Turkish Law

All artists  need to protect their intellectual property, i.e., their compositions, sound recordings, album cover art work, writings and band logos and their properties.

Copyright Laws are the building blocks upon which intellectual property rights are created and it is from these property rights that musicians, composers, artists and authors derive their income. Thus, it is important for these individuals to become familiar with basic copyright concepts to protect their art. To obtain a basic understanding of the copyright process and copyright laws, musicians, composers, artists and authors may want to explore  and answers many basic copyright issues and questions.

Composer/musicians should promptly obtain copyright registration for all original compositions. Information about copyright registration, and registration forms  may be obtained from the TurkishCopyright Office.www.telifhaklari.gov.tr

In our country , you can registered your properties this organizations.

Scientific and Literature
EDİSAM - Edebiyat ve İlim Eseri Sahipleri Meslek Birliği

BESAM - Bilim ve Edebiyat Eseri Sahipleri Meslek Birliği

İLESAM - Türkiye İlim ve Edebiyat Eseri Sahipleri Meslek Birliği

BİYEM - Bilişim ve Yazılım Meslek Birliği

BİYESAM - Yazılım Eserleri Meslek Birliği


Music
MESAM - Türkiye Musiki Eseri Sahipleri Meslek Birliği

MSG - Müzik Eseri Sahipleri Grubu Meslek Birliği


Plastic Arts

GESAM - Türkiye Güzel Sanat Eseri Sahipleri Meslek Birliği

Cinema and TV


SESAM - Türkiye Sinema Eseri Sahipleri Meslek Birliği

SETEM - Sinema ve Televizyon Eseri Sahipleri Meslek Birliği

SİNEBİR - Sinema Eseri Sahipleri Meslek Birliği

BSB - Sinema Eseri Sahipleri Meslek Birliği


Translation

ÇEVBİR - Kitap Çevirmenleri Meslek Birliği


 

Visa Fees at Border Gates for 2007 (For Ordinary Passport Holders Only)

States          Visa Duration and Fee

1. USA (All Passport Types)    3 Months   20 $ - 15 Euro
2. Albania          2 Months    15 $ - 10 Euro
3. Australia       3 Months    20 $ - 15 Euro
4. Austria          3 Months    20 $ - 15 Euro
5. Azerbaijan       2 Months    12 $ - 10 Euro
6. Bahrain          1 Month    15 $ - 10 Euro
7. Belarus          2 Months    20 $ - 15 Euro
8. Belgium       3 Months    15 $ - 10 Euro
9. Armenia       1 Month    15 $ - 10 Euro
10. Estonia       1 Month    15 $ - 10 Euro
11. Greek Cypriot Adm.    1 Month    15 $ - 10 Euro
12. Netherlands       3 Months    15 $ - 10 Euro
13. Hong Kong (BNO)      3 Months    20 $ - 15 Euro
14. United Kingdom       3 Months    20 $ - 15 Euro - 10 £
15. Ireland       3 Months    15 $ - 10 Euro
16. Spain          3 Months    15 $ - 10 Euro

17. Canada       3 Months    60 $ - 45 Euro
18. Lithuania       1 Month    15 $ - 10 Euro
19. Hungary       1 Month    30 $ - 20 Euro
20. Moldova       1 Month    15 $ - 10 Euro
21. Norway       1 Month    30 $ - 20 Euro
22. Poland       1 Month    15 $ - 10 Euro
23. Portugal       3 Months    15 $ - 10 Euro
24. Romania       1 Month    12 $ - 10 Euro
25. Russian Fed.       2 Months    20 $ - 15 Euro
26. Serbia and Montenegro    1 Month    15 $ - 10 Euro
27. Slovakia       1 Month    15 $ - 10 Euro
28. Slovenia       3 Months    20 $ - 15 Euro
29. Tajikistan       1 Month    15 $ - 10 Euro
30. Turkmenistan       1 Month    15 $ - 10 Euro
31. Ukraine       2 Months    20 $ - 15 Euro
32. Jordan          1 Month    30 $ - 20 Euro
33. Malta         3 Months   Gratis
34. Oman         3 Months   20 $ - 15 Euro
35. UAE (*)      3 Months   20 $ - 15 Euro
36. Qatar (*)      3 Months   20 $ - 15 Euro
37. Kuwait (*)      3 Months   20 $ - 15 Euro
38. Saudi Arabia (*)      3 Months   20 $ - 15 Euro
39. Antigua - Barbuda       3 Months    20 $ - 15 Euro
40. Bahamas       3 Months    20 $ - 15 Euro
41. Barbados       3 Months    20 $ - 15 Euro
42. Dominica       3 Months    20 $ - 15 Euro
43. Dominican Republic    3 Months    20 $ - 15 Euro
44. Grenada       3 Months    20 $ - 15 Euro
45. Haiti          3 Months   20 $ - 15 Euro
46. Jamaica       3 Months    20 $ - 15 Euro
47. Maldives       3 Months    20 $ - 15 Euro
48. St. Christopher Nevis   3 Months    20 $ - 15 Euro
49. St. Lucia       3 Months    20 $ - 15 Euro
50. St. Vincent and the
     Grenadines      3 Months    20 $ - 15 Euro

