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What is a Residence Permit in Turkey?

It is a permit that gives you the right to stay in Turkey for more than 90 days in half a year for settling or studying.

The residence permit application process in Turkey applies to anyone who wants to stay in the country for more than 3 months. This includes students, employees, foreigners married to Turkish citizens who have not yet acquired citizenship, anyone doing scientific research, and foreign property buyers.

Tourist e-visa can be used by those who want to stay less than this period (except for countries with a visa agreement). But, they cannot stay in Turkey for more than 90 days within 180 days.

In April 2022, new rules were defined for obtaining a residence permit in Turkey. The new decisions were sent to the Presidency of Migration Management of the Ministry of Interior. According to the new regulation, foreigners cannot obtain a residence permit with a rental agreement. A foreigner must be a property owner in order to apply for a long-term residence permit.

If a foreigner buys only residential property in Turkey, s/he gets a residence permit. You should note that you must buy a house or apartment to obtain a residence permit. As of October 16, 2023, the least property value for a residence permit must be a minimum of 200.000 USD in Turkey. For the foreign currency rate of the sales price, the Central Bank rate on the day the title deed is received will be taken as the basis.

The residence permit must be renewed every year if s/he keeps the ownership. Renewal must be done every year before the expiry of the residence permit.

Turkey Residence Permit by Buying Property

If you plan to stay for a long-time, Antalya Homes ® advises buyers to purchase a residential property for a residence permit in Turkey. We give full assistance in getting a residency permit in Turkey.

  • The title deed of the property is the key to renewing your residence permit and getting citizenship in the future.
  • If you get a resident permit by owning a home, your family gets automatically the same rights, except for children over 18 years old.
  • A real estate residence permit gives you the right to apply for Turkish citizenship after 5 years.

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Types of Residence Permit in Turkey

It is divided into 6 main categories according to the purpose of stay.

1. Short-Term Residence Permit

There are many different types of short-term residence permits. Each is valid for a specific situation. These are:

tourist, man, nature, trip, globe1.1. Touristic Residence Permit

It is for tourism purposes. It does not give the right to work in Turkey.

Highlights, Requirements, and Documents:

  • It is valid for up to one (1) year.
  • Applicant must be over eighteen (18) years old.
  • Valid health insurance. (This condition is not required for foreigners younger than eighteen (18) or older than sixty-five (65).)
  • Property ownership documents in Turkey. Documents must be in Turkish and notarized by a Turkish Notary.

Note: If you apply for it with a title deed, you must get the document showing that the deed is up-to-date from the General Directorate of Land Registry and Cadastre (Tapu Office).

  • Local Turkish bank statement proving financial independence and ability to support the applicant and dependent family members (spouse and children under eighteen (18) years old).

Note: Financial independence is defined by Turkish migration management as proof of funds equivalent to the Turkish minimum wage index (currently $500 per month of stay).

  • Resident application form filled and signed by the applicant. If you have appointed a lawyer to present your documents, your lawyer must be given a limited power of attorney stamped by a notary public.

Your signature is required. So, you must be physically present at the notary's office to give a power of attorney. You must present your passport. After the passport is translated into Turkish, the power of attorney can be processed and issued on the same day or the next day.

  • The original passport and notarized translation of the passport or travel document (by a Turkish notary public).

Note: If the passport does not contain a date of birth, the applicant needs a certified birth certificate. A notarized Turkish translation is required for this document.

  • 4 biometric passport photos for each applicant. It must be on a white background and meet biometric requirements.
  • When applying for a spouse or dependent child (under the age of eighteen), you submit the Turkish sworn translations of the child's birth certificate and spouse's marriage certificate. Birth certificates and marriage certificates may require an apostille (if your country has an agreement) or stamps from your country’s the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Turkish consulate in your country.

This may take some time and require an appointment. In principle, you have to go in person, but any person with a power of attorney can go to the appointment on your behalf to complete the procedure.

The power of attorney must be submitted at the time of your appointment at the Consulate and Ministry of Foreign Affairs to act on your behalf.

