Expats's Guide for Getting a Residence Permit in Turkey

Why get a Turkish residence permit?There are various advantages to getting a residence permit. Here are some:
- Visa-free entry to Turkey
- Work permit after 6 months of residence
- Enjoying marvelous cities like Antalya, İzmir, İstanbul, Ankara, or Muğla
- Access to high-quality health services
- Receiving accredited education
- Shortcut to affordable Turkish citizenship after long-term residency

How to get a residence permit in Turkey?The process for getting a residence permit in Turkey is clear and follows specific rules. First, you must choose the correct type of permit. One of the most advantageous options is the residence permit given to those who buy property with an investment of 200,000 USD.

Applications are made online through the Presidency of Migration Management (Göç İdaresi). Then, documents are prepared and submitted in person on the appointment day at the provincial migration office. After review, the Turkey residence permit is usually issued for 1-2 years and can be extended as long as the conditions are met.

How to get a residence permit with real estate investment?First, you need to find a residential property worth at least USD 200.000. Secondly, you need to apply for a residence permit through the Presidency of Migration Management. Your application will be concluded within a couple of weeks. The documents you need include:
-Photocopy of the original, signed/e-signed, and sealed/stamped title deed
-Your passport and its sworn translation
-4 biometric photos
-Valid health insurance

Can I get a residence permit by buying a house in installments in Turkey?Yes, you can get a residence permit in Turkey by buying a home in installments. If the property value is over 200,000 USD, you can apply for a residence permit through real estate after you receive the title deed.

How do I renew my Turkish residence permit?You need to apply to a Presidency of Migration Management 60 days before your residence permit expires. See if your residential permit is renewable in nature.

What are the requirements for a residence permit in Turkey?To get a residence permit in Turkey, you need a valid passport, a legal reason for staying in Turkey, sufficient and regular financial means, valid health insurance and proof of your address in Turkey.

The application must be submitted on time and the applicant must not pose a risk to public order or safety. These basic requirements are supported by additional documents depending on the type of residence permit, such as short-term, long-term, or family residence permits.

What documents do I need for a residence permit in Turkey?You need several key documents to apply for a residence permit in Turkey. These include a completed online application form, a valid passport with copies and biometric photos taken within the last six months. You also need valid health insurance. You must show proof of your address in Turkey. If you own property, provide a copy of the title deed. If you are renting, provide a notarized rental agreement or a legal accommodation document. Additionally, you must provide a receipt showing that the residence permit and card fees have been paid. In some cases, proof of sufficient financial resources, such as bank statements or income documents, may also be required.

What is the minimum income to apply for residency in Turkey?There is no legal minimum income for a residence permit in Turkey. However, applicants must prove they have regular and sufficient financial means to live in the country.

If the application is for a residence permit obtained by buying property in Turkey worth at least 200,000 USD, no minimum income is required.

For family applications, the total income should be enough to cover the living expenses of all family members. Sufficient income and financial resources are important criteria that the Presidency of Migration Management (Göç İdaresi) reviews when evaluating the permit.

How much does a residence permit cost in Turkey?The cost of a residence permit in Turkey includes the document fee and the permit fee. The document fee is 964 TL for all applications.

The permit fee depends on the length of the residence. For the first month, it ranges fr om 653.70 TL to 3,359.90 TL. For each additional month, the fee is 2,232.30 TL.

Some citizens may be exempt from the permit fee under reciprocity rules, but the document fee must always be paid. The exact amount is automatically calculated in the e-residence application system. You can check the latest residence permit fee amounts on the Presidency of Migration Management (Göç İdaresi).

How long can you stay in Turkey if you own a property?In Turkey, the length of stay for a foreign property owner depends on the property value and the type of residence permit they applied for. Foreigners who purchase residential property worth at least 200,000 USD can apply for a residence permit. This permit is usually granted for 1 or 2 years and can be renewed as long as the conditions are met.

If the property value does not qualify for a residence permit, owning property alone does not grant long-term stay rights. In this case, the foreigner can stay only for the visa or visa-exempt period. For most nationalities, this is up to 90 days within 180 days.

Foreigners who invest at least 400,000 USD in real estate may become eligible to apply for Turkish citizenship, provided they meet the legal requirements. This allows them to live in Turkey permanently.

Which countries can I visit with a Turkish residence permit without a visa?Turkish residence permit does not allow visa-free travel to other countries. To travel without a visa, you need a Turkish passport, which means you must have Turkish citizenship.

Do I need a residence permit if I have a work permit?No. Your work permit also serves as a residence permit.

Is residence permit the same as a permanent resident in Turkey?A residence permit allows foreigners to live legally in Turkey for a short or long period, usually 1-2 years and it can be renewed when it expires.

Permanent residence (long-term residence) is granted to those who have lived in Turkey continuously for about 8 years and meet the required conditions. People with permanent residence can live and work in Turkey without a time lim it and they do not need to apply every year.

What is difference between a residence permit and a visa in Turkey?A visa and a residence permit are not the same in Turkey; they are legally different. A visa allows entry into the country and is usually for tourism, business, or short visits. When it expires, you must leave Turkey and it does not give the right to stay long-term or work.

A residence permit allows you to live legally in Turkey for a short or long period. You can extend it as long as you meet the requirements. This permit is independent of a visa and, in some cases, also allows rights such as working or studying.

Is it easy to get permanent residency in Turkey?Getting permanent residency in Turkey (long-term residence permit) is not easy and is more restrictive than short-term residence permits. To qualify, a foreigner must live legally in Turkey for at least 8 years. They must show regular and sufficient income. They need valid health insurance. They must not be a risk to public order.

Permanent residence is not a status that can be obtained immediately after arriving in Turkey. However, foreign property owners can apply for a short-term residence permit in Turkey based on real estate ownership. This permit is renewable as long as the conditions are met and is a faster and more practical option for foreigners who want to live in Turkey.

Does the 90/180-day rule in Turkey reset each year? For example, if I stayed 90 days in December last year and left, can I enter again for 90 days in February or do I have to wait 90 days from my exit?
In Turkey, the 90/180-day rule for visa-free or without a residence permit does not reset at the start of a new year. The calculation is based on the 180 days preceding your intended entry date. Within that 180-day period, you cannot stay more than 90 days in total.

If you stay 90 days and leave, you usually need to wait about 90 days from your exit before re-entering. Each day you spend outside Turkey reduces the number of days counted within the 180-day period, gradually restoring your allowable stay.