Residence Permit Application Procedure in Turkey

Buying a house and living in Turkey requires a residence permit. The application process for a residence permit in Turkey is applicable to anyone who is planning to stay in the country for more than 90 days at a time. This application includes people who are coming to Turkey for education, health, or work-related reasons and also foreigners married to Turkish citizens who are yet to obtain Turkish citizenship, anyone conducting scientific research, and foreign real estate buyers.

People are allowed to stay until 90 days within a period of 180 days in Turkey with a touristic e-visa (except for countries with visa agreements). Foreign nationals that wish to stay longer than the given time are obliged to get a residence permit in Turkey.

The rules for the residence permit have been updated. According to the latest regulations, foreigners cannot get a residence permit with a rental agreement. So, the foreigners must be property owners to apply for a Turkish long-term residence permit.

Also, foreigners have to be owners of residential property. So, in order to obtain a residence permit, foreigners have to buy a house or apartment. The latest regulations on October 16, 2023 also foresee that the minimum property value for applying residence permit must be a minimum of 200.000 USD in all cities. The foreign currency exchange rate of the sales price will be based on the Central Bank rate on the day when the title deed transactions are made.

Trabzon Homes advise people, who are planning to be resident in Turkey for more than 90 days, to buy a property for a long-term residence permit in Turkey.

Advantages of Buying Property in Turkey for Residence Permit

• The title deed, which the applicant will have after the transactions, is going to allow foreigners to get a residence permit and obtain Turkish citizenship in the future.
• If one of the members of the family has a property and residence permit, their children can get the same rights after they’re over the age of 18.
• The property residence permit allows you to apply for citizenship after 5 years of your purchase.

Residence Permit Types

1. Short-Term Residence Permit

Short-term residence permit has many different subcategories depends on specific circumstances. To have a short-term permit, applicants must be required to be eligible to the specified conditions in Article 32 of Law no. 6458.

Reasons to apply:

• Scientific Researches such as archaeological studies or excavations, surface research, filming studies, etc.
• Training, research, internship programs provided by the state or independent organizations,
• Education-related or volunteering based exchange programs,
• Judicial authorities (victims of domestic violence and foreigners married to Turkish citizens who divorce and therefore require an alternative right to residence as issued through the courts).
• Foreigners who will attend a Turkish language course.

1.1. Touristic Residence Permit

A touristic residence permit does not offer the right to work in Turkey.

Requirements, Documents, and Notes to Dwell on:

• Touristic short-term residence permit is valid up to one (1) year.
• To apply, the individual must be over eighteen (18) years.
• Other than applicants who are over 65 and under 18 years, valid health insurance is necessary.
• Property ownership in Turkey. Documents must be notarized by a Turkish noter and translated to Turkish.
Note: For application with property ownership, the title deed must be up-to-date and renewed from the General Directorate of Land Registry and Cadastre (Tapu Bureau).
• A statement from a local Turkish bank that shows the applicant is able to support dependent family members such as spouse and children under 18 years old and have financial independence.
Note: Financial independence is defined by the Turkish immigration bureau as proof of funds coequal to the minimum wage index in Turkey (currently 500 $ per month).
• Original passport, photocopy, and original passport notarized by Turkish Noter. Passport has to be translated to Turkish if it’s not translated already by the sworn translator at the notary office.
• Applicant must complete and sign the resident permit application form. If the applicant is working with a lawyer to submit all documents for a visa, the lawyer must be notarized with a limited power of attorney with the applicant because their signature is required by the notary office. After the translation of the current passport, power of attorney can be issued the same or the next day.
Note: If the passport is issued in the Latin alphabet already, notarized Turkish translation is not required.
Note: If the passport does not include the date of birth, the applicant needs a birth certificate which has to be approved. For a birth certificate, a notarized Turkish translation is required.
• With a white background and suitable to biometric requirements on the amount of four (4) passport photographs per applicant is required.
• For applications of a spouse or dependent child (under the age of 18), a marriage license and an apostille stamped birth certificate by the applicant’s country’s Consulate in Turkey and Turkey’s Foreign Ministry is necessary. These transactions require an appointment and have a waiting period. The applicant or a surrogate who holds a power of attorney can attend the appointment at the Consulate and Foreign Ministry on the applicant’s behalf and complete the procedure.
• Police clearance certificate.

If these documents have obtained from Turkish authorities, all the documents must be stamped and signed (wet signature or e-signature); if obtained from foreign countries, all the documents must be apostilled and translated by notary-certified translators. If the applicant is a citizen of a state that is not a signatory to the Apostille Convention, all the documents must be approved by the relevant state’s authorities (consulate approval and by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs or Competent Turkish Authorities authorized therefor).