  • Police record certificate (If you get a residence permit for the first time in Turkey, the applicant submits a criminal record obtained from their own country. If the applicant applies for renewal and lives in Turkey for a short or long time, they must also get a criminal record from the Turkish Government).

If these documents are taken from Turkish authorities, they must be e-signed/signed and stamped/sealed. If they are taken from foreign countries, they must have apostilled and notarized translations.

If the applicant is a citizen of a state that is not a party to the Apostille Convention, the documents must be approved by the authorities of the relevant state (consulate approval and by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Turkish Authorities).

Residence Permit in TurkeyHow to Renew My Touristic Residence Permit?

You must apply for the renewal of the tourist residence permit within 60 days before the expiry of the validity of your current residence permit.

Note: If you try to renew your current residence permit more than 60 days before the expiry date, your application will not be accepted.

Note: Residence permit requests will not be accepted if foreigners, who have received a short-term residence permit for up to 1 year as of January 1, 2020, do not present a new justified reason.

Documents you need:

  • Copy of your passport notarized by the Turkish Notary Public. (The passport needs to be translated by a sworn translator at the notary.)
  • 4 biometric photos with a white background. It must not be older than 6 months.
  • A financial self-sufficiency declaration form (which you declare in the application form). But, the Directorate General of Migration Management may require a local Turkish bank statement that shows your financial independence and your ability to support yourself and any dependent family member (spouse and children under the age of eighteen).
  • Valid health insurance. This condition is not required for foreigners who are younger than eighteen (18) or older than sixty-five (65).
  • Copy of real estate ownership documents in Turkey. Documents must be in Turkish and notarized.
  • Police clearance certificate.

If these documents are taken from Turkish authorities, they must be e-signed/signed and stamped/sealed. If they are taken from foreign countries, they must have notarized translations and apostilled.

If the applicant is a citizen of a state that is not a party to the Apostille Convention, the documents must be approved by the authorities of the relevant state (consulate approval and by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Turkish Authorities).

Good To Know: Children and Single Parents

If you are a single parent and have a child(or children), who is recently divorced and applying for renewal, a statement of parental consent is required.

If the Turkish authorities have given the parental consent document, it must be stamped/signed. In case the document is taken from a foreign country, it must be apostilled and translated into Turkish by a Notary Public.

In the absence of the Mother or Father or both (i.e. you are the guardian of an orphan), applicants should follow the laws of the country where their child(ren) is adopted.

businessman, flight, business1.2. Business Residence Permit

A business residence permit in Turkey allows the applicant to explore business ventures, visit suppliers/buyers, conduct market research, trade shows, and conferences, start a business, etc.

Highlights, Requirements, and Documents:

  • The validity of the residence permit is up to one (1) year.
  • The applicant must be over the age of eighteen (18).
  • Valid health insurance. (It is not required for foreigners younger than eighteen (18) or older than sixty-five (65).)
  • Evidence of financial independence and ability to support yourself and your dependent family members (spouse and children under eighteen (18) years old).

Note: Financial independence is defined by Turkish migration management as proof of funds equivalent to the Turkish minimum wage index (currently $500 per month of stay).

  • Resident application form filled and signed by the applicant. If you have appointed an attorney to present your documents, your lawyer must be given a limited power of attorney stamped by a notary public.

Your signature is required. So, you must be physically present at the notary's office to issue a power of attorney. You must present your passport. The power of attorney can be processed and issued on the same day or the next day after the passport is translated into Turkish.

  • The original passport and notarized translation of the passport or travel document (by a Turkish notary public).

Note: If the passport does not contain a date of birth, the applicant needs a certified birth certificate. A notarized Turkish translation is required for this document.

  • 4 biometric passport photos for each applicant. It must be on a white background and meet biometric requirements.
  • Police clearance certificate.

If these documents are obtained from Turkish authorities, they must be e-signed/signed and stamped/sealed. If they are taken from foreign countries, they must have apostilled and notarized translations.

If the applicant is a citizen of a state that is not a part of the Apostille Convention, the documents must be approved by the authorities of the relevant state (consulate approval and by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Turkish Authorities).

