Residence Permit in Turkey for Pakistani Citizens
Here, we summarize how Pakistani citizens obtain a residence permit in Turkey. Also, we explain the steps needed to follow by Pakistani citizens who want to get a residence permit in Turkey. However, we provide you with faqs about a residence permit in Turkey. After reading our blog post, you can read our related other articles.
The residence permit is a document that allows Pakistani citizens to stay in Turkey. Pakistani citizens need to define what to come purposes and cases in this document. There are six categories for applying for a residence permit in Turkey. Pakistani citizens can apply for one of these of the most suitable themself. For more, you can contact Zaren Invest. Now, let’s look at residence permit types together.
- Short Term Residence Permit
- Long Term Residence Permit
- Humanitarian Residence Permit
- Student Residence Permit
- Family Residence Permit
- Residence Permit for Victims of Human Trafficking
Short-term Residence Permit
A short-term residency permit is a type of permit granted to individuals who wish to reside in Turkey for particular purposes during a certain period. The most reasons for granting a short-term residence permit are stage, course, investment, and health. The short-term residence permit is two years. However, this period can be extended in some cases.
There are residence permits by investment and KKTC citizens among these cases. Pakistani citizens who want to grant residence permits by investing in Turkey have the right of staying five years. Those who want to grant a short-term residence permit can occur application on online and can apply immigrant office short-term application with the required documentation and at a determined date.
Documents Required for Short-Term Residence in Turkey
In order to apply for a short-term residence permit, it is mandatory to submit the documents required by the relevant boards as complete, authentic and up-to-date. In this context, the common documents required for short-term residence permit applications for Pakistani citizens are as follows.
- Residence Permit Application Form (must be signed)
- 4 biometric photographs (must be taken within the last 6 months)
- Passport (Passport information must be submitted together with a photocopy of the identity information and the processed pages)
- Living Documents and Declaration of Coverage of Expenses
- Health Insurance (must cover the period of residence)
The above-mentioned documents are common documents required for a short-term residence permit application and none of them should be missing. In addition, the person must also submit other documents relevant to the purpose of stay. For example, documents such as an acceptance certificate for medical treatment, an internship certificate for an internship or a job invitation letter for a job should be submitted to prove the purpose of residence.
Turkey Residence Permit Application Form
All fields of the form required for Pakistani citizens to apply for a short-term residence permit must be filled in completely. Then, the form must be signed and submitted to the Directorate of Migration Management at the appointment time specified in the system. This form should include information such as the person’s contact information, visa purpose, and duration of stay;
- Personal information of the applicant,
- Passport information,
- Residence information and purpose of stay in Turkey,
- Payment information,
- Address and contact information,
- Address of residence,
- Work or study information,
- Appointment information,
- Income and insurance information.
Tourist Residence Permit for Pakistani Citizens
A tourist residence permit for Pakistani Citizens is a permission document that provides the right to stay in Turkey in case the visa exemption period is insufficient. Pakistani Citizens can visit Turkey without a visa. Visa exemption is the definition that states that they can enter the country without a visa for a certain period of time. Within the framework of visa exemption, Pakistani Citizens have the right to stay in Turkey for 90 days. If the duration of the trip does not exceed 30 days, they are allowed to stay for a maximum of 90 days within 180 days.
However, when the visa exemption requirements for tourist travel cannot be met, tourists are required to apply for a residence permit. Residence permit applications are divided into six categories. Applications for touristic purposes are made in the category of residence within the scope of short-term residence permit. Applications are made online and an appointment is made through the system. During the appointment, the person must have his/her documents ready at the provincial immigration office.
What is the Duration of Tourist Residence in Turkey?
