Restriction Codes for Foreigners in Turkey (2025)

Within the framework of the sovereign powers of the Republic of Turkey, the entry, stay, and exit of foreigners are subject to a strict legal regime. The basis of this regime is the Law on Foreigners and International Protection No. 6458 (LFIP). One of the most effective inspection tools of the state is the “Restriction Codes” (Tahdit Kodları) established by the Presidency of Migration Management through the GÖÇNET system.

Restriction codes are executive administrative actions that ban foreigners from entering Turkey (inadmissibility), cancel existing residence permits, or cause deportation. In this article, we will examine the legal basis of restriction codes, their categorical meanings (Ç, G, N, V, O, K codes), and the legal remedies to remove these codes from a 2025 perspective.

Legal Basis of Restriction Codes and Authority of the Administration

Restriction codes are actions that create changes in the legal sphere through the unilateral declaration of will by the administration. The legal basis is found in the LFIP:

• Entry Ban Authority (Article 9): Entry into Turkey may be banned for foreigners who are considered objectionable in terms of public order, public security, or public health. This is the basis for G and N codes.

• Visa and Residence Cancellation (Articles 15 and 32): Forms the legal infrastructure for Ç and V codes.

• Deportation (Article 54): Reasons for deportation (relation to terror, fake documents, etc.) are matched with a restriction code in the system.

Although the administration has broad discretion, it is not unlimited. According to the Council of State and the Constitutional Court, imposing a restriction code must be based on the principle of proportionality, concrete information and documents, and legal justification. Abstract intelligence notes alone are not considered sufficient, especially for security codes.

Meanings and Categories of Restriction Codes

Codes in the GÖÇNET system are divided into letter groups according to the nature of the violation.

1. Ç Codes (Work, Visa, Residence Violations)

Usually imposed due to violation of the right to stay, illegal entry, or judicial/administrative crimes. It results in an entry ban ranging from 3 months to 5 years.

Timed Entry Ban Codes (Visa Violation)

A graduated ban applies to those who exceed the visa or residence period (overstay) based on the duration of the violation:

• Ç-101: Violation up to 3 months (3 months ban if fine is not paid).

• Ç-102: Violation between 3-6 months (6 months ban).

• Ç-103: Violation between 6-12 months (1 year ban).

• Ç-104: Violation between 1-2 years (2 years ban).

• Ç-105: Violation of 2 years and more (5 years ban).

Qualified Violation Codes

• Ç-113 (Illegal Entry-Exit): Imposed on those entering/exiting through non-official borders (2 years ban).

• Ç-114 (Judicial Action): Imposed on those against whom a judicial investigation/prosecution is initiated (2 years ban).

• Ç-115 (Release from Prison): Imposed on those released from prison (2 years ban).

• Ç-116 (Public Morality/Health): Imposed on allegations of prostitution or behavior contrary to public morality (5 years ban).

• Ç-117 (Illegal Work): Imposed on those working without a work permit (1 year ban + administrative fine).

• Ç-119 & Ç-120 (Unpaid Fines): Entry into the country is not allowed until the fine is paid.

• Ç-138 (INAD Passenger): Imposed on passengers denied entry at the border gate.

• Ç-141 (International Security): Imposed on those considered objectionable in terms of international security. A lawsuit is required for cancellation.

2. G Codes (General Security and Terror)

The harshest manifestation of state sovereignty. Usually based on intelligence reports and constitutes an “indefinite” entry ban.

• G-87 (General Security Danger): The heaviest code. Imposed on suspicion of terrorist organization membership or affiliation. Brings an indefinite entry ban. The Council of State requires this code to be based on concrete evidence.

• G-82 (Activity Against National Security): For activities targeting national security, such as espionage.

• G-78 (Infectious Disease): Imposed on carriers of diseases threatening public health (HIV, Hepatitis, etc.). Can be removed with a treatment report.

• G-89 (Foreign Terrorist Fighter): Imposed on profiles associated with conflict zones.

3. N Codes (Preliminary Permission and Administrative Actions)

Usually expresses an “administrative obligation” or “condition” rather than a ban.

• N-82 (Preliminary Permission): Technically not a ban, it states that entry is subject to preliminary permission. However, in practice, it turns into a de facto ban as visa applications are rejected. The Constitutional Court has deemed the application of this code a violation of rights in some cases.

• N-99 (Interpol): Imposed on persons wanted by Interpol.

• N-119 & N-120: Indicates that fines for visa violation or illegal work have not been paid.

4. V Codes (Visa and Residence Procedures)

Indicates changes or cancellations in residence permit status.

• V-69 (Residence Permit Cancelled): Imposed on those whose residence is cancelled (5 years ban).

• V-70 (Fake Marriage): Imposed on those entering into a fake marriage for residence purposes (5 years ban).

• V-84 (10-Day Conditional Entry): Imposed on those who fail to fulfill the commitment to apply for residence within 10 days.

• V-87 (Voluntary Return): Indicates that those under temporary protection returned voluntarily.

Summary Table: List of Restriction Codes

Legal Remedies for Removal of Restriction Codes

Administrative and judicial remedies are available for the removal of codes.

1. Administrative Application (Objection)

The foreigner can apply to the authority establishing the code with a petition. It may yield results in codes based on material errors (such as payment of fine, submission of treatment report). However, a rejection is usually received for security codes (G-87).

2. Annulment Lawsuit in Administrative Court

This is the fundamental way to definitively remove the code.

• Competent Court: As a rule, Ankara Administrative Courts (since it is a Presidency of Migration Management action). However, if accompanied by a deportation order, the court of that province is competent.

• Filing Period:

  • Code Annulment Only: 60 days from date of learning.

  • With Deportation Order: 7 days from notification.

• Stay of Execution: Must be requested to prevent victimization during the lawsuit process.

3. Annotated Visa (Exceptional Entry Way)

It is the only way to legally enter the country without removing the code. The foreigner notifies the Consulate that they want to come for a special purpose (marriage, education, treatment). If approved, a “special purpose” visa is granted despite the entry ban. It is difficult to obtain for security codes (G-87) but frequently applied for administrative codes (Ç series).

Deportation and Administrative Detention

Restriction codes are often the harbinger of a deportation order. When a code is entered against a foreigner, a deportation decision may be taken, and they may be taken under administrative detention at a Removal Center (GGM) on the grounds of “risk of flight”. An application is made to the Administrative Court against the deportation order and to the Criminal Judgeship of Peace against the administrative detention order.

Conclusion and Recommendations

Restriction codes are complex administrative actions.

• Identification of the Code: The first step is to learn the exact type of the code through an expert lawyer.

• Timing: A lawsuit must be filed within 7 days if there is a deportation order, otherwise within 60 days.

• Strategy: While annotated visa or fine payment can be tried for simple violations, an annulment lawsuit must be filed in Ankara Administrative Court for security codes.