"157"

TOLL FREE, TIP OFF NUMBER/EMERGENCY HELPLINE FOR THE VICTIMS OF TRAFFICKING

24 HOURS A DAY, 7 DAYS OF WEEK

ACCESSIBLE THROUGHOUT TURKEY

INCLUDING MOBILE PHONES

OPERATIONAL SOON





A SHELTER IN ISTANBUL HAS BEEN ESTABLISHED FOR THE VICTIMS OF TRAFFICKING

VICTIMS CAN BENEFIT FROM THIS SERVICE

FREE OF CHARGE

 Applying  For Turkish Nationality

According to Turkish Nationality Act (numbered 403), a foreigner should meet the following requirements in order to apply for Turkish nationality.

    *

      S/he should be at the age of consent according to his/her national law (if s/he is not a citizen of any country, Turkish law is taken into consideration which requires 18 years old as the age of consent).
    *

      S/he should reside in Turkey for the last five years and should have the intention of settling in Turkey (This condition may not be applicable to those who are married to a Turkish national or those with Turkish origin).
    *

      S/he should be in good health.
    *

      S/he should shave an adequate command of  Turkish.
    *

      S/he should have enough financial resources to support himself/herself and his/her family in Turkey.
    *

       Application can be made through our Consular Section or the local Governor's office in Turkey with the following documents.   




   



    *

      A document revealing the present nationality of the applicant, i.e. passport or birth certificate.
    *

      If married to a Turkish national, the official documents confirming the identities and family ties of the spouse and the under aged children.
    *

      Certification of applicant's ability to speak Turkish (a certificate will be issued by our Consular Section   upon a successful interview of the applicant).
    *

      A medical certificate confirming the applicant's good health and being free from any infectious diseases that may endanger the public health (this certificate can be obtained from the local GP or family doctor).
    *

      4 photographs
    *

      Completed application forms which can be obtained from our Consular Section
    *

      Certification and translation fees.
    *

      Completed dossiers are transferred to the Ministry of Interior of the Republic of Turkey, which in turn will consider and process the applications on their merits. The applicants will be informed of the outcome by this Consulate in due course.

INFORMATION ABOUT TURKISH VISAS AND WORK/RESIDENCE PERMITS

Visa is a form affixed into the passports to prove that the holder of the passport meets the requirements for admission into the issuing country.

There are two types of visas in the Turkish practice:

1) Entry visa (single entry, multiple entry and entry with special annotations)

2) Transit visa (single and double transit)

Single entry visa is valid for one year and allows its holder, depending on the nationality and passport type, to stay in Turkey up to three months and to visit the country only one time.

Multiple entry visa is valid for up to five years and allows its holder to make multiple visits and, depending on the nationality and passport type he/she can stay one to three months each time he/she enters into Turkey.

Transit visa is valid for up to three months and allows the person to travel to another country through transiting the Turkish territory.

If the connecting flight to the third country does not require an overnight stay in Turkey, then no visa is necessary. In other words, Turkey does not issue Airport Transit Visa (ATV).

The passengers of cruise ships are allowed to enter and stay overnight in the port cities of Turkey upon the permission given by local border police authorities. These passengers are not required to obtain an entry visa to Turkey.


What are the requirements for entry visa applications?

As a general rule, the applicant must apply in person particularly when the visa application is lodged for the first time. Visa applications may also be received by mail in exceptional cases, especially in geographically large countries and when the applicant is well known by the Turkish Embassy/Consulate where the application is lodged.

The applicant is required to submit the following documents while applying in person:

    *

      Valid travel document (passport) (It should be valid at least three months longer than the expiry date of the requested visa),
    * Completed visa application form,
    *

      One passport size photograph of the applicant (It should be affixed on the top left side of the visa application form),
    *

      Documents supporting the purpose and the conditions of the planned visit (e.g. letter of invitation, travel itinerary, round trip ticket, hotel reservation with payment guarantee etc.),
    *

      Guarantees regarding means of subsistence,
    *

      Non-refundable visa processing fee (the amount differs depending on the nationality and visa type),
    *

      If the person applies from a country other than his/her homeland, then he/she should also submit his/her valid residence permit or any document that proves he/she legally stays in that country.
    *

      If the person applies for a business visa, an invitation letter from the counterpart company is also required in addition to the above mentioned documents.

Note: Please be informed that the requested documents may vary according to the local conditions where the Turkish Embassy/Consulate is based.