Pakistani Citizens coming to Turkey for tourism purposes are required to obtain a tourist residence permit in order to stay in Turkey for longer than the visa-free period. Tourist Residence Permit applications are examined within the scope of Short Term Residence Permit. Short-term residence permits are issued for a maximum of 2 years at a time. The main documents required for Pakistani citizens to apply for a tourist residence permit include a passport, documents proving the purpose of travel (e.g. hotel reservations or travel plans), and identity card;
- Residence Permit Application Form (It must be filled in completely and signed)
- 4 Biometric Photographs
- Valid Health Insurance for the Duration of Residence
- Passport (Original, photocopy of the pages with passport information and photo, and photocopy of all processed pages must be submitted together)
- Declaration of Reimbursement of Expenses
- Livelihood Documents
In order for the application to be approved, it is necessary to submit the necessary common documents and all information proving the purpose of the stay. Therefore, for tourist trips, the application must include a travel plan. In addition, the application should include information such as where the applicant will stay and how long the applicant will stay in Turkey.
Business Residence Permit for Pakistani Citizens
A business residence permit for Pakistani nationals grants the right to reside for a certain period of time to foreigners who come to the country for the purpose of starting a business or establishing business contacts. Such applications are submitted to the Provincial Immigration Authority. Residence permit applications are divided into six categories and are not valid unless the correct category is selected. A business permit is considered as a short-term residence permit. Pre-registration is done online and an appointment is required. As of May 2, 2021, the postal method is no longer used for residence extension applications and an appointment system is used. At the appointment time, the person must come to the Directorate of Migration Management with his/her documents. Commercial residence permits are issued for a maximum period of 2 years and the extension procedure cannot exceed 2 years.
Documents Required for a Commercial Residence Permit in Turkey
Pakistani Nationals traveling to Turkey for business purposes and applying for a residence permit are required to submit documents proving their purpose of stay as part of their application. The documents required for Pakistani Citizens applying for a residence permit for business purposes are as follows.
- Residence Permit Application Form (Signed)
- Passport (with the pages containing the information and a photocopy of the processed pages)
- 4 Biometric Photographs
- Livelihood Documents
- Health Insurance (valid for the duration of residence)
- Invitation letter from the company
- Accommodation documents (lease, hotel, etc.)
If deemed necessary, company documents may also be requested. Where possible, the company documents that may be requested are as follows.
- Tax Certificate (Current dated)
- Signature Circular
- Certificate of Activity
- Commercial Registry Gazette
Student Residence Permit for Pakistani Citizens
The student residence permit for Pakistani Citizens gives Pakistani Citizens who come to Turkey for educational purposes the right to stay in the country. The duration of the student residence permit varies depending on the circumstances. Student residence permit can be issued in the following student situations.
- Foreigners under the age of 18 who do not have a family residence permit and are studying in primary or secondary education, (Foreign citizens under the age of 18 who have a family residence permit have the right to stay in the country without a student residence permit).
- Foreigners pursuing higher education in our country, (includes higher education programs such as master’s degree, associate degree, DUS (Specialized Training in Dentistry), doctorate, TUS (Specialized Training in Medicine) etc.)
Foreigners residing in Turkey and holding a student residence permit have the right to be sponsored. However, the right to sponsor only applies to family members. Family members include spouse and children.
Documents Required for Student Residence Permit
Pakistani Citizens coming to Turkey for primary, secondary or higher education are required to submit the documents specified in the application. The documents required for Pakistani Citizens applying for a student residence permit are as follows.
- Student Residence Permit Application Form
- Passport (not older than 10 years)
- Biometric Photograph (must not be older than 6 months)
- Student Certificate (must be current and signed)
- Livelihood Documents
- Health Insurance (must be valid for the duration of your stay)
- Accommodation documents (lease contract, dormitory certificate, etc.)
For persons under the age of eighteen, a consent form is required. If one parent is absent, a consent form must be submitted. A death certificate is required if one parent is deceased and proof of custody of the child if the parents are divorced.
Pakistani Nationals Marriage Family Residency
The Marriage and Family Residence Permit for Pakistani Nationals grants residence rights to foreigners coming to Turkey for family reunification or marriage. Family residence permit is a practice stipulated in the Law on Foreigners and International Protection. According to this regulation, Turkish citizens, persons within the scope of Article 28 of Law No. 5901, foreigners with a residence permit in Turkey, persons with subsidiary protection status or refugees;
- Foreign wife
- His/her child under the age of 18
- Spouse’s child under the age of 18
- His own dependent child
- It is issued for the dependent child of the spouse.