Renewal of the Touristic Residence Permit

If a foreigner wants to stay in Turkey more than the given time, touristic residence permits must be renewed before the current permit’s expiration date. The foreigner cannot apply earlier than sixty (60) days before the current permit's expiration date.

Renewal of the touristic residence permit applications can be completed online at https://e-ikamet.goc.gov.tr. Applications can be completed in four (4) languages: English, Turkish, Russian, and Arabic. Before the online application, applicants must provide a scanned biometric photograph to upload which has taken within six (6) months of the application.

With an update on 22.11.2019, starting 01.01.2020 if foreigners with a short-term residence permit can not renew their permit without new, justified reasons.

Required Documents:

• A notarized copy of the current passport, translated by a sworn translator at the Turkish notary office.
• Four (4) biometrically appropriate photographs which have taken within six (6) months.
• A financial competence declaration is required. The directorate of immigration may request a local Turkish bank statement if necessary.
• Valid health insurance for all foreigners except dependent children and people over sixty-five (65) years old.
• Copy of a stable resident’s declaration such as title deed for property ownership notarised by Turkish notary office.

If these documents have obtained from Turkish authorities, all the documents must be stamped and signed (wet signature or e-signature); if obtained from foreign countries, all the documents must be apostilled and translated by notary certified translators. If the applicant is a citizen of a state that is not a signatory to the Apostille Convention, all the documents must be approved by the relevant state’s authorities (consulate approval and by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs or Competent Turkish Authorities authorized therefor).

Notes for Foreigners with Dependent Children or Single Parents

If the residence permit applicant is a single parent or recently divorced/widowed, a declaration of parental consent is required in the absence of a parent or in the case of both parents. Parental consent documents must be stamped and signed. If the documents have obtained from another country, all documents must be apostilled and translated to Turkish by a notary.

1.2. Business Residence Permit

For outlanders who are planning to stay more than 90 days in Turkey for work-related reasons, an invitation letter or similar documents which explain the reasons for the trip is required. This type of short-term residence permit allows applicants to do work-related explorations such as making supplier, buyer, and market researches, attending conferences, etc.

Requirements, Documents, and Notes to Dwell on:

• Business residence permit is valid for up to one (1) year.
• To apply, the individual must be over eighteen (18) years.
• Other than applicants who are over 65 and under 18 years, valid health insurance is necessary.
• A statement that shows the applicant is able to support himself/herself, dependent family members such as spouse and children under 18 years old.
Note: Financial independence is defined by Turkish immigration as proof of funds coequal to the minimum wage index in Turkey (currently 500 $ per month).
• Original passport, photocopy, and original passport notarized by Turkish Noter. The passport has to be translated to Turkish if it’s not translated already by the sworn translator at the notary office.
• Applicant must complete and sign the resident permit application form. If the applicant is working with a lawyer to submit all documents for a visa, the lawyer must be notarized with a limited power of attorney with the applicant because their signature is required by the notary office. After the translation of the current passport, power of attorney can be issued the same or the next day.
Note: If the passport is issued in the Latin alphabet already, notarized Turkish translation is not required.
Note: If the passport does not include the date of birth, the applicant needs a birth certificate which has to be approved. For a birth certificate, a notarized Turkish translation is required.
• With a white background and suitable to biometric requirements on the amount of four (4) passport photographs per applicant is required.
• Police clearance certificate.

If these documents have obtained from Turkish authorities, all the documents must be stamped and signed (wet signature or e-signature); if obtained from foreign countries, all the documents must be apostilled and translated by notary certified translators. If the applicant is a citizen of a state that is not a signatory to the Apostille Convention, all the documents must be approved by the relevant state’s authorities (consulate approval and by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs or Competent Turkish Authorities authorized therefor).

Required Documents for Renewal of the Business Residence Permit

• A notarized copy of the current passport, translated by a sworn translator at the Turkish notary office.
• Four (4) biometrically appropriate photographs which have taken within six (6) months.
• A financial competence declaration is required. The directorate of immigration may request a local Turkish bank statement if necessary.
• Valid private health insurance.
• Police clearance certificate.

If these documents have obtained from Turkish authorities, all the documents must be stamped and signed (wet signature or e-signature); if obtained from foreign countries, all the documents must be apostilled and translated by notary certified translators. If the applicant is a citizen of a state that is not a signatory to the Apostille Convention, all the documents must be approved by the relevant state’s authorities (consulate approval and by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs or Competent Turkish Authorities authorized therefor).

