Family residence permit Turkey rules are set out in Article 34 of Law No. 6458 (YUKK): this permit is granted to the foreign spouse, the minor foreign children and the dependent adult foreign children of Turkish citizens, of foreigners holding a residence permit, and of persons with certain statuses. Each permit is issued for a maximum of 3 years at a time and cannot exceed the residence period of the person who brings the family to Turkey (the sponsor).
Author: Av. Egemen Yasin Şahalioğlu · Istanbul Bar Registration No. 66465 · Last updated: 24.10.2026
Table of contents
- Who can get a family residence permit?
- Conditions for the sponsor
- Required documents
- Application and duration
- Work and education rights
- Switching to short-term residence and divorce
- Grounds for refusal and cancellation
- Frequently asked questions
- Official sources
Who can get a family residence permit?
The sponsor may be a Turkish citizen, a foreigner holding a residence permit, a Blue Card holder, or a person with refugee or subsidiary protection status. The permit is granted to the following family members:
- The foreign spouse (only one spouse in the case of polygamy),
- The minor foreign child of the sponsor or the sponsor’s spouse,
- The dependent adult foreign child of the sponsor or the sponsor’s spouse.
For a spouse to be granted a family residence permit, both spouses must be at least 18 years old. If it is found that the marriage was entered into only to obtain a residence permit, the permit is not granted or is cancelled.
Conditions for the sponsor
Under YUKK Article 35, the sponsor is generally required to have:
- Income: a monthly income not less than the minimum wage in total, and not less than one third of the minimum wage per family member,
- Health insurance: insurance covering all family members,
- Criminal record: no conviction for crimes against family order in the 5 years before the application,
- Period: a foreign sponsor must have been in Turkey on a residence permit for at least 1 year,
- Address: registration in the address registration system.
Some conditions apply differently to Turkish citizen sponsors and to persons with certain statuses; check the conditions that apply to your file before applying.
Required documents
- e-ikamet application form and biometric photographs,
- Passport and a copy,
- Marriage certificate or birth certificate (apostilled or legalised by a consulate, with a notarised Turkish translation),
- The sponsor’s ID or residence permit, income documents and criminal record,
- Health insurance document,
- Address registration document,
- For children, the consent of the other parent (where required).
For legalisation of foreign documents, see our apostille and consular legalisation guide.
Application and duration
- If the family members are outside Turkey, the application is made to the consulate; if they are in Turkey, it is made via e-ikamet to the provincial migration directorate.
- Documents are submitted on the appointment day; family unity may be checked on site.
- Each permit is granted for a maximum of 3 years and cannot exceed the sponsor’s permit period.
- The extension application must be filed before the permit expires; otherwise a Turkey overstay penalty may apply. See residence permit extension.
Work and education rights
- A family residence permit does not on its own give the right to work; a separate work permit must be obtained.
- Children with a family residence permit may attend primary and secondary education until age 18 without obtaining a student residence permit.
- Separate rules apply to family members of Turquoise Card holders; see Turquoise Card.
Switching to short-term residence and divorce
- Those who have stayed for at least 3 years on a family residence permit may switch to a short-term residence permit when they turn 18.
- A foreign spouse who was married to a Turkish citizen and is divorced may switch to a short-term residence permit under certain conditions.
- Additional protective rules apply to a foreign spouse found by a court decision to be a victim of domestic violence.
For those married to a Turkish citizen, the long-term option is Turkish citizenship by marriage; those who complete 8 years may apply for a long-term residence permit.
Grounds for refusal and cancellation
- Failure to meet the income or insurance condition,
- A finding that family unity does not actually continue,
- A finding that the marriage was entered into to obtain a residence permit,
- Public order or security records.
For the legal route against a refusal, see our page on residence permit refusal appeal.
Frequently asked questions
For how many years is a family residence permit granted?
It is granted for a maximum of 3 years at a time and cannot exceed the sponsor’s residence permit period.
I am married to a Turkish citizen. Which permit should I apply for?
The foreign spouse usually applies for a family residence permit. After three years of marriage, a citizenship application may also be considered.
Can I work with a family residence permit?
No, a separate work permit is required.
How is the income requirement calculated?
A monthly income not less than the minimum wage in total, and not less than one third of the minimum wage per family member, is required. The threshold changes as the minimum wage is updated.
What happens to my family residence permit if I divorce?
The basis of the family residence permit ends. If you meet the conditions, you can apply to switch to a short-term residence permit.
Official sources
Av. Egemen Yasin Şahalioğlu — attorney registered with the Istanbul Bar (No. 66465), practising since 2019. Egemen Global Law Office, Skyland Istanbul, Sarıyer. Consultations in Turkish, English, Arabic and Persian. Phone/WhatsApp: +90 532 276 80 85 · lawyer@egemenyasinsahalioglu.av.tr
This article is for general information only and does not replace legal advice on the specific facts of your case. No particular outcome is promised for any application.