Law on Foreigners and International Protection: Low No. 6458 Turkey 2013

The Law on Foreigners and International Protection (LFIP, Law No. 6458) was ratified by the Turkish Parliament on April 4, 2013 to regulate how non-Turkish citizens enter, stay, and reside in Turkey. 

It sets clear rules for residence permits, international and temporary protection, short- and long-term stays, deportation procedures, and mandatory health insurance. 

The law aims to ensure lawful residence while clearly defining legal obligations and safeguarding the fundamental rights of foreigners, including access to healthcare, education, work, and a stable life in Turkey

With AloIkametSigorta, you can obtain approved health insurance easily, streamline your residence permit application, and remain fully compliant with Turkish law.

ِA Glance at Law on Foreigners and International Protection 

• Law No. 6458 of Turkey governs foreigners’ entry, stay, and exit.
• It covers refugees, conditional refugees, temporary protection beneficiaries, foreigners staying legally, and family members.
• Residence Permits include short-term, family, student, long-term, humanitarian, and work permits.
• Health Insurance is mandatory for all residence permits; can be private, SGK, or international (special cases).
• Legal stay must comply with visa or residence permit; overstay can lead to fines, deportation, or entry bans.

What Is the Law on Foreigners and International Protection (Law No. 6458)?

The Law on Foreigners and International Protection (Law No. 6458) is Turkey’s main legal framework regulating the entry, stay, and exit of foreign nationals. In force since 2014, it governs residence permits, international and temporary protection, deportation procedures, and migration management through the Presidency of Migration Management.

5 Main Branches under the Law on Foreigners and International Protection (Law No. 6458)

1. International Protection Under Turkish Law

Law No. 6458 establishes the legal framework for protecting individuals who cannot return to their home countries due to persecution, armed conflict, or serious threats to life within the  International Protection Under Turkish Law.

 Applicants are granted legal stay during the evaluation process and have the right to legal stay, basic healthcare, and education while complying with registration and residence rules.

 They are protected from forced return; at the same time, they are required to register with migration authorities, comply with residence obligations, and follow administrative procedures related to their stay.

Under Turkey’s geographical limitation to the 1951 Geneva Convention, international protection is provided to foreigners who cannot safely return to their home countries. This includes refugees, conditional refugees, and those eligible for subsidiary protection.

2. Temporary Protection Law in Turkey

This status is activated for mass influxes of people (e.g., Syrians) who cannot return to their country. It provides a legal stay, access to basic services, and protection from forced return.

It provides immediate legal status without the need for individual asylum assessments.
Beneficiaries are allowed to remain legally in Turkey, receive identity documents, and access essential services, including healthcare and education, for as long as the emergency conditions continue. Compliance with registration and administrative requirements remains mandatory throughout the protection period.

3. Residence Permits and Legal Stay in Turkey

Covers all types of residence permits (short-term, family, student, long-term). To obtain or renew a permit, foreigners must have a valid passport, registered address, sufficient financial means, and approved health insurance. Legal residence is essential to avoid fines, rejection, or deportation.

Residence permits are a central pillar of the Law on Foreigners and International Protection. The law regulates all residence permit types, including short-term, family, student, long-term, and humanitarian permits.

4. Deportation and Administrative Detention Rules

The law clearly defines the grounds for deportation, including violations of visa or residence conditions, or situations where an individual poses a threat to public order, public security, or public health.
Deportation decisions are subject to due process, and foreign nationals have the right to appeal and seek legal remedies. Administrative detention may be applied only when necessary to carry out removal procedures and must comply with legal safeguards, time limits, and access to basic services such as healthcare.

5. Migration Authorities and Legal Oversight

Law No. 6458 established the Directorate General of Migration Management as the central authority responsible for migration governance in Turkey. Its responsibilities include handling visas, residence permit applications, international and temporary protection cases, deportation procedures, and migration policies.
All foreign nationals are required to complete their legal procedures through this authority to ensure full compliance with Turkish migration law.

Who Is Covered Under Law on Foreigners and International Protection (Law No. 6458)?

The law applies to several categories of individuals in Turkey:

1. Foreigners in General: All non-Turkish citizens staying legally in Turkey for tourism, work, study, or other purposes.
2. International Protection Applicants: People seeking refuge due to persecution, including refugees, conditional refugees, and beneficiaries of subsidiary protection.
3. Temporary Protection Beneficiaries: Individuals arriving in mass influx situations, such as those fleeing conflict or humanitarian crises.
4. Family Members: Foreign spouses and children (minors or dependent adults) of Turkish citizens or residence permit holders.