Note: If the relevant Turkish Embassy/Consulate exceptionally receives the visa applications by mail or by courier service, the applicant must send the above mentioned documents and also a pre-paid or self-stamped return envelope (DHL, Fed Ex, Express, UPS, or some sort of insured/certified mail is highly recommended, since the original passport will be returned inside that envelope). Please contact with the nearest Turkish Embassy/Consulate to learn whether they receive the applications by mail or not.



If the person prefers to obtain the entry visa at a Turkish border gate (please first go to Step 3 above and check of which countries nationals may obtain their visas at the Turkish border gates), then he/she will be required to have the following documents:

    *

      Valid travel document (passport) (It should be valid at least three months longer than the expiry date of the visa requested.)
    *

      Non-refundable visa processing fee (the amount differs depending on the nationality and visa type)

Note: Please be informed that any other documents which are relevant to the applicant's visit/stay in Turkey can be requested by the Turkish border officials and also note that only tourist visas may be issued at the Turkish border gates.



What are the requirements for holders of travel documents?

Holders of travel documents, such as alien's passport and refugee travel document, are required to have a consular visa to enter into Turkey. They are strongly recommended to apply to the nearest Turkish Embassy/Consulate for the visa at least 6 weeks in advance, since their application is subject to the approval of the Ministry of Interior of Turkey.

It is also recommended that applicants with travel documents should not finalize their travel plans and arrangements until they are notified about the result of their visa applications.

The applicant is required to submit the following documents while applying in person:

    *

       Valid travel document (such as alien's passport or refugee travel document) (It should be valid at least three months longer than the expiry date of the requested visa),
    * Completed visa application form,
    *

      One passport size photograph of the applicant (It should be affixed on the top left side of the visa application form),
    *

      Documents supporting the purpose and the conditions of the planned visit (e.g. letter of invitation, travel itinerary, round trip ticket, hotel reservation with payment guarantee etc.),
    *

      Guarantees regarding means of subsistence,
    *

      Non-refundable visa processing fee (the amount differs depending on the nationality and visa type),
    *

      Valid residence permit or any document that proves the applicant legally stays in that country where the Turkish mission is based.
    *

      If the person applies for a business visa, an invitation letter from the counterpart company is also required in addition to the above mentioned documents.

Note: Please be informed that the requested documents may vary according to the local conditions where the Turkish Embassy/Consulate is based.

Note: If the relevant Turkish Embassy/Consulate exceptionally receives the visa applications by mail or by courier service, the applicant must send the above mentioned documents and also a pre-paid or self-stamped return envelope (DHL, Fed Ex, Express, UPS, or some sort of insured/certified mail is highly recommended, since the original passport will be returned inside that envelope). Please contact with the nearest Turkish Embassy/Consulate to learn whether they receive the applications by mail or not.

Note: Please be informed that the holders of travel documents cannot obtain their visas at the Turkish border gates. They should have a consular visa.



B- Transit Visas

1. Single transit visa; entitles one entry, within three months at most.  Duration of stay cannot exceed thirty days.

2. Double transit visa; entitles two entries within three months. Duration of stay for each entry cannot exceed thirty days.



What are the requirements for transit visa applications?

The same documents, stated as for the tourist visa applications, are required for the transit visa applications. Please contact with the nearest Turkish Embassy/Consulate for more information.

Note: If the relevant Turkish Embassy/Consulate exceptionally receives the visa applications by mail or by courier service, the applicant must send the above mentioned documents and also a pre-paid or self-stamped return envelope (DHL, Fed Ex, Express, UPS, or some sort of insured/certified mail is highly recommended, since the original passport will be returned inside that envelope). Please contact with the nearest Turkish Embassy/Consulate to learn whether they receive the applications by mail or not.

Note: Passengers who will have to wait at the Turkish International Airports for their next connecting flights are not required to have an "Airport Transit Visa (ATV)". However, should those passengers wish to take a tour at the city or stay over, they have to either obtain their transit visas at the Turkish Embassies/Consulates in advance or they should ask for a "permission document" from the Turkish border security officials upon their arrival. Please be informed that the Turkish border security officials have the authority to grant or deny permission.

 

C- Entry visas with special annotations (Work, Education and Research Visas)

Foreigners who intend to work, study or conduct an academic or a scientific research in Turkey are obliged to obtain their visas at the Turkish Embassies/Consulates prior to their arrival.



1. Work Visa

Work visa is given to the work permit holders and is issued for single entry.

The person can only apply for a work visa after he/she has signed a work contract with a Turkish employer and has applied for a work permit to the Ministy of  Labor and Social Security (MLSS) of the Republic of Turkey.

- Application for Work Permit inside Turkey

Foreigners who have already been granted residence permits in Turkey which is valid for at least six months (for any reason, except education and training) may apply for work permits to the Ministry of Labor and Social Security.

- Application for Work Permit from Abroad

Foreigners may submit their application forms for work permits through Turkish Embassies/Consulates. Work permits are generally valid for one year.

