What Should I Do If My Residence Permit Card Is Lost or Stolen in Turkey?

It can be a nightmare to lose your residency permit card in a foreign country, so don't freak out! There is a straightforward procedure you can take in the event that your Turkish residency permit is misplaced or stolen. This comprehensive and approachable handbook will guide you through every stage of the process.

Step 1: Remain Calm and Double-Check

Take a deep breath and scan your surrounds, including your home, office, jacket pockets, and bag, before making any snap judgements. There are situations when the card is simply hidden. Don't worry, though, if you're positive it's truly gone. Here's what to do next:

Step 2: Inform the Police of It

Report the theft of your card at the closest police station. You must:

• Inform them of the circumstances (where and when it was stolen or lost).
• Present your ID, such as your passport.
• Request a formal theft or loss report (Kayıp Tutanağı).
• Don't overlook this step because this report is crucial to your replacement application.

Note: If it was simply lost (not stolen), some immigration offices may accept a written declaration instead of a police report — but a police report is always safer to have.

Step 3: Inform the Immigration Department

Then, as soon as you can, visit your city's Provincial Directorate of Migration Management (Göç İdaresi).

You must:

1. Bring both the original and a copy of your passport.
2. Bring the police report.
3. Bring two pictures for your biometrics.
4. Complete the Replacement Residence Permit Form.
5. They will start the process of reissuing your card after opening a file for you.

Step 4: Pay the Fees

You will be asked to pay the card fee again. You’ll pay this at the tax office (Vergi Dairesi) and return the payment receipt to the immigration office.

Step 5: Hold Off on Getting a New Card

After the fee has been paid and your documents have been approved. The processing of your replacement card will take a few weeks, often two to four weeks. It will be delivered by PTT (National Post) to the address you have on file. Ensure that the system has your most recent address information! If a temporary document certifying your legal presence in Turkey is required for any official purpose, you can request one while you wait.

Crucial Advice

• Take immediate action! After losing your card, don't wait too long.
• It's quite helpful to have a copy of your passport and card (either a photo or a scan) on hand for emergencies.
• Let the immigration office know if your visa was about to expire. While your new card is being processed, they might grant you a temporary extension.
• Before reapplying for a residence card, you must first make arrangements with your embassy to obtain a new passport if you are also missing one.

Concluding remarks

Although losing your residence permit in Turkey can be a stressful experience, if you remain composed and take the proper actions, replacing it is a rather easy process.

Just keep in mind: 

1.  Prepare documents and payment
2. Wait for delivery
3. Police report
4. Immigration office

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I remain in Turkey till I receive my new residence permit?

Indeed. You are deemed to be lawfully residing in Turkey after submitting an application for the replacement. For official circumstances, you can also ask the immigration office for a temporary document.

Do I have to pay the entire amount once more?

Regretfully, the answer is yes. Even if your old residence permit card was still valid, you will still need to pay the cost again.

When can I expect to receive my replacement card?

Your card will be delivered to your registered address by the Turkish postal service (PTT) in an average of two to four weeks.

While I wait for the replacement card, is it okay for me to leave Turkey?

It's dangerous. It can be difficult to re-enter Turkey without a resident card. Consult the immigration office first if you have to go; they may issue you a special travel document.