It’s important to understand the types, procedures, requirements, and advantages of obtaining a residence permit in Turkey in advance if you intend to live in Turkey.
In April 2022, new rules for acquiring a Turkish resident permit were established. A rental agreement is no longer sufficient to secure a residence permit for a foreigner. Long-term residency permits can only be issued to foreigners who own property in Turkey.
According to the new laws, foreigners can obtain a residence permit only if they purchase real estate over a particular valuation. As of the 5th of May, 2022, the property purchased needs to have a value of at least 75,000 USD if it is located in one of the 30 metropolitan cities in Turkey, such as Istanbul and Antalya. A minimum valuation of 50,000 USD will be required if the property is located in one of the other 51 smaller cities in Turkey.
Residence Permit Types in Turkey
The types of residence permits available differ according to the purpose of the visitor’s stay. In Turkey, there are six primary types of residence permits:
1. Short Term Residence Permit – Who can apply?
1.1. Tourism purposes visitors
Duration: Maximum 2 years.
Conditions: Provide travel documents and information.
1.2 Buyers of property in Turkey
Duration: Maximum 2 years.
Conditions: The owned property should be residential and used for this purpose.
1.3. Business purpose visitors
Duration: Maximum 2 years.
Conditions: An invitation letter will be requested if you’re staying for more than 3 months.
1.4. Scientific Research conductors
Duration: Maximum 2 years.
Conditions: Obtaining a license from relevant institutions/organizations is required.
1.5. Participants in on-the-job training programs
Duration: In accordance with the duration of the training program.
Conditions: Issued according to the training content, duration, and location.
1.6. Attendants of educational programs such as student exchange programs
Duration: The duration cannot exceed the educational aim.
Conditions: Documents are needed from the relevant institutions, and not asked to file secondary health insurance.
1.7. Patients arriving for Medical Treatment
Duration: In accordance with the duration of treatment.
Conditions: Admission to a public or private hospital is required. Valid health insurance is not required.
1.8. Those compelled to stay in Turkey by judicial or governmental authorities
Duration: In accordance with the duration of the stated decision and demand.
Conditions: This permit is only issued based on Administrative authorities’ demand.
1.9. Those transferring from a family residence permit
Duration: Maximum 2 years.
Conditions: Having resided with a family residence permit allows a transfer for an independent short-term permit.
1.10. Attendants of a Turkish language course
Duration: If the course is less than a year, the residence permit cannot be longer than the course.
Conditions: This type of permit can only be issued twice. The institution conducting the course must disclose the start and conclusion dates of the course to the provincial directorate.
1.11. Attendants of a public agency’s education program, research, internship, or course
Duration: Cannot be longer than a year.
Conditions: For those covered by public institutions, valid health insurance, and financial possibility are not required.
1.12. Students who will apply within six months of graduation from a Turkish university
Duration: Maximum one year.
Conditions: Can only be issued once.
1.13. Investors in Turkey who do not work in the country
Duration: Maximum 5 years.
Conditions: The scope and quantity of investment are determined by the Ministerial Council.
1.14. Citizens of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus
Duration: Maximum 5 years.
Conditions: Holding Northern Cyprus citizenship.
2. Family Residence Permit – Who can apply?
Valid for foreign spouses, foreign minor/dependent children, as well as for foreign nationals who currently hold any sort of residence permit in Turkey who wish to bring their families to Turkey. The family residence permit enables dependent children under the age of 18 years to continue their education without requiring them to get a student residence permit.
Duration: Maximum 3 years at a time.
Conditions: Conditions required from the sponsor of the family include: valid health insurance, financial sufficiency, criminal record certificate, must have had a residence permit for at least a year, and a registered address in Turkey.
Conditions required from the family of the sponsor must include: Children must be under 18 to apply, must provide documentation and information to justify the purpose of stay, the spouse should be over the age of 18 and must not have entered marriage for the purpose of getting a family residence permit.
3. Student Residence Permit – Who can apply?
Granted for students staying in Turkey for academic studies at recognized educational institutes.
Duration: Pursuant to the duration of the study.
Conditions: Documents from the relevant educational institutes are required.
4. Long-Term Residence Permit – Who can apply?
Foreigners who have lived in Turkey continuously for at least eight years are eligible to apply.
Duration: This permit is issued indefinitely.
Conditions:
- 8 consecutive years of stay in Turkey.
- Not having received any assistance from the government for the past 3 years.
- Financial independence and sufficiency.
- Valid medical insurance.
- Not having posed a public security threat
5. Humanitarian Residence Permit – Who can apply?
Granted to people who have been displaced because of civil conflict, human rights violations, refugees, or a variety of other humanitarian situations that are considered on a case-by-case basis.
Duration: One year, then renewed by governorates.
Conditions: Documents that are necessarily required for other purposes are not required in this case.
6. Residence Permit For Victims of Trafficking – Who can apply?
Granted to victims of human trafficking. Governorates distribute a 30-day residency visa.
Duration: 30 days, and can be renewed for a 6 months period.
Conditions: Documents that are necessarily required for other purposes are not required in this case.