1.3. Residence Permit by Investment and Buying a Property

By buying a property, foreigners suitable for conditions can gain a right to live in Turkey with a residence permit. After 5 years of being resident in Turkey, foreigners who have not committed acts against the law can get a chance to apply for Turkish Citizenship.
Note: Source of investment must be self-funded, bank finance or credit is not applicable for this category.

Required Qualifications for Application

• Investment a minimum of five hundred thousand United States dollars (500.000 $) for a minimum term of three (3) years in a fixed deposit in a local Turkish bank, government bonds, or Turkish real estate investment trusts (REITs).
• Real estate purchase for minimum two hundred and fifty thousand United States dollars (400.000 $) and undertake in the registry that the property will not be sold until the period of three (3) years ends.
• Starting an independent business consists of employment for a minimum of 50 (fifty) employees with social security payments for at least three (3) years.

Requirements and Documents:

• Applicant must be over eighteen (18) years.
• A notarized copy of the current passport, translated by a sworn translator at the Turkish notary office.
• Four (4) biometrically appropriate photographs which have been taken within six (6) months.
• Valid health insurance for all foreigners except dependent children and people over sixty-five (65) years old.
• Following documents as evidence of investment: Property title deed from Land Registry with three (3) year restriction on sale documented on the title deed and earthquake insurance; Ministry of Treasury and Finance or the Capital Markets Board of Turkey documents showing a minimum investment of five hundred thousand USD (500.000 $) for a term of three (3) years; documents evidencing the employment for a minimum of fifty (50) employees from Ministry of Family and Labor & Social Services.

If these documents have obtained from Turkish authorities, all the documents must be stamped and signed (wet signature or e-signature); if obtained from foreign countries, all the documents must be apostilled and translated by notary-certified translators. If the applicant is a citizen of a state that is not a signatory to the Apostille Convention, all the documents must be approved by the relevant state’s authorities (consulate approval and by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs or Competent Turkish Authorities authorized therefor).

For further information visit Short Term Permit Types.

2. Long-Term Residence Permit

The applicants who are planning to live in Turkey for more than 90 days can apply for a long-term residence permit if they provide the following requirements:

• Residence in Turkey for a minimum of eight (8) years consecutively and consistently. Short-term is permitted, but any time up to six (6) months within one (1) year or more in total shall forfeit the right to apply for a long-term resident.
• Evidence of economic self-sufficiency and record to prove that the applicant has not received any economic support from the Turkish Government in the last three (3) years.
• Valid private health insurance.
• No criminal or any other record posing a threat to the public.

Application Process:

• The applicants who provide the conditions mentioned above must visit their provincial security directorate or the Immigration Office reside with their present passport and Turkish ID.
• The long-term residence permit is valid provided that does not reside outside of Turkey for over one (1) year. Exceptions only include special circumstances such as reasons for health, education, or mandatory public service in the beholder’s native homeland.
• Long-term residence permit holders have almost the same rights as Turkish Citizens unless some exceptions such as compulsory military service, the right to vote and be elected, working in public service, exemption from customs duties when importing vehicles.

Requirements and Documents:

• Original and notarized photocopy of the passport. (Passport must be translated by a sworn translator at the Turkish Notary office.)
• Present residence permit and Turkish ID.
• Two (2) biometrically appropriate photographs and taken within six (6) months.
• The document confirming that the applicant did not economic aid received from the Turkish Government or Organizations in the last three (3) years.
• Evidence of financial independence (Financial independence is defined by Turkish immigration coequal to minimum wage index in Turkey which is currently 500 $ per month).
• Valid medical insurance.
• Police clearance certificate.

If these documents have obtained from Turkish authorities, all the documents must be stamped and signed (wet signature or e-signature); if obtained from foreign countries, all the documents must be apostilled and translated by notary certified translators. If the applicant is a citizen of a state that is not a signatory to the Apostille Convention, all the documents must be approved by the relevant state’s authorities (consulate approval and by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs or Competent Turkish Authorities authorized therefor).

3. Accompany Family Residence Permit

This category of residence permit is effective for foreign national spouses and/or relatives of Turkish citizens who want to bring their family to Turkey and also for foreigners who obtained any residence permit types in Turkey. The family residence permit allows children under the age of 18 to continue their education without obtaining a student residence permit.

