Information

RESIDENCE PERMIT

January 11, 2023

Getting Residence Permit in Turkey

You must apply for a residence permit in Turkey if you want to stay in the country for more than 90 days at a time. This requirement also applies to students, employees, foreigners who are married to Turkish citizens but have not yet acquired Turkish citizenship, scientific researchers, and foreign real estate buyers.

Those who stay less than this period can use a tourist e-visa, but cannot stay in Turkey for more than 90 days during a 180-day period.

In April 2022, new rules were determined for getting 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 get a residence permit with a rental agreement. A foreigner must be a property owner in order to apply for a long-term residence permit.

Foreigners can get a residence permit by purchasing only residential real estate in Turkey. But, it must be noted that foreigners must buy a house or apartment to get a residence permit.

As of April 27, 2022, the property value for a residence permit must be a minimum of 75.000 USD in metropolitan cities, such as Antalya, Istanbul, and Ankara, and a minimum of 50.000 USD in non-metropolitan cities, such as Yalova.

Alnova Estate ® assists you in getting a long-term Turkey residence permit by buying a property. We are the leading real estate company in Turkey, which is an expert in getting Turkish citizenship, Turkish passport, and residence permit through property investment.

Why Should I Buy Property in Turkey for Residence Permit?

First, it is the easiest way to renew a residence permit and obtain nationality in Turkey. Also;

If one of the spouses owns a property in the family, one of them gets a real estate residence permit. Children under the age of 18 automatically have the same rights. (Except for children over 18 years old)
A property residence permit gives you the right to apply for citizenship after 5 years.

Residence Permit Types in Turkey

Based on the purpose of stay, the Turkish residence permit is divided into six main categories:

Short-Term Residence Permit
Long-Term Residence Permit
Accompany Family Residence Permit
Student Residence Permit
Humanitarian Residence Permit
Residence Permit for Victims of Human Trafficking

1. Short-Term Resident Permit in Turkey

It has 8 different types, and each one applies to a particular situation.

1.1. Touristic Residence Permit

It is for tourism purposes. It does not give a work permit in Turkey.

Requirements, Documents, and Notes:

It is valid for up to one year.
You must be over 18 years old.
You should have valid health insurance. (It is not required for foreigners younger than 18 or older than 65.)
You present your property ownership documents in Turkey. They must be in Turkish and notarized by a Turkish notary.

Note: Your title deed must be up-to-date and renewed by the General Directorate of Land Registry and Cadastre (Tapu Office).

Local Turkish bank receipt showing your financial independence and ability to support yourself and your dependent family members (your spouse and children under 18).

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

You complete and sign the residence permit application form. If you have appointed a lawyer to present your documents, your lawyer must be issued a limited power of attorney stamped by a notary public. You must be physically present at the notary public to issue a power of attorney because your signature is required. If your current passport is not in Turkish, you must have the current passport translated by a sworn translator at the notary public. After the passport is translated, the power of attorney can be processed and issued on the same day or the next day.
Your original passport and notarized translation of the passport or travel document by a Turkish notary public.

Note: If your passport does not have a date of birth, you need a certified birth certificate. Its notarized Turkish translation is required.

4 biometric passport photos on a white background. They must meet biometric requirements.
When you apply for your spouse or dependent child (under the age of eighteen), you submit the Turkish sworn translations of your child’s birth certificate and your 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. It takes a while and requires an appointment. You can attend the appointment privately, or anyone who you give a power of attorney can come to the appointment to complete the process on your behalf. The original power of attorney must be presented at the time of your appointment by the Consulate and Ministry of Foreign Affairs in order to act on your behalf.
Police record certificate (You submit a criminal record obtained from your own country if you get a residence permit for the first time in Turkey. If you apply for renewal and live in Turkey for a short or long time, you must also get a criminal record from the Turkish Government).

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

If you are a citizen of a state that is not a party to the Apostille Convention, your 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 Update Your Touristic Residence Permit in Turkey?

You must apply for the update of your residence permit within 60 days before the expiration date of your current residence permit.

Note: If you want to update sixty (60) days before the expiry date of your current residence permit, your application will not be accepted.

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

Required documents:

Copy of your passport notarized by the Turkish Notary Public. (The passport must 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). However, 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 18).
Valid health insurance. It is not required for foreigners who are younger than 18 or older than 65.
Copy of property ownership documents in Turkey. They must be in Turkish and notarized.
Police clearance certificate.

