In Turkish chat rooms, there have been numerous complaints about the refusal to grant residence permits (ikamet) to Russians. Judging by the comments, those who want to get it in Fethiye, Izmir, Kaş and Kemer had problems, but in Alanya, Antalya and Istanbul.
The reason for mass rejections was the tightening of requirements for applicants, the third time in a year. So now remote workers need to present a document certified by their employer indicating their monthly earnings. Bank statements and regular money transfers are no longer accepted as proof of financial ability. Pensioners, who were previously treated more than loyally, will also have to confirm their status and income, since elderly Russians do not apply for Turkish jobs. You can re-apply for a residence permit only after 6 months, and stay in Turkey without a visa for only 90 days within six months.
In addition, Turkey is constantly updating and revising the list of places where the number of foreigners reaches 20% of the total population, more than that is not possible according to the laws of the country. In the summer, it included more than fifty districts of Istanbul, dozens – in Adana, Ankara and Mersin.
This year, due to the war, the flow of Russians, Ukrainians and Belarusians who want to obtain a residence permit in Turkey has increased significantly. This was due to fairly simple rules and a minimal set of documents for submitting an application for a residence permit in this country.
