Amnesty 2025: Amnesty for Illegal Foreigners? Special Regulation for Domestic Workers

Introduction: What does the 2025 Amnesty Application Cover?

The residence process of foreigners in Turkey has always been shaped by current legislation. The new regulation introduced by the Directorate of Migration Management in 2025, although publicly referred to as “amnesty for foreigners”, in fact only provides limited relief for foreigners working in domestic services.

In this context, we will examine in detail the scope of the regulation, who can benefit from it and who is excluded from its scope.

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Who can benefit from this amnesty?

The regulation is only intended for persons who meet certain conditions. Foreigners who meet the following conditions can benefit from this application:

• Those who entered Turkey legally,
• Persons who are in residence violation after the end of their stay,
• Intend to apply for residence for the purpose of working in domestic services (childcare, elderly or patient care),
• Those with a passport valid for at least 8 months at the time of application.

👉 Foreigners who meet these conditions can obtain a residence permit without paying an administrative fine.

2024 and Earlier vs. 2025 Applications

• Foreigners who applied for residence or work permits in 2025 and were refused cannot benefit from the amnesty.
• However, foreigners whose applications were rejected in 2024 or earlier and who then remained in Turkey without status are eligible.
• Those who never applied for residence but overstayed their visa can also benefit.
• In practice, foreigners refused in 2024 who later became irregular/undocumented may apply under this amnesty.

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Fees Payable

Foreigners applying under the amnesty must pay the following fees:

• Residence application fee,
• Single-entry visa fee,
• Card fee.

The determination of which nationalities are subject to a visa application fee or a visa fee, and the exact amounts, falls under the authority of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, based on the principle of reciprocity.

📌 Official reference: Official Gazette – 30 December 2024

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Who Cannot Benefit?

This amnesty is not a general amnesty. The following groups are not eligible:

• Those who entered Turkey illegally,
• Persons who do not have a valid passport or whose passport is of insufficient duration,
• Foreigners intending to work for jobs other than domestic services.
• Foreigners who applied for residence or work permits in 2025 and received a refusal.

👉 Important: Foreigners whose residence or work permit applications were rejected in 2024 and who then stayed irregularly are covered by the amnesty.

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Beware of Misinformation

Although there have been recent headlines in the media and on the internet such as “amnesty for all” and “general amnesty arrangement”, this does not reflect the reality.

📌 Important Point: This application is only available to foreigners who meet certain conditions. Therefore, the suitability for your individual situation must be assessed by a specialized lawyer.

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Official Sources

• Directorate of Migration Management – Official Announcements
• Ministry of Interior of the Republic of Turkey
• Official Gazette

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Support from MFY Legal

Every foreigner’s situation is different. Therefore, it is critical that those who have a residence violation and wish to stay in Turkey comply with the current legislation.

At MFY LEGAL Law Offices:

• Residence permit applications,
• Work permits for domestic services,
• Foreign caregiver work permit,
• Current legislation follow-up and risk analysis

we offer professional consultancy.

📞 You can contact us for detailed information and application support.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Does this amnesty cover everyone?

No, it is not. It only applies to foreigners who will work in domestic service and whose passport is valid for at least 8 months.

Can illegal entrants benefit from this amnesty?

No. People who enter Turkey illegally cannot benefit from this regulation.

Will the administrative fine be paid?

Persons who meet the requirements can obtain a residence permit without administrative fines.

How to apply?

The application is made in accordance with the procedures set by the Directorate of Migration Management. Since every foreigner’s situation is different, it is recommended to act with expert support.

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MFY Legal | Law Office

You can manage your process safely with the support of an expert lawyer without being misled by misinformation about the 2025 amnesty regulation for foreigners.

Contact MFY Legal and find out the best legal solution for your personal situation.