Need to Know: Single Parents with Children

A statement of parental consent is required if you are a single parent, who is recently divorced and applying for renewal for your child(ren).

The parental consent document must be stamped/signed by the Turkish authorities. 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), you should follow the laws of the country where your child(ren) is adopted.

1.2. Business Residence Permit

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

Requirements, Documents, and Notes:

The validity of the residence permit is up to a year.
You must be over the age of 18.
Valid health insurance. It is not required for foreigners who are younger than 18 or older than 65.
A financial self-sufficiency declaration form that shows your financial independence and your ability to support yourself and any dependent family member (spouse and children under the age of 18.

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

You complete and sign the residence permit application form. If you have appointed a lawyer to present your documents, your lawyer must be issued a limited power of attorney stamped by a notary public. You must be physically present at the notary public to issue a power of attorney because your signature is required. If your current passport is not in Turkish, you must have the current passport translated by a sworn translator at the notary public. After the passport is translated, the power of attorney can be processed and issued on the same day or the next day.
Your original passport and notarized translation of the passport or travel document by a Turkish notary public.

Note: If your passport does not have a date of birth, you need a certified birth certificate. Its notarized Turkish translation is required.

4 biometric passport photos on a white background. They must meet biometric requirements.
Police clearance certificate.

How to Update Your Business Residence Permit in Turkey?

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

Copy of your passport notarized by the Turkish Notary Public. (The passport must 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). However, 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 18).
Turkish private health insurance certificate.
Police clearance certificate.

1.3. Residence Permit by Purchasing Property in Turkey

Buying real estate allows you to get a residence permit in Turkey. If you want to buy a property to be eligible for Turkish Citizenship, you can visit Citizenship in Turkey for more information.

Requirements, Documents, and Notes:

You must be over 18 years old.
Copy of your passport notarized by the Turkish Notary Public. (The passport must be translated by a sworn translator at the notary.)
4 biometric photos with a white background. It must not be older than 6 months.
Valid health insurance. It is not required for foreigners who are younger than 18 or older than 65.

Other opportunities for short-term residence permits in 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 types of short-term residence permits in Turkey for more information.

2. Long-Term Residence Permit in Turkey

You can apply for long-term residence if you meet the following conditions:

Living in Turkey for a minimum of eight 8 years consecutively and consistently. Short-term absences due to compulsory public service, education, and health are allowed, but any time exceeding 180 days in a year or 365 days in the last five years loses the right to apply for long-term residency.
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?

You must go to the provincial police headquarters or the immigration office where you live with your 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 a year. Exceptions to this rule are to leave Turkey for more than a year because of 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, Documents, Notes:

Original and copy of your passport notarized by the Turkish Notary Public. (The passport must be translated by a sworn translator at the notary.)
4 biometric photos with a white background. It must not be older than 6 months.
Current residence permit and Turkish ID.
Document confirming that you have not received any financial support from the Turkish Government in the last 3 years.
A financial self-sufficiency declaration form.

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

Valid health insurance.
Police clearance certificate.

3. Family Residence Permit in Turkey

Turkey’s family residence permit is valid for 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 obtaining a student residence permit.

Requirements, Documents, and Notes:

It is valid for up to 3 years.
4 biometric photos with a white background. It must not be older than 6 months.
It covers the applicants within the scope of Article 28 of Law No. 5901, including foreigners with residence permits, refugees, and minors.
Proof of Turkish private health insurance for applicants between the ages of 18 and 65.
Copy of property ownership documents in Turkey. Documents must be in Turkish and notarized.
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 18).

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

You complete and sign the residence permit application form. If you have appointed a lawyer to present your documents, your lawyer must be issued a limited power of attorney stamped by a notary public. You must be physically present at the notary public to issue a power of attorney because your signature is required. If your current passport is not in Turkish, you must have the current passport translated by a sworn translator at the notary public. After the passport is translated, the power of attorney can be processed and issued on the same day or the next day.
Your original passport and notarized translation of the passport or travel document by a Turkish notary public.
4 biometric passport photos for each applicant on a white background. They must meet biometric requirements.
When you apply for your spouse or dependent child (under the age of 18), you submit the Turkish sworn translations of your child’s birth certificate and your 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. It takes a while and requires an appointment. You can attend the appointment privately, or anyone who you give a power of attorney can come to the appointment to complete the process on your behalf. The original power of attorney must be presented at the time of your appointment by the Consulate and Ministry of Foreign Affairs in order 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.

