e-ikamet Application Status Meanings: What Each Residence Permit Status Means and What to Do (2026)

You've submitted your residence permit application — and now e-ikamet shows a short Turkish message you're not sure how to read. Is "değerlendirme aşamasında" good news? What happens after "approved"? This guide explains every common e-ikamet application status, what it means for your file, and exactly what to do next.

How to Check Your Application Status

1. Go to e-ikamet.goc.gov.tr.
2. Choose the option to see your application result (Başvurumun Sonucunu Görmek İstiyorum).
3. Enter your application number and the identity, phone or e-mail details you used in your application.

Updates are also sent by SMS to the phone number in your application, so make sure it stays active. For questions, you can call 157, the foreigners' communication centre, which offers support in several languages.

Every Status at a Glance

"Under Evaluation": Why It Can Take Weeks

"Under evaluation" (Başvurunuz değerlendirme aşamasındadır) is the longest stage, and it is completely normal. The office reviews your documents, may verify your address and runs routine checks. The legal processing time is up to 90 days from the date your file is complete, and many decisions come sooner.

While you wait:

• Keep your phone and e-mail active — document requests arrive there.
• Stay at the address you declared.
• Keep your health insurance valid for the entire period you applied for.
• Check with the migration office before travelling abroad.

"Missing Documents": Act Fast

This status means the office needs something more before it can decide — for example a corrected insurance policy, an address document, a translation or a bank statement. The notice gives a deadline; if you miss it, your application can be rejected.

Insurance is one of the most common reasons. If the officer says your policy doesn't cover the full permit period or contains a wrong detail, the fix is usually a new, correct policy — our article on insurance-related residence rejections explains the typical errors.

"Approved" and "Card Printing": Almost There

"Approved" means the decision is positive. It does not mean the card is ready: next comes production (kart basım aşamasında), which can take from several days to a few weeks.

Card Delivery by PTT

Once the card is printed, it is handed to PTT, the Turkish postal service, and you receive a tracking code by SMS. You can follow the delivery on the PTT website or app.

• The card is delivered to the address in your application.
• It is handed only to you, so keep your passport ready.
• If you miss the courier, contact the PTT branch named in the tracking details.

If the Status Says "Rejected"

A rejection is stressful, but you have options. Act quickly, because the deadlines are short:

• Read the notification and the reason. It tells you why the application was refused.
• Check how long you have to leave. In many cases a short exit period, often 10 days, is given.
• Consider legal action. A rejection can generally be challenged before the administrative court within 60 days of notification. If a deportation decision has also been issued, the deadline to apply to the court is only 7 days. Speak to a lawyer.
• Re-apply with corrected documents if the problem can be fixed and you are still eligible.

If insurance was the reason, you may be able to cancel the old policy and request a refund — see the cancellation and refund section of our 2026 insurance prices guide.

Status Not Changing? What to Do

1. Wait until the 90-day processing period has passed — long waits are common in busy cities.
2. Check that the phone number and e-mail in your application are correct.
3. Call 157 for information about your file.
4. If needed, visit your Provincial Directorate of Migration Management with your application details.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does "değerlendirme aşamasında" mean on e-ikamet?

It means "under evaluation": your documents were received and the migration office is reviewing your file. It is a normal stage, not a problem.

How long does the evaluation take?

The legal processing time is up to 90 days from the date your file is complete. Many applications are decided sooner.

My status went from "approved" back to "evaluation". Is that bad?

Not necessarily. Status changes are often system updates. If it persists, call 157 or contact your migration office.

How will I know my card has been posted?

You receive an SMS with a PTT tracking code, which you can follow on the PTT website or app.

Can someone else receive my residence card?

The card is delivered to you personally, so be ready to show your passport when the courier arrives.

Can I stay in Turkey while my application is under evaluation?

If you applied on time, you can generally stay while your application is being evaluated. Keep your application documents with you and don't travel abroad without checking first.

What should I do if I get a "missing documents" message?

Submit the requested document before the deadline in the notice. If it concerns your insurance, a corrected policy usually solves the problem.

What can I do if my application is rejected?

Read the reason, check your exit period, and consider a court challenge within 60 days of notification (7 days if a deportation decision was issued) or a new application with corrected documents.