How to Renew My Business Residence Permit?

You can renew your Turkish business residence permit with the following documents:

  • Copy of your passport notarized by the Turkish Notary Public. (The passport needs to be translated by a sworn translator at the notary.)
  • 4 biometric photos (with a white background) on your computer to upload during your online application. It must not be older than 6 months.
  • A financial self-sufficiency declaration form (which you declare in the application form). But, the Directorate General of Migration Management may require a local Turkish bank statement that shows your financial independence and your ability to support yourself and any dependent family member (spouse and children under the age of eighteen).
  • Turkish private health insurance certificate.
  • Police clearance certificate.

If these documents are taken from Turkish authorities, they must be e-signed/signed and stamped/sealed. If they are taken from foreign countries, they must have apostilled and notarized translations.

If the applicant is a citizen of a state that is not a party to the Apostille Convention, the documents must be approved by the authorities of the relevant state (consulate approval and by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Turkish Authorities).

businessmna, real estate, offices, buildings1.3. Residence Permit by Buying Real Estate

Buying property allows foreign investors to get a residence permit.

Highlights, Requirements, and Documents:

  • Applicant must be over eighteen (18) years old.
  • Copy of your passport notarized by the Turkish Notary Public or in Turkish Consulates. (The consulates have public notary offices in foreign countries.) The passport needs to be translated by a sworn translator at the notary.
  • 4 biometric photos (with a white background) on your computer to upload during your online application. It must not be older than 6 months.
  • Valid health insurance. This condition is not required for foreigners who are younger than eighteen (18) or older than sixty-five (65).

If you want to buy real estate to be eligible for Turkish Citizenship, you can visit Citizenship in Turkey for more information.

If these documents are taken from Turkish authorities, they must be e-signed/signed and stamped/sealed. If they are taken from foreign countries, they must have apostilled and notarized translations.

If the applicant is a citizen of a state that is not a party to the Apostille Convention, the documents must be approved by the authorities of the relevant state (consulate approval and by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Turkish Authorities).

Other opportunities for short-term residence permits for foreigners who will come to Turkey:

  • Scientific research (archaeological and excavation excavations, surveys, filming activities for documentaries, films, film location investigations, etc.),
  • Medical treatment,
  • Exchange/short-time training programs (non-educational programs),
  • Judicial authorities (Victims of domestic violence and foreigners who are married and divorced to Turkish citizens and therefore need an alternative right of residence granted through the courts).

You can check out the other Short-term Residence Permit types for further information.

Residence Permit in Turkey2. Long-Term Residence Permit in Turkey

Applicants living in Turkey can apply for long-term residence if they meet the following conditions:

  • Living in Turkey for a minimum of eight (8) years consecutively and consistently. Short-term absences are allowed in case of compulsory public service, health, or education-related reasons. However, absences exceeding 6 months in each year or 365 days in the past 5 years may cause losing the right to apply for long-term residency. If there is an interruption during the residency period, previous absences will not be taken into consideration for residency applications.
  • Financially self-sufficient and has not received any financial support from the Turkish Government in the last three (3) years.
  • The policyholder of a valid private health insurance policy.
  • No criminal records, or records or events that pose a threat to the public or endanger public safety.

How to Apply?

  • Applicants who meet the above requirements for application must go to the provincial police headquarters or the immigration office where they live with their current passport and Turkish ID.
  • The long-term residence permit is valid provided that the person does not live outside of Turkey for more than one (1) year. Exceptions to this rule are to leave Turkey for more than one (1) year due to health, education, or compulsory public service in one's home country.
  • Long-term residence permit holders have the same rights as Turkish citizens, except for the following:
    • Compulsory military service
    • Right to vote and to be elected
    • To enter public service
    • Exemption from customs duties on vehicle imports

Requirements and Documents

  • Original and photocopy of passport. Copy of your passport notarized by the Turkish Notary Public. (The passport needs to be translated by a sworn translator at the notary.)
  • 4 biometric photos (with a white background), which must not be older than 6 months.
  • Current residence permit and Turkish ID.
  • A document confirming that no financial assistance has been received from the Turkish Government or Institutions in the last three (3) years.
  • Evidence of financial independence.

