Humanitarian residence in Turkey and its advantages

We will explore the many features of humanitarian accommodation in Turkey that make it an ideal destination for people seeking a lifestyle environment that combines natural beauty, cultural traditions and economic opportunities and we will discuss the most important reasons that drive individuals and families to settle in Turkey and how investors can benefit from trade and real estate in this beautiful country.

About humanitarian residency in Turkey 

The Geneva Convention issued in 1951, in which Turkey participated as a party, revolves around granting humanitarian residency to refugees in Turkey according to specific terms and conditions and this Convention and the relevant Turkish laws, namely Articles 44, 46 and 47 of the Executive Regulations of the Foreigners and International Protection Law in Turkey, are the basis for granting humanitarian residence to foreigners in Turkey.

This type of residence is issued by the Turkish Immigration Presidency in coordination with the Ministry of Interior, and is granted for a period of one year, renewable based on need and continued approval by the Turkish authorities.

This humanitarian accommodation is of great importance in providing protection and care for people who are unable to return to their country due to unstable conditions or risks of persecution, as Turkey, as a participating state in the Geneva Convention, is committed to granting humanitarian residency to foreigners and providing them with support and protection in the face of the challenges they face.

What are the advantages of obtaining humanitarian residency in Turkey?

1. Receiving humanitarian aid or monthly salaries from UN organizations and Turkish agencies.
2. Complete your education in Türkiye by joining public schools or universities.
3. Obtaining free health care in Turkish government hospitals.
4. Open a bank account in Turkish banks to easily manage your financial affairs.
5. Obtaining a work permit in Turkey to practice specific work and provide a living for yourself.
6. Subscribe to electricity, water, telephone and Internet services to meet your daily needs.
7. Movement between Turkish states and cities freely without restrictions or special permits.
8. Concluding rental contracts for homes or shops according to your needs and the needs of your family.

Disadvantages of obtaining humanitarian residency in Turkey

1. The holder does not have the right to own real estate in Turkey, which means that they cannot buy permanent property in the country.
2. Restrictions on travel outside Turkey for Syrians holding humanitarian residency, as they do not have the freedom to travel.
3. Humanitarian residency holders of other nationalities must not be absent from Turkey for more than six months, otherwise they will be at risk of losing their residency.
4. It is necessary to provide convincing and compelling reasons to the Turkish Immigration Office to obtain humanitarian residency. 

What are the conditions for obtaining humanitarian residency in Turkey? 

1. The person must have a risk orientation that makes them unable to return to their country of origin due to unstable conditions or potential threats. 
2. The person must be at risk of losing his life or having his freedom restricted if he leaves Turkey. 
3. The person must prove that he is unable to obtain any other type of residence permit in Turkey due to the lack of sufficient documentation. 
4. The person must abide by Turkish laws and regulations, and not pose a threat to Turkish national security.
5. The person must not be involved in terrorist acts or similar crimes.
6. There should be no legal prosecutions or judicial rulings against the person.
7. The person must be present inside Turkey while submitting the humanitarian residency application.

Reasons for granting humanitarian residency in Turkey

The Geneva Convention, signed by 130 countries including Turkey, sets out the reasons and requirements for granting humanitarian residency, which include:

1. Cases of necessary treatment: This category includes cases in which the resident faces a severe or chronic illness that poses a threat to his life and cannot leave Turkey for treatment outside of Turkey, and treatment is only available in Turkey.
2. This obligation includes reunification between first-degree relatives, such as husband, wife, and children, who are not entitled to short-term residency in Turkey.
3. Threat to life, as this reason includes cases where a person’s life is threatened if he returns to his country due to ongoing wars or unstable security conditions and he has a desire not to return.
4. Fear of torture or threats upon return to one's country can justify granting humanitarian residency.

Documents required to obtain humanitarian residency in Turkey 

1. A copy of the passport must be submitted, which must ideally be valid for at least six months before the expiry date.
2. Usually a number of personal photographs must be submitted, the number of which can vary depending on current requirements.
3. A copy of the legal and regular entry stamp to Turkey must be presented in the passport.
4. You must provide a rental contract registered with the Notary and the Turkish Civil Registry to prove that you have a valid residence.
5. If you are married or have children, you must submit a marriage certificate and children’s birth certificates translated into Turkish and certified by the Turkish notary.
6. A valid health insurance must be provided in Turkey.
7. The Turkish residency application form must be filled out with your personal information and required details.

In conclusion, humanitarian residency in Turkey is a valuable opportunity for individuals looking for a safe place and new opportunities, as it gives them the opportunity to live and work in this country that combines the beauty of nature and ancient history with economic and cultural progress and benefits of humanitarian residency include access to health and education services and economic opportunities, as by adhering to Turkish laws and participating positively in society, humanitarian residency holders can find new opportunities and hope for a better life.