How to Bring Your Family to Turkey
Roadmap for expatriates who want to reunite with spouses and children in Turkey.
Why Family Reunification Matters
Securing your own residence permit in Turkey is only the first step—bringing your spouse and minor children to join you requires navigating additional procedures. Done right, you’ll enjoy peace of mind, legal security, and access to Turkish healthcare and education for your loved ones.
This guide explains:
Who qualifies for family reunification
Types of family permits (dependent, short-term, long-term)
Step-by-step application process
Required documents and translations
Processing times, fees, and appeals
Post-arrival registration and rights
II. Eligibility: Which Family Members Can You Sponsor?
1. Spouse
Legally married partners (marriage registered in Turkey or abroad).
Common-law partnerships are not recognized for permit purposes.
2. Children
Unmarried children under 18 years of age.
Over-18 children who are students or severe dependents may in some cases qualify.
3. Additional Dependents (Limited)
In rare cases, elderly parents or disabled adult children might be eligible—requires strong medical or humanitarian justification and special permission.
III. Choosing the Right Permit Type
Depending on your own residence permit category, your family applies for a:
| Your Permit Type | Family Permit Type | Duration / Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Short-Term Permit | Short-Term (Aile İzni) | Matches remainder of your permit; renewable annually |
| Long-Term (Turquoise) | Long-Term Family Permit | Up to 2 years; similar rights as you |
| Student Permit | Family Permit (limited) | Only for spouse; children must apply separately as dependents |
| Work Permit | Family Permit | Dependent on your work permit validity; spouse may work freely |
Tip: If you hold a Turquoise Card (long-term), your spouse and children enjoy near-equal rights (work, healthcare, social services).
IV. Step-by-Step Application Process
1. Prepare Your Own Permit in Good Standing
Ensure at least 6 months validity remains on your permit.
Your permit must allow family sponsorship (some “touristic” permits do not).
2. Collect and Translate Required Documents
| Document | Who Provides | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Passport copy (biographic page) | Applicant (family) | Valid for at least 60 days beyond permit application |
| Four biometric photos (35×45 mm) | Applicant | White background |
| Marriage certificate | Spouse | Apostilled (or with Turkish legalisation) + Turkish translation |
| Children’s birth certificates | Children | Same apostille + translation requirements |
| Your valid residence permit and passport | Sponsor (you) | Copy of visa page if applicable |
| Proof of relationship (family book if available) | Sponsor/Spouse | Family register (“Aile Cüzdanı”) preferred |
| Proof of accommodation | Sponsor | Rental contract (min. 1 year) or property deed |
| Health insurance covering family members | Sponsor | Must meet minimum coverage requirements |
| Criminal record certificate (for adults) | Each adult | Issued by home country authorities, apostilled + translation |
| Financial means proof | Sponsor | Bank statements showing sufficient funds (€6,000+ per person annually or equivalent) |
Note: All foreign documents must be notarized, apostilled (if from a Hague Convention country) and officially translated into Turkish.
3. Online Application at e-Göç Portal
Log in at e-goc.gov.tr with your sponsor credentials.
Under “Family Permit Application,” enter family member details.
Upload digital copies of all documents (scanned as PDF).
4. Appointment & Biometrics
After online submission, schedule an in-person appointment at your local Göç İdaresi (Migration Office).
Bring originals and copies of all documents.
Provide biometric data (fingerprints, photo).
Pay the application fee (approx. ₺1,000 per family member).
5. Wait for Decision
Standard processing time: 60–90 days.
You may track status online.
If additional documents or clarifications are needed, you will receive an official notification.
V. Fees, Processing Times & Appeals
Application fee: ~₺1,000 per person (may vary by province).
Residence permit card fee: ~₺523 per person.
Processing time: 2–3 months (peak seasons may run longer).
If your application is rejected, you have 30 days to file an administrative appeal at the Administrative Court or to correct deficiencies and reapply.
VI. After Approval: Post-Arrival Formalities
1. Collect Your Residence Permit Cards
Visit the Göç İdaresi to pick up permit cards once you’re notified.
Permit is printed on a credit-card sized card with biometric chip.
2. Register Address in MERNİS
Within 20 working days, declare new family members’ address at Nüfus Müdürlüğü.
They will be registered in the Central Civil Registry System.
3. Enroll Children in School
Use the new permit and address registration to enroll in public or private schools.
Follow procedures for foreign students (outlined in our schooling guide).
4. Health Insurance Activation
Register family members with your SGK/insurance provider.
Ensure immediate coverage for public healthcare or maintain private plans.
VII. Rights and Restrictions
| Right | Short-Term Family Permit | Long-Term Family Permit |
|---|---|---|
| Work Permission | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| Access to Public Schools | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Access to Healthcare | ✅ Yes (with insurance) | ✅ Yes |
| Social Assistance | ❌ No | ⚠️ Limited |
| Renewable | 🔁 Yes (annually) | 🔁 Yes (every 2 years) |
Important: Spouses on short-term permits cannot work legally unless they obtain a separate work permit.
VIII. Common Pitfalls & Tips
Applying too close to your own permit expiry
– Ensure at least 6 months remain on your permit.Using tourist hotel address
– Only a residential rental contract or property deed is accepted.Insufficient financial proof
– Turkish authorities require proof of sustainable income or savings.Missing translations or apostilles
– Even one missing document can delay or reject the entire family.Not filing on time
– Deadline is 30 days from your own permit’s start or from marriage/child birth date.
IX. FAQs
❓ Can my spouse work on a family permit?
No—only holders of a long-term or work permit may work. Spouses can apply separately for work permits if they wish.
❓ Can I add step-children to my permit?
Yes, if you have legal adoption documentation recognized in Turkey (apostilled + translated).
❓ Do family members need to enter on specific visa types?
They can enter on a tourist visa (e-Vize) or visa-exempt passport; but must apply for a residence permit within 30 days.
X. Final Thoughts: Plan Early, Act Precisely
Family reunification is a multi-stage process that rewards thorough preparation:
Gather and legalize documents before you leave your home country.
Start applications as soon as your own permit is issued.
Keep track of deadlines and status updates online.
Done correctly, you’ll soon enjoy daily life in Turkey with your loved ones by your side—legally and with full access to all rights.
Need Professional Help with Family Permits?
At Ensari Yiğitcan Çakmak Law Office, we assist with:
Document legalization and translation
Online application submission and follow-up
Appointment scheduling and biometric support
Appeal and re-application services
Post-arrival registration and legal advice
📞 Ensure your family’s safe and legal stay in Turkey—contact us today.
🌐 www.ensariyigitcancakmak.av.tr
📧 info@ensariyigitcancakmak.av.tr
📱 +90 533 194 52 14
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