Requirements, Documents, and Notes to Dwell On:

• Residence permit validity is limited to three (3) years per application. The applicants who within the scope of Article 28 of law number 5901, including foreign nationals holding a residence permit, refugees, and minors.
• Online applications are available at https://e-ikamet.goc.gov.tr
Note: Before the online application to renew the residence permit, applicants must be sure to have a biometric photograph scanned on the computer. Biometrically appropriate photographs should be taken within six (6) months.
• Document of private Turkish health insurance for applicants between the age of eighteen and sixty-five.
• Real estate ownership documents in Turkey. These documents have to be in Turkish and notarized by the Turkish Noter.
• Local bank statement evidencing financial independence and ability to support any dependent family members (spouse and children under the age of eighteen (18) years old).
Note: Economic independence is accepted by Turkish immigration as proof of funds equivalent to the Turkish minimum wage index (at the moment $500 USD per month of stay).
• Applicant must complete and sign the resident permit application form. If the applicant is working with a lawyer to submit all documents for a visa, the lawyer must be notarized with a limited power of attorney with the applicant because their signature is required by the notary office. After the translation of the current passport, power of attorney can be issued the same or the next day.
•If the current passport is not in Turkish, the applicant must need to be translated the current passport by the sworn translator at the Notary office. After the passport is translated into Turkish, the power of attorney can be processed and issued the same or the next day.
• The original passport, photocopy, and original notarized passport by Turkish Noter.
• Needed the four (4) biometric passport photos for each applicant. The photo has to contain a white background and be biometrically appropriate.
• Application made for a spouse or dependent child (under eighteen years) has to include sworn Turkish translations of the child’s birth certificate and spouse marriage license. The birth certificate needs an apostille stamp from the applicant’s country’s Consulate in Turkey and after stamped by Turkey’s Foreign Ministry. These transactions require an appointment and have a waiting period. The applicant or a substitute who holds a power of attorney can attend the appointment at the Consulate and Foreign Ministry on the applicant’s behalf and complete the procedure.
• Police clearance certificate.

If these documents have obtained from Turkish authorities, all the documents must be stamped and signed (wet signature or e-signature); if obtained from foreign countries, all the documents must be apostilled and translated by notary certified translators. If the applicant is a citizen of a state that is not a signatory to the Apostille Convention, all the documents must be approved by the relevant state’s authorities (consulate approval and by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs or Competent Turkish Authorities authorized therefor).
Note: If the foreigner who will apply for Family Residence Permit has more than one spouse, only one of the spouses can benefit from this permit. As all children of the head of the family can be given a Family Residence Permit.

4. Student Residence Permit

Residence permits are given for tertiary studies for the duration of the course taught at an approved Turkish educational institute.

Requirements and Documents:

• Completed and signed the resident application form.
• Letter of acceptance from Turkish educational institute mentioning the type, of course, duration, of course starting and the finishing date, of course, location of the course, name of educational institute offering course, and capacity studying at course: post-graduate studies, research, internship, etc.
• Letter of consent from parents to attend to mentioned program for applicants who are under eighteen (18) years.
• Passport copy notarized and translated by the Turkish Notary office.
• Four (4) biometric photos (against a white background) on the applicant's computer to upload during their online application. Biometric photographs should not be older than six (6) months.
• Evidence of Turkish private health insurance for applicants between the age of eighteen and sixty-five.
• A financial self-sufficiency declaration (that you declare in the application form) but also Directorate for Immigration may request a local Turkish bank statement evidencing financial independence and the ability to support the applicant and any dependent family members (spouse and children under the age of eighteen (18) years old).
• Police clearance certificate.

If these documents have obtained from Turkish authorities, all the documents must be stamped and signed (wet signature or e-signature); if obtained from foreign countries, all the documents must be apostilled and translated by notary certified translators. If the applicant is a citizen of a state that is not a signatory to the Apostille Convention, all the documents must be approved by the relevant state’s authorities (consulate approval and by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs or Competent Turkish Authorities authorized therefor).
Note: Economic independence is accepted by Turkish immigration as proof of funds equivalent to the Turkish minimum wage index (at the moment $500 USD per month of stay).

Renewal of the Student Residence Permit

• Signed and completed the resident application form.
• The colored photocopy of the student's previous residence permit.
• Two (2) biometric photographs not older than six (6) months.
• Declaration of economic independence covering the duration of your stay in Turkey.
• Declaration from applicant’s educational institute mentioning the requirement for the extension of stay for study aim.
If the applicant's age is under the age of eighteen (18) years of age, a new approval letter is required from the parents.
• Copy of private health insurance policy in Turkey.
• Passport copy notarized and translated by the Turkish Notary office.
• Police clearance certificate.

If these documents have obtained from Turkish authorities, all the documents must be stamped and signed (wet signature or e-signature); if obtained from foreign countries, all the documents must be apostilled and translated by notary certified translators. If the applicant is a citizen of a state that is not a signatory to the Apostille Convention, all the documents must be approved by the relevant state’s authorities (consulate approval and by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs or Competent Turkish Authorities authorized therefor).

