Immigration Lawyer in İzmir – Services for International Clients

Yasin Baykal is a highly experienced immigration attorney based in İzmir, Turkey. With a law degree from Dokuz Eylül University, he specializes in foreign nationals’ rights under Turkish law, including international protection (asylum), residence and work permits, and citizenship applications. Our firm serves foreign clients from any country who want to stay in Turkey—whether they entered on a tourist visa or applied for refugee status. In this guide, we explain key services, legal processes, and why Baykal is your best choice for immigration issues in İzmir.

Immigration & International Protection in Turkey

Turkey’s legal framework for foreigners is primarily set by Law No. 6458 (Foreigners and International Protection Law). Under this law, international protection covers refugees, conditional refugees, and those eligible for subsidiary protection. To apply for asylum in Turkey, you must register in person at a Provincial Directorate of Migration Management (PDMM). (As a foreign lawyer, Baykal cannot file the application for you, but he can advise and prepare your case before you apply.)

Importantly, asylum seekers are not punished for illegal entry or stay if they have valid reasons for fleeing their country. Turkey protects applicants from penalties if they justify their irregular entry or presence. After applying and registering, you receive an International Protection Applicant ID (registration document) which legally covers you and grants access to certain rights in Turkey. You must comply with obligations like periodically signing in at PDMM. If you fail without valid reason, your application may be considered withdrawn, potentially leading to a negative decision that can be appealed.

Our services for asylum seekers include: analyzing your eligibility, helping gather evidence (identification, proof of persecution, personal statement, etc.), and ensuring the application is thorough. We prepare you for the mandatory interview, accompany you if needed, and handle appeals. As UNHCR Turkey notes, the Turkish authorities are responsible for your status determination and normally interview you within 30 days of registration. The final decision should come within 6 months. If your application is rejected, you have 10 days to appeal to the International Protection Commission or 30 days to an administrative court. We assist with these appeals and represent you at every stage.  

By using our immigration law firm, you benefit from professional guidance: “Having a lawyer by your side increases the likelihood of a successful asylum application due to their experience and knowledge”. We make sure your rights are fully protected under Turkish law and international treaties. When your goal is safety and legal status in Turkey, we provide the expert support you need.

Visas and Residence Permits

Most foreign nationals enter Turkey on a visa (e-visa or sticker) or visa-exemption. Typically, visas allow up to 90 days of stay within any 180-day period. You cannot extend a tourist visa beyond this limit. If you plan to stay longer (for work, study, family, etc.), you must apply for a residence permit. According to the Turkish Foreign Ministry, foreigners who wish to stay longer than 90 days in Turkey should apply for a “Short Term Residence Permit” at the Provincial Directorate of Migration Management.

Types of residence permits include short-term (for tourism, commerce, health, etc.), family (for spouses/children of Turkish citizens or long-term residents), student, long-term, and special humanitarian permits. For example, a humanitarian residence permit can be issued without the usual conditions if there are compelling reasons (such as the best interests of a child or if deportation is impossible).

To apply, you generally submit your documents either to a Turkish consulate abroad or, in exceptional cases, to the Migration Office inside Turkey. We help you determine which type of permit suits your situation, prepare the application forms and required documents, and submit them correctly. Residence permit applications abroad are normally decided within 90 days. If your application is denied or late decisions cause problems, we file administrative appeals or lawsuits on your behalf. As MFA Turkey explains: visas allow 90-day stays, and to extend beyond 90 days one must obtain a residence permit. We guide you through this process so you can legally convert a tourist or short-stay visa into longer-term residency.

Work Permits

A work permit (work visa) is required for any foreigner wanting to work in Turkey. These are usually obtained with a job offer and submitted to the Ministry of Family and Social Services. We assist with initial work permit applications and annual renewals, ensuring employer sponsorship and contract terms comply with legal requirements. If your work permit is canceled (for example, if your foreign employer’s license is revoked), you have the right to appeal its cancellation. We can file the necessary objections or lawsuits against unfavorable work permit decisions, defending your right to work.

Additionally, Turkey now offers a “Turquoise Card” for highly skilled foreigners (similar to EU Blue Card). Baykal Avukat can advise on eligibility for these special categories. In summary, for any type of work-related stay (short-term job permit, Blue Card, seasonal work permit, etc.), we provide comprehensive support.

Citizenship & Other Services

After legally residing in Turkey for several years and meeting other criteria, a foreigner may apply for Turkish citizenship. The law generally requires 5 years of uninterrupted residence, knowledge of Turkish, and sufficient income or profession. Marriage to a Turkish citizen can shorten this period to 3 years. We advise on these requirements and prepare citizenship applications.