Please click here to visit the homepage of the Ministry of Labor and Social Security for detailed information concerning the work permits for foreigners.



What are the requirements for work visa applications?

First Step:

In the first step, the applicant should submit the following documents to the nearest Turkish Embassy/Consulate in person to apply for a work permit and work visa.

    *

      Valid travel document (passport) (It should be valid at least three months longer than the expiry date of the requested work visa),
    * Completed work visa application form,
    *

      One passport size photograph of the applicant (It should be affixed on the top left side of the visa application form),
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      One copy of the work contract,
    *

      If the person applies from a country other than his/her homeland, then he/she should also submit his/her valid residence permit or any document that proves he/she legally stays in that country.

The issue of work permit by the Ministry of Labor and Social Security may take 6-8 weeks after the application has been lodged. Once the application is approved, the applicant will be informed about the outcome through e-mail or phone. When the work permit is issued and work visa application is approved by the Ministry of Labor and Social Security, the applicant must submit the following documents in person to the Turkish Embassy/Consulate where he/she has lodged the work permit application.

Second Step:

    *

      Valid travel document (passport) (It should be valid at least three months longer than the expiry date of the requested work visa),
    *

      Non-refundable work visa processing fee (the amount may differ depending on the nationality),
    *

      Non-refundable work permit processing fee

Note: If the relevant Turkish Embassy/Consulate receives the visa applications by mail or by courier service in exceptional cases, the applicant must send the above mentioned documents and also a pre-paid or self-stamped return envelope (DHL, Fed Ex, Express, UPS, or some sort of insured/certified mail is highly recommended, as the original travel document will be sent inside the return envelope). Please contact with the nearest Turkish Embassy/Consulate to learn whether they receive the applications by mail or not.

Work visa and work permit holders must apply to the Alien's Branch of Local Police Department (Emniyet Mudurlugu Yabancilar Subesi) within 30 days upon their arrival at Turkey to obtain a residence permit. Once the person is granted with the residence permit, he/she can enter into Turkey multiple times as long as his/her residence permit is valid and thus he/she does not need a visa for entry into Turkey. If the extension of the residence permit is required, the extension or renewal should be made timely before the expiry date. The person is recommended to have the validity of the residence permit extended before leaving Turkey, if the validity of residence permit is to expire or has already expired.



2. Academics desiring to work at a university in Turkey

University instructors are exempt from work permit. Thus, they can set aside the first step described above and directly apply for a work visa to the nearest Turkish Embassy/Consulate. However, a letter of permission from Turkish Higher Education Board (YÖK) is necessary. In addition to this letter, they are requested to submit the following documents for work visa application.

    *

      Valid travel document (passport) (It should be valid at least three months longer than the expiry date of the requested work visa),
    * Completed work visa application form,
    *

      One passport size photograph of the applicant (It should be affixed on the top left side of the visa application form),
    *

      Letter of permission from Turkish Higher Education Board,
    *

      Non-refundable work visa processing fee (the amount may differ depending on the nationality),
    *

      If the person applies from a country other than his/her homeland, then he/she should also submit his/her valid residence permit or any document that proves he/she legally stays in that country.

Note: If the relevant Turkish Embassy/Consulate receives the visa applications by mail or by courier service in exceptional cases, the applicant must send the above mentioned documents and also a pre-paid or self-stamped return envelope (DHL, Fed Ex, Express, UPS, or some sort of insured/certified mail is highly recommended, as the original travel document will be sent inside the return envelope). Please contact with the nearest Turkish Embassy/Consulate to learn whether they receive the applications by mail or not.

Academics must also apply to the Alien's Branch of Local Police Department (Emniyet Mudurlugu Yabancilar Subesi) within 30 days upon their arrival at Turkey to obtain a residence permit. Once the person is granted with the residence permit, he/she can enter into Turkey multiple times as long as his/her residence permit is valid and thus he/she does not need a visa for entry into Turkey. If the extension of the residence permit is required, the extension or renewal should be made timely before the expiry date. The person is recommended to have the validity of the residence permit extended before leaving Turkey, if the validity of residence permit is to expire or has already expired.

 

3. Education Visas

Foreigners may apply for education visa only after they have enrolled in a Turkish university, school or a language course certified by the Ministry of Education. Education visa is generally valid for one year for single entry. The person concerned should apply to the nearest Turkish Embassy/Consulate in person with the following documents.

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      Valid travel document (passport) (It should be valid at least three months longer than the expiry date of the requested education visa),
    * Completed education visa application form,
    *

      One passport size photograph of the applicant (It should be affixed on the top left side of the visa application form),
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      An official acceptance letter from the Turkish university, school or a language course certified by the Ministry of Education,
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      Non-refundable education visa processing fee (the amount may differ depending on the nationality),
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      If the person applies from a country other than his/her homeland, then he/she should also submit his/her valid residence permit or any document that proves he/she legally stays in that country.