Under this legal framework, covered individuals are entitled to rights regarding, but not limited to, entry, stay, work permits, and access to health services. The law also dictates procedures for visas, residence permits, and deportation processes.  

Rights and Obligations for Foreigners Under LFIP

Under Turkey’s Law on Foreigners and International Protection (LFIP No. 6458), foreign nationals enjoy several key rights while also assuming important responsibilities:

• Non-Refoulement: Prohibits returning individuals to a country where their life, liberty, or safety would be at risk (Article 4).
• Administrative Authority: The Presidency of Migration Management, under the Ministry of Interior, oversees all migration procedures.
• Appeals: Foreigners can challenge deportation orders or residence permit rejections in administrative courts, usually within seven days of notification.
• Obligations: Register with authorities, maintain a valid residence or visa status, provide accurate documentation, and hold required health insurance.

Entry, Visa, and Legal Stay Rules for Foreigners in Turkey 

Laws on foreigners regulate how non-citizens can enter, stay, and reside legally in a country. They require valid visas or residence permits, set rules for work and registration, and define penalties like fines or deportation for violations. Temporary, long-term, and special residency types are also specified.

Entry and Visas to Turkey under LFIP

All individuals seeking access to Turkey must meet the legal entry requirements set by Turkish immigration law. Legal entry means entering Turkey through official border points with a valid passport and the required visa, residence permit, or visa exemption. Visa requirements depend on nationality: some foreigners can enter visa-free for short stays, while others must obtain a visa before arrival.

2026 Updates on Entry and Visa Rules

• Passport Validity: Must be valid for at least 60 days beyond your intended stay. Six months is recommended.
• 90/180 Rule: Tourists from visa-exempt countries (e.g., US, UK, EU) can stay up to 90 days within any 180 days.
• E-Visa: Still available for eligible nationalities via the official portal, for tourism or trade purposes only.
• Entry Refusal: Authorities may deny entry if documents are invalid, if the individual poses a risk to public order or security, or if entry conditions are unmet.

Legal Stay in Turkey under LFIP

Foreigners planning to stay beyond the permitted visa or exemption period must apply for a residence permit through the e-Ikamet system before their legal stay expires. Legal stay requires complying with visa durations or holding a valid residence permit (İkamet).

A Turkey Residence Permit (İkamet) is an official ID card issued by the Directorate of Migration Management, mandatory for foreigners staying longer than 90 days or the visa-exempt period within 180 days. It allows legal residency for tourism, work, study, or property investment. 

Overstay Penalties under LFIP

Overstaying a visa or residence permit may lead to administrative fines, deportation, and entry bans ranging from 3 months up to 5 years, depending on the duration and severity of the violation. Foreign nationals who overstay their visa, work without authorization, or fail to apply for a residence permit when required are considered to be staying illegally. This may result in fines, residence permit rejection, deportation, or entry bans.

Residence Permits Under LFIP Turkish Law 

Foreigners intending to stay in Turkey for more than 90 days within 180 days, whether for tourism, study, work, or residency, must obtain a Turkish residence permit under the Law on Foreigners and International Protection (LFIP No. 6458). This requirement applies to almost all non-citizens, including those under temporary or international protection, who must register with provincial authorities via the e-Ikamet system.

Types of Residence Permits in Turkey Under Law No. 6458

Turkey offers six main types of residence permits—Short-Term, Family, Student, Long-Term, Humanitarian, and Victim of Human Trafficking—designed based on the purpose of stay for stays exceeding 90 days.

1. Short-Term Residence Permit (Articles 31–33)

The short-term residence permit is the most common option for foreigners who want to stay in Turkey beyond their visa or visa-free period. 

It is usually issued for up to two years and is used for purposes such as tourism, property ownership, business connections, medical treatment, or short-term education. 

• Tourism: For foreigners staying beyond their visa or visa-free period.
• Scientific Research: Requires approval or licensing from relevant Turkish authorities.
• Real Estate Ownership: For foreigners who own residential property in Turkey.
• Business Purposes: For establishing or maintaining commercial connections.
• Education and Training: Includes Turkish language courses (limited to two enrollments) and internships with public institutions.
• Medical Treatment: For foreigners receiving medical care in Turkey.
• University Graduates: Foreigners who graduate from a Turkish university and apply within six months of graduation.

While it allows legal residence, it does not grant the right to work unless a separate work permit is obtained. This permit is often the first step for foreigners who are planning a longer stay or exploring future residence options in Turkey.

2. Family Residence Permit (Articles 34–37)

The family residence permit is issued for up to three years to the spouse and dependent children (minors or dependent adults) of a sponsor who is either a Turkish citizen or a legal resident.  According to this type of permit children can attend primary and secondary education in Turkey without needing a student residence permit until the age of 18.

