What Is a Family Residence Permit?
A family residence permit (aile ikamet izni) allows the spouse and minor children of a foreign national or Turkish citizen residing in Turkey to live in the country legally. It is one of the most commonly sought residence permit types and is governed by Article 34 of the Law on Foreigners and International Protection (No. 6458).
The permit is not a work permit — holders of a family residence permit may not work in Turkey unless they separately obtain a work permit.
Who Can Sponsor a Family Residence Permit?
The sponsor (referans kişi) must be legally present in Turkey and hold one of the following statuses:
- Turkish citizen (no minimum residency requirement for sponsors)
- Foreign national with a valid residence permit of at least one year's duration
- Foreign national with a valid work permit (the work permit serves as the residence permit)
A Turkish citizen sponsor is the most straightforward case. For foreign national sponsors, the existing permit must be valid for at least one year at the time of application, and the permit must be expected to remain valid for the duration of the requested family permit.
Income Requirement
The sponsor must demonstrate sufficient income to support the family. Turkish regulations set the income floor at the net minimum wage per family member. In 2026:
| Family Size | Minimum Monthly Net Income Required |
|---|---|
| Sponsor + 1 dependent | 28,075.50 TRY × 2 = 56,151.00 TRY |
| Sponsor + 2 dependents | 28,075.50 TRY × 3 = 84,226.50 TRY |
| Sponsor + 3 dependents | 28,075.50 TRY × 4 = 112,302.00 TRY |
2026 net minimum wage: 28,075.50 TRY per person
Income evidence typically includes payslips, a bank statement for the last three months, and/or a tax declaration. Self-employed sponsors should provide their most recent tax return and a certified income statement.
Required Documents
Documents from the Sponsor
- Copy of the sponsor's valid residence or work permit
- Copy of the sponsor's passport (valid pages)
- Proof of income (payslips for last 3 months or equivalent)
- Proof of accommodation (title deed or notarised rental contract)
- Health insurance certificates proving the dependants will be covered
- Marriage certificate (apostilled, with notarised Turkish translation) — for spouse applications
- Birth certificates of children (apostilled, with notarised Turkish translation)
- Criminal record certificate from Turkey (if foreign national sponsor)
Documents from Each Family Member Applying
- Valid passport (must remain valid throughout the requested permit duration)
- 2 biometric photographs (taken within the last 6 months)
- Completed application form (generated at the appointment)
- Health insurance policy valid throughout Turkey and covering the full permit period
- Residence card fee payment receipt — 964 TRY per person
Permit Duration
The family residence permit is granted for a maximum duration equal to the sponsor's remaining permit validity, and cannot exceed two years per application. It can be renewed as long as the sponsor maintains valid legal status in Turkey.
If the marriage ends or the sponsorship circumstances change, the permit may be cancelled.
Children Over 18
Once a child covered by a family residence permit reaches the age of 18, they must apply for their own permit — typically a short-term residence permit — before their family permit expires. They are no longer eligible to remain on the family permit as an adult.
How to Apply — Appointment System
Since June 2024, all residence permit applications in Turkey, including family permits, are processed through the official appointment portal:
Steps:
- Create an account on the portal and enter the family member's passport details.
- Select "Family Residence Permit" as the permit type.
- Choose the Provincial Directorate of Migration Management (İl Göç İdaresi Müdürlüğü) in the province where the family will live.
- Select an available appointment slot and confirm.
- Print the appointment confirmation and bring it to the interview along with all original documents.
Appointments can be booked weeks or months in advance in large cities such as Istanbul and Ankara. It is advisable to book as soon as the decision to apply is made.
Processing Times and Outcome
The Migration Management Directorate typically processes complete family permit applications within 30 to 90 days after the appointment. During this period, the applicant holds a receipt confirming their pending application, which serves as proof of lawful status.
Once approved, the residence permit card is printed and either collected from the directorate or mailed to the registered address.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can the spouse work on a family residence permit? No. A separate work permit issued by the Ministry of Labour is required before the spouse may take up employment.
Do Turkish-citizen sponsors need a minimum income? The income requirement applies equally regardless of whether the sponsor is Turkish or foreign.
Is a notarised rental contract sufficient as proof of accommodation? Yes, provided it is stamped by a notary and reflects the correct address where the family will live.
Need guidance through the process? Deniz Kurumsal Danışmanlık offers end-to-end support for family residence permit applications, from document preparation to appointment attendance.
Contact: denizkurumsal.com | +90 533 319 74 90
Related: Student Residence Permit Turkey 2026 · Address Registration for Foreigners · Long-Term Residence Permit Turkey