In Türkiye, foreigners are required to obtain a residence permit in order to stay in the country for an extended period. However, each year, thousands of residence permit applications are rejected by the Presidency of Migration Management due to various legal or technical reasons. This process can appear quite complex and stressful for applicants.

In this article, we explain in detail the most common reasons for residence permit rejection, based on current legislation, official documents, and practical examples.

1. Failure to Meet Legal Requirements

A residence permit application is rejected if any of the conditions specified in the relevant articles of Law No. 6458 on Foreigners and International Protection are not fulfilled. For example:

• Article 32: Failure to meet the conditions required for a short-term residence permit,

• Article 35: Failure to fulfill the conditions for a family residence permit,

• Article 39: Failure to provide the documents required for a student residence permit.

Each type of residence permit requires different documents and different legal responsibilities. Therefore, submitting a complete and accurate application is highly important.

2. Residence Purpose Not Reflecting the Truth

One of the most common reasons for rejection is that the stated purpose of stay is not convincing or is not supported by sufficient documentation.

For example:
If it is discovered that a person with a “touristic residence permit” is actually working in Türkiye for long periods, the application will be rejected.

3. Excessive Time Spent Outside Türkiye

The Migration Authority requires residence permits to be used in accordance with their purpose. The following situations may lead to rejection:

• Short-Term Residence Permit: Spending more than 90 days abroad within one year,

• Family Residence Permit: Spending more than 180 days abroad within one year,

• Long-Term Residence Permit: Staying outside Türkiye continuously for more than one year except for education, health, or compulsory public service.

Exceeding these limits is interpreted as having a weak connection or insufficient ties to life in Türkiye.

4. Threat to Public Order, Public Security, or Public Health

According to Law No. 6458, a residence permit will not be granted if the foreigner poses a risk to:

• public order,

• public security, or

• public health.

This assessment may result from criminal record checks, law enforcement investigations, or security background checks.

5. Deportation Decision or Entry Ban

A residence permit cannot be issued to individuals who have previously been subjected to:

• a deportation order, or

• an entry ban (e.g., a Ç-105 code).

Such codes are often applied due to visa violations, illegal work, or behavior contrary to public order.

6. Failure to Demonstrate Financial Means

The foreigner must prove that they have sufficient financial means to support themselves—and if applicable, their family—during their stay in Türkiye. Insufficient or unproven financial resources will lead to rejection.

The minimum required amount is updated annually by the Migration Authority.

7. Lack of Health Insurance

A valid and comprehensive health insurance policy must be submitted. A residence permit cannot be granted if health insurance is missing or does not cover the entire residence period.

8. False Documents or Misrepresentation

Submitting:

• forged documents,

• false statements, or

• altered/invalid documentation

is not only grounds for rejection but can also lead to an entry ban.

9. Failure to Continue Education (Student Residence Permit)

For holders of student residence permits, rejection may occur if the student is found to have discontinued or not effectively continued their education.

10. Elimination of Conditions for Humanitarian Residence

Humanitarian residence permits are granted based on extraordinary circumstances.
If any of these conditions no longer exist, the application will be rejected.

11. Violation of Article 19 of Law No. 6458

Article 19 outlines the general obligations related to residence permits.
Failure to comply with these obligations may result in rejection by the Migration Authority.

Why Are Residence Permit Applications Rejected? – Summary

The main reasons for rejection include:

• Missing documents

• Inaccurate or unrealistic purpose of stay

• Excessive time spent abroad

• Insufficient financial means

• Public security concerns

• Entry ban / deportation order

• Lack of health insurance

• Use of forged documents or misrepresentation

Obtaining legal assistance significantly increases the likelihood of a successful application and ensures that the process proceeds smoothly.

Atty. Aykut YAVUZ