Legal Remedies for the Rejection of Residence Permit Applications in Turkey
- Asli Öztürk
- May 4
- 2 min read
Applying for a residence permit is one of the main legal routes for foreigners wishing to stay in Turkey for the long term. However, the Directorate General of Migration Management (DGMM) may reject such applications for various legal and procedural reasons. These decisions can significantly impact individuals’ fundamental rights and legal status. According to Article 32 of the Law on Foreigners and International Protection (LFIP), certain requirements must be met in order for a residence permit to be granted. Failure to meet these conditions may lead to rejection.
1. Common Reasons for Rejection
The most frequent grounds for rejection include:
Being considered a threat to public order or national security (LFIP Art. 7, 35)
Submitting incomplete, misleading, or falsified documents (LFIP Art. 15/1-a, 32)
Insufficient and irregular income to sustain life in Turkey (LFIP Art. 32/1-c; Regulation Art. 28)
Absence of valid health insurance coverage (LFIP Art. 32/1-d)
Lack of a registered address or providing false address information (Regulation Art. 30)
Submitting the application after overstaying visa or visa-exempt duration (LFIP Art. 9; Regulation Art. 21)
2. Appeal and Legal Action
Once the rejection decision is formally notified to the applicant, both administrative and judicial remedies become available. An administrative objection may be filed within 30 days of notification to the relevant authority (LFIP Art. 80). However, this objection does not automatically suspend a deportation order.
A more effective legal remedy is filing an administrative lawsuit within 60 days of notification before the competent administrative court (Administrative Procedure Law No. 2577, Art. 7). Applicants may also request a stay of execution(Art. 27) to prevent deportation during the judicial process.
During the litigation process, it is crucial to submit supporting documents such as evidence of family ties in Turkey, employment or education status, financial sufficiency, medical records, and proof of social integration, to demonstrate that the rejection was unlawful or disproportionate.
According to LFIP Art. 33/2, if the application is rejected, the foreigner cannot reapply based on the same reason within six months. However, a new application may still be submitted within that period if it is based on different circumstances or grounds. After six months, reapplication for the same reason becomes legally permissible.
The rejection of a residence permit application in Turkey can have serious implications for an individual’s legal residence, employment, family life, and stability. For this reason, it is strongly advised to consult with a lawyer experienced in Turkish immigration law to ensure all legal rights are protected and procedural requirements are fully met.
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