27/07/2026
We have some good news regarding Istanbul’s residence permit sponsorship system.
Back in April, when Istanbul prohibited notarized sponsorship undertakings between individuals who were not related by blood or family ties, we believed the measure would create unnecessary hardship for many legitimate foreign residents. We therefore submitted formal applications to both the Turkish Ombudsman Institution (Kamu Denetçiliği Kurumu) and CİMER, explaining why the regulation should be reconsidered.
We’re now pleased to report that the ban has been lifted.
Following this development, our attorneys visited the Istanbul Provincial Directorate of Migration Management to confirm the new implementation and obtain detailed information about the revised requirements.
Our latest article explains who can now act as a sponsor, the new financial requirements, the address limitations introduced to prevent fraud, and the practical implications for residence permit applicants.
Read the full article here:
https://www.turkiyetoday.com/nation/istanbul-reopens-sponsorship-route-for-residence-permits-with-financial-safeguards-ad-3224729
Istanbul reinstates notarized residence permit sponsorships for non-family members under strict financial requirements and address-monitoring controls