Note: If the relevant Turkish Embassy/Consulate receives the visa applications by mail or by courier service in exceptional cases, the applicant must send the above mentioned documents and also a pre-paid or self-stamped return envelope (DHL, Fed Ex, Express, UPS, or some sort of insured/certified mail is highly recommended, as the original travel document will be sent inside the return envelope). Please contact with the nearest Turkish Embassy/Consulate to learn whether they receive the applications by mail or not.

This visa will allow the bearer to enter into Turkey and apply for a residence permit. Education visa holders must apply to the Alien's Branch of Local Police Department (Emniyet Mudurlugu Yabancilar Subesi) within 30 days upon their arrival at Turkey to obtain a residence permit. Once the person is granted with the residence permit, he/she can enter into Turkey multiple times as long as his/her residence permit is valid and thus he/she does not need a visa for entry into Turkey. If the extension of the residence permit is required, the extension or renewal should be made timely before the expiry date. The person is recommended to have the validity of the residence permit extended before leaving Turkey, if the validity of residence permit is to expire or has already expired.



4. Research Visas

Researchers who plan to carry out archeological excavation and/or survey in Turkey

Researchers who plan to carry out archeological excavation and/or survey and underwater archeology research are requested to send their application forms (please be informed that hand written application forms are not preferred) to the Turkish Embassies/Consulates before December 1 of each year. There is no such deadline for cadastral registers research/survey applicants.

If research requires teamwork, the team leader should fill out the Research Application Form entirely. Each member of the team should also read and answer the all questions in the application form. The passport size pictures of the team members should be affixed at the top right corner of the application form. The team leader is responsible for collecting each team member's application (please click here for application) and submitting the seven (7) copies with seven (7) passport size photos for each member (Please glue the pictures on the upper right corner of the first page, do not staple). The applicants are responsible for the mailing cost of their applications to Turkey. Therefore, they are kindly requested to attach the prepaid express mail envelope to mail the seven (7) copies of the application to Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Turkey.

All properly completed applications are processed as soon as possible and forwarded to Turkey to be reviewed. The Turkish Embassy/Consulate will inform the applicant/team leader about the result of the application via mail or e-mail.

When the research visa is approved,  the person will need to visit the Turkish Embassy/Consulate in person with the following documents to obtain the research visa before travelling to Turkey.

    *

      Valid travel document (passport) (It should be valid at least three months longer than the expiry date of the requested education visa),
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      A letter mentioning the name of the team leader, travel date, research date and the name of the excavation.
    *

      Non-refundable visa processing fee (the amount may differ depending on the nationality),
    *

      If the person applies from a country other than his/her homeland, then he/she should also submit his/her valid residence permit or any document that proves he/she legally stays in that country.

Note: If the relevant Turkish Embassy/Consulate receives the visa applications by mail or by courier service in exceptional cases, the applicant must send the above mentioned documents and also a pre-paid or self-stamped return envelope (DHL, Fed Ex, Express, UPS, or some sort of insured/certified mail is highly recommended, as the original travel document will be sent inside the return envelope). Please contact with the nearest Turkish Embassy/Consulate to learn whether they receive the applications by mail or not.

All researchers must apply to the Alien's Branch of Local Police Department (Emniyet Mudurlugu Yabancilar Subesi) in the city, where they will be conducting the research, within 30 days upon their arrival at Turkey to obtain a residence permit.

For further information, please click here to visit the homepage of American Research Institute in Turkey and read the information under the title of "Turkish Research Permit Procedures".

 

Library and Museum Researchers

Nationals of countries who are exempt from visa requirement, are also exempt from this type of research visa as well. Otherwise, as a general rule, library and museum researchers should obtain research visa from the Turkish Embassies/Consulates in advance before their arrival at Turkey. In this case, they are required to submit the letter of consent written by the Turkish institution that allows the applicant's research in Turkey. This letter of consent will be provided to the applicant by the Turkish Institution after he/she submits the research application to that office.

For obtaining a letter of consent; please send a letter explaining your project details and accompanying documents to the below address (The Turkish Ministry of Culture and Tourism) by mail (preferred) or fax. (A letter written in Turkish will expedite the process.)

T.C. Kültür ve Turizm Bakanlığı

Kültür Varlıkları ve Müzeler Genel Müdürlüğü

2. Meclis Binası Yanı

Ulus, 06543, Ankara, TURKEY

Phone:(+90 312) 310 49 60

Fax:(+90 312) 311 66 03

e-mail: kulturvarlikmuze@kulturturizm.gov.tr

Applications through e-mail are not acceptable.

The applicant may apply from abroad or in Turkey. Please be advised that processing the application may take some time and it may be worth allowing several weeks to obtain the permit. If the applicant plans to utilize from a library in a museum, he/she may apply directly to the museum director.

For further information, please click here to visit the homepage of American Research Institute in Turkey.

