Diplomatic representatives of foreign countries in Turkey are also required to go through the residence permit processes according to the Turkish Laws, but as subjected to specil provisions. These works and transactions are carried out through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs instead of the Provincial Directorates of Migration, which are the local units of the Presidency of Migration Management. Residence procedures of foreign mission representatives and their families are given below.

What is a Foreign Mission Identity Card?
Foreign Mission Identity Cards are issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Republic of Turkey to foreign mission personnel and family members working in accredited embassies, consulate generals, consulates, deputy consulates, consular agencies and international organization representations in Turkey.

How to apply for a foreign mission identity card?
Foreign mission personnel apply to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Republic of Turkey to obtain an identity card for themselves and their family members, within seven days following their entry to Turkey or, if residing in Turkey, starting their duty in the mission.

How to apply exemption from residence permit?
Foreigners who are exempt from residence permit are regulated in the relevant legislation, and among the families of diplomatic and consular officers working in Turkey, diplomacy and consular officers working in Turkey, those who are notified by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and those who work in the representations of International Organizations in Turkey and whose status has been determined by agreements are exempt from residence permit. In addition, the Foreign Mission Identity Card held by the aforementioned foreigners certifies that the foreigner is exempt from residence permit.

How are the procedures for extending the duty of foreign mission personnel?
In case of an extension of the duty of the foreign mission personnel, the Foreign Mission Identity Card is obliged to apply to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and obtain a valid new one as of sixty days before the expiry of the validity period and in any case before the validity period of the card expires.

Who are the family members of foreign mission personnel who need to obtain a residence permit?
If the foreign mission personnel and their family members want to continue to stay in Turkey after their situation requiring exceptional treatment ends, they must apply to the governorships to obtain a residence permit within ten days at the latest. Residence permit applications for the family members of foreign mission personnel who need to obtain a residence permit document within the framework of the reciprocity principle are made to the General Directorate of Migration Management through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, within the periods stipulated in the relevant legislation by the representative office they are affiliated with. For residence permits that are deemed appropriate to be issued, the foreigners in question are directed to the governorships of the province they reside in.

by Bünyamin Esen, Founding Partner and Senior Migration Advisor