Long-Term Residence Permit

The long-term residence permit is governed by Articles 42 through 45 of the Law on Foreigners and International Protection (Law No. 6458). The procedural rules and implementation principles are further elaborated in Articles 40 through 43 of the Regulation on the Implementation of the same Law.

What Is the Long-Term Residence Permit?

The long-term residence permit is a permanent residence permit granted to foreign nationals who have lawfully resided in Turkey for a specified period. Article 42(1) of the Law defines it as follows:

"Foreign nationals who have resided in Turkey uninterruptedly with a residence permit for at least eight years, or who meet the conditions determined by the Ministry, shall be granted an indefinite residence permit by the governorates with the approval of the Ministry."

Unlike other types of residence permits, the long-term residence permit does not require renewal and carries indefinite validity.

Who Is Excluded?

The Law explicitly excludes certain categories of foreign nationals from this permit type. Pursuant to Article 42(2):

"Refugees, conditional refugees, holders of subsidiary protection status, holders of humanitarian residence permits, and those provided with temporary protection shall not be granted the right to transition to a long-term residence permit."

Eligibility Conditions

Article 43 of the Law sets out the conditions required for transitioning to a long-term residence permit in full:

"a) To have resided in Turkey uninterruptedly with a residence permit for at least eight years, b) To not have received social assistance within the last three years, c) To have sufficient and regular income to support oneself and, if applicable, one's family, ç) To hold valid health insurance, d) To not pose a threat to public order or public security."

The Eight-Year Uninterrupted Residence Requirement

For the purposes of calculating the eight-year period, time spent on a student residence permit counts at half its actual duration, while all other types of residence permits count in full.

Those Meeting Ministry-Determined Conditions

The Law provides a separate pathway for foreign nationals who do not satisfy the eight-year requirement but meet specific criteria determined by the Ministry. For such individuals, all conditions other than the public order and security requirement are waived.

Rights Conferred by the Long-Term Residence Permit

The long-term residence permit places foreign nationals in a legal position broadly equivalent to that of Turkish citizens. Article 44 of the Law provides:

"Foreign nationals holding a long-term residence permit shall enjoy the rights granted to Turkish citizens — with the exception of military service obligations, the right to vote and stand for election, entry into public office, and duty-free vehicle importation, and subject to the provisions of special laws — provided that acquired rights relating to social security are preserved and that the relevant legislative provisions governing the exercise of such rights are complied with."

This means holders of a long-term residence permit face restrictions in four specific areas: military service, electoral rights, access to public office, and duty-free vehicle importation. In all other respects, they are entitled to enjoy social rights on equal footing with Turkish citizens.

Pursuant to Article 44(2), the President of the Republic is empowered to impose partial or full restrictions on the rights set out in the first paragraph.

Grounds for Cancellation

Article 45 of the Law expressly sets out the circumstances under which a long-term residence permit may be cancelled:

"Long-term residence permits shall be cancelled in the following cases: a) Where the foreign national poses a serious threat to public order or public security, b) Where the foreign national has been absent from Turkey for a continuous period of more than one year for reasons other than health, education, or compulsory public service in their country of origin."

Cancellation is carried out by the governorates.

Re-Application Following Cancellation

Foreign nationals whose long-term residence permit has been cancelled on grounds of extended absence from Turkey may re-apply for the permit. Re-applications may be submitted to consulates abroad or, within Turkey, to the governorate of the province where the applicant is located, or in accordance with the procedure determined by the General Directorate. In such cases, the eight-year uninterrupted residence requirement is not sought again, and applications are processed on a priority basis and concluded within one month at the latest.

Conclusion

The long-term residence permit represents the most comprehensive residence status available to foreign nationals in Turkey. Its indefinite validity and the broad range of rights it confers — closely mirroring those of Turkish citizens — make it a particularly significant milestone for those who have chosen to build their lives in Turkey on a permanent basis.

Applicants are strongly advised to seek qualified legal counsel to assess their individual eligibility and to ensure the application process is managed correctly. Detailed guidance on required documents and procedural steps is available in our dedicated articles.