If you are a foreigner residing in Turkey, you can easily extend your residence permit (ikamet). It is important to note that the extension application must be made before the expiration date of the residence permit.
When to Apply to Extend a Residence Permit?
In order to apply for an extension of your residence permit, you must have 60 days or less before your residence permit expires. If your residence permit has expired and you are in the country illegally, it is no longer possible to apply for a residence permit extension. Therefore, you must apply for a residence permit extension before it expires.
If you expire your residence permit, you must be treated as if you are applying for the first time. In this case, it cannot be guaranteed that your residence permit will be extended and if you leave the country, you may have problems re-entering.
Where to Apply for Residence Permit Extension?
To extend your residence permit, you can apply online via E-Ikamet. Click here to access the application page. If there is no change in your information, it will be sufficient to send the documents requested from you to the address specified in the application form by registered mail with return receipt requested. If there has been a change in your employment status, marital status, reason for being here, etc., you will need to make an appointment and physically go to the Provincial Directorate of Migration Management.
The information in the application form must be filled in completely and truthfully. Making a false statement will constitute the offense of “making a false statement in the issuance of an official document” in accordance with the Turkish Penal Code No. 5237. In addition, if such a situation is detected, your residence permit will be canceled even if it has been issued.
What is İkamet İzni Müracaat Belgesi (Residence Permit Application Document)? How to get it?
After you apply for a residence permit extension, you will be given a “İkamet İzni Müracaat Belgesi” (“Residence Permit Application Certificate”) by the administration. With this document, it is possible to re-enter the country even if your residence period has expired. This document gives you the right to re-enter the country in case you leave the country for a short period of time (maximum 15 days).
In addition, with this document, you have the right to reside in the country for 90 days until your residence permit extension application is finalized. In other words, the residence permit application document temporarily extends your residence permit for up to 90 days.
How to Find Out the Result of Residence Permit Application?
Your application is finalized within 90 days at the latest from the moment you apply to extend your residence permit. You can check the result of your application online via E-ikamet. Click here to inquire the result of your application.
What to do if the residence permit extension application is rejected?
If your residence permit extension application is rejected, you must exit the country within 10 days. Otherwise, you may be banned from entering the country and fined. If you have the right to stay in the country regardless of your residence permit, then you do not need to leave the country. Depending on your country of citizenship, your right to stay in the country is usually 90 days within 180 days.
Appeal against the Rejection of a Residence Permit Extension Application
If your application for an extension of your residence permit has been rejected, you can appeal against this decision. This appeal must be lodged with the administrative court within 60 days of receiving the rejection decision. Appealing to the administrative court does not give you a legal right to stay in the country. Therefore, you need the support of a lawyer to file a lawsuit against the rejection decision. The lawyer will take your case for you and pursue the case with the aim of having the rejection decision annulled.
Conclusion
It is very important that residence permit extension applications are made within the deadline. It is also necessary to determine which category you will apply for a residence permit. For example, residence permit extension requests for students and residence permit extension requests due to marriage are based on different reasons and therefore require separate preparations.
We strongly recommend that you work with a lawyer for the extension of your residence permit. It is very important to follow the process through a lawyer on your behalf in order not to lose your rights. If you would like to get legal support and work with a lawyer, you can contact our team.