Note: Financial independence is defined by Turkish migration management as proof of funds equivalent to the Turkish minimum wage index (currently $500 per month of stay).

  • Valid health insurance.
  • Police clearance certificate.

If these documents are obtained from Turkish authorities, they must be e-signed/signed and stamped/sealed. If they are taken from foreign countries, they must have apostilled and notarized translations.

If the applicant is a citizen of a state that is not a part of the Apostille Convention, the documents must be approved by the authorities of the relevant state (consulate approval and by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Turkish Authorities).

family, flight, airport, kids, man, woman, trip3. Family Residence Permit in Turkey

Turkey’s family residence permit allows foreign spouses and/or relatives of Turkish citizens who want to bring their families to Turkey. It allows dependent children under the age of 18 to continue their education without getting a student residence permit.

Highlights, Requirements, and Documents:

  • The validity of the residence permit is up to three (3) years.
  • 4 biometric photos (with a white background). The photo must not be older than six (6) months.
  • It covers the applicants within the scope of Article 28 of Law No. 5901, including foreign nationals with residence permits, refugees, and minors.
  • Proof of Turkish private health insurance for applicants between the ages of 18 and 65.
  • Copy of real estate ownership documents in Turkey. Documents must be in Turkish and notarized.
  • Local Turkish bank statement proving financial independence and ability to support the applicant and dependent family members (spouse and children under eighteen (18) years old).

Note: Financial independence is defined by Turkish migration management as proof of funds equivalent to the Turkish minimum wage index (currently $500 per month of stay).

  • Resident application form filled and signed by the applicant. If you have appointed a lawyer to present your documents, your lawyer must be given a limited power of attorney stamped by a notary public.

Your signature is required. So, you must be physically present at the notary's office to issue a power of attorney. You must present your passport. After the passport is translated into Turkish, the power of attorney can be processed and issued on the same day or the next day.

  • The original passport and notarized translation of the passport or travel document (by a Turkish notary public).
  • 4 biometric passport photos for each applicant. It must be on a white background and meet biometric requirements.
  • When applying for a spouse or dependent child (under the age of eighteen), you submit the Turkish sworn translations of the child's birth certificate and spouse's marriage certificate. Birth certificates and marriage certificates may require an apostille (if your country has an agreement) and a stamp from the Turkish consulate in your country.

This may take some time and require an appointment. In principle, you have to go in person, but any person with a power of attorney can go to the appointment on your behalf to complete the procedure.

The power of attorney must be submitted at the time of your appointment at the Turkish Consulate to act on your behalf.

Note: If an applicant who will apply for a Family Residence Permit has more than one spouse, only one of the spouses can benefit from this permit. However, all children of the applicant can be granted a Family Residence Permit.

  • Police clearance certificate.

If these documents are taken from Turkish authorities, they must be e-signed/signed and stamped/sealed. If they are taken from foreign countries, they must have apostilled and notarized translations.

If the applicant is a citizen of a state that is not a party to the Apostille Convention, the documents must be approved by the authorities of the relevant state (consulate approval and by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Turkish Authorities).

students, school, library, studiying4. Student Residence Permit in Turkey

It is given for higher education for the duration of the course taught at an approved Turkish educational institution.

Requirements and Documents:

  • Resident application form filled and signed by the applicant.
  • Letter of acceptance from the Turkish educational institution that states:
    • The type of the course
    • The duration of the course
    • The start and end date of the course
    • The location of the course
    • The name of the educational institution
    • The field of the course; post-graduate studies, research, internship, etc.
  • If the applicant is under the age of eighteen (18), a letter of consent from the parents to attend a course.
  • The original passport and notarized translation of the passport or travel document (by a Turkish notary public).
  • 4 biometric photos (with a white background). It must not be older than 6 months.
  • A financial self-sufficiency declaration form (which you declare in the application form). But, the Directorate General of Migration Management may require a local Turkish bank statement that shows your financial independence and your ability to support yourself and any dependent family member (spouse and children under the age of eighteen).

