Turkish Residence Permit
In short
Foreigners who stay in Turkey longer than their visa or visa exemption allows (90 days in any 180-day period) need a residence permit. Applications are made online through e-ikamet, followed by an appointment, and the authority may take up to 90 days to decide. We prepare the file, book the appointment and follow the application until the decision.
By Burak Ünal, licensed real estate broker · Updated
Key facts (as of October 2026)
- Visa-free stays
- Up to 90 days in any 180-day period; longer stays need a residence permitSource: Göç İdaresi, goc.gov.tr (opens in a new tab)
- Property-based permit
- For residential property bought from 16 October 2023, a title-deed sale price of at least USD 200,000, the same in every provinceSource: Göç İdaresi, goc.gov.tr (opens in a new tab)
- Application
- Online at e-ikamet.goc.gov.tr, followed by an appointmentSource: e-ikamet.goc.gov.tr (opens in a new tab)
- Decision time
- Up to 90 days; times vary by provinceSource: Göç İdaresi, istanbul.goc.gov.tr (opens in a new tab)
- Long-term permit
- After at least 8 years of continuous residence on permits (Law No. 6458, Art. 42)Source: goc.gov.tr (Law No. 6458) (opens in a new tab)
Each figure links to its official source. Rules change, so we confirm the current position before you act.
Who it is for
- Foreigners staying in Turkey longer than 90 days in any 180-day period
- Owners of a residential property in Turkey
- Families, retirees and remote workers settling in Istanbul
- Residents with 8 years of continuous residence who may apply for a long-term permit
Live in Turkey with Residence Permit Card
We offer residency advisory services in Turkey for our clients. Our fees include health insurance, government tax, card fee and courier expenses. Affordable and all-inclusive rates.
Short-Term Residence Permits
Touristic residence permit
Turkey offers short-term touristic resident permit for foreigners:
- Residence permit validity is up to 1 year.
- Property ownership documents or rental contract in Turkey must be presented to officials.
- Application documents must be in Turkish and ratified by Turkish Notary services.
Business residence permit
Turkey offers short-term business resident permit for foreigners:
- Residence permit validity is up to 1 year.
- Evidence of financial independence and the ability to support dependent family members is required.
- This type of residence permit allows the applicant to explore business ventures, visit suppliers/buyers, conduct market research, trade shows and conferences, and incorporate a business in Turkey.
Residence permit by buying property
This residence permit is the initial step for Turkish Citizenship.
- The applicant is awarded a Turkish passport upon completion of the successful application.
- Invest a minimum of five hundred thousand United States dollars ($500,000 USD) for a minimum term of three (3) years in a fixed deposit in Turkey.
- Purchase real estate for no less than four hundred thousand United States dollars ($400,000 USD)
- Create employment for a minimum of fifty (50) employees.
Long-Tern Residence Permits
Long-Term Residence
If you who have lived in Turkey, you can apply for long-term residence:
- Resided in Turkey for a minimum of eight (8) years consecutively and consistently.
- Financially self-sufficient and has not received any financial support from the Turkish Government.
- No criminal record.
Student Residence Permit
Turkish Student Residence Permit is granted for tertiary studies for the duration of the course taught at an approved Turkish educational institute:
- Letter of acceptance from Turkish educational institute.
- Evidence of Turkish private health insurance.
- A financial self-sufficiency declaration.
Accompany Family Residence Permit
This type of residence permit is reserved for foreign national spouses and/or relatives of Turkish citizens who wish to bring their family members to Turkey:
- Residence permit validity for up to three (3) year.
Contact Us
WhatsApp SupportRegulations in Turkey
Turkey has ongoing negotiations to join the European Union and it is a member of the Customs Union with the EU. Turkish Law System is very similar to Continental European laws. Gordion Partners advises on all important aspects of residence and civil law procedures in Turkey.
Immigration Procedures
Gordion Partners has extensive knowledge of Turkish regulations and documentation. We provide our clients with residential consultation. We advise on the residence permit, citizenship, investment, buying property, and visa procedures.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is a residence permit in Turkey and who needs it?
A residence permit in Turkey allows foreign nationals to legally stay in the country for a period longer than a tourist visa permits. Anyone planning to stay in Turkey for more than 90 days within a 180-day period, whether for tourism, work, study, family reunification, or property ownership, must apply for a residence permit. It is issued by the Directorate General of Migration Management (DGMM).
2. What types of residence permits are available in Turkey?
Turkey offers several types of residence permits based on the applicant’s purpose of stay, including:
Short-term residence permit (for tourism, language course, property ownership, or business connections)
Family residence permit (for spouses and children of Turkish citizens or residence permit holders)
Student residence permit (for foreigners enrolled in Turkish educational institutions)
Long-term residence permit (for those who have legally resided in Turkey for at least 8 years)
Humanitarian and victim of trafficking permits, in special cases
3. How can a foreigner apply for a residence permit in Turkey?
The application must be submitted online through the official e-ikamet system. After completing the online form, applicants schedule an appointment at the local immigration office and submit the required documents in person. The process is available to foreigners who are already in Turkey with a valid visa or entry stamp.
4. What documents are required to apply for a Turkish residence permit?
Standard required documents include:
A valid passport and copy
Biometric photographs
Proof of address in Turkey (rental contract, hotel booking, or property title)
Proof of financial means (bank statement or income declaration)
Valid health insurance in Turkey
Additional documents may be needed depending on the permit type, such as title deeds for property owners or marriage certificates for family permits.
5. How long is a residence permit valid in Turkey?
A short-term residence permit is typically granted for 1 year, though it can be renewed annually. Other types, such as student or family permits, are often issued for the duration of the study or marriage. Long-term residence permits are indefinite, but require at least 8 years of continuous legal residence and a clean record.
6. Can a residence permit be renewed, and what is the process?
Yes, residence permits can be renewed by submitting an online renewal application within 60 days before the current permit expires. The process is similar to the initial application and requires updated supporting documents. It's essential to apply before the expiration date to maintain legal residency status.
7. Does owning property in Turkey qualify for a residence permit?
Yes, foreigners who own residential property in Turkey are eligible to apply for a short-term residence permit. The property must be used for residential purposes (for property bought from 16 October 2023, with a title-deed price of at least USD 200,000 in every province), and ownership must be proven with a title deed (Tapu). This option is popular among expats and investors seeking a legal basis to live in Turkey year-round.
Contact Us
Contact our immigration and investment advisors before investing in Turkey!
WhatsApp SupportHow the process works
Eligibility check
Tell us your goal. We check which route, permit or company type fits your situation.
Plan and documents
We agree the plan, the steps and the document list with you.
Application
We prepare the file and accompany you to appointments and official offices.
Follow-up
We follow the file until the decision and help with what comes next.
Updated
The information on this page is general and is not legal, tax or investment advice. Rules, amounts and procedures change; contact us to confirm the current requirements before you act.
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