How to Transfer the Kimlik from One Province to Another in Turkey: A Comprehensive Guide

Transferring the Kimlik in Turkey requires a thorough understanding of the requirements and steps involved to ensure a smooth transition between provinces. The Kimlik card, which serves as the primary identification for refugees under temporary protection, is usually tied to a specific province, but there may be situations that necessitate transferring it.

Whether you’re considering moving for work, better educational opportunities for your children, or any other reason, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know about transferring the Kimlik in Turkey.

We’ll cover in detail the necessary conditions for approval, the correct method to submit a transfer request through the Directorate General of Migration Management, and common inquiries related to this process.

What is the Kimlik Card?

The Kimlik card in Turkey, also known as the “Temporary Protection Card,” is issued to Syrian refugees and other individuals under temporary protection who are present on Turkish soil.

This card grants the right to temporary residence in Turkey and protects holders from forced deportation to Syria. It also allows access to public services such as education and healthcare and provides the right to work legally in Turkey.

The card is issued based on the registration of refugees with the Provincial Directorates of Migration Management in Turkish provinces.

Conditions for Transferring the Kimlik from One Province to Another in Turkey

Transferring the Kimlik from one province to another in Turkey for those under temporary protection requires meeting specific conditions in line with legal orders and government directives. Here are the key conditions:

1. Justifiable Legal Reason: There must be a valid legal reason for transferring the Kimlik, such as being accepted into a university located in another province.
2. Application via the Electronic System: A formal request for Kimlik transfer must be submitted through the Turkish Migration Management’s electronic system, accompanied by all supporting documents.
3. Submission of Supporting Documents: You must attach your university acceptance letter, personal identification, and any other documents that prove the necessity of the transfer.
4. Approval from the Directorate General of Migration Management: Approval from the Directorate General of Migration Management in the destination province is required. The application will be evaluated based on specific criteria, including security, social, and economic considerations.

This process requires coordination between several governmental bodies and adherence to legal procedures to ensure the legal and orderly transfer of the Kimlik.

Steps to Transfer the Kimlik from One Province to Another in Turkey

Transferring the Kimlik, especially to a city like Istanbul, involves specific and detailed procedures, particularly for those under temporary protection.

Here are the detailed steps:

1. University Acceptance: First, obtain acceptance from a university located in the province to which you wish to move. This involves applying to the university and paying the required fees.
2. Submit Documents: After initial acceptance by the university, send all necessary documents to a trusted university agent, such as Directly, which may include previous academic certificates and personal documents.
3. Pay Acceptance Fees: After receiving preliminary acceptance, pay the confirmation fees to secure a place in the academic program.
4. Obtain a Student Card: Upon completing university procedures and confirming acceptance, you will receive a student card or identification document like the “Student Certificate” or “Öğrenci Belgesi.”
5. Submit a Kimlik Transfer Request: Once you have the necessary documents, submit a Kimlik transfer request to the Migration Management of the target province. This requires scheduling an appointment and attaching all required documents.
6. Migration Procedures: On the appointment day, you must attend a session with Migration Management officials, where your request and submitted documents will be reviewed for accuracy before deciding on the transfer.
7. Approval and Transfer: If the transfer request is approved, you will receive an updated Kimlik reflecting your new status in the new province.

This process requires strict adherence to procedures and effective communication with both academic and government entities to ensure a smooth and legal transition.

When Can You Transfer the Kimlik from One Province to Another?

You can transfer your Kimlik from one province to another in Turkey if there are legitimate reasons acceptable to Turkish authorities.

These reasons may include getting a job in another province, acceptance into an educational institution, medical reasons that require treatment in a particular province, or family reunification.

You must submit an official application to the Directorate of Migration Management with all supporting documents that justify the need for the transfer, and it can either be accepted or rejected.

How to Transfer the Kimlik to Istanbul?

