If your visa or residence permit has expired
Staying in Türkiye after your visa, visa exemption or residence permit has expired counts as an overstay. The good news: in most cases there is a way to keep the damage to a minimum. The bad news: every unprepared step can make things harder.

Is there a general amnesty?
No. As of 2026, there is no general amnesty in force for foreigners who have overstayed. Be careful with anyone who says "there's an amnesty, we can get you a permit for a fee".
What happens when you leave?
When you leave, you pay a fine based on how long you overstayed and your nationality. Depending on the length of the overstay and whether you leave voluntarily, an entry ban to Türkiye may be imposed; it can be up to 5 years.
Why leaving voluntarily matters
If you go to the competent authority before you are caught, pay the fine and leave, any entry ban is limited. A well-planned exit can be the quickest way back to Türkiye legally.
Can you apply from inside the country?
As a rule, no. But the law allows some exceptions (such as humanitarian residence, the best interests of a child, or cases where leaving the country is not possible). These exceptions are interpreted narrowly and the file must be prepared very carefully.
Can marriage fix it?
Since 27 June 2024, marriage applications from foreigners with no legal right to stay in Türkiye are not accepted. Be wary of offers that promise this route.
Working without a permit
Working without a work permit brings heavy fines for both the foreigner and the employer, and it can count against you in future permit applications.
How we help
- We listen to your situation in confidence and work out the overstay period and the risks together.
- If there is a real option inside the country, we explain it. If not, we explain the least harmful exit and return plan, clearly.
- Where a court case is needed (deportation order, entry ban, refusal), we tell you plainly that you need a lawyer.
- We don't sell guarantees; we give you the real options and the costs in writing.