Law of Foreigners stands for the body of rules, which are applied to foreign individuals within the scope of Turkish Law, and which take effect through the inclusion of international agreements into the Constitution as per Article 90.
There exists Law 6458 on Foreigners and International Protection concerning foreigners’ entry into Turkey and residence permit. The Ministry of Interior Directorate General of Migration Management coordinates the legal procedure regarding the entry and residence permit of foreigners.
Foreigners’ entry into Turkey may be banned or denied in accordance with the binding scope of the relevant law. There is the legal option of contention of unconstitutionality for both decisions, but the way of objection changes based on the ground for denial or prohibition.
It is mandatory for foreigners to have residence permit if they wish to stay longer than the visa or visa exemption period or longer than 90 days. Residence permit types were regulated as per Law 6458. Residence permit types are as follows:
- Short-term residence permit
- Family residence permit
- Student residence permit
- Long-term residence permit
- Humanitarian residence permit
- Victim of human trafficking residence permit
Basis and procedures for foreigners to work in Turkey were regulated with the Law on Work Permit of Foreigners No.4817. Foreigners who obtain work permit do not have to get extra residence permit.
In accordance with the law number 4817, types of work permit are as follows temporary work permit, permanent work permit, independent work permit and exclusive work permit/a special work permit for exclusive employees (Turquoise Card work permit).
Permanent work permit is granted to foreigners who have long-term residence permit, who have resided in Turkey legally for eight years without interruption, or who have worked legally at least for eight years.
Independent work permit/permit to work independently is granted to foreigners who have resided in Turkey legally at least for five years without interruption.
Application made for professions and occupations such as Lawyer, Notary, Pharmacist, etc. confined exclusively to Turkish citizens shall be rejected.
It is possible for foreigners to acquire immovable property in Turkey under the provisions of the Land Registry Law No. 2644, but there are some legal limitations and restrictions.
