Quite a lot of Turkish citizens reside in Ukraine. They work, study in Ukraine, have their own business or families. Most of them are men of military age. For them, the law foresees the possibility of exemption from military service. For this, they need to draw up the necessary documentation, undergo basic military training and pay a certain fee into the state budget.
Military duty in Turkey
All men in Turkey from 19 to 40 are to serve military service. However, those who have not passed military service in this age, can be recruited later, if their health is quite well. Students get a postponement for twenty-nine years, post-graduates – to thirty five. Persons who serve in police or whose relatives died during their serve in military forces, are officially exempt from military duty. The service term is fifteen months or six months for university graduates. Also, the government enables members of certain professions (doctors and lawyers) to serve as a special service in the armed forces without taking part in military operations. Women serve in the army only under contract and only as officers. The officers of any sex, after the graduating from military educational establishments have to serve not less than fifteen years. After the service one can be employed on the same working place as before the service. Moreover, the salary will be increased by bonuses from the Ministry of Defense. The amount of this bonus can be up to half the salary. Evasion of military service is punishable by imprisonment. The term varies, depending on the circumstances, from one month (for those who came with a confession within a week) to ten years (if there are additional circumstances, such as the use of false documents). If a sentence is less than six months, it is served in a military prison, if more – in the ordinary one. The soldiers, serving under contract get higher salaries, and, in case of death or injury, their families receive substantial compensations.
The immigration of Turkish citizens to Ukraine
There is a non-visa regime for Turkish citizens’ stay in Ukraine for not longer than 90 days. Those who are going to live, work or study here will need visa anyway (a type D visa, for 45 days) and a residence permit on its basis. The type D visa is given if you need to get:
- Work permit;
- Invitation for study;
- Invitation from religion organization;
- Invitation from foreign representative office.
One of these documents is to be submitted to the embassy or consular office of Ukraine in Turkey. Also you will need your passport and application form. The cost of visa may vary. The diplomatic officer has a right to ask you for additional documents. Our company “Bachynskyy, Kolomiets and partners” is glad to help you at all stages of this procedure.
After receiving Ukrainian visa one shall apply to the State Migration Service for temporal residence permit. All the documents issued in Turkey must be translated and notarized. The service of temporal residence permit issuance is paid. The payment comprises three parts: the state fee, payment for services of the State Migration Service and payment for the blank. Some categories of citizens are exempt from paying state fee. In this case, they should present the documentary confirmation of their right not to pay.
Keep in mind that the temporal residence permit is given for 1 year. It needs annual prolongation.
The applicant must give 4 photos on matte paper. If your religious beliefs forbid you to appear in public with your head uncovered, the you can take photos in a headdress, but only if there is the same situation with the photo in your passport. If you lose your temporal residence permit during your stay in Ukraine, don’t worry, it may be restored.
One shall be 100% attentive when filling in the application form for residence permit. Any mistake is a reason for refusal in giving you the permit.
A temporal residence permit is valid only until the circumstances, under which it was issued, exist. That is, if you lose your job or interrupt study, your right to live to Ukraine will be lost.
Exemption from military service for those who work and study in Ukraine
Turkish legislation enables citizens studying or working abroad to get an exemption from military service. One can apply for it after three years of stay outside of Turkey, at the age from twenty to forty one. To obtain such an exemption you will have to make some steps.
First, you need to get a work permit abroad or an invitation for study. To obtain the work permit, you can set your own company in Ukraine. It enables you to arrange the necessary paperwork quickly and easily, and your delay will not depend on third parties. You can simultaneously have the work permit and study at Ukrainian higher educational institution at full-time training. Once you prepared all the documents, you need to come home, pass a basic course of military training. It lasts for three weeks and includes a basic knowledge and skills that may be needed during the hostilities. After completing the course, you will need to pay a specified fee to the Central Bank of Turkey. For persons under thirty-eight years it is 5112 euros for seniors – 7668 euros. This amount can be divided into four payments. The first of these, however, should not be less than 1,278 euros. Money from these payments are at disposal of the Turkish military command. After making all these steps, you will officially receive exemption from service in the Turkish army. This will allow you continuing your education or work in Ukraine.
Sometimes Turkish citizenship can use a similar scheme to get exempted from military duty, even if they live and work at home. This possibility, however, is not given every year. The decision on this issue is made by the Ministry of Defence and the General Staff. In addition, the Turks, who did not leave their home state have to pay a larger sum and undergo basic training course for longer period. The payments are to be made throughout the year.
Assistance in preparation of documents
Very often the foreigners coming to Ukraine face with different difficulties because of bad knowledge of Ukrainian legislation. We dare say, Ukrainian legislation is very complicated and has lots of nuances and rules. If you do not want to spoil your nerves, contact “Bachynskyy, Kolomiets and partners”. We provide a full specter of legal services connected with getting temporal or permanent residence permits, immigration permits, work permits, invitation for study and visas to Ukraine. Helping you is our job.
