Turkey Massively Denying Residence Permit To Russians

Difficulties are being recorded in all major cities.

Russians have encountered problems with obtaining and renewing a tourist residence permit in Turkey. The rate of refusal to obtain residence permits has begun to grow sharply in almost all regions, and the extension of residence has become the most painful issue for most Russians who have moved to Turkey, writes The Moscow Times.

Difficulties are recorded in all major cities where natives of Russia live - Istanbul, Antalya, Kemer, Bodrum, Marmaris and others. According to a visa advisor from Turkey, the problem is widespread, and the requirements for residence permit documents by the city administration in each region may be different. Many people are now trying to apply for a residence permit other than a tourist permit, for example, by buying real estate.

Three Russians from Bodrum, Marmaris and Antalya described the difficulties in extending their residence permits. According to the resident of Bodrum (the most expensive resort), a lot of people are forced to leave for Russia, the EU and other countries. He believes that Bodrum has a very high rejection rate - close to 90%.

The situation with residence permits in other tourist cities in Turkey is also complicated, with local administrations requiring much more documentation - Turkish bank statements with monthly deposits in the account - for residence permit extensions. It is usually about $2000 per month for a family of three.

The tourist residence permit was very popular and allowed one to stay in the country for up to a year. It previously required only a rental property and local insurance.

Last year, Russians were the biggest buyers of property in Turkey amongst foreigners, accounting for a quarter of the market. They bought more than 16,000 properties in Turkey - three times more than the year before.

The number of residence permits issued to Russians was 153,000, which is also a record among all foreigners in Turkey.