The maximum period for issuance and renewal is 3 years each. The duration of the permit must not exceed the duration of the sponsor’s residence. All foreigners who meet the above conditions and their spouses’ children may be granted a residence permit upon application. However, only the spouse of more than one foreigner may be granted a residence permit.
Transition from Family Residence to Short-Term Residence
Persons holding a family residence permit have the right to switch to short-term residence if they do not meet the conditions of family residence permit for various reasons in the process described below. In order for Pakistani Citizens to switch from family residence after marriage to short-term residence, it is sufficient to meet one of the following conditions.
- A foreigner who has been married to a Turkish citizen for 3 years in Turkey with a family residence permit and then divorced,
- A foreigner who turns 18 after staying in the country for 3 years with a family residence permit,
- While benefiting from sponsor-dependent family residence, a foreigner whose sponsor dies is entitled to short-term residence.
The three-year requirement in Article 1 is not required only for those who are divorced on the grounds that they are victims of domestic violence. These persons can switch to a short-term stay, regardless of the length of time.
Long Term Residence Permit for Pakistani Citizens
Long-term residence permit for Pakistani Citizens is a permit that allows foreigners who meet certain conditions to reside permanently in Turkey. The conditions for residence in Turkey are determined by the relevant authorities and only the applications of those who meet these conditions and submit the necessary documents are evaluated. Long-term residence permits can be issued indefinitely on an application basis. After the initial application is made online, an appointment date and time is set for the person. During the appointment, the person is required to bring his/her documents to the immigration office. A permanent residence permit allows a foreign individual to have rights similar to Turkish citizens, such as exemption from military service, voting and political rights, and the ability to work in the public sector. In addition, foreign individuals have access to many other rights
The requirements for Pakistani Citizens applying for a long-term residence permit are as follows.
- The Pakistani citizen must have resided in Turkey for 8 years without interruption,
- Ability to earn a living and, if applicable, the ability of family members to earn a living,
- The availability of health insurance,
- Not having received any social assistance within 3 years,
- It must not pose any threat to public security or public order.
Residence Permit Extension Period for Pakistani Citizens
The residence permit extension period for Pakistani citizens varies depending on the type of residence permit. The extension process is the procedure for obtaining a new residence permit when the existing residence permit expires. The same procedure should be followed for the initial application. The extension period depends on the type of residence permit the person has. Accordingly, the documents required for the extension and the application process may differ;
- Short-term permits up to a maximum of 2 years,
- Humanitarian residence permits for up to 1 year,
- Family residence permits can be issued for up to 3 years.
For family-only residence permits, the duration of residence cannot exceed the duration of the sponsor’s residence.
How to Extend a Residence Permit?
Before their residence permits expire, Pakistani Citizens are required to reapply for an extension of their stay. The Directorate General of Migration Management has switched to an appointment system as of May 2, 2021 and no longer accepts postal applications. The first step to register is to submit an online application, making sure that all information provided is complete and accurate. Once the application is submitted, the foreigner will be given an appointment date and time. The residence permit extension period for Pakistani citizens will vary depending on the application. On the day of the appointment, the applicant must have all the necessary documents ready.
Pakistani Citizen Residence Permit Extension Documents
The documents required for the extension of the residence permit of Pakistani citizens are the same as those required for anyone wishing to extend their residence permit in Turkey. The procedure for extending the residence permit is similar to the initial application. Once the application is received, an online pre-registration form is filled in. Then, on the date and time of the appointment set by the system, the applicant must bring his/her documents to the local Immigration Office. The required documents may vary depending on the type of application. In addition to the documents proving the purpose of residence, the common documents required for a short-term residence permit are
- Residence Permit Application Form (Signed)
- Passport (Passport not older than 10 years, photocopies of the processed pages and the pages containing the information must be submitted)
- 4 Biometric Photographs (not older than 6 months)
- Living Documents and Declaration
- Health Insurance (must be valid for the duration of residence)
- Lease Contract
The information in the form must be filled in correctly. Documents for renewal of residence permits of Pakistani Citizens must be prepared in a manner that reflects the current situation. If any irregularities are detected in the documents submitted during the application, the application will be finalized negatively.