5. Humanitarian Residence Permit

The residence permit is offered for one (1) year to those suffering from displacement from civil war, violation of human rights, refugees, and a wide variety of individual humanitarian situations that are approved on a case-by-case basis. This residence permit is accepted by Articles 46 and 47 of the Law on Foreigners and International Protection number 6458.

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

Note: Conversely to all other residence permit types, you can not use the lawyer services to lodge your application for a humanitarian residence permit.

Requirements and Documents:

• Regardless of how the applicant entered the country, as legally or illegally, the applicant must be applied directly to the Provincial Directorate of Migration Management as soon as possible.
• Signed and completed application form from the Provincial Directorate of Migration Management.
• This permit is only valid for one (1) year and renewable thereafter. Renewal is on a case-by-case basis.
• Signed and completed resident permit application document form.
• Two (2) biometric photographs taken within six (6) months.

6. Residence Permit for Victims of Human Trafficking

This residence permit is given by governorates to individuals who are victims of human trafficking valid for thirty (30) days. Residence permits for the Victims of Human Trafficking might be prolonged six (6) months.

Note: Extensions can not exceed three (3) years in all.

Requirements and Documents:

• For this residence permit, any documents are not required.

Turkish Citizenship instead of Residence Permit

A foreigner who provides the following requirements can apply for Turkish citizenship instead of a resident permit;

• A fixed capital investment amount of 500.000 USD
• Buying a property in Turkey worth 400.000 USD and not sell it for three years.
• Starting your own business for a minimum of fifty (50) employees
• Foreigners who have deposited 500.000 USD to Turkish banks or bought the equivalent amount of government bonds.

For more information: to obtain a residence permit in Turkey, Trabzon Homes welcomes customers from all over the world. Please contact us to get help from a professional sales representative and for more advice about Turkey's residency by investment from our branches.

FAQ

Q: Does buying a property in Turkey allow me to get a residence permit?
A: Yes, when a foreigner buys a property in Turkey, immigration offices provide residency upon demand. As the ownership continues, the residence permit can be renewed every two years.

Q: If I apply for a residence permit, can the government deny my application?
A: Yes. Your application can be refused if there is a missing document or any non-compliance with the conditions. If there is no opposition or thread, you may obtain a residence permit smoothly.

Q: Should I submit a police clearance certificate from my native country or from Turkey?
A: It depends on your residence situation. If you are getting your residence permit for the first time in Turkey, you should submit your criminal record obtained from your own country. But if you are applying for a renewal and lived in Turkey for a short or long period, you have to obtain a criminal record from the Turkish Government too.

Q: What are the advantages of having a residence permit in Turkey?
A: Formal transactions are carried out more easily when a foreigner has a residence permit in Turkey. Although foreigners can benefit from most of the services without a residence permit, for some important services such as internet connection for houses, a residency is compulsory. Moreover, having a residence permit prevents the workload and cost of a visa.

Q: Is it difficult to get a residence permit in Turkey?
A: Obtaining a residence permit is an easy process for property owners in Turkey. However, the process requires experience and may seem complicated if you prefer to do it by yourself. Getting a service from professionals is recommended.

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

Q: What are the necessary documents to apply for a residence permit?
A: Necessary documents for residence permit application are; residence permit application form, the title deed of your property in Turkey, location information of the property from the local municipality, health insurance policy, four portrait photos, passport, and police clearance certificate.

Q: Who can get a residence permit with one title deed?
A: Only families can get a residence permit with one title deed. This includes you, your spouse, and your children under the age of eighteen. If you want to get a residence permit for your children, you need to provide the apostilled birth certificates of the children in addition to the other required documents. Birth certificates are only needed for children who are under 18 years old and do not have a student visa.

Q: Can I get a residence permit with my property that I bought with a mortgage?
A: Yes.

Q: How much does it cost to get a residence permit in Turkey?
A: The cost of a residence permit depends on the applicant. Because the most important factor is the age of the applicant age which changes the health insurance price. Besides, the number of documents to be translated and the applicant’s nationality are the other factors which change the cost. Getting a residence permit may 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 and we can get a residence permit on your behalf if you send us a power of attorney. Related Page: Power of Attorney

Q: Is there a permanent residency for foreigners in Turkey?
A: If you stay in Turkey for eight years, you can apply for a long-term residence permit. The long-term residence permit does not have an expiry date.

Q: What is the correct time to apply for residence permit renewal?
A: You can apply for the renewal of your residency when you are in the last 60 days of your current residence permit.

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