Transferring the Kimlik to Istanbul requires following specific steps according to Turkish laws related to foreigners and temporary protection. Here’s how:

1. Check Eligibility: Ensure you meet one of the conditions for transferring the Kimlik, such as documented employment in Istanbul, acceptance into a higher education institution, medical reasons, or family reunification.
2. Submit the Application: Apply for the Kimlik transfer through the Turkish Migration Management’s online portal, attaching all supporting documents for the stated reasons.
3. Schedule an Appointment: Book an appointment at the Istanbul Directorate of Migration to submit the request in person. Ensure you have all the necessary documents.
4. Review and Approval: Your application will be reviewed by the Istanbul Directorate General of Migration Management. The decision will depend on the specific conditions and population availability in the city.
5. Receive the New Kimlik: If approved, you will receive a new Kimlik indicating Istanbul as your new place of residence.

Note that Istanbul has strict population controls for foreigners, and not all transfer requests may be approved due to these restrictions.

How to Obtain a Kimlik Transfer Permit via e-Devlet?

You cannot obtain a Kimlik transfer permit directly from e-Devlet; however, you can obtain a travel permit or “Yol İzni” because you cannot travel to another province without obtaining this permit first.

To get a travel permit through the e-Devlet platform in Turkey, especially for those under temporary protection or refugees, follow these steps:

1. Log in to e-Devlet: Start by logging into your e-Devlet account using your personal information, such as your Turkish National Identification Number (T.C. Kimlik Numarası) and password.
2. Navigate to Migration Management Services: Go to the services related to Migration Management and search for the travel permit or “Yol İzni” option.
3. Fill Out the Application: Complete the online application, providing all the required information and supporting documents. Usually, you will need to provide a student document or any other official document justifying the travel.
4. Submit the Application: After ensuring all information is correct and documents are complete, submit the application via the platform.
5. Wait for Approval: Once submitted, your application will be reviewed by the relevant authorities. You will receive a notification via e-Devlet or email regarding the approval or rejection.
6. Receive the Permit: If approved, the travel permit will be issued, and you can receive it electronically or by visiting the local Directorate of Migration.

How to Book an Appointment for Kimlik Transfer in Turkey?

To book an appointment for transferring the Kimlik in Turkey, you must go to the Directorate of Migration in your province in person, or you can register online by following these steps:

1. Visit the Website: Go to the official website of the Turkish Directorate of Migration Management (Göç İdaresi Genel Müdürlüğü).
2. Log in: Use your login credentials on the e-Devlet platform to access your account or create a new account if you don’t have one.
3. Search for the Kimlik Transfer Service: In the services section, look for the option related to Kimlik transfer or “Yabancılar İçin İl Değişikliği” (Province Change for Foreigners).
4. Fill Out the Required Information: Enter all the necessary details for the request, including the reason for the transfer and supporting documents.
5. Choose the Appointment Date: Select an available date and time to visit the Migration Office to submit your application in person.
6. Confirm the Request: Review the information and confirm the appointment. You will receive a confirmation via email or SMS.
7. Attend the Appointment: Ensure you attend the appointment on the specified date and time with all the required documents.

By following these steps, you can effectively and legally manage the Kimlik transfer process.

Link to Book a Kimlik Transfer Appointment in Istanbul

To book an appointment for transferring the Kimlik in Istanbul, follow these steps:

1. Visit the Turkish Migration Management Website: Go to the official Turkish Migration Management website here.
2. Register or Log in to Your Account: If you already have an account, log in; otherwise, you will need to create a new one.
3. Select the Required Service: From the main menu, choose the option “Kimlik Transfer” or “Yabancılar İçin İl Değişikliği”.
4. Fill Out the Application Details: Enter all the necessary information for the Kimlik transfer request, including the required documents.
5. Schedule and Confirm the Appointment: Choose an available appointment date and confirm it according to the instructions on the website.
6. Print the Appointment Confirmation: After confirmation, print the appointment details or save them on your device for use on the appointment day.

These steps will ensure you book an appointment for Kimlik transfer in Istanbul properly and systematically.

How to Convert the Kimlik to a Residence Permit?

