Immigrate to UK from Turkey

The UK has a range of options and pathways available for Turks who wish to immigrate to the UK, including visas and options for permanent settlement.

For more information about immigrating to the UK from Turkey, including what you need to do to become eligible and support on how to apply, reach out to one of our immigration advisers today. Call us on +44 (0)333 414 9244 or contact us online.

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Benefits of Choosing IAS’ Immigration Lawyers

At IAS, we understand that every case and client is unique, so we provide bespoke assessment and support to each client. With us, you get a dedicated immigration lawyer who is dedicated to ensuring your application is successful. Enjoy the following benefits with IAS:

Compassionate support from an experienced immigration lawyer dedicated to your success

Support in gathering supporting documents and completing a high-quality application.

A personalised Letter of Representation to help compile a compelling case for approval

Continued support from your lawyer in the event of any complications.

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Overview of UK Immigration from Turkey

Net migration from Turkey to the UK has risen in large numbers since the 1980s, with the number of Turks living in the UK estimated to be around 500,000 in the year 2011.

These include people who have Turkish parents or a Turkish ancestral background, covering both Turkish nationals and Turkish Cypriots.

The majority of the Turkish population in the UK is located in London, with particularly significant concentrations in areas such as Barnet, Enfield and Edmonton. These areas are known for their enclaves of Turks and Turkish communities, with provisions such as local newspapers, schools and mosques specifically serving the local Turkish population.

In order to immigrate to the UK from Turkey, you will first need to obtain an eligible visa. These come in a wide variety, such as ones that allow you to work, set up a business or join family members in the UK.

Some of these will also allow you to settle permanently in the UK by applying for indefinite leave to remain.

UK Work Visas for Turkish Citizens

Many Turks immigrating to the UK will be looking to work in order to earn a living.

If this applies to you, you will first need to apply for a work visa before travelling to the UK and undertaking paid or unpaid work.

Of the UK’s work visas, the most commonly applied for is the Skilled Worker visa, which allows foreign workers from a range of skills and professions to come to the UK and work in eligible jobs. In order to be eligible for this visa, you must:

Work for a UK employer who has been approved by the Home Office
Be sponsored by your employer to work in the UK through a certificate of sponsorship
Work in a job that’s on the list of eligible occupations
Meet minimum salary requirements for your profession

These requirements are also similar to other UK work visas. For example, most UK work visas will require you to have a job offer and a certificate of sponsorship from an employer.

Other work visas that the UK offers as potential immigration routes include the following:

UK Business Visas for Turks

The UK additionally has separate visas for foreign nationals who wish to come and set up certain kinds of businesses in the UK.

The Innovator visa will allow you to come to the UK to set up a new, innovative business that will be new to the UK markets.

In order to be eligible for this visa, you will need to have sponsorship from an authorised endorsing body and also meet certain minimum English language requirements.

This visa will require you to prove that you have enough money to support yourself while in the UK. It’s also important to note that the Innovator visa is a viable route to long-term settlement in the UK.

Get in touch with our immigration experts for help with your move to the UK from Turkey.

UK Spouse Visa for Turks

If you’re a Turkish national who’s looking to settle in the UK long-term with your spouse or partner, you may be eligible for the Spouse visa.

To be eligible for this visa, your spouse or partner must be one of the following:

A British or Irish citizen
Settled in the UK, such as through indefinite leave to remain, pre-settled status, settled status or proof of permanent residence
An individual with a Turkish Businessperson visa or Turkish Worker visa
An individual with refugee status or humanitarian protection in the UK

In addition, you must fulfil a number of important eligibility criteria, such as:

Having a genuine and subsisting relationship with your spouse or partner
Intending to live together permanently in the UK with adequate accommodation that doesn’t require access to public funds
Meeting the minimum financial requirements, which will normally be a shared income of at least £29,000
Meeting the minimum English language requirements

The UK Spouse visa will allow you to stay in the UK for 2 years and 9 months, after which you can extend it for another 2 years and 6 months. You will then be able to apply for permanent settlement (ILR) after 5 years.

UK Family Visas for Turks

The UK also offers immigration visas if you have family members other than spouses or partners in the UK.

These are known as Family visas, and allow you to settle in the UK with an eligible family member, including the following:

Fiancés, fiancées or proposed civil partners
Children
Parents
Relatives who’ll provide long-term care for you

Like the Spouse visa, all types of Family visa require the family member you’ll be joining to have settled status in the UK, such as through British or Irish citizenship, or through the EU Settlement Scheme.

