Stateless Persons: Residence and Rights in Turkey

Statelessness is defined as the status of individuals who do not hold the citizenship of any state. A stateless person is someone who is not recognized as a citizen by any country under its laws.

Children born in Turkey who cannot acquire citizenship through foreign parents are considered Turkish citizens from birth. Similarly, a minor adopted by a Turkish citizen can acquire Turkish citizenship, provided there are no national security or public order concerns.

Individuals claiming to be stateless must provide fundamental evidence to prove their status. Applications for the stateless person identity card are not processed for those possessing another country’s stateless passport or identity document.

The Directorate General of Migration Management issues the "stateless person identity card," which serves as a residence permit and allows legal residence in Turkey. The card is valid for up to two years and can be renewed as long as the statelessness continues. No fees or charges are applied for the card.

• Regular Migrant Status: Stateless persons gain the right to reside in Turkey as "regular migrants," with the duration counted toward their total residence period.
• Identity and Residence: The stateless person identity card provides legal residence while also granting a foreign identification number.
• Long-Term Residence: They have the right to apply for a long-term residence permit in Turkey.
• Protection from Deportation: They are not deported unless they pose a serious threat.
• Exemption from Reciprocity Rule: They are not subject to the interstate reciprocity rule.
• Work Permit: They can obtain a work permit and legally work in Turkey.

• Acquisition of Another Citizenship: If a stateless person acquires another country's citizenship, their stateless status in Turkey ends.
• False Information and Public Security: The stateless person identity card is canceled if false information is provided during application or if they pose a serious public order or security threat.