Receiving a rejection for a Turkish residence permit application can be alarming—especially for foreigners who have established life, work, or family in Turkey. Whether it’s your first application or a renewal, a denial from the Directorate General of Migration Management (DGMM) means you may be subject to administrative fines, deportation risks, or entry bans.
At ER&GUN&ER Law Firm, our English Speaking Turkish Lawyers specialize in immigration law and represent foreign nationals in formal appeals against DGMM decisions. This guide explains why rejections happen, what legal remedies are available, how to file an appeal, and how to build the strongest possible case to reverse the decision.
Common Reasons for Residence Permit Rejection
The DGMM may reject residence permit applications for a variety of legal, procedural, or discretionary reasons. These include but are not limited to:
- Missing or inconsistent documentation (e.g., address registration, health insurance, notarized rental contract)
- Suspicion of fraudulent documents or intention (e.g., forged bank statements or fabricated marriage)
- Failure to meet minimum financial thresholds
- Application filed after visa-free stay expired
- Violation of previous residence or visa conditions
- Security concerns or police record checks
Each of these grounds must be evaluated within the framework of Turkish immigration law and administrative procedure. Sometimes even minor technical errors result in blanket rejections if not corrected during the file review stage.
What Happens After Your Application Is Rejected?
Upon rejection, the DGMM provides a formal notification letter, which includes the reason for refusal and states whether you must leave Turkey or may remain during the appeal period. The applicant may also be issued an exit document (çıkış belgesi) allowing departure within a specific time frame without penalty.
⚠️ Important: In many cases, applicants mistakenly assume there is no way to challenge the decision. However, Turkish law provides multiple legal avenues for appeal—both administratively and judicially.
Administrative Appeal to the Provincial Directorate of Migration
Under Turkish Law No. 6458 on Foreigners and International Protection, applicants may first request a review of the decision at the provincial level. This administrative appeal must be filed within 10 days of receiving the rejection notice. The appeal should include:
- A petition addressed to the DGMM explaining your objection
- Corrected or updated documentation (e.g., new rental contract, additional financial evidence)
- Legal references supporting your eligibility
- Optional: Lawyer power of attorney (POA) if filed through counsel
In our experience, administrative reviews succeed most often when the initial rejection was based on missing or unclear documentation rather than substantive ineligibility.
Judicial Appeal to Administrative Court (İdare Mahkemesi)
If the DGMM upholds the rejection, the applicant has the right to challenge the decision in the administrative courts. This must be done within 60 days of receiving the final administrative notice. The court may be petitioned to annul the DGMM’s rejection and compel issuance of the residence permit.
We recommend judicial appeal when:
- The rejection is based on unfair interpretation of law
- DGMM fails to consider additional evidence
- The applicant has family ties or humanitarian grounds
- The decision violates constitutional or international protections
What Is the Chance of Success?
Success in appeals depends on the facts of the case, documentation quality, and proper legal framing. At ER&GUN&ER Law Firm, our Turkish Law Firm has successfully reversed DGMM decisions involving students, retirees, investors, and family reunification applicants. Submitting the appeal through an experienced immigration attorney increases credibility and helps the authority or court focus on the merits rather than procedural confusion.
Can You Stay in Turkey During the Appeal?
In most cases, yes. When an administrative or judicial appeal is properly filed, the applicant may remain legally in Turkey until the process concludes. However, this must be confirmed through DGMM offices and should be supported by a stamped copy of the appeal petition or court filing receipt. Individuals who overstay without legal appeal may face entry bans of up to 5 years depending on overstay duration and payment of exit penalties.
Real Case Examples
- 🇷🇺 Russian applicant’s student residence rejected due to late submission; appeal filed in 5 days with updated enrollment letter and notarized lease—permit approved.
- 🇫🇷 French digital nomad denied for “insufficient financial proof”; POA-based court appeal succeeded due to regular EU bank income with proper translation and apostille.
- 🇬🇧 UK retiree refused for “no health coverage”; we proved valid insurance was misfiled—permit issued within 3 weeks after resubmission.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Can I apply again instead of appealing? Sometimes yes, but multiple rejections hurt your record. Appeal preserves your right immediately.
- Will I be deported after rejection? Not automatically. As long as you file appeal properly and on time, you’re not considered illegal.
- Can someone else file the appeal for me? Yes, if you give notarized power of attorney to a lawyer or representative.
- Does the appeal need to be in Turkish? Yes. All petitions to DGMM and courts must be written in Turkish or translated officially.
Contact Our Immigration Lawyers in Turkey
If your residence permit application was rejected, don’t panic—there are solutions. Our English Speaking Turkish Lawyers are ready to assess your file, advise on strategy, and submit an appeal on your behalf. ER&GUN&ER Law Firm is a trusted Turkish Law Firm serving clients in over 25 countries. We act quickly, professionally, and in full compliance with Turkish immigration regulations.