Ukrainians in Turkey: A Growing Community
Turkey has become one of the primary destinations for Ukrainian citizens seeking safety, stability and economic opportunity since the escalation of the conflict in Ukraine. Istanbul, Ankara, Antalya and Mersin have significant Ukrainian communities. As of 2026, Turkish authorities continue to process residence and work permit applications from Ukrainian nationals through both the standard immigration framework and special provisions.
This guide covers the key pathways available to Ukrainian citizens in Turkey in 2026.
Important Note: Temporary Protection
Some Ukrainian nationals in Turkey hold Temporary Protection (geçici koruma) status rather than a standard residence permit. Temporary Protection was extended to Ukrainian nationals who arrived in Turkey after February 2022, on a case-by-case administrative basis.
Key distinctions for Temporary Protection holders:
- Temporary Protection is not the same as a short-term or long-term residence permit
- It does not automatically accumulate toward the 8-year long-term residence permit
- Holders may apply for a work permit — but only if they transition to a standard residence framework or if their employer applies under the regular work permit rules
- Temporary Protection status can be revoked if the holder is found to be working without authorisation
If you hold Temporary Protection status and wish to regularise your stay with a standard residence permit, you should contact the Provincial Directorate of Migration Management in your city.
Standard Residence Permit Options for Ukrainians
Ukrainian citizens who have entered Turkey on a valid visa (or visa-free) and wish to extend their stay can apply for several types of residence permit:
1. Short-Term Residence Permit
The most commonly sought permit for Ukrainians who are not yet employed in Turkey. Suitable for:
- Property owners in Turkey
- Those receiving medical treatment
- Those conducting business research
- Language course students
- Persons with close family in Turkey (who do not qualify for a family permit)
Duration: 1–2 years, renewable.
2. Family Residence Permit
Available to Ukrainians who are married to a Turkish citizen or a foreign national with a valid residence permit of at least one year. The sponsor must demonstrate income equal to the net minimum wage per family member:
| Family Size | Minimum Monthly Income Required |
|---|---|
| Sponsor + 1 (Ukrainian spouse) | 56,151.00 TRY (2 × 28,075.50) |
| Sponsor + 2 | 84,226.50 TRY |
3. Student Residence Permit
Ukrainian students enrolled in Turkish universities may obtain a student residence permit. Many Ukrainian students transferred to Turkish universities following the disruption to education in Ukraine. Standard student permit rules apply — see our Student Residence Permit Turkey 2026 guide.
Work Permit for Ukrainian Citizens
Ukrainian nationals who wish to work legally in Turkey must obtain a work permit issued by the Ministry of Labour and Social Security. The standard process applies:
- The Turkish employer submits the application online
- The Ukrainian employee must be paid at least 49,545 TRY gross per month (1.5× the 2026 minimum wage)
- The employer must have at least 5 Turkish citizens per foreign worker on SGK
2026 Work Permit Fees
| Duration | Permit Fee | Card Fee | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Up to 1 year | 12,574.90 TRY | 964.00 TRY | 13,538.90 TRY |
| 1–2 years | 25,149.80 TRY | 964.00 TRY | 26,113.80 TRY |
Document Challenges for Ukrainians
Many Ukrainian applicants face challenges with official documents due to wartime disruption. Here is what Turkish authorities currently accept:
Diplomas and educational certificates:
- If apostille certification from Ukraine is not currently obtainable, some Turkish authorities accept documents certified by the Ukrainian Embassy in Ankara or the Ukrainian Consulate in Istanbul
- Contact the embassy directly to confirm current procedures
Passports:
- Ukrainian biometric passports (burgundy/wine red cover) are accepted
- Emergency travel documents issued by Ukrainian diplomatic missions in Turkey are generally accepted for identification but may not be sufficient for all permit applications — confirm with the Directorate of Migration Management
Address documents from Ukraine:
- Where Ukrainian address documents cannot be obtained, a declaration signed before a Turkish notary may be accepted in some cases
The Appointment System
All standard residence permit applications are submitted through the official appointment portal since June 2024:
Appointment availability varies by province. In Istanbul, slots can be limited — book well in advance. Language support: the portal is available in Turkish. Translation assistance is available through private consultancy firms.
Residence Permit Card Fee
For all residence permit types, the card issuance fee is 964 TRY per applicant, payable at the time of application.
Rights and Restrictions
| Right / Activity | Short-Term Permit | Work Permit | Temporary Protection |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reside in Turkey | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Work in Turkey | No (need work permit) | Yes | Limited / requires separate authorisation |
| Access public health | Limited | Yes (via SGK) | Yes (special provision) |
| Enrol children in school | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Accumulate toward long-term permit | Yes | Yes | No |
Practical Recommendations for Ukrainians
- Do not work without a permit. Even if your employer suggests it is "fine" informally, working without a permit risks deportation and a re-entry ban.
- Do not overstay your visa or permit. Overstaying triggers automatic bans. If your permit is about to expire, apply for renewal or a new permit before the expiry date.
- Keep all permit documents in both physical and digital form. Given the difficulty of replacing lost documents from Ukraine, digital backups are especially important.
- Check your Temporary Protection status. If you are unsure whether you hold TP status or a regular residence permit, contact your Provincial Directorate of Migration Management (İl Göç İdaresi Müdürlüğü).
Need help navigating Turkish immigration as a Ukrainian citizen? Deniz Kurumsal Danışmanlık provides multilingual support and handles all types of residence and work permit applications on behalf of Ukrainian nationals.
Contact: denizkurumsal.com | +90 533 319 74 90
Related: Family Residence Permit Turkey 2026 · Student Residence Permit Turkey 2026 · How to Get a Work Permit Turkey 2026