Useful information about the Kimlik Turkey ID card and the benefits of having one
The Kimlik card is considered either a residence permit or identification card in Turkey and is known as “T.C. Kimlik.” “T.C.” stands for the Republic of Turkey, and “Kimlik Numarasi” means identification number or the unique national ID number specific to Turkey. This number, like a fingerprint, is unique to each individual. All personal information, from birth to death, is recorded in a system linked to this number. This information is accessible via a microchip embedded in the card.
According to the Constitution of the Republic of Turkey, an identification card and an associated ID number are issued to foreign applicants for residency. This ID number can be temporary or permanent. A temporary ID number is issued when the applicant is a foreigner intending only to reside in Turkey. In such cases, cards are typically issued in pink (for residence only) or blue (for temporary work residence) and a temporary ID number is assigned to the individual, which always begins with the digits “99.” If the individual later obtains Turkish citizenship and a Turkish passport, this number is replaced with a permanent ID number. It is impossible to carry out any work-related matters without this ID number. The e-government system in Turkey has made significant advancements, and with a T.C. Kimlik number, nearly all administrative tasks can be completed.
Some features of e-government in Turkey
- Obtaining a criminal record certificate, obtaining a residence document, and accessing personal ancestry information.
- Paying bills, checking any debts owed to the government, including taxes, and making payments.
- Applying for the issuance, renewal, and replacement of passports, driver’s licenses, and identification cards.
- Access to all medical records, including doctors’ reports, check-ups, lab tests, etc., and scheduling medical appointments.
- Obtaining student certificates, connecting to a bank and opening an account, checking credit scores for financial and business matters.
The aforementioned items are just a few of the many features offered by the e-government system, which requires having a T.C. Kimlik number, or the 11-digit identification number in Turkey. According to the law, if a person purchases real estate in Turkey (for less than $200,000) and resides in the country for five years, they can apply for a citizenship, or national ID. An important condition for this is that the individual must not have spent more than 360 days outside Turkey during these five years.
The next condition applies to those with a work residence permit. After five years of holding a work permit, individuals can apply for citizenship, provided that their work insurance has been paid and they have not been outside Turkey for more than 360 days. The above conditions also apply to student residency, as long as the work permit is obtained in the fourth year of residence to demonstrate to the government that the applicant for citizenship has the financial means to live in Turkey.