3. Student Residence Permit (Articles 38–41)

Foreign students enrolled in primary, secondary, or higher education institutions in Turkey are required to obtain a student residence permit that is typically valid for the duration of the academic program. 

• Primary or secondary education (if not covered by a family permit)
• Higher education programs, including associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and PhD degrees

University students may work legally after obtaining a separate work permit, allowing them to continue their studies while staying compliant with Turkish migration law.

4. Long-Term Residence Permit (Articles 42–45)

The long-term residence permit grants indefinite residence to foreigners who have legally and continuously resided in Turkey for at least eight years. Applicants must demonstrate financial self-sufficiency, have valid health insurance, and must not have received social assistance during the last three years. While this permit provides rights similar to those of Turkish citizens, it excludes political rights such as voting. Refugees, humanitarian residence permit holders, and temporary protection beneficiaries are not eligible to apply for this permit.

5. Humanitarian Residence Permit (Articles 46–47)

The humanitarian residence permit is issued in exceptional cases where leaving Turkey is not reasonable or possible, or when it is in the best interest of a child. Typically granted for up to one year, it may be renewed depending on circumstances. This permit is designed as a legal safeguard rather than a long-term solution.

6. Residence Permit for Victims of Human Trafficking (Articles 48–49)

This permit is granted to individuals who are victims, or strongly suspected victims, of human trafficking. Initially issued for 30 days to allow recovery and reflection, it can be renewed in six-month periods for up to three years. Its primary aim is protection, rehabilitation, and cooperation with authorities rather than permanent residency.

Work Permit as Legal Residence in Turkey

Although not classified as a residence permit under Law No. 6458, a valid Turkish work permit functions as both a work authorization and legal residence under Law No. 6735. Holders are considered legally resident in Turkey for the duration of the permit and do not need a separate ikamet card. Work permits are issued through the Ministry of Labor and Social Security and are required for any foreigner engaging in employment in Turkey

Requirements for Residence Permits (İkamet) in Turkey

Under the Law on Foreigners and International Protection (LFIP) No. 6458, key requirements for residence permits include:

• Application Form: A signed, printed copy from the e-İkamet online system.
• Passport: The original plus color photocopies of the data page, any relevant visa pages, and the most recent entry stamp.
• Biometric Photos: Four (4) recent photos with a white background.
• Health Insurance: A Turkish-issued policy covering the entire duration of the requested permit.
• Proof of Financial Sufficiency: Typically, a stamped statement from a Turkish bank. Single applicants must show a monthly income of at least 1.5 times the Turkish national minimum wage.
• Proof of Address: A notarized rental agreement (certified by a Notary Public) or a property title deed (Tapu). 

Health Insurance for Residence Permit in Turkey 

Under Law No. 6458 on Foreigners and International Protection, valid health insurance is mandatory for nearly all residence permit (İkamet) applications in Turkey. It must cover the entire duration of stay.  Applicants must hold a foreign health insurance, either a compliant private policy or Turkish public insurance (SGK). Without valid insurance, applications are refused. It is mandatory for all types of residence permits in Turkey, including short-term, family, and student permits.

Types of Residence Permits Insurance in Turkey

To meet the legal requirement, residence permit applicants can use:

• Private Health Insurance: locally issued policies approved for residence purposes.
• SGK (Governmental Social Security): for employees or those legally insured through work.
• International Health Insurance: accepted for special cases, such as diplomats or temporary protection beneficiaries.

All residence permit applications require long-term health insurance. Short-term or travel insurance is not accepted for obtaining a residence permit in Turkey

How to Apply for Foreign Health Insurance with AloIkametSigorta?

With AloIkametSigorta, you can apply online directly and get your health insurance immediately. Using approved insurance providers through AloIkametSigorta ensures your application meets legal standards and reduces the risk of rejection.

FAQs Law on Foreigners and International Protection

What are the rules for foreigners in Turkey?

Foreigners must have a passport valid for at least 60 days beyond their stay. Tourists can stay up to 90 days in any 180 days, usually via e-Visa. Longer stays require a residence permit (İkamet). Carry ID, obey local laws, and don’t work without a permit.

How long can a foreigner stay in Turkey?

Most foreigners can stay 90 days within 180 days for tourism or business. Some nationalities have shorter limits. Stays beyond this require a short-term residence permit.

How to apply for international protection in Turkey?

Apply in person at the Provincial Directorate of Migration Management (PDMM) in the city of entry to seek international protection.