Job Discussion Forums

[Qaaolchoura]

So I realized I'm coming up fast on the expiration of my tourist visa (half a month), which means I really have to think about getting a residency permit.

So I want to check some things I've heard:
1. I only need to have applied for a residency permit by the time my visa expires, I don't need to actually have one, correct?
2. How long should it take, after I've finished the interview?
3. Proof of sufficient funds ($6,000 or $3,600 depending on location): this is normally done by bribing a money exchanger?
4. What else do I need to bring to the office? (Besides $80)
5. Exactly how many steps are there, and what are they? As I understand it it's just: apply online, then come in for the interview. That seems suspiciously easy.


Thanks,
~Q

[coffeespoonman]

1. Correct, but make sure you set up your appointment online asap. It can take a couple of weeks before you get your appointment date.

2. 2 days to 2 weeks. Was on the lower side of that last time I went through the process.

3. Never heard of that one. When I first did it and didn't have the money, I got a colleague to put a few thousand in my account, got a print out, and took it out again. Bribing a money exchanger might work, or it might not.

4. Passport photos. Not sure how many, just get a book of 8 or 12. You'll need them for other things anyways. And the material you need to fill out online when you make your appointment. It needs to be printed in color.

5. It IS relatively easy. Refer to my post entitled "the shiny new emniyet" for step by step instructions. Small details (like price) may have changed, but the major steps should all still be there. if they have changed, someone else should be able to update it.

Why don't we make a sticky about this topic, mods?

[istanbulian]

*****

[Qaaolchoura]

Thanks guys. I think I've alienated the other expats who were helping me, by suggesting teaching at their schools. (One went on unsubtly about how much leverage being the only foreigner gave him.)

1. I'm told that bribing a money exchanger is possible if you don't have the money. (My aunt did offer to lend me the money, but I hate to play around with that much money.) Details?

2. I'm also told that I need to bring a Turkish speaker, which a school will provide. Is this for the interview? Can I get by using Google Translate on my tablet? Or do I need to pay a translator if I haven't accepted a job?

3. I got a tax code when I was staying at a hotel, with that address. Do I need to change it or get a new one?

Thanks,
~Q