Each one of the Family visas available also have individual eligibility requirements you must meet. For example, if you’re applying to join a relative who’ll be providing long-term care for you, you must prove that you require long-term care to do everyday personal and household tasks, and that this care isn’t available in your home country.

All types of Family visa can lead to permanent settlement in the UK.

How Do I Apply for a UK Visa from Turkey?

You must apply for a UK visa online through the Gov.uk website before you travel to the UK.

As part of the application process, you will have to fill in an online application form with personal details and details that confirm that you’re eligible for your chosen visa.

You will also have to upload a range of supporting documents. These will include things such as documents to confirm your identity, documents to confirm your eligibility to work or settle in the UK, and documents regarding your previous immigration history or visa applications.

You may also have to attend an appointment at a visa application centre to give your biometrics information.

There are six visa application centres in Turkey:

Adana
Ankara
Antalya
Bursa
Istanbul
Izmir

After you’ve submitted your application, the Home Office will then process your application and confirm that you’re eligible for a visa. If your application is approved, you will then be able to travel to the UK.

If your application is refused, you may be eligible for either an administrative review or an appeal. You may wish to talk to an immigration lawyer at this point for further help or support; our advisers are on hand if you need advice regarding your situation on +44 (0)333 414 9244.

How Can IAS Help?

The Turkish population in the UK is steadily growing, with the number of people immigrating rising every year.

If you’re a Turkish national looking to apply for a visa in order to immigrate to the UK, IAS can help.

We are a team of experienced and empathetic immigration advisers who are well-versed in international legal matters and the UK immigration system. We have the tools and knowledge to ensure that you’re able to immigrate to the UK with as few complications involved as possible, from when you start your application to when you settle into your new UK home.

Whether you need help with assembling your supporting documents for your visa application, unsure of what you need to do to become eligible to immigrate to the UK, or need practical help with the logistics of moving to a different country, we can help.

For more information about the services we offer, and what we could do for you, get in touch with us on +44 (0)333 414 9244, or contact us online today.

We offer immigration advice sessions as face to face appointments at all of our UK offices, or via the phone.

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Get clear, professional guidance for your immigration case.

Written by Immigration Advice Service

Ono Okeregha

Director – Immigration Advice Service

Ono Okeregha is the director of the Immigration Advice Service. He is a committed human rights and immigration lawyer. He was awarded the IoD North West SME of the year award and commended for his work in equality, diversity, and inclusion.

Legal Disclaimer

The information provided is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. While we make every effort to ensure accuracy, the law may change, and the information may not reflect the most current legal developments. No warranty is given regarding the accuracy or completeness of the information, and we do not accept liability in such cases. We recommend consulting with a qualified lawyer at Immigration Advice Service before making any decisions based on the content provided.

Frequently Asked Questions

Turkey does allow for its citizens to hold dual citizenship, which means that you will be eligible to apply for British citizenship without having to renounce your Turkish citizenship.

To apply for British citizenship, you must spend at least 5 years in the UK, with at least a year of this time being with indefinite leave to remain.

After this time, you’ll be able to apply online to become a fully naturalised British citizen.

As a citizenship candidate, you’ll need to have passed the Life in the UK Test, meet the minimum English language requirements, and also be of good character.

You also should not have:

Spent more than 450 days outside the UK during the 5 years before your application
Spent more than 90 days outside the UK in the last 12 months
Broken any UK immigration laws

You will be able to access the NHS while you’re in the UK, but only if you’ve paid the immigration healthcare surcharge (IHS).

The IHS is a mandatory payment that all foreign nationals must pay before coming to stay in the UK long-term.

The IHS costs £1035 a year for every adult applicant and £776 a year for all applicants under the age of 18.

You will be able to access the NHS for free and therefore no longer have to pay the IHS once you gain indefinite leave to remain status.

Turkey does allow for its citizens to hold dual citizenship, which means that you will be eligible to apply for British citizenship without having to renounce your Turkish citizenship.

To apply for British citizenship, you must spend at least 5 years in the UK, with at least a year of this time being with indefinite leave to remain.

After this time, you’ll be able to apply online to become a fully naturalised British citizen.

As a citizenship candidate, you’ll need to have passed the Life in the UK Test, meet the minimum English language requirements, and also be of good character.

You also should not have:

Spent more than 450 days outside the UK during the 5 years before your application
Spent more than 90 days outside the UK in the last 12 months
Broken any UK immigration laws

You will be able to access the NHS while you’re in the UK, but only if you’ve paid the immigration healthcare surcharge (IHS).

The IHS is a mandatory payment that all foreign nationals must pay before coming to stay in the UK long-term.

