EXPATS now face changes in the residence permit application process in Turkey after it was introduced this week.

In a statement posted to its Facebook page, the British Embassy said that consular staff had attended a meeting to the Directorate General of Migration Management (DGMM) of the Ministry of Interior in Ankara where information was provided of the new process for first time and renewal permit holders.

The statement said the meeting on May 11 was attended by local governors from 15 provinces and districts including Istanbul, Bodrum, Fethiye, Didim, Marmaris and Alanya together with 52 representatives from other foreign missions attended the meeting.

“The DGMM officials gave a presentation about their new policy which will start on Monday 18 May, 2015. To date migration issues, specifically residence permits, were dealt with by the Turkish National Police.

Now control is being given to the Provincial Directorates of Migration Management. The DGMM will open offices in all 81 Provinces of Turkey. A link to the addresses of these DGMM offices can be found on the Home page of the DGMM website: www.goc.gov.tr

The DGMM asked Embassies to inform their nationals about the new system covering the following four categories of residence:

Long term, Short term, Family, Student.

First time applicants:

Applicants should make their Residence Permit (RP) applications before their tourist visa expires. 1. Go to the DGMM website www.goc.gov.tr (choose the English language version if required) 2. Click on E-Ikamet (e-Residence). 3. Fill in the online application form. 4. Make an online appointment with your provincial DGMM office. 5. Prepare all relevant documents. (a list of required documents is available onwww.goc.gov.tr). 6. Visit the Migration Office in person on the date and time of your appointment with your relevant documents. 7. Assessment of your application will follow. If there is any missing document (s) you will be given 30 days to submit the document(s) and complete the application. At the end of 30 days if any missing documentation is not submitted then the application will be considered abandoned which will lead to a penalty fee. 8. If your application is accepted you will be given a Proof of Application document and your residence permit is then issued within 90 days via the Turkish postal system to your address in Turkey. If your application for a residence permit is unsuccessful the DGMM will contact you so departure plans can be made.

Once your application has been generated on the online system, you can legally remain in Turkey until the appointment date

You can leave or re-enter Turkey (within 15 days) only after your application is submitted and you have the ‘Proof of Application’ document signed and stamped by the migration officer.

Renewals of Residence Permits:

Follow steps 1-3 as for first time applicants, then: 4. Pay the fee either; a) online (print the evidence of online payment) b) At a branch of the Ministry of Finance or banks that are appointed by the ministry (the DGMM will provide this information). Two copies of the receipt must be attached to the relevant application. 5. Prepare all relevant documents. 6.Send your application by post/ courier to your provincial migration office. Steps 7-8, as for first time applicants.

Fees:

1. Card fee for 2015 is 55TL. 2. Application fee this is calculated by the DGMM system according to nationality, duration and type of residence permit etc.

Important information regarding Family Residence permits:

For husband and wife: the same application can be used for both persons. For common law partnership: each person must apply separately. For same gender partnerships/marriages: each person must apply separately. In cases of marriage with more than one spouse: One spouse gets included in the main application, others must apply separately.

Please note:

• During the transitional period the DGMM will make a decision in favour of the applicant in case of any delay.

• If any person renews their passport while holding a valid residence permit, then an appointment must be made by using the new system. Individuals must hold a residence permit relating to their new passport details.

• A new residence permit is usually valid from the date when the current tourist visa expires. However, the date of appointment can be registered as the first date of the residence permit upon request.

• The applicant is not penalized for any delays in the mail when submitting documents.

• Validity of passports: 60 days of validity is needed past the intended day of departure (expiry date of permit) from Turkey.

• The DGMM Director confirmed that a multi lingual call centre is due to open soon.

This information covers how the new processes should operate once the provincial offices are open and the IT systems are up and running. Inevitably there may be problems during the transition period.