The refusal of a residence permit application, a decision not to extend a permit, or its cancellation is notified in writing to you, your legal representative or your lawyer. The notification also states the remedies available against the decision. Before you panic, read this document carefully: the date of notification, the reason for refusal and the time you have been given determine every step you take.
Check these first
- Date of notification: The deadlines for going to court and for leaving the country run from this date.
- Reason for refusal: Each reason, such as missing documents, insufficient income, insurance, address or use of the permit for a purpose other than the one it was granted for, requires a different solution.
- Your legal stay: Is your visa, visa exemption or current residence permit still valid?
- The document you are given: In the case of refusal or non-extension, the foreigner is given a fee-free document that allows them to stay in Türkiye for up to 10 days only. Do not miss this deadline.
The most common reasons for refusal
- Missing, contradictory or insufficiently valid documents (including a passport that is not valid for at least 60 days beyond the requested permit period)
- Failure to show sufficient and regular financial means
- Health insurance that does not cover the entire requested period
- Address details that cannot be verified or are untrue
- A finding that the residence permit has been used for a purpose other than the one for which it was granted
- A valid deportation order or entry ban against you
- Not attending the directorate on the appointment day, or not completing missing documents within the time given by the authorities (up to 30 days)
Challenging the decision in court
Refusal, non-extension and cancellation decisions are administrative acts. An action for annulment can be filed with the administrative court against them within 60 days of notification. Before going to court, you may also apply within the same period to the authority that made the decision and ask for it to be withdrawn; this application suspends the time limit for filing the case.
Note: filing a case does not automatically suspend the decision. To be able to remain in Türkiye, you need to ask the court for a stay of execution (yürütmeyi durdurma) or have another legal basis for your stay. Which route is right for you depends on the reason for refusal.
Can I reapply?
According to the Presidency of Migration Management (Göç İdaresi), a foreigner whose application has been refused cannot reapply for the same purpose of stay within 6 months. If your legal stay is still ongoing, you can apply for a different purpose of stay whose requirements you genuinely meet (for example, a student, family or long-term residence permit).
What happens if I don't leave Türkiye?
If you do not leave within the period given after your legal stay ends, you will be overstaying. An overstay fine is charged when you leave, and an entry ban may be imposed depending on the length of the overstay. A deportation order may be issued against those who exceed their visa or residence period by more than 10 days.
To see the likely amount and ban in advance, you can use our Visa / Residence Overstay Fine Calculator and Deportation / Entry Ban Period Calculator tools.
What to do, step by step
- Keep the notification and note the date of notification.
- Work out your legal stay and the exit period you have been given.
- Assess whether the reason for refusal can be remedied (missing documents, insurance, income) or whether the decision is unlawful.
- If you are going to court, prepare a petition together with a request for a stay of execution, without missing the 60-day deadline.
- If you qualify for a different permit, apply for it before your legal stay runs out.
Frequently asked questions
How is a refusal decision notified?
The decision is notified in writing to you, your legal representative or your lawyer. The notification also states how it can be challenged and your other rights and obligations in this process.
Can I stay in Türkiye if I go to court?
Filing a case does not by itself give you the right to stay. The court must grant a stay of execution, or you must have another legal basis for your stay. That is why it is important to plan the case strategy with a lawyer in advance.
Can I apply for another type of permit immediately after a refusal?
If your legal stay is still ongoing, you can apply for a different purpose of stay whose requirements you meet. To reapply for the same purpose, you must wait 6 months.
Legal basis: 6458 sayılı YUKK Art. 25, 33, 54; YUKK Uygulama Yönetmeliği Art. 22/11; 2577 sayılı İYUK Art. 7, 11, 27; Göç İdaresi Başkanlığı frequently asked questions (residence).
This guide is for general information only and does not replace legal advice. Legislation and practice may change; always consult an expert about your own situation.