The IHS costs £1035 a year for every adult applicant and £776 a year for all applicants under the age of 18.

You will be able to access the NHS for free and therefore no longer have to pay the IHS once you gain indefinite leave to remain status.

Yes. As Turkey is a non-EU, visa-required country, you will need to apply for a Standard Visitor visa to come to the UK even for short or temporary visits under 6 months.

These visits will allow you to visit the UK and see family and friends, engage in tourism, carry out certain business activities and undertake short study or leisure courses in the UK.

What our clients are saying

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My residency was renewed promptly and without glitches.

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2 days ago

My experience with IAS has been fabulous so far Laura Christian was very helpful in taking the time to research what my options were based on my needs and wants can’t recommend her enough

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3 days ago

Staff are nice, solicitors are reliable and helpful.

Tawanda Matonga

5 days ago

I spoke with Saima Jabeen about the areas where I needed assistance. She was very helpful and provided me with clear and useful information. I was satisfied with the support and guidance she provided.

Nicholas Peasgood

7 days ago

Very positive professional experience. My immigration advisor Mariam Adebayo helped my wife successfully obtain her Spouse visa extension. At the very start we had a face to face meeting at their Oldham office to discuss our needs, explain the process and what evidence we would need. We later received a written confirmation of advice laying out everything from timeframes, fees and documentation needed. Through out we had video calls and regular emails for updates and when our input was needed, Mariam even uploaded all of the extensive evidence as part of the application process which I was very happy with as I know from my own experience this can take a while. I would definitely use IAS again, don't be fooled in to opting for cheaper options, I came to IAS after a poor experience with a different company and so came back as I'd had a good experience with IAS way back in the 90's so know that they have been around for a years. Thank you IAS Oldham and Mariam Adebayo.

Fatima Babar

7 days ago

I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to Abdul Mutee for everything he has done throughout my visa process. The past year was incredibly stressful, especially after facing two Canada visa refusals. During this difficult time, Abdul Mutee did not simply provide guidance; he actively worked on my case and supported me every step of the way when I felt overwhelmed and uncertain about my future. Thanks to his dedication, hard work, and continuous support, my UK visa has now been approved. This approval allows me to continue my education and pursue my dream of becoming a dentist. I truly believe that this achievement would not have been possible without his assistance and commitment. Abdul Mutee played a significant role in making this outcome possible, and I am deeply thankful for the relief, hope, and opportunity he has given me. His efforts have made a lasting impact on my life, and I will always be grateful for everything he has done. I will never forget the support, encouragement, and professionalism he showed throughout this journey. Abdul Mutee's help has made a real difference in my future, and I sincerely appreciate all of his hard work and dedication.

Elizabeth chuks

7 days ago

I had a great experience with Anna Claridge. She was professional, friendly and very helpful throughout our consultation. She explained everything clearly, answered all our questions and made sure we understood the options available to us. I really appreciate her support.

Sami Abdi

1 week ago

I would like to say a huge thank you to Lauren Blommel for all her help and support with my case. She has been absolutely amazing from start to finish. Lauren was very kind, professional and patient. She explained everything clearly and always made sure I understood what was happening. She worked very hard on my case and did everything she could to help me. I am extremely grateful for everything Lauren has done for me. I am very happy with the service I received and would definitely recommend Lauren to anyone who needs immigration advice and support. Thank you so much, Lauren, for everything. I truly appreciate all your hard work and support. I wish you all the best for the future!

Norrian

1 week ago

We like to express our deepest thanks to Saimah Razzap. She helped us through our immigration matter with total professionalism; she took the time to explain every step clearly, returned our calls and emails promptly when we contacted her, and, with this, we ultimately won our first case with a great outcome. We felt supported the entire time, and we highly recommend her services.

Anna Downie

1 week ago

I would highly recommend Jason Griffiths, he was incredibly understanding of our situation and had very constructive ideas.

Lee Mcpherson

1 week ago

Great service! efficient, quick and available to answer any queries! Our application went seamlessly.. I would highly recommend!

