Foreign nationals who wish to stay in Turkey beyond the duration of their tourist visa or visa exemption (usually 90 days) must obtain a Residence Permit (İkamet İzni). The Turkish Law on Foreigners and International Protection governs these applications.


1. Types of Residence Permits

Depending on the purpose of your stay, you can apply for several types of permits:

  • Short-Term Residence Permit: Applied for property owners, tourism purposes, business meetings, or educational research.
  • Family Residence Permit: Granted to the foreign spouse and children of a Turkish citizen or a foreign resident holding a valid work permit.
  • Student Residence Permit: For foreigners studying in Turkish universities or schools.
  • Long-Term Residence Permit: For foreigners who have resided in Turkey continuously for at least 8 years under a legal residence permit.

2. Key Requirements for Property Owners

Purchasing real estate is one of the most secure routes to obtain residency. However, new updates require:

  • The property must be residential and the purchase value must meet the current legal threshold set by the Presidency of Migration Management (Geliş İdaresi).
  • The applicant must submit the official Title Deed (Tapu) and a residency registration from the civil registry office.

3. The Application Process

The application is submitted online through the "e-İkamet" portal. After filling out the form, the system schedules an interview appointment at the local Provincial Directorate of Migration Management. Required documents include health insurance, proof of financial sufficiency, and a valid passport. Legal counseling prevents applications from being rejected due to incomplete files.



Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How to Get a Residence Permit in Turkey?

  1. Online Application: Submit application via the official e-İkamet website.
  2. Document Compilation: Prepare health insurance, financial proof, and biometric photos.
  3. Interview: Attend the scheduled appointment at the local Migration Directorate.
  4. Delivery: The physical residency card is mailed to your registered address.