4. Student Residence Permit in Turkey

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

Requirements, Documents, and Notes:

You complete and sign the residence permit application form.
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 you are under the age of 18, a letter of consent from your parents to attend a course.
Your 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). However, 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 18).

Note: Financial independence is defined by the Turkish immigration administration 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 for foreign students who want to be covered by general health insurance within 3 months from the first registration date. But, 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.

How to Update Your Student Residence Permit in Turkey?

You complete and sign the residence permit application form.
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 stating the need to extend your stay for educational purposes.
A new letter of consent from your parents to attend a course (if you are under the age of 18).
Copy of public or private health insurance policy in Turkey.
Your original passport and notarized translation of the passport by a Turkish notary public.
Police clearance certificate.

5. Humanitarian Residence Permit in Turkey

This permit is granted for a 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.

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

It 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 residence permit application.

Requirements, Documents, and Notes:

Regardless of how you entered the country (legal or illegal), you 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 a year and can be renewed thereafter. Renewal is on a case-by-case basis and at the discretion of the Directorate.
You complete and sign the residence permit application form.
2 biometric photos with a white background. It must not be older than 6 months.

6. The Turkish Residence Permit for Victims of Human Trafficking

It is issued by the governorates for 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 6 months.

Note: Extensions cannot exceed 3 years in total.

Requirements, Documents, and Notes:

No documents are required.

Turkish Citizenship Instead of Residence Permit

If you meet the following conditions, you can apply for Turkish citizenship at the place of residence:

A fixed capital investment of 500.000 USD.
Buying 400,000 USD worth of property in Turkey and not selling it for 3 years.
Provide 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 3 years.

Take a look at Citizenship in Turkey for more information.

If you want to obtain Turkey’s residency by investment, you always can contact us for more advice and help from our branches.

FAQ About Residence Permit in Turkey

Q: Will buying real estate in Turkey allow me to obtain a residence permit?
A: Yes. When a foreigner buys a property in Turkey, immigration offices give a residence permit upon request. The residence permit can be renewed every 2 years as the ownership remains.

Q: What are the advantages of having a residence permit in Turkey?
A: As first, official procedures are easier when a foreigner has a residence permit in Turkey. Although foreigners can benefit from most services without a residence permit, it is mandatory for some important services, such as internet connection. It also prevents the workload and cost of the visa.

Q: Can the government reject my residence permit application?
A: Yes. In case of missing documents or non-compliance with the conditions, your application may be rejected. If there is no objection or issue, you can easily get a residence permit.

Q: Should I submit a police clearance document from my home country or Turkey?
A: It depends on your residence status. In your first residence permit application, you must submit your criminal record from your home country. However, if you are applying for renewal and living in Turkey for a short or a long time, you must also obtain a criminal record from the Turkish Government.

Q: Is it difficult to get a residence permit in Turkey?
A: No. But, the process requires experience and can seem complicated if you prefer to do it on your own. It is recommended to get service from professionals.

Q: Will I benefit from my residency before I get my residence card?
A: Yes. You will get a temporary residence permit at the end of your appointment at the immigration office. You can use this document until you get the original residence card.

Q: What are the required documents for a residence permit application?
A: They are:

Residence permit application form
The title deed of your property in Turkey,
Property location information from the local municipality
Health insurance policy
4 biometric photos
Passport
Police clearance certificate

Q: How many people can get a residence permit with a single title deed?
A: Only the family of the applicant can get a residence permit with a single title deed. This includes the applicant, spouse, and children under the age of 18.

If you want to get a residence permit for your children, you must present their apostilled birth certificates with the other required documents. Birth certificates are only required for dependent children under the age of 18.

Q: Can I get a residence permit for my mortgaged property?
A: Yes.

Q: How much does it cost to get a residence permit in Turkey?
A: It depends on the applicant. Because the most important factor that changes the health insurance price is the age of the applicant. Also, the number of documents to be translated and the nationality of the applicant are other factors that change the cost. It can cost between 700 TL and 3500 TL.

Q: Is it possible to buy a property and get a residence permit remotely?
A: Yes. Thanks to our TeleProperty service, you can buy a property remotely. We can get a residence permit on your behalf if you send us a power of attorney.

Q: Is there a permanent residence permit for foreigners in Turkey?
A: After residing in Turkey for 8 years, you can apply for a long-term residence permit. It does not have an expiry date.

Q: What is the right time to apply for a residence permit renewal?
A: When you have completed the last 60 days of your current residence permit, you can apply for renewal of residence.