Claudia T

1 week ago

I used IAS for my first visa and I must say it wasn't a pleasant experience. We didn't receive all the information, we would find out about things along the way and it made it all very stressful even though the application was successful. We were a bit reluctant to do it again for the renewal but went for it anyway due to lack of time. Anne Liu was out caseworker and she was terrific! Super on top of the case! She would review the docs very quickly after we submitted it and would immediately tell us what would be missing. She made herself available when we needed her all the way up to the appointment. Definitely made the experience more stress free!

yu zheng

2 weeks ago

Alice Jackson

2 weeks ago

Anne has been nothing short of exceptional throughout mine and my husbands immigration query. From the very start, she was informative, diligent, understanding, compassionate and helpful. Any immigration matter is delicate and stressful for those involved and Anne met us with patience and kindness throughout, keeping us well informed and calm when everything felt tricky. We honestly couldn’t have asked for a better advisor and we are so grateful for everything that she did for us to get my husbands spousal visa approved. Her dedication and commitment proved enormously valuable and I will be welcoming my husband home tomorrow because of her. Without a doubt we will use her again in 2029 when required and we cannot recommend her enough for anyone going through a similar matter. Thank you Anne, from the bottom of our hearts, we will always appreciate you and remember your engagement fondly.

Roger Hall

2 weeks ago

Everybody at IAS has been professional and helpful. In particular my case worker, Elena Ampova simply could not have been more patient, friendly and approachable and knowledgeable. Nina and I found it difficult to supply information in the file formats required and Elena spent hours helping us. And the end result has been that my fiancée, Nina's visa application has been approved. Perfect service and a perfect result.

Julian Everett

2 weeks ago

Dina's explanations were clear and she took time to make sure we understood. The only small worry we now have is that there may be hidden fees which were not specified. However, I'm just checking that through an email.

Chaimae Dr

2 weeks ago

I received excellent advice from Safa Ali. She was patient, thorough, and took the time to make sure I understood everything. Highly recommended for anyone going through the asylum process.

Siraw KEBEDE

3 weeks ago

I have had amazing results in a short period of time with Lauren Blommel at Immigration Advice Services. She was very professional and supportive every step of the way, always answering my questions and addressing my concerns quickly. I am very happy with the service I received and would definitely recommend her to anyone looking for immigration assistance.

Lili Ayele

3 weeks ago

I am extremely grateful for the excellent support and professional service I received from Immigration Advice Service, especially from my caseworker, Lauren Blommel. Lauren supported me throughout my asylum case and kept me informed and reassured during what was a very difficult and stressful process. Thanks to her professionalism, dedication, patience, and hard work, my case was handled with great care and I successfully received my refugee status. I truly appreciate everything Lauren has done for me and all the support she provided from beginning to end. I highly recommend Immigration Advice Service to anyone who needs immigration support. Thank you so much, Lauren, for your outstanding service and for helping me through such an important journey in my life. I will always be grateful.

Othman Khunji

3 weeks ago

I cannot recommend Mariam Adebayo at IAS highly enough. She supported me thoroughly from A–Z throughout my UK Global Talent Visa journey, ultimately helping me successfully obtain my visa through the Exceptional Talent route. From the very beginning, Mariam was incredibly professional, knowledgeable, patient, and attentive. She guided me through every stage of the process with clarity and reassurance, always making sure that my application was as strong and comprehensive as possible. What stood out most was how consistently she went above and beyond her dedication, responsiveness, and genuine commitment to achieving the best possible outcome for me were evident throughout the entire journey. Thanks to Mariam’s exceptional support and hard work, I now have the incredible opportunity to continue developing and practicing my talent in the UK. This is a truly significant milestone in my professional and creative journey, and I am extremely grateful for the role she played in making it possible. Mariam is an outstanding caseworker and a true asset to IAS. I wholeheartedly recommend her to anyone seeking immigration support, particularly those applying through the UK Global Talent route. Thank you, Mariam, for your dedication, guidance, and for helping turn this opportunity into a reality.

Roy Williams

3 weeks ago

Re: Kurshida Begum My wife and I cannot thank our immigration lawyer, Kurshida Begum enough for the professional help and support she gave us to obtain a successful outcome to my wife’s application for her extension visa. I would have no hesitation in recommending her services to anyone seeking help on immigration matters.

Scott Graham

3 weeks ago

Daniel Lugo Pino

3 weeks ago

Saima Maqsood was super helpful in my father's visitor visa application. Very communicative and supportive - we had low odds of a favourable outcome and yet with her guidance we were able to succeed.

Virginie

4 weeks ago

I had a good exchange with Saima Jabeen, she helped me and it was useful.

Peter Welch

4 weeks ago

My case worker Mariam Adebayo guided my fiancee, a Belarusian national and me on what documentation and translations were required and checked through everything at every stage. She then made the application on our behalf for a fiancee visa. The application was 100% successful with no other documentation required or any queries raised by UKVI. Mariam further assisted in getting our spouse visa after our marriage in May 2026. Again 100% successful. Mariam has been extremely thorough in every part of our fiancee and spouse visa. Everything went through without a hitch! I have no hesitation in recommending her. Peter and Teresa Welch.

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