Residence permits, whether permanent or temporary, have been the hottest of topics in Turkiye for the past year, writes Chris Evans.

Confusion has been the default emotion for most. It has seen many expats of all nationalities leave the country as uncertainty has caused unnecessary stress.

Twists and turns

Chris Evans

Voices has covered every twist and turn along the way. Even we were left wondering about the realities of renewing a residence permit. It started a journey talking to several readers about their experiences since the Didim RP office closed. Spoiler alert. It is nowhere near as frightening or troublesome as the constant flow of changes has made it seem.

The most obvious issue is the closure of the Didim office. A day trip to either Aydin or Kusadasi is now unavoidable. This is less of an issue if you have access to private transport, but still hold frustrations for all.

Those who have been here long enough will remember the days where we’d previously had to make the journey. For those, the extra journey will be less concerning.

There are many variables to the granting of a renewal. First time applications have their own pitfalls. It seems, for the moment, they are unlikely to be granted unless for specific circumstances. The renewal is, thankfully, different.

Everyone spoken to said the officers were extremely helpful and tried to find reasons to grant the time periods requested rather than limiting stays to six months. It’s a welcome change from much of last year where six months seemed to be the maximum for many.

Stand out advice

One piece of advice stands out. Do not pay for the permit at the tax office until you have had the application confirmed. It is the only way you will pay the correct amount for the time period granted. For example, if you apply for a 2 year extension and pay in advance, you will not be given a refund if you are only granted a 6 month extension.

The list of required documentation has some hidden extras. This isn’t a definitive list. You should check the website or with one of the reputable people in Didim who can help.

Paper trail

The trusted old favourites, such as Tapu, medical insurance (unless exempt), passport copy, and bank statement, are still required. An apostolised copy of a marriage certificate and pension confirmation letter now seem to be the top of the list of requirements if you fall into these categories.

Some were also asked for a utility bill. One document requested is a Tapu confirmation. This is available through the e-devlet gateway. The document seems to confirm any charges on the property.

It is best to go armed with as much documentation as possible. It’s easier to have too much rather than too little. It might also save an extra trip to either Aydin or Kusadasi.

There may be moments you have to fight your corner. If you rarely return to the UK (I, for example, haven’t been back for over ten years) it is almost impossible to have an apostolised confirmation of a pension payment as it changes annually. One couple spoken to were offered only a one month extension because of the lack of the document. It is a little difficult as this year’s doesn’t come out until April, anyway.

They fought their corner, pointing to the regular payments arriving in their Turkish bank account, the fact they were both on the Tapu, and the evidence they had been here several years. They were granted the full 2 years. There is no need for it to become an argument. You’ll only lose. Be prepared to fight your corner, but in a respectful and friendly way.

Quick and painless

The meetings themselves are quick and easy, ranging from 5 minutes to half an hour. Expect to have your fingerprints taken once again.

Everyone we spoke to received the length of extension they requested. The key issues were the extra travel involved and the potential for unexpected documentation.

The residence permit process may have a couple of new frustrations, but they aren’t roadblocks. The process is painless and far less stressful than we’d all started to believe.

We need the office in Didim to reopen, but in the meantime, there seems little to be overly concerned with.

*Thank you to those who gave up their time to be interviewed for this article. Sharing your experience will help countless others.