If you are a Pakistani wishing to settle down in Turkey, you are one of many. Turkish culture, sunny weather, promising economic conditions as well as the geographical advantage of being located between Europe and Asia are factors that attract people from all corners of the world, in this case, Pakistan. Be it a desire for a better career, an opportunity to receive a quality education, or simply an urge to travel – Turkey has it all.
This guide will discuss the move to Turkey from Pakistan: the steps and requirements. We will outline covering visa options and residence permits, employment, and life in Turkey.
Why Move to Turkey?
Among other nations, Pakistan has also started to appreciate and embrace travel and tourism to Turkey due to all these things blended. Turkey has a fair share of its advantages as compared to the other countries. Here are a few reasons why every tourist should book a Turkey trip this year:
Cultural Affinity:
Food, religion, and other practices of Pakistan are present in Turkey and this surely enhances the ability of Pakistanis to assimilate within the host country.
Living Costs:
Affordable in living terms, Turkey is considered one of the most economical countries compared to several of the Western countries, as what people are spending on rent, food, and transport is quite manageable.
Education:
There are many renowned universities in Turkey, that give quality education at comparatively cheaper rates, which leads to many students from Pakistan seeking education in Turkey.
Job Opportunities:
There are opportunities in various industries such as education and Information technology sectors considering the factors that the economy of Turkey is expanding.
Natural and Historical Beauty:
Turkey offers this great recreational and educational perspective to many moving there because the country is well known for its scenic beauty, historical buildings, and active cities it possesses.
Visa Requirements for Pakistani Citizens
There are certain documents, namely, a visa which is basically a permit for the traveler to enter a certain country, which would be necessary for someone living in Pakistan and planning on coming to Turkey. The type of visa one requires is based on the reason for which he/she is coming, namely whether it is for employment, education, or recreation.
1. Tourist Visa
In case of coming to Turkey primarily for vacation and to organize the trip, then a tourist visa will be a good starting point. Citizens of Pakistan have the option to apply for a Turkish e-Visa via the Turkey e-Visa official site. This visa is valid for 30 days upon arrival in Turkey. However, it’s worth mentioning that in this case, this visa does not permit one to engage in employment or education activities.
- Duration: 30 days
- Application: Apply online via the Turkey e-Visa website.
2. Work Visa
Coming to work in Turkey means of course applying for a work visa. The procedure states that it is required to find a job in Turkey first because your employer will have to send some papers for you to the Turkish Labor and Social Security Ministry.
How to Apply:
In case you accept the filed employment offer, you will have to initiate a work visa application at the Turkish Consulate located in Pakistan. Also, your employer must fill in that application over the Internet from Turkey.
Required Documents:
- Employment contract
- Passport-sized photos
- Copy of your passport
- Job offer letter from the Turkish company
Once a work visa is granted, entry is permitted into the territory of Turkey and you can begin the procedure for obtaining a work permit.
3. Visa for Students
In case you are relocating to Turkey for educational reasons then you need to apply for a student visa. This type of visa is necessary when going for extended studies in Turkish schools or universities, enrolling for an internship program course in Turkey, or even going on an exchange program.
Requirements:
- Acceptance letter from a Turkish institution
- Financial Proof
- Current passport
- Visa application form
A student visa should be necessary to apply for the Turkish Consulate in Pakistan before departure to Turkey.
For Pakistani Resident Permits in Turkey
Having a valid visa and landing in Turkey, the step that follows is the application of a residency permit if he/she intends to stay in the country for more than ninety days. There are several types of residency permits one can seek depending on the individual’s status:
1. Short-term Residence Permit
If one is relocating to Turkey to seek job opportunities or buy a house, a short-term residence permit can be obtained. The given permit is subject to a maximum of two years duration and can be renewed.
- Who is Eligible:
Non-Turks who are property owners have any investment in the country or have a current work permit.
- How to Apply:
File your request on the Goc idaresi system online and then go for an appointment date at the related office.
2. Long-Term Residence Permit
A long-term residence permit with rights close to Turkish citizenship can be obtained after eight years of perpetual visitation to the country.
- Who is Eligible:
Non-Turkish citizens who have resided continuously in Turkey for not less than eight years.
- Benefits:
No renewal of residency is required, can access government services and can work or attend schools in Turkey.
3. Student Residence Permit
Students arriving in Turkey on a student card from their respective countries of origin will then have to request for student residence permit which will be active as long as their studies are ongoing.
How Pakistanis Can Buy Property in Turkey and Get Citizenship?
1. Gain Insights into Citizenship by Investment programs
Turkey has a Citizenship by Investment (CBI) scheme addressed to foreign citizens, including Pakistanis. For the purchasing of real estate that costs not less than $400,000, the investors have a right to apply for Turkish citizenship for themselves and their immediate relatives.
2. Choose an Eligible Property
In order to be granted citizenship, the purchased real estate must cost more than $400,000, be sanctioned by Turkish authorities, and be recorded with the Turkish Land Registry Cadastre.
To remain eligible for citizenship, the property should be retained for a minimum of three years. The restriction on selling the property for three years is indicated on the title deed.
3. Adhere to the Transaction Procedure
Hire a local attorney: Getting an attorney will make the purchase and legal processes easier because it will adhere to Turkish property laws.
Carry Out Diligence: This is the stage of conducting property assessments and inspections to ascertain the property’s qualification for the citizenship program.
4. Citizenship Application
Following the finalization of the real estate deal, investors ‘ requests for Turkish citizenship will be forwarded to the General Directorate for Migration Management of the Republic of Turkey. Other papers include proof of property acquisition, property appraisal report, and bank proof of payment, together with other personal documents.
It may take Citizenship around 3 to 6 months after submission of all documents.
5. Reasons for Turkish Citizenship in Favor of Pakistanis
Turkish nationality provides Pakistanis the privilege of accessing more than 110 countries either visa-free or with visas-on-arrival.
The CBI program considers the spouse and children under 18 of the principal applicant thus enabling family
Conclusion:
It is possible and very durable for every individual determined enough to go through the hassle of applying for the necessary visa and residency requirements to move to Turkey from Pakistan. Whether it is for work, studies, or even leisure to enjoy a new way of life, Turkey is a nice place to move to with cheap living expenses and rich opportunities.
With the steps in this guide, you can make the move to Turkey seamless and begin enjoying your new life in this wonderful country.