We also cover related areas that may interest immigrants:

• Property and Business: Advising foreign investors or homebuyers on Turkish real estate law and company formation.
• Family Matters: Assistance with international marriage, divorce, child custody, and inheritance issues involving foreigners, often collaborating with family law specialists.
• Translator or Apostille Needs: Helping obtain necessary translations, certification (apostille) of foreign documents, or legally valid power of attorney for use in Turkey.
• Deportation Orders: Representing clients in deportation (yabancılardan sınır dışı) cases and working to annul such orders as outlined earlier.

We cover “every legal issue concerning persons who are not Turkish citizens in Turkey”. Whether your case involves visa refusal, rejected permit, criminal charges related to immigration, or any other foreign nationals law issue, we aim to solve it.

Why Choose Baykal Law Firm?

Choosing the right immigration lawyer in İzmir can make all the difference in your case’s outcome. Here’s why clients trust Yasin Baykal:

• Expertise: We focus on immigration and foreigners law. With Turkey’s strategic location and growing migration, disputes in this field are increasing. An expert attorney is crucial for proper outcomes.
• Experience: Baykal has handled numerous cases in İzmir and beyond. Our proven track record in court demonstrates our commitment to protecting clients’ rights.
• Personalized Attention: We treat each case individually, giving detailed attention to your background and needs. We are accessible and responsive to clients in İzmir and internationally.
• Multilingual Support: We understand the challenges of being in a foreign country. Our office can communicate in English (and possibly other languages), making legal processes clearer for non-Turkish speakers.
• Comprehensive Service: From document preparation to court representation, we manage every step. As one legal blog notes, “Having a lawyer … increases the likelihood of success due to their experience and knowledge”.
• Professional Reputation: Baykal Hukuk is well-regarded within the İzmir Bar. We operate with full ethical and professional standards. Local Bar Association’s legal aid bureaus can attest to our capability in providing assistance for asylum appeals.
• Client-Centered: We keep you informed throughout. Just as immigration sites emphasize quick processing and thorough preparation, we ensure your applications and appeals are filed on time.

Our main goal is to safeguard your rights as a foreign national and make your stay in Turkey legally secure and stable. We coordinate closely with migration authorities and offer updates at each stage. When you work with us, you gain a knowledgeable advocate for immigration matters.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Do I really need a lawyer for immigration matters? While Turkey does not allow attorneys to personally file asylum applications, having an experienced immigration lawyer significantly improves your chances of success in any legal process. We help you avoid errors and handle bureaucratic hurdles.
• Can I stay in Turkey beyond my tourist visa? A standard visa or visa-free stay allows up to 90 days in any 180-day period. You cannot extend a tourist visa indefinitely. If you want to stay longer, you must apply for an appropriate residence permit through the migration office. Our firm can guide you on converting a short-term visa into a legal residency.
• Is legal representation available for asylum seekers? Yes. While the asylum application itself must be submitted by the person, you have the right to legal counsel in subsequent proceedings. You can get legal aid from NGOs or the Bar if you qualify. We represent clients in asylum interviews and appeals. As UNHCR notes, Turkey offers legal assistance to asylum seekers through its own agencies and partners.
• How long do these processes take? Asylum decisions should be made within 6 months after registration. Residence permit applications at consulates generally take a few weeks to 3 months. However, actual times may vary. Courts can take longer. We expedite applications and closely follow up to minimize delays.
• Can I apply for citizenship while on an asylum or other permit? Yes, once you have legal residence (usually 5 years, or 3 years if married to a Turk) and meet other criteria, you can apply for citizenship. We advise on timing and prepare a strong application. Citizenship requires meeting health, security, language, and economic conditions.
• What is an İnsani İkamet İzni (Humanitarian Permit)? It’s a special one-year residence permit granted in extraordinary situations (e.g. deportation impossible, serious health issues). We help clients determine eligibility and apply for such permits when standard visas are not available.
• How do I find the best immigration lawyer in İzmir? Look for an attorney specializing in yabancılar hukuku with positive reviews, knowledge of international law, and fluency in English (or your language). İzmir Bar’s referral or associations, and this guide, can help. We encourage meeting with your lawyer to assess compatibility before deciding.

Contact Information

• Adress: İsmet Kaptan Mah. Gazi Bulvarı No:116 K:3 D:305, Çankaya, 35210 Konak/İzmir
• Gsm: +90 506 128 95 95
• E-mail: av.yasinbaykal@agmail.com