Consulates instructed to issue multiple-entry Assembly, Maintenance and Service Visas

IMPACT – HIGH

What is the change? Turkey has instructed consular posts to issue Assembly, Maintenance and Service Visas valid for multiple entries.

What does the change mean? The new visas will allow foreign nationals to make multiple trips to Turkey for qualifying work, as long as they do not stay more than 90 days total within a year.

• Implementation timeframe: Turkey has amended its regulations, but it may take time for consular posts to fully implement the change.
• Visas/permits affected: AMS visas.
• Who is affected: Foreign nationals performing short-term technical work in Turkey.
• Business impact: The multiple-entry visas will make frequent trips more convenient for those conducting work on AMS visas.

Background: Turkey is making several changes to its visa rules. In April 2014, it stopped allowing foreigners holding AMS visas to apply for an AMS residence permit while in Turkey. To offset that restriction, the government has now amended its work permit regulations and instructed consulates to issue multiple-entry AMS visas. Foreigners may make repeat trips on the same visa as long as the total time in the country does not exceed 90 days within a year. Previously, the regulations were interpreted to allow one visit not exceeding 90 consecutive days.

The change is a “very welcomed, practical solution to the elimination of AMS residence permits,” said Maria Celebi, a partner with Bener Law Office in Istanbul. “Many employers will find that they can now more conveniently use AMS visas for project work.” However, she added that it may take “quite some time” before consular posts update their issuance of AMS visas to include multiple-entry visas.

BAL Analysis: The changes will facilitate travel for those conducting short-term technical work that requires multiple trips to Turkey.

This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice group and our network provider located in Turkey. For additional information, please contact your BAL attorney.

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