Annotated Visa in Turkey | Application Process (2026)

An “Annotated Visa” (Meşruhatlı Vize) is not merely a stamp on a travel document. On the contrary, it is a vital mechanism designed for foreigners who have an entry ban (restriction code) to Turkey due to reasons such as public order, public security, or unpaid administrative fines. This visa establishes a balance between the individual’s constitutional rights (family unity, education, work) and the state’s sovereign powers.

In this article, we will examine in detail the concepts of “Annotated Visa” and the frequently confused “Authorized Visa” (İstizanlı Vize), application conditions, who is eligible to apply, and the current fees as of 2026.

What is an Annotated Visa? Legal Nature

Definition and Purpose

“Meşruhat” literally means “annotated” or “specially explained.” In Turkish Foreigners Law practice, an annotated visa is a special type of visa where the visa sticker applied to the foreigner’s passport indicates that the travel is intended for a specific purpose creating a legal status—such as work, education, family reunification, or medical treatment—rather than a general touristic purpose.

Unlike standard visas, this visa grants the foreigner the right to apply for a Residence Permit within a certain period (usually 30-90 days) after entering Turkey. A residence permit request by a foreigner arriving with an annotated visa rests on a much stronger legal ground due to the pre-approval granted during the visa issuance.

Function of Overcoming Entry Bans

The most critical function of the annotated visa is to open a legal entry door for foreigners who have an entry ban (restriction code) to Turkey. While visas are normally not granted to those with entry bans under Article 15 of the Law on Foreigners and International Protection (LFIP), an annotated visa can be granted in special cases (family, education, health, etc.) through the authority vested in the administration.

Important Note: An annotated visa does not legally “cancel” the entry ban; it only “suspends” or overrides the effects of the ban specifically for that entry transaction.

Difference Between “Authorized Visa” and “Annotated Visa”

These two concepts are often confused, but the difference is not in “type” but in “procedure.”

Authorized (İstizan – Asking for Permission): It is the process where the Consulate cannot conclude a visa application on its own authority and sends the file to the center (Ankara, Presidency of Migration Management) for a decision. If there is a “critical” issue in the applicant’s case (such as an entry ban), the consulate initiates the authorization procedure.
Relationship: Annotated visa refers to the result of the visa (the purpose on the sticker); Authorized visa refers to the method of issuance (being approved by Ankara).

Summary: For a foreigner with an entry ban, every annotated visa is, by nature, an authorized (centrally approved) visa.

Who Can Apply for an Annotated Visa?

The annotated visa is not open to everyone; it is for those who wish to come to Turkey for specific purposes. It is essential to fall into one of the following categories, especially for those with a deportation order.

1. Applications for Family Reunification

Spouses and children of Turkish citizens or foreigners legally present in Turkey can apply. Even if there is an entry ban, the administration usually approves this visa based on the principle of “Protection of Family Unity.”

2. Applications for Education

Students accepted by a university in Turkey (associate, bachelor’s, master’s, doctorate) can apply. Registration for a language course (TÖMER) alone is usually insufficient for those with an entry ban; however, university-affiliated preparatory classes are accepted.

3. Applications for Work

For foreigners who have agreed with an employer in Turkey and for whom a work permit application has been made. When the work permit is approved, the visa granted is “Work Annotated.”

4. Applications for Health and Treatment

For foreigners whose treatment continues in Turkey or is not possible in their own country. It is essential that the disease is not a contagious disease threatening public health (under code G-78).

Application Process and Steps

Except for exceptions, annotated visa applications are made only to Turkish Consulates abroad. Applications cannot be made from within Turkey.

Appointment: An appointment for “National Visa” or “Special Annotated Visa” is made from the Turkish Consulate’s system.
Preparation: Documents suitable for the purpose and petitions explaining the entry ban are prepared.
Interview: The foreigner goes to the interview in person. If there is an entry ban, they should not hide it, but rather state that they are requesting a “special annotated visa.”
Authorization Process: The consulate forwards the file to Ankara (Migration Management). The file is evaluated at the center.
Result: If approval comes from Ankara, the visa is stamped in the passport.

Required Documents for Application (Categorical Table)

Visa Type	Basic Documents	Critical Additional Documents
Family Reunification	Passport, Application Form, Biometric Photo	Marriage Certificate, Civil Registry Extract, Spouse’s (Sponsor’s) Income Doc, Health Insurance, Criminal Record.
Student	Passport, Application Form, Biometric Photo	University Acceptance Letter, Previous Diploma/Transcript, Statement of Financial Sufficiency, Student Certificate.
Treatment	Passport, Application Form, Biometric Photo	Hospital Board Report, Doctor’s Acceptance Letter, Travel Insurance, Receipt of Treatment Costs.
Work	Passport, Employment Contract, Biometric Photo	Company Documents, Diploma, Employer’s Reference Letter.

Application Processing Time

Legal Period: According to legislation, at the latest 90 days.
Practice: While standard applications without entry bans are concluded in 15-30 days; authorized files with entry bans (restriction codes) are concluded on average between 45 and 90 days due to detailed security investigations.

Relationship Between Restriction Codes and Annotated Visa

An annotated visa does not lift every ban.

Overcomeable Codes (Administrative Codes)

Visa Violation Codes (Ç-101 … Ç-105): Imposed on those exceeding visa duration. Entry can be provided with an annotated visa (especially if the fine is paid).
V-84 (10-Day Rule Violation): Those who violate conditional entry.
Ç-113 (Illegal Entry-Exit): Can be overcome with an annotated visa provided the fine is paid.

Non-Overcomeable Codes (Security Codes)

The administration usually rejects visa requests for codes involving public security (G-87), terror connection, or judicial crime (Ç-114) allegations. In these cases, it is mandatory to file an “Annulment of Code Lawsuit” in the Administrative Court.

2026 Visa and Residence Fees

The updated costs as of 2026 are as follows:

Visa Application Fees (2026)

Visa Type	Fee Amount (TL)
Single Entry Visa	9,376.40 TL
Multiple Entry	31,410.00 TL
Transit Visa	9,376.40 TL

Residence Permit Fees (2026)

Item	Amount (TL)
Residence Permit Card Fee	964.00 TL
Residence Fee (First Month)	Daily 384.10 TL
Residence Fee (Subsequent Months)	Monthly 2,232.30 TL

Conclusion and Evaluation

The Annotated Visa acts as a “safety valve” for strict visa rules and entry bans. It is the most effective legal solution, especially for foreigners who are victims of visa violations and are separated from their families or schools. However, it should not be forgotten that the process is conducted through the “authorization” procedure and takes longer than standard applications. The nature of entry bans must be analyzed correctly, and a direct lawsuit path should be taken for bans (security-related) that cannot be overcome with an annotated visa.