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How to Obtain a Residence Permit for Treatment Purposes? Conditions for Foreign Patients and Companions to Receive Treatment in Türkiye Law No. 6458 on Foreigners and International Protection Articles 31, Article 32, Article 34 were prepared based on the legislation in force as of 2026 and official sources dated October 2026.
Short-term residence permit may be granted to foreigners who will receive treatment, provided that they do not have one of the diseases that are considered a threat to public health (Law No. 6458, Art. 31/1-f). Short-term residence permit can be granted for a maximum of two years at a time (Art. 31/2). Conditions such as documents regarding treatment, accommodation and address information, and criminal record are included in the application. Since the documents requested in practice may change, the current list should be obtained from the provincial immigration administration.
What is a Residence Permit for Treatment Purposes?
Türkiye may grant short-term residence permits to foreign patients who come to receive healthcare services. This permit is important for treatment processes that will exceed the normal tourist entry period. For example, a cancer treatment or post-operative rehabilitation that will last several months may not fit into the visa period. In this case, a residence permit for treatment purposes allows the patient to stay in the country legally.
What are the Terms?
General conditions for short-term residence permit are listed in Article 32 of Law No. 6458:
To assert one of the justifications in Article 31 of the Law and to present relevant information and documents. This justification for treatment is Article 31/1-f.
Not falling within the scope of Article 7 of the law (entry ban or some security reasons).
To have housing conditions that comply with general health and safety standards.
If requested, to submit a criminal record issued by the competent authorities of the country of which he/she is a citizen or legally resides.
To provide address information where he/she will stay in Türkiye.
There is another limitation in the law's justification for treatment: The patient must not have a disease that is considered a threat to public health.
What Documents May Be Requested?
The text of the law does not count documents one by one. In practice, documents such as a hospital registration document regarding the treatment, a letter from the doctor or chief physician showing the duration of treatment, a document showing that the treatment expenses will be covered, a passport, photo, housing document and fee payment may be requested. Apostille and certified Turkish translation may be required for documents issued abroad. Since the document list can be updated in the application, it must be confirmed by the provincial immigration administration before application.
What to Do for a Companion?
There is no separate type of residence in the law for the person who will accompany the patient. The companion's condition is evaluated according to his/her relationship with the patient. If the patient is a spouse or child, the possibility of a family residence permit is examined within the scope of Article 34 of Law No. 6458. This permit is subject to the sponsor having a residence permit. In cases where the patient is not in this situation or will be accompanied by another relative, an application for a short-term residence permit may be considered. Health agreements with some states may differentiate the conditions of stay. In each case, a separate examination should be made depending on the country of the patient and the companion.
How Long Does Permission Last and What to Do in Case of Rejection?
Short-term residence permit can be granted for a maximum of two years at a time (Art. 31/2). The duration of the treatment permit can be related to the treatment duration prescribed by the physician. Application for leave extension must be made before the deadline expires. If the application is rejected, the law provides for a special procedure regarding judicial remedies against rejection decisions: If the file is deemed to have been completed with the submission of a defense or the expiration of the defense period, and if notification cannot be made to the address indicated by the plaintiff, the period in Article 26/3 of the IYUK is applied as two months (Art. 31/7). The period for filing a lawsuit in the administrative court is generally sixty days from the notification. Deadlines should not be missed.
General conditions Presenting documents, not being within the scope of Article 7, suitable accommodation, address (Article 32)
Companion There are no separate permission types; family or short-term leave is considered
Event Summary Form: Fictional example: A foreign patient living abroad will receive long-term treatment in Istanbul. Visa duration is insufficient for treatment. The patient will be accompanied by his wife. Process: The lawyer reviews the patient's treatment documents, anticipated treatment duration, and housing situation. The possibilities of a short-term residence permit for the patient and a family residence permit or separate short-term permit for the spouse are being evaluated. Result: If the documents are prepared completely, the application progresses. If a rejection decision is made, action will be taken within the lawsuit period. The nature of the illness may affect the outcome of the leave.
Does a foreigner coming for treatment have to obtain a residence permit?
It is not necessary if you will stay within the visa or exemption period. If the period will be exceeded, a residence permit is required.
Which diseases are not allowed?
The law states that permits may be granted to those who do not have diseases that are considered a threat to public health. Which diseases are within this scope are evaluated according to the relevant legislation.
What is the maximum number of years for which permission is given?
Short-term residence permit can be granted for a maximum of two years at a time.
Can a companion also get a residence permit?
There is no separate permit type for companions. Family or short-term residence permit is evaluated depending on the relationship with the patient.
Is it possible to work with treatment leave?
Residence permit alone does not create the right to work. Work permit conditions in the law are also required for work.
What to do if the application is rejected?
A lawsuit can be filed in the administrative court against the rejection decision. The general period for filing a lawsuit is sixty days from notification.
Making the application after the visa expires.
Submitting incomplete or untranslated documents showing the treatment process.
Not researching the correct type of permission for the companion.
Not applying for a permit extension before the deadline expires.
Missing the deadline to file a lawsuit against a rejection decision.
The last thing a patient needs during treatment is uncertainty about the length of stay. The correct type of permission and complete documentation layout increases the safety of the process for both the patient and the companion. Küheylan Law Firm provides legal support to foreigners who will receive treatment in Türkiye, in their short-term residence permit applications, in the planning of companion status, and in the litigation process against rejection decisions.
Important Legal Notice: The legal explanations contained in this guide have been prepared by Küheylan Law Firm for general information purposes and do not constitute legal advice. The unique conditions of each file may change the outcome. In order not to miss the application, objection and lawsuit deadlines, it is recommended to get legal support from a lawyer before the process begins. © 2026 Küheylan Law Firm. All rights reserved.
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