Humanitarian Residence Permit for Pakistani Nationals
A humanitarian residence permit for Pakistani Nationals is a permit issued under the Foreigners and International Protection Act. It is issued only in certain circumstances. The conditions required for other residence permits are not required for humanitarian residence permits. They are issued and extended for a maximum of one year. These permits are issued by the Governorate with the approval of the Ministry.
How to Obtain a Humanitarian Residence Permit?
In order for Pakistani Nationals to obtain a residence permit on humanitarian grounds, they must fulfill the conditions set by the Ministry. These conditions include the non-existence of humanitarian grounds for residence, submission of necessary documents and other conditions. In cases where a residence permit is issued, it is not possible to issue or extend the permit if the humanitarian grounds for residence are no longer valid.
In order for the foreigner to apply for a humanitarian residence permit extension, the conditions must still be met. Once the application for a residence permit is approved, the person must register his/her residence within 25 days at the latest. Foreigners holding a humanitarian residence permit may apply for other permits if they fulfill the conditions. However, they cannot apply for permanent residence. After applying online, the applicant must bring his/her documents to the Provincial Directorate of Migration Management on the day of the appointment.
The documents required for Pakistani Citizens to apply for a humanitarian residence permit are as follows:
- Residence Permit Application Form
- Passport
- 4 Biometric Photographs
- Family Certificate
- Photocopy of Identity Card (Sworn Translation)
- Criminal Record
Who is granted a Humanitarian Residence Permit for Pakistani Citizens?
In order to answer the question of who can obtain a humanitarian residence permit, it is necessary to mention some conditions set by the relevant authorities. The humanitarian residence permit of foreigners who meet the conditions specified in the Regulation may be extended for a maximum period of one year if they continue to meet the conditions. In order to be granted a humanitarian residence permit, one of the following conditions must be fulfilled.
- It is not possible for the foreigner in question to leave the country even if there is a deportation order against him/her,
- Situations where the best interests of the child are at stake,
- The deportation decision cannot be taken,
- If the process continues during the transfer of the person to a safe third country or to the first country of asylum,
- In extraordinary circumstances,
- It is regulated in cases where the entry or stay of a foreigner is deemed appropriate for various reasons. (In cases where there are reasons such as national interest, public security or public order)
How to Extend the Humanitarian Residence Permit of a Pakistani Citizen?
In order for Pakistani citizens to apply for an extension of their residence permits issued on humanitarian grounds, they must still meet the conditions for humanitarian residence. The extension procedure is available to foreigners who fulfill the conditions in the regulations and submit the necessary documents. The extension procedure, like the initial application, has a maximum duration of one year. For a humanitarian residence permit, it is sufficient to fulfill the conditions mentioned above. In such applications, the requirements for other residence permits are not sought.
What are the Documents Required to Extend a Humanitarian Residence Permit?
For the renewal of the permit, it is necessary to submit an application similar to the initial application. As of May 2, 2021, the appointment system in the renewal procedure has been switched from post to post. Individuals receive an appointment after submitting an application online. On the appointment date and time set in the system, the person must be present at the relevant immigration office with their documents. Untimely appointments are considered invalid. The application for renewal of the humanitarian residence permit for Pakistani citizens ends with the delivery of the appointment. The main documents required include a passport, existing residence permit, and identity card:
- Passport (A photocopy of the passport, which is not older than 10 years, must be submitted with the pages with the information and the photocopy of the processed pages).
- 4 Biometric Photographs (Must be taken within 6 months)
- Family Certificate
- Photocopy of Identity Card (Sworn Translation)
- Criminal Record (It must be issued by the authorities of the country of citizenship)