 

Visa Application Process for Filming and Photographing

The Turkish Embassies/Consulates do not accept any filming and photographing permission applications. All completed pemission application forms should be mailed directly to the below address by the applicants.

T.C. Kültür ve Turizm Bakanlığı

Telif Hakları ve Sinema Genel Müdürlüğü

Eski Adliye Binası Kat:3

Ulus, 06330, Ankara, TURKEY

Tel: (+90 312) 310 08 11 – 310 00 26 – 310 01 42

Fax: (+90 312) 310 00 63

e-Mail:telifhaklari_sinema@kulturturizm.gov.tr

Please click here to reach the homepage of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism in order to download the application form for filming and photographing.

When the applicant receives filming and photographing permission from the Ministry of Culture and Tourism he/she can apply to the nearest Turkish Embassy/Consulate to receive the filming and photographing visa with the following documents.

    *

      Valid travel document (passport) (It should be valid at least three months longer than the expiry date of the requested education visa),
    * Completed visa application form,
    *

      One passport size photograph of the applicant (It should be affixed on the top left side of the visa application form),
    *

      The copy of the filming permission letter,
    *

      Non-refundable education visa processing fee (the amount may differ depending on the nationality),
    *

      If the person applies from a country other than his/her homeland, then he/she should also submit his/her valid residence permit or any document that proves he/she legally stays in that country.

Note: If the relevant Turkish Embassy/Consulate receives the visa applications by mail or by courier service in exceptional cases, the applicant must send the above mentioned documents and also a pre-paid or self-stamped return envelope (DHL, Fed Ex, Express, UPS, or some sort of insured/certified mail is highly recommended, as the original travel document will be sent inside the return envelope). Please contact with the nearest Turkish Embassy/Consulate to learn whether they receive the applications by mail or not.

 

D- Residence Permits

An entry visa enables the bearer to stay in Turkey for the duration stated on the visa sticker. However, if the person intends or is obliged to stay in Turkey longer than the permitted duration, this extension is subject to the approval of the Ministry of Interior. In this case, the person has to obtain a residence permit.

Applications for residence permits should be made to the Alien's Branch of Local Police Departments (Emniyet Mudurlugu Yabancilar Subesi) within 30 days upon arrival at Turkey. Applicants are generally required to submit work permit, work visa, education visa or research visa and a letter describing his/her circumstances (i.e. employment, education, marriage to a Turkish citizen).

Once the person is granted with the residence permit, he/she can enter into Turkey multiple times as long as his/her residence permit is valid and thus he/she does not need a visa for entry into Turkey. If the extension of the residence permit is required, the extension or renewal should be made timely before the expiry date. The person is recommended to have the validity of the residence permit extended before leaving Turkey, if the validity of residence permit is to expire or has already expired.

Q. How do I post bail and when do I get it back?
A. The Court Clerk will tell you the type and amount of bail to be posted and how to do it. Bail is a way to be sure you show up in court. Bail can't be returned until the case is finished or bail is lowered or you are released in your own recognizance or returned to jail.

Q. I have a warrant outstanding. If I come to court, will the judge put me in jail?
A. A warrant will not stop until the person makes a personal appearance in court. It's up to the judge about jail.

Q. I was a crime victim. Do I need a lawyer to prosecute the accused?
A. In Turkey; judge asks "do you want attorney?" if you say yes judge appoint a lawyer to you.

Q. There has been an indictment in my case. What happens next?
A. There will be a date scheduled for an "arraignment" of the indictment. At the arraignment, a plea will usually be entered and the issues of bail and your right to a lawyer will be discussed.

Q. The Court imposed a fine and a surcharge in my case. What do I do?
A. Talk to the Court Clerk about how to make payment with the court-ordered collection agency.


Q. How do I appeal?
A. A Notice of Appeal must be filed. Talk to the Court Clerk about time limits and who must get the notice.

Q. What is a "notice of eviction"?
A. A notice of eviction is a written notice from a city marshal warning a tenant that he or she has to move out.


Q. I received eviction papers called a "Notice of Petition" and a "Petition" saying that I didn't pay my rent. What should I do?
A. If you aren't going to have a lawyer for the case, go to the Clerk's Office of the court named in the papers and take there. Call your lawyer immediately if you have one.

Q. What happens if a tenant doesn't answer the legal papers or a landlord or tenant misses the court date?
A. If a tenant does not answer the court papers or misses a court date, the landlord could win a judgment which could make an eviction. If a landlord misses a court date, the case could be thrown out.


Q. What should a tenant bring to court?
A. A tenants should bring all money order receipts, canceled checks, or other receipts related to rent payment. A tenant should also bring a copy of the lease and lease renewal, if any, and records, including pictures and notes about problems with the apartment. Bring receipts for materials purchased to repair the apartment, if any.


