of the same rights and privileges as a Turkish citizen, except having Turkish passport and voting rights.
Here is a step-by-step guide on how to get a Permanent Residence Permit in Turkey:
- Meet the requirements: The requirements for obtaining a Permanent Residence Permit in Turkey include having a valid passport, not having a criminal record, being able to prove sufficient financial means to support yourself, and having a residence address in Turkey. Additionally, you need to have legally resided in Turkey for at least 8 years with a valid residence permit and to have not been absent from the country for more than 6 consecutive months during this time.
- Gather the necessary documents: In order to apply for a Permanent Residence Permit, you will need to gather a number of documents, such as:
- A valid passport
- A document showing proof of residence in Turkey
- A document showing proof of sufficient financial means
- A document showing proof of health insurance
- A criminal background check from the country of origin
- A document showing the reason for the application
- A recent passport-sized photograph
- Documents showing the duration of your legal residence in Turkey and the continuity of your stay
- Submit the application: After gathering the necessary documents, you can submit the application at the nearest Provincial Directorate of Migration Management (Göç İdaresi Müdürlüğü)
- Pay the fee: There will be a fee for the application, which will need to be paid at the time of submission.
- Wait for a decision: After the application is submitted, the Provincial Directorate of Migration Management will review the application and make a decision. The decision can take several months to process.
- Collect the residence permit: Once the decision is made, you will need to collect the Permanent Residence Permit from the Provincial Directorate of Migration Management.
It’s important to keep in mind that regulations and requirements for the Permanent Residence Permit may change over time, so it’s best to verify the most up-to-date information with the local authorities and consult with a legal professional if you need help with the application process. Additionally, it’s important to be aware that the absence of more than 180 days in a calendar year can result in the cancellation of the Permanent Residence Permit and your right to reside in Turkey may be withdrawn. Therefore, it’s important to be mindful of the continuity of your stay in Turkey and plan your trips accordingly.
It’s also worth noting that while having a Permanent Residence Permit grants you many of the same rights and privileges as a Turkish citizen, it does not grant you the right to vote in Turkish elections or hold public office. Furthermore, it doesn’t mean that you are eligible for citizenship automatically, you will still need to meet additional requirements and go through the process of applying for Turkish Citizenship.
In conclusion, obtaining a Permanent Residence Permit in Turkey is a process that allows foreigners to live and work in Turkey on a long-term basis, with no restrictions on working, traveling, and residing in the country. It grants many rights and privileges, however, it is not equivalent to Turkish Citizenship. The process of getting a PRP can be quite complex and long, thus it’s important to meet the requirements and gather all necessary documents, also consulting with a legal professional for assistance can also be very helpful. Additionally, you need to be aware of the regulations and rules for maintaining the continuity of your stay and absence from the country in order not to lose your permit.
