Foreign nationals who remain in Türkiye beyond the period of their visa, visa exemption or residence permit are subject to an administrative fine under Law No. 6458, and an entry ban may arise depending on the length of the stay. The longer the violation continues, the heavier both the amount of the fine and its effect on re-entry become.
The right step in this process is to resolve the violation voluntarily and to a plan. At BKT we examine your current stay position, compare the fine and exit procedures against the options for moving to a residence permit, and identify the least risky route for you together.
Who is it for?
- Foreign nationals who have overstayed their visa or visa exemption
- Persons who have not filed an extension application although their residence permit has expired
- Foreign nationals whose extension application has been refused and who continue to stay in the country
- Those who were given an administrative fine on departure and are planning to enter again
- Employers wishing to correct the status of staff who are in violation
- Those wishing to find out the duration and scope of a re-entry ban
Required documents
The list below is for a typical case. Additional documents may be requested depending on your nationality, the type of application and the practice of the relevant authority; the definitive list is given to you in writing at the initial consultation.
- Passport and the pages showing entry and exit records
- Residence permit card and application documents, if any
- Administrative fine decision record or notification
- Any documents relating to the reasons for the extended stay (medical report, etc.)
- Address and insurance documents (if the option of correcting status is to be assessed)
The process step by step
- 1
Analysis of the stay
The start and length of the violation are calculated precisely from the entry and exit records and the permit periods.
- 2
Comparing the options
The options of paying the fine and leaving, correcting status, or filing an application are set out together with their consequences.
- 3
Documents and application
Depending on the route chosen, the paperwork is prepared, the necessary translations are made and the application is completed.
- 4
Fine and exit procedures
The payment and exit process is planned; the risk of an entry ban is assessed in advance.
- 5
Re-entry plan
Written guidance is provided on the duration of the ban and the timetable for reapplying.
Common mistakes
- Waiting after noticing the violation and thereby lengthening the period
- Attempting to leave the country without paying the fine
- Buying a ticket without confirming the duration of the re-entry ban
- Continuing to stay without taking any action after an extension refusal
- Failing to document a medical report that could serve as a justification
Legal basis
The provisions of Law No. 6458 on Foreigners and International Protection concerning visas, residence and administrative sanctions
Legislation and administrative practice may change. The information on this page is for general guidance only; an assessment specific to your case requires a consultation.