Q. What happens if I need a postponement (a later court date)?
A. Ask for an "adjournment," which is the same as a postponement. Sometimes both parties can agree to "adjourn" the case to another day and let the judge know that. When they do not agree, the person wanting the adjournment must ask the judge for one.


Q. In an eviction case, what happens if a tenant and a landlord can't agree?
A. They will have a trial. The landlord will have to prove the case. If the landlord can't prove the case, it will be thrown out; if the landlord proves the case, the landlord will get a judgment against the tenant for the eviction.

Q. What is a Paternity case?
A. A Paternity case is a Family Court case that names a child's legal father if the child's parents were not married to each other when the child was born.


Q. What happens once a man is named as the legal father?
A. The man has the right to ask a court for legal custody or visitation rights to the child.

Q. Who is allowed to start a Paternity case?
A. The following:

    * The child's mother
    * The man who believes he is the father
    * The child or child's guardian
    * The Department of Social Services if the child is receiving public assistance

Q. How do I start a Paternity case?
A. By filing a Paternity Petition in Family Court. The person who starts the case is called the "petitioner." In most cases, the petitioner is one of the parents. The other parent (the one who did not start the case) is called the "respondent" and must come to court when the court papers say.

Q. What happens in court?
A. The most common thing is that the child's mother and father will tell the judge, referee, or hearing examiner that the man named in the Paternity petition is in fact the child's father - if that is the truth. If that sounds truthful in the courtroom, and there is nothing in the child's birth certificate that shows something different, the judge, referee, or hearing examiner will name the man as the child's legal father in an order called an Order of Filiation.


Q. What else might happen?
A. The judge, referee, or hearing examiner might order DNA tests on the mother, father, and child for more evidence. DNA is a body chemical that everyone has. By reviewing the DNA information of the people in the case, the court can decide whether the man named in the court papers is actually the child's father.


Q. What happens if the mother was married to another man at the time the child was born?
A. The mother's husband at the time of the child's birth is the legal father of the child unless the court decides to name a different man based on the evidence. The evidence will usually include court testimony by the mother, by her husband at the time of the child's birth, and by the man who is supposed to be the real father. The evidence will also usually include DNA tests.

Q. Do I need a lawyer for a Paternity case?
A. Both the petitioner and the respondent have the right to hire their own lawyers. A respondent who cannot afford to hire a lawyer has the right to have a lawyer assigned by the court at no cost.


Q. What is an Acknowledgment of Paternity?
A. An Acknowledgment of Paternity is a paper, usually filled out at the hospital at the time of a child's birth, where the mother and father say that the man signing the paper is the father of the child. An Acknowledgment of Paternity does the same thing as a court Order of Filiation and will permit a hospital or Department of Health to name the man as the child's father on the birth certificate.

Q. What is custody?
A. There are two parts to custody. One is the right and responsibility to make decisions for a child (legal custody). The other is where a child will live (residential or physical custody).


Q. How old does a child have to be before Turkey court can't make orders about the child's custody and visitation?
A. Eighteen.

Q. What is the difference between joint custody and sole custody?
A. In joint custody, the parents make major decisions about the child together - decisions about education, health, and religion, for example. The smaller, day-to-day decisions in joint custody are made by the parent who is physically caring for the child at the time. In sole custody, just one parent has the right to make the major decisions.


Q. In awarding custody, do Turkish  courts favor mothers more than fathers or fathers more than mothers?
A. No. Today's courts do not favor either parent more than the other. The law says a custody award is based on what's best for the child.

Q. What do courts think about when they decide what's best for a child?
A. Many things, including:
    * which parent has been the main care giver/nurturer of the child
    * the parenting skills of each parent, their strengths and weaknesses and their ability to provide for the child's special needs, if any
    * the mental and physical health of the parents
    * whether there has been domestic violence in the family
    * work schedules and child care plans of each parent
    * the child's relationships with brothers, sisters, and members of the rest of the family
    * what the child wants, depending on the age of the child
    * each parent's ability to cooperate with the other parent and to encourage a relationship with the other parent, when it is safe to do so


Q. How does domestic violence affect a custody decision?
A. Domestic violence against either a parent or a child is considered in deciding custody. Even where the violence was not committed in a child's presence, it can still affect the child and will be considered. Domestic violence may be one act or it can be a pattern of acts. It can be physical, sexual, economic, emotional, or mental abuse.

Q. If one parent has sole custody, can the other parent see the child?
A. The courts generally want children to have a relationship with both parents. In most cases they will let the parent who doesn't have custody have visits with the child.

Q. What kind of visits?

A. Visits can be unsupervised, supervised, or therapeutically supervised, and may also involve a safe place of exchange or a monitored exchange:
    * Supervised Visits: A parent can't be alone with the child. The court will choose someone to supervise the visits if there are serious concerns about a parent's ability to act properly with the child or where there has been domestic violence.
    * Therapeutic Supervised Visits: A mental health professional supervises the visits and can try during the visits to improve the parenting skills of the parent.
    * Neutral Place of Exchange: A safe location where a child goes from one parent to the other for visitation. Examples: a police station, school, library, or mall.
    * Monitored Transition: A third person is present when the child goes from one parent to the other for visitation. The reason for this is to make sure of the child's safety and a calm situation for the child.

