Residence Application Center Closures and Processing Transition to Cause Backlogs

Turkey

According to a press release issued by the Migration Directorate, the Residence Card application and issuance process has been transitioned to civil officers instead of police officers from the Migration Directorate.  Additionally, foreign nationals can only file initial or renewal Residence Card applications at the main application center in Vatan, as all other Istanbul locations have been closed.  Appointment backlogs and processing delays due to the consolidated services are likely.  Lastly, the Vatan Police Station has implemented a change to the police clearance certificate requirement that will likely increase the document gathering time for dependents of Residence Card applicants.

Changes due to the Processing Transition

A temporary online Residence Card appointment scheduling system has been implemented as a result of the transition of processing of Residence Card applications.  This may result in new documentary and process requirements.

Effects of Application Center Closures

Due to the closure of all Istanbul Residence Card application centers except Vatan, foreign nationals should expect appointment backlogs and processing delays.

Appointments scheduled in locations outside of Vatan prior to May 18 must be rescheduled on the new online system.

Foreign Police Clearance Certificate Requirement Implemented

In addition, foreign nationals applying for dependent spouse applications should obtain the principal’s foreign police clearance certificates, and both the principal and spouse’s foreign police clearance certificates for other dependents’ applications.  In both cases, the police clearance must be obtained from the principal applicant's country of origin and countries of residence for the last five years. This will likely increase the cost and document gathering time for dependents of Residence Card applicants. 

Previously, Turkish police clearance certificates were accepted, however, due to the civil officer takeover and the lack of clarity as to the documentation the officers will require, this approach is recommended.

What This Means for Foreign Nationals

Foreign nationals applying for Residence Cards should account for the likely processing backlogs due to the consolidation and processing transition.  

Foreign nationals who require police clearance certificates should also account for the additional cost and time it will take to obtain foreign police documentation.

Fragomen worked closely with Bener (Istanbul) to prepare this alert. It is for informational purposes only. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact the global immigration professional with whom you work at Fragomen or send an email to [email protected].

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