10 Legal Tips for Foreigners Coming to Turkey
Turkey attracts many people with its hospitable and friendly people, magnificent nature,
historical and cultural richness.
Whether you are coming for a short holiday or planning to settle, here are some legal
suggestions for you:

1. Know Your Visa Duration and Purpose

• A tourist visa only permits short-term stays.
• If you exceed the period of validity of the visa (e.g., 30, 60, 90 days), you will
  face a fine + deportation + entry ban. You can contact our office for advice on
  this issue.

2. Don’t Forget to Apply for a Residence Permit

• If you are staying in Turkey for more than 90 days, you must apply for a
  residence permit.
• The application is submitted through the official website of the Migration
  Directorate or through lawyers. You can apply for a residence permit by
  contacting us.
• The first application requires documents such as a valid passport, address
  information, and health insurance. You can get consultancy from us for all
  these documents and application steps!

3. You Must Declare Your Address

• Unless you came to Turkey for a tourist visit, it is mandatory to declare your
  address after you arrive in Turkey. When you get a residence permit, it must
  match your address in the system. Otherwise, you may be fined or have your
  residence revoked. For this reason, you should never neglect your address
  notification.

4. Do Not Work Without a Permit

• A tourist visa or residence permit does not give you the right to work.
• If you are going to work, your employer must obtain a work permit for you.
  You can consult us if you need to apply for a work permit.
• Working illegally can lead to deportation and an entry ban.

5. Have a Written and Notarized Rental Contract

• If you own a house, the rental agreement must be in writing and notarized.
  This document is required for the residence permit application. Therefore,
  when you make a rental agreement, make sure to do it at a notary public. Be
  sure to send the deposit and rent payments through the bank.

6. Get Your Foreigner ID Number

• The foreign ID number starting with 99, which is given to you after you get a
  residence permit, is necessary for opening a bank account, going to the
  hospital, getting a tax number, etc.
• You must write this number correctly on every document. Turkey has digitized
  many procedures thanks to the e-government system “e-devlet”. You can
  consult us for E-devlet compliance/training. It is also possible to get a
  password from PTT branches. Do not share this password with anyone!

7. You Are Subject to the Penal Code

• Foreigners living in Turkey are subject to the Turkish Penal Code. Some
  behaviors that are considered normal due to cultural differences may be
  criminalized here (e.g., inappropriate behavior in public places, unauthorized
  video shooting, provocative posts on social media, etc.).
• In particular, there is zero tolerance for narcotics offenses, passport forgery,
  fraud, and public disorder.

8. Be Aware of Entry Bans, Codes, and Deportation

• You may be banned from entry for reasons such as overstaying your visa,
  forging documents, or disrupting public order.
• A person deported from Turkey is often marked with a “code” (G87, Ç113
  etc.). These codes can also prevent you from getting a visa in the future.
• You have a legal right of appeal, but the time limit is limited. Be sure to check
  the articles on our website for this. If you experience this, you can contact us
  24/7! Our legal experts and specialized lawyers will support you.

9. Keep Written Records of Your Rights and Obligations

• Keep every document you receive: residence card, rental contract, notary
  documents, insurance policy, bank documents. Make payments by card or
  bank.
• Don’t forget to ask for receipts/invoices for your purchases.
• You can make hotel reservations through various websites.

10. Useful Websites for Foreigners
    ● Directorate General of Migration Management: https://www.goc.gov.tr
    ● E-residence portal: https://e-ikamet.goc.gov.tr
    ● Union of Turkish Bar Associations: https://www.barobirlik.org.tr
    ● Legal guide for foreigners (available in some provincial bar associations)