Q. What is a Law Guardian?
A. A Law Guardian is an attorney chosen by the court to be the child's lawyer during a custody/visitation case.

Q. What is a Forensic Evaluator?
A. A Forensic Evaluator is a psychiatrist, psychologist, or social worker chosen by the court. The evaluator gives information about the family in a custody/visitation case. The evaluator will talk to the family members and other mental health professionals who have worked with the family, and can give psychological tests. The evaluator will send a report to the court and can be a witness in the case.

Q. I'm a relative who wants legal custody. What happens in those cases?
A. The law says grandparents, aunts, uncles, and other relatives who want legal custody have to show the court that the parents are not fit to care for the child - for example, that the parents have abandoned, neglected, or abused the child or that there are other extraordinary issues about the parents' care. If the court agrees about these things, the court can then consider whether it would be best for the child for the relative to have legal custody instead of one or both of the parents.


Q. I want to have a court custody or visitation order changed. How do I do this?
A. You start a case to "modify" the order. Talk to a clerk in the court where the order was made. Custody and visitation orders may be changed if the court decides that things have changed and that modifying the original order would be best for the child.


Q. Do I need a lawyer for a Family Court custody or visitation case?
A. Only you can decide this for your case. You have the right to hire a lawyer. If you can't afford a lawyer, the court can appoint one for you free of charge if the court decides that you qualify for this


     

Q. What is a "spouse?"
A. A "spouse" is a husband or wife.

Q. Where do I start a divorce?
A. In the Family  Court of the county where you or your spouse live.

Q. Do I need a lawyer?

A. Only you can decide that. Think how difficult the divorce will be. If you think that your spouse will not fight the divorce and that there are no other complicated or contested issues like child custody, child support, or an order of protection,

Q. Will the court appoint a lawyer for me free of charge if I want one?
A. Court-appointed lawyers are usually not available for divorces.


Q. I was served with divorce papers more than a year ago and haven't heard anything since. Am I divorced?
A. Check with the County Clerk's Office where you sued. I think you did not divorce with your spouse.


Q. Can I go back to my maiden name after the divorce?
A. Yes, but you have to ask for it in your court papers.


Q. Can I change my children's last name in the divorce?
A. No.

Q. How can I look at my divorce case file?
A. You can ask to do this at the County Clerk's Office.

Q. Can I get an order of protection against a person I'm not married to?
A. Yes. You can go to a Criminal Court if you have no children with that person, or to a Family Court and a Criminal Court if you have a child with that person.

Q. I'm being stalked. Can I get an order of protection?
A. Stalking is a form of Harassment. That is one of the crimes that allows you to get an order of protection.

Q. What is a petitioner and what is a respondent?

A. In Family Court, a petitioner is a person asking for an order of protection. (In Family Court, cases filed for an order of protection are called family offense cases.) A respondent is a person a petitioner wants an order of protection against. In a Criminal Court, that person is called a defendant.

Q. Can I have a lawyer?

A. In a Family Court, the petitioner and the respondent each have the right to hire a lawyer. If a petitioner or a respondent can't afford to hire a lawyer, they can ask the court to appoint a lawyer free of charge. In a Criminal Court, the district attorney's office or other prosecutor represents "the people." They help the person who wants an order of protection. The defendant can hire a lawyer or have the court appoint one free of charge if he or she can't afford it.


Q. How do I start a case?

A. Call the police if you feel you are in danger. You can go to your county's Family Court to file a family offense petition, go to the district attorney's office (or other local prosecutor's office), or go to the local Criminal Court. You can choose to do all of these things if you want.


Q. What kinds of things can be put in my order of protection?
A. Among other things, the judge can order the respondent or defendant:

• not to assault, menace, or harass you or commit crimes    of reckless endangerment or disorderly conduct towards    you.
• to be removed by the police from where you are living.
• to stay away from you, your residence, your job, and    other places you may want.
• not to telephone or e-mail you or write you letters.

The judge can also protect your children in the order of protection. For example, you may ask that any visitation with the children be supervised. In Family Court, the judge can order the respondent to pay temporary support and to give you legal custody of any children you may have with the respondent.

Q. What happens if I miss my court date?

A. If you are a petitioner in Family Court, your case will probably be thrown out and any temporary order of protection you had will be gone on that day. You can renewal 3 months againın familiy court. .If you are a respondent in Family Court, the case can be done without you there (provided the petitioner gave you notice of the case) and an order of protection can be issued. As a respondent or defendant, a warrant may be issued for your arrest in either a Family Court or a Criminal Court if you don't show up.