Application Process
Foreigners can apply for a residence permit at https://e-ikamet.goc.gov.tr and submit the required documents to the relevant Provincial Directorate of Immigration Administration. After completing the online form you’ll be given information on the nearest office, appointment hours and dates to select, and what documents to bring. Upon completion of the application and submission, you will receive a new Turkish residency permit delivered to your address.
Required Documents to Get Turkish Residence Permit
The E-Residence (e-ikamet in Turkish) website will adjust the list of required documents according to your individual circumstances and purpose of stay. The following documents are almost certainly required for most cases:
- Passport copy notarized by the Turkish Notary. A sworn translator must translate the passport at the Turkish Notary office.
- Four (4) biometric photos against a white background. Photos must be no more than six (6) months old.
- Copy of the title deed to your property.
- Proof of financial sufficiency, a local Turkish bank statement demonstrating financial independence and the ability to support the applicant and any dependent family members (spouse and children under 18).
- Valid medical insurance.
- Police clearance certificate.
- Documents about your spouse and children (if applying for a family residence permit) such as birth certificates, passports and photos.
General Residence Permit Requirements In Turkey
During the application process, foreign applicants can stay in Turkey till their appointment is finalized. There are restrictions on how much time you can spend in and out of Turkey, but you can leave and come back within 15 days once submitting your application.
Your application may be rejected if a required document is missing or if you have failed to meet the requirements.
For a residency renewal, you should apply within the last 60 days of the validity of your present residence permit. You can visit the e-residence (e-ikamet) website of the Directorate General of Migration Management to renew your application.
The mere possession of a residency permit does not automatically entitle foreigners to work in Turkey.
Getting a Residence Permit by Buying Property in Turkey
Buying property in Turkey qualifies you for residency. Upon request, Turkish immigration officials provide residency to foreigners who own immovable property in Turkey. The residential permit can be renewed every two years as long as the ownership continues.
According to the new laws, non-Turkish citizens can qualify for residency in Turkey if they purchase real estate over a particular valuation. As of the 5th of May, 2022, the property purchased needs to have a value of at least: 75,000 USD if it is located in one of the 30 metropolitan cities in Turkey, such as Istanbul and Antalya. A minimum valuation of 50,000 USD will be required if the property is located in one of the other 51 smaller cities in Turkey.
If your property does not meet the minimum value, you may still be eligible for a touristic residence permit.
If you want to apply for a residence permit by purchasing real estate in Turkey, check out our “Properties for Sale in Turkey” page! On the other hand, for detailed information, you can also review our “Citizenship & Residence Permit Service” page.
Benefits of Buying Turkish Property for Residence Permit
By owning property in Turkey, you can take advantage of a variety of benefits not accessible through a residency by the rental agreement, including the following:
1. The ability to apply for citizenship after five (5) years of stay.
2. The property owner’s family (spouse and minor children) automatically receives the same privileges.
3. The viability and duration of renewal provided for a real estate residence permit are superior.
4. The Resident permit can be simply renewed using the title deed of the property.
FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions About Turkish Residence Permit
Q: Why Do I Need a Turkish Residence Permit?
A: If you intend to spend more than 90 days in Turkey, you will need a Turkish residence permit.
Q: What is a Turkish residence permit?
A: A Turkish residence permit is a permission to stay in Turkey for over 90 days.
Q: Can you travel with a Turkish residence permit?
A: Visa-free travel is possible with a Turkish resident permit.
Q: How much does a Turkish residence permit cost?
A: The amount you should pay will be calculated on the e-residence system, after completing the application form.
Q: How long does it take to get a Turkish residence permit?
A: Applications for a residence permit are processed and issued within 90 days.
Q: How can I get permanent residency in Turkey?
A: There are several conditions:
- You must stay in Turkey for at least 8 consecutive years.
- Not having received any assistance from the government for the past 3 years.
- Financial independence and sufficiency.
- Valid medical insurance.
- Not having posed a public security threat.
Q: How long is the short-term residence permit in Turkey?
A: A short-term residency is issued for a maximum duration of 2 years.
Q: Can I apply for a Turkish residence permit online?
A: The initial application of filling out the form and submitting documents, and booking the appointment, can be done online through the e-residence website.
Q: Do you get residency if you buy property in Turkey?
A: Yes, you can apply for a residence permit if you buy property in Turkey. This property must be residential and used for that purpose.
Q: How to get a Turkish residence permit?
A: Following the submission of an online application via the e-residence website, the applicant must attend the appointment with the needed documents. After it’s been reviewed, the residency permit card will be delivered to the applicant’s address.
Q: Can I work in Turkey on a residence permit?
A: You will need to apply to the Ministry of Labor & Security with your employer together, for a foreigner work permit ID card. The mere possession of a residency permit does not automatically entitle you to work in Turkey. If you’re found working illegally, you’ll be deported.
Q: How do I check my residence permit status?
A: You may check your status by entering your Foreign ID number through: https://tckimlik.nvi.gov.tr/Modul/YabanciKimlikNoDogrula
More Information About Turkish Residence Permit
When it comes to getting a residence permit in Turkey, you can contact us for more advice and help. Nevita ® offers professional and legal advice, our specialists are ready to assist you at all times. For further information on obtaining a residence permit in Turkey, get in touch with us!
