Turkey immigration has become increasingly popular among people drawn to the country’s rich culture, vibrant cities, and strategic location between Europe and Asia. For those wishing to relocate or invest, the government provides an interesting combination of history, modern living, an affordable cost of living, and modern infrastructure.
The immigration process involves issuing work permits, student visas, retirement residency, and even citizenship through real estate investment. Each of these pathways has specific criteria that need to be fulfilled, and hence, it is critical to identify which option suits you best. Many newcomers find Turkey to be both welcoming and full of opportunity. To help you confidently begin your journey, here is a closer look at the main immigration routes and how to get started.
Entry Requirements for Turkey Immigration
It's important to know if you need a visa before moving to Turkey. The Turkish migration policy states that anyone intending to spend ninety days in Turkey must apply for a visa. The reason for your trip will determine the type of visa you need. Staying longer than three months also requires a Turkish residency permit. You can go to Turkey for a brief period for business or pleasure if you are from a visa-exempt country and have a valid ordinary passport.
For stays lasting 90 days within six months, eligible tourists may just show their passport or identification card. The Turkish government has a long list of foreign nationals permitted entry into the country without a visa and stay for different lengths of time. Furthermore, Turkish law states that there are no time limits on visits for Northern Cyprus citizens, but there are limitations for visitors from other nations on the list of countries that are exempt from the Turkey visa requirement.
Visas Required for Turkey Immigration
1. Turkey Work Visa
A Turkey Work Visa authorizes you to relocate to Turkey for work purposes. Going there to work isn't visa-free travel, so you need the right permit. Foreigners must get a work visa and a work permit to work in Turkey. Except for Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus citizens, all foreign nationals must have a work visa and a work permit to work in Turkey.
Applying for a Turkey work visa is a little different than applying for other Turkish visas. This is because applying for a Turkish work visa involves both the employee and the company. You must have a job contract before applying for a Turkey employment visa. You cannot begin obtaining this visa unless you have a specific job offer in Turkey.
2. Turkey Student Visa
A Turkish Student Visa allows you to stay in Turkey for educational purposes. It will enable foreign nationals to temporarily settle in Turkey by applying for a residency permit. People who wish to take a course, complete an internship in Turkey, or enroll in a school or university can apply. All other international residents (except European Union citizens) must get a visa to attend Turkish universities for academic purposes, except students from the Northern Republic of Cyprus.
3. Turkey Family Visa
This visa is only available to people who want to join their children, parents, or spouse who is staying legally in Turkey. There's no visa exemption for family reunification purpose. If you intend to live with your relatives and maintain family unity while in Turkey, you should apply for this type of visa. You must apply under a separate visa category if you intend to spend any part of your trip to Turkey in activities other than family reunion, such as travel, business, or employment.
Documents Required for Turkey Visa Application
To apply for a visa to Turkey, you must gather the following travel documents:
- Turkey visa application form
- A valid passport (or Turkish passport)
- Proof of accommodation
- Invitation letter from the host
- Proof of sufficient funds
- Travel medical insurance
- Police clearance certificate
- Birth certificate (for minors)
- Consent letter(for minors)
- Documents on custody rights (for minors)
When applying for any Turkish visa, you must gather several documents and present them at the Turkish embassy/consulate. These documents serve as evidence or proof of your eligibility and purpose in visiting Turkey. The type of Turkish visa you want will determine which documents you need. This may also depend on your nationality since citizens of different countries may be required to provide more or fewer documents.
Turkey Visa Application
You must finish a few steps to complete the Turkey immigration process. Make sure to finish each one accurately and in the correct order. Your application could be denied if you make even one mistake, which could impact subsequent applications. Before taking any concrete action, you should learn a few things about applying for a visa to Turkey in your home country.
1. Check your visa type: There are several types of Turkish visas available. The primary question you should ask is if you are eligible to apply for a sticker visa or an e-visa. Please note that you must choose one of the following major Turkish visa categories based on your intended reason for visiting: Business visa, Tourist visa, Family visa, Student visa, and Work visa.
2. Know when to apply: Turkish authorities advise that you apply for a Turkish sticker visa one month before your intended departure. As a result, you can prevent any difficulties resulting from application processing delays. However, you must submit your application at least 60 days before the date of your planned trip to Turkey.
3. Know where to submit: Your application for a Turkish visa must be submitted to the embassy or consulate in your home country. In some places, you might need to apply at a third-party visa processing facility, which Turkey has contracted to handle visa submission. However, the Turkish embassies and consulates are the only authorities in charge of processing in every nation.
Apply for a Turkey sticker visa.
The first step in applying for a Turkish Sticker Visa is filling out the online application form, which asks about your identification, nationality, and reason for travel. The system will notify you if you are qualified for an e-visa or do not require a visa to enter Turkey as soon as you enter this information. You will be asked to provide more details if you opt out.
You may also find out from the system what documents you need to apply for that specific type of visa to enter Turkey. Additionally, you will receive a time and date for your visa interview. You should report to the Turkish embassy or consulate in your home country on the day of your interview. Ensure that you are carrying all of the necessary paperwork. You will be asked questions about your trip during a brief interview with a consular official.
How to Apply for a Turkey e-Visa
However, the visa processes are more straightforward and quicker if you need a Turkish eVisa. To obtain an electronic visa for Turkey, you must fulfill the following requirements.
1. Fill out the online application on the Turkish eVisa website.
2. Check your email. You must get an email within minutes requesting confirmation that you have begun the eVisa application process. This email was most likely sent to your spam folder if you can't find it in your inbox. You will be redirected to the eVisa application page after clicking the link you received.
3. Pay the fee. You must then pay the eVisa application fee at the eVisa website. After paying the price, the website will notify you that you'll receive an email containing the eVisa.
4. Download the e-visa. You'll get another email. Instead of the actual eVisa, this button will direct you back to the webpage where you will download it.
5. Print your e-visa. The Turkish government requests that you show your e-visa on paper. It is not permitted to show the border officials a copy of your e-visa. It is necessary to print the e-visa.
Visa Processing Time
The Turkish missions make the visa roadmap very easy. Applying online for a Turkey e-Visa is quick, but it's best to do so at least 48 hours before your trip. Applying for a Turkey sticker visa requires more time, so it is recommended that you do so at least one month before your trip. Tourist and business visas take about 15 days to process, while student and work visas take about 25 days.
Turkey Visa Fees
You must pay a specific fee when you apply for a Turkish visa. The cost of an e-visa differs from that of a Turkey sticker visa. Depending on your country of origin, the price of a Turkish e-visa can vary from €14 to €71. However, the sticker visa fees for most nations range from €117, the lowest, to €180, the highest. However, the cost of visas for nationals of certain other countries, such as the UAE, may be higher, up to €465.
Conclusion
That's all on Turkey immigration. Turkey offers a blend of modern living and deep cultural roots, making it an appealing destination for those seeking a new home or lifestyle change. With several immigration options available, finding a pathway that aligns with your goals is possible. Turkey immigration may take planning and patience, but the rewards are well worth the effort. Who knows? A Turkish citizenship might just be waiting for you. A fresh start in this dynamic and welcoming country is more accessible than you might think.