To convert the Kimlik to a residence permit in Turkey, follow these steps according to official Turkish regulations:

1. Verify Residence Permit Requirements: Ensure that you meet the basic requirements for conversion, such as legally entering Turkey with a valid passport and holding a Kimlik card under temporary protection status.
2. Register Online: Complete the application for a residence permit online through the e-ikamet system on the website of the Directorate General of Migration Management.
3. Choose the Appropriate Residence Permit Type: Select the residence permit type that applies to your situation, such as family reunification, education, or humanitarian reasons.
4. Submit Required Documents: Submit all required documents in person to the Directorate General of Migration Management in the province where you want to apply.
5. Pay the Fees: Pay the necessary fees for the residence permit application. Ensure you receive confirmation of payment.
6. Attend the Interview and Follow-up Procedures: You may need to attend an interview with a representative from the Directorate of Migration Management, so prepare all required documents.
7. Receive the Residence Permit Card: Once the application is approved, the residence permit card will be issued and sent to your registered address in Turkey.

Following these steps will help you successfully convert the Kimlik to a residence permit, which may provide you with additional rights and benefits in Turkey.

Read also: Student Residence Conditions and Benefits in Turkey: Costs and Steps 2024

Provinces Where Kimlik Transfer or Travel is Restricted

There are no provinces where travel or transfer of the Kimlik is entirely prohibited; however, travel between Turkish provinces is allowed for individuals holding the Kimlik document, but there are certain regulations governing this, especially if the purpose is to permanently relocate or change the residence on the Kimlik. Here are the specific conditions for these processes:

Temporary Travel: Kimlik holders are permitted to travel for specific purposes such as medical treatment, visiting relatives, or matters related to university studies. For this type of travel, the person must present official documents proving the purpose of the visit.

Permanent Kimlik Transfer: To transfer the Kimlik to another province permanently, certain conditions must be met. For example, the individual must have been accepted into a university in the new province, which justifies the need to transfer the Kimlik for educational purposes.

Submitting a Kimlik Transfer Application: When a transfer is needed, the person must submit an official application along with all supporting documents to the relevant authorities. This application should include the university acceptance letter and any other documents that prove the individual’s enrollment in the educational institution.

Transfer Criteria: Transfer requests are evaluated according to specific criteria that ensure compliance with existing laws and the individual’s needs.

This process requires careful organization and the precise submission of documents to ensure all legal requirements for travel or permanent Kimlik transfer are met.

Turkish Provinces That Grant the Kimlik

The Kimlik is granted in all Turkish provinces, provided that the documents submitted are official and approved according to the applicable legal procedures.

Can a Kimlik Holder Travel Outside of Turkey?

Yes, a Kimlik holder is allowed to travel outside Turkey, provided they obtain an external travel permit.

This permit is granted based on necessity and conditions set by Turkish authorities and is usually for a limited duration, often not exceeding 15 days. To apply for a travel permit, a valid flight reservation must be provided.

How Directly Assists in Transferring Kimlik Between Provinces in Turkey

Directly helps with transferring Kimlik from one province to another in Turkey by:

• Preparing the necessary documents.
• Assisting students in obtaining university enrollment at discounted and symbolic prices, specifically for Kimlik holders.

Conclusion

In this comprehensive guide, we have covered many important aspects related to transferring the Kimlik and the conditions for travel for Kimlik holders in Turkey.

From the conditions for transferring the Kimlik between different provinces to how to convert the Kimlik to a residence permit, as well as the rules for traveling outside Turkey for Kimlik holders.

We also discussed how Directly facilitates the Kimlik transfer process for students holding this document, helping make their lives easier and achieve their educational and professional goals in Turkey.

Finally, it is essential to adhere to local laws and procedures and ensure that official documents are valid and up-to-date to guarantee smooth movement and transfer for Kimlik holders within and outside Turkey.

Feel free to contact us directly via WhatsApp here! We are the authorized representative for over 45 universities in Turkey and can assist you with everything you need.

We wish you success on your journey!