Legal Basis for Applying for UK Permanent Residence with a Turkish Passport
The application for UK status using a Turkish passport has historical origins and a legal basis. On September 12, 1963, the European Community Association Agreement (ECAA) was signed in Ankara, the capital of Turkey, known as the "Ankara Agreement." Under this agreement, Turkish citizens can legally apply for the UK Turkish Businessperson visa and the Turkish Worker visa.
In 1973, the UK became a signatory to the ECAA and amended its immigration laws on July 6, 2018, stipulating that Turkish nationals may work or conduct business in the UK. After residing in the UK for 5 years and meeting certain conditions, the main applicant and their family can apply for UK permanent residence. In other words, ECAA businesspeople and ECAA workers, along with their families, are eligible to apply for UK permanent residence.
Conditions for Turkish Citizens to Apply for UK Permanent Residence
Regarding the conditions for Turkish citizens to apply for UK permanent residence, the official website of the UK Home Office has provided corresponding explanations:
According to the "Ankara Agreement," Turkish nationals, their spouses, and children under 21 can go to the UK to start a business or work. After obtaining the relevant visa and residing in the UK for 5 years, the entire family can apply for UK permanent residence.
The application conditions for holders of the Turkish Businessperson visa and the Turkish Worker visa are relatively simple. According to the UK Immigration Rules HC 509, applicants must submit a passport, tuberculosis test results, birth certificate, marriage certificate, medical insurance, bank statements, personal diplomas, and a business plan. There are no academic or language requirements.
Application Process for Immigrating to the UK with a Turkish Passport
Based on UK immigration laws and application conditions, the process for Turkish passport holders to immigrate to the UK is as follows:
1. Purchase property in Turkey starting from $250,000 or deposit $500,000 to apply for a Turkish passport;
2. Apply for a UK business or work visa; the waiting time for approval is approximately 12 weeks;
3. Enter the UK with the business or work visa to establish a company or work for the same employer;
4. Starting from the date of first entry into the UK, if all relevant conditions are met after 5 years, one may apply for UK permanent residence; the waiting time for approval is approximately 6 months;
5. After obtaining UK permanent residence for 12 months, one may apply for British citizenship.
Analysis of Advantages for Turkish Passport Holders Moving to the UK
1. Currently, all UK immigration categories have strict age limits for children, with 18 years old being the threshold. If an applicant's child is over this age and intends to apply for a UK visa, it is generally more difficult. However, when a main applicant holding a Turkish passport applies for a UK business or work visa for the first time, they can bring children under 21, which is a significant advantage.
2. The application conditions for holders of the UK Turkish Businessperson visa and the Turkish Worker visa are simple, with no academic or language requirements.
3. Children can also legally work in the UK under the applicant's status and subsequently apply for their own Turkish Worker visa, thereby achieving the goal of working in the UK.
4. For the ECAA Business visa issued by the UK to Turkish citizens, there are no government fees for the initial visa or subsequent renewals; they are free of charge.