Note: Financial independence is defined by Turkish migration management as proof of funds equivalent to the Turkish minimum wage index (currently $500 per month of stay).

Note: According to the provisions of the Social Insurance and General Health Insurance Law, private health insurance is not required from foreign students who make a request to become a general health insurance holder within three months from the first registration date. However, if you do not make a request, you lose your right to be covered by general health insurance and need to get private health insurance.

  • Police clearance certificate.

If these documents are taken from Turkish authorities, they must be e-signed/signed and stamped/sealed. If they are taken from foreign countries, they must have apostilled and notarized translations.

If the applicant is a citizen of a state that is not a party to the Apostille Convention, the documents must be approved by the authorities of the relevant state (consulate approval and by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Turkish Authorities).

How to Renew My Student Residence Permit in Turkey?

  • Resident application form filled and signed by the applicant.
  • Color photocopy of previous residence permit.
  • 2 biometric photos with a white background. They must not be older than 6 months.
  • Financial independence statement covering the period of your stay in Turkey.
  • Statement from the institute mentioning the requirement to extend your stay for study purposes.
  • If the applicant is under the age of eighteen (18), a new letter of consent from the parents to attend a course.
  • Copy of public or private health insurance policy in Turkey.
  • Original and photocopy of passport. Copy of your passport notarized by the Turkish Notary Public. (The passport needs to be translated by a sworn translator at the notary.)
  • Police clearance certificate.

If these documents are obtained from Turkish authorities, they must be e-signed/signed and stamped/sealed. If they are taken from foreign countries, they must have apostilled and notarized translations.

If the applicant is a citizen of a state that is not a part of the Apostille Convention, the documents must be approved by the authorities of the relevant state (consulate approval and by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Turkish Authorities).

documents5. Humanitarian Residence Permit in Turkey

It is offered for one (1) year to those suffering from civil war, human rights violations, refugees, and a wide range of individual humanitarian situations approved on a case-by-case basis.

This permission is regulated in Articles 46 and 47 of the Law on Foreigners and International Protection No. 6458.

This permit is not a way of resettlement to a third country through Turkey. All resettlement is handled directly by the United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR).

Note: Unlike all other residence permit categories, you cannot use the services of a lawyer to file your humanitarian permit application.

Requirements and Documents:

  • Regardless of how the applicant entered the country (legal or illegal), the applicant must apply directly to the Provincial Directorate of Migration Management as soon as possible.
  • A signed and filled application form taken from the Provincial Directorate of Migration Management.
  • It is valid for one (1) year and can be renewed thereafter. Renewal is on a case-by-case basis and at the discretion of the Directorate.
  • Resident application form filled and signed by the applicant.
  • 2 biometric photos with a white background. They must not be older than 6 months.

6. The Turkish Residence Permit for Victims of Human Trafficking

It is issued by the governorates for thirty (30) days to foreigners who are victims of human trafficking or where there are strong indications that they may be victims. It can be extended for a maximum of six (6) months.

Note: Extensions cannot exceed three years in total.

Requirements and Documents:

  • In this residence permit application, the documents required for other residence permits are not required.

Citizenship Instead of Residency

Foreigners who meet the following conditions can apply for citizenship at the place of residence:

  • A fixed capital investment of 500.000 USD.
  • Buying 400,000 USD worth of real estate in Turkey and not selling it for three years.
  • Create employment for a minimum of fifty (50) employees.
  • Anyone who deposits $500,000 in Turkish banks or buys equivalent government bonds. You must keep them for three years.

Visit Citizenship in Turkey for more information.

How to Apply for Residence Permit in Turkey with Antalya Homes?

We are real estate experts in buying and selling properties and their all legal procedures in Turkey. We are ready to help you throughout your purchasing process, from finding your home with the best deals to handling your residence permit procedures.

Contact our sales representatives for more advice and information about Turkey's residency by investment.


* Source:Republic of Turkey Ministry of Interior Directorate General of Migration Management

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