Long-Term Residence Permit in Turkey
After at least 8 years of continuous residence in Turkey on residence permits, you may apply for a long-term residence permit. We check your residence history and the other conditions, and prepare the application.
In short
Foreigners who have lived in Turkey continuously for at least 8 years on residence permits may be granted a long-term residence permit by the governorate, with the approval of the Ministry of Interior (Law No. 6458, Art. 42). They must also have received no social assistance in the last 3 years, and have sufficient and regular income, valid health insurance and no threat to public order or security. We check your residence history and prepare the application.
By Burak Ünal, Founder & Managing Partner, Gordion Partners · Updated
Key facts (as of October 2026)
- Residence required
- At least 8 years of continuous residence in Turkey on residence permits (Law No. 6458, Art. 42)Source: goc.gov.tr (Law No. 6458) (opens in a new tab)
- Periods that count
- Work permit periods count (Art. 27); student residence permit periods count only at halfSource: goc.gov.tr (Law No. 6458) (opens in a new tab)
- Other conditions
- No social assistance in the last 3 years, sufficient and regular income, valid health insurance, no threat to public order or security (Art. 43)Source: goc.gov.tr (Law No. 6458) (opens in a new tab)
- Decision
- By the governorate, with the approval of the Ministry of InteriorSource: goc.gov.tr (Law No. 6458) (opens in a new tab)
- Application
- Online at e-ikamet.goc.gov.trSource: e-ikamet.goc.gov.tr (opens in a new tab)
- Recent changes
- No change to these rules was found for 2025 or 2026Source: 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 with 8 years or more of continuous residence in Turkey on permits
- Long-time residents planning their future in Turkey
- Current and former work permit holders, whose work permit years count
- Families who have lived in Turkey for many years
The conditions
Under Law No. 6458 on Foreigners and International Protection (Articles 42 and 43), a long-term residence permit may be granted by the governorate, with the approval of the Ministry of Interior, to a foreigner who:
- has lived in Turkey continuously for at least 8 years on residence permits;
- has not received social assistance in the last 3 years;
- has sufficient and regular income;
- holds valid health insurance; and
- is not a threat to public order or public security.
No change to these rules was found for 2025 or 2026.
Which periods count
- Periods on residence permits count towards the 8 years.
- Periods on work permits count as well (Law No. 6458, Article 27).
- Periods on student residence permits count only at half.
- Time spent outside Turkey can affect whether your residence counts as continuous, so we check your entry and exit record and the dates of each permit before you apply.
Who it does not suit
- Foreigners with less than 8 years of continuous residence on permits: a short-term or family residence permit keeps your stay legal in the meantime.
- Anyone who has received social assistance in the last 3 years.
- Applicants without valid health insurance or regular income.
- Those who want a Turkish passport: a long-term residence permit is not citizenship. Citizenship by investment is a separate route (see Turkish citizenship by investment).
The application
The application is filed through e-ikamet and decided by the governorate with the approval of the Ministry of Interior. Before you apply, we put together your residence history, the evidence of income and health insurance and the other documents, because a gap between two permits or a long absence can break the continuity. No processing time can be guaranteed.
Costs
The state fees for the permit and the card, the health insurance premium and any translations are paid separately; we confirm the current amounts for your case. Our own fees are not published: contact us for fees, questions and service scope.
Common mistakes
- Counting years on a student permit in full: they count at half.
- A gap between two permits, for example after a renewal filed too late.
- Long stays abroad that break the continuity of residence.
- Applying without proof of regular income or valid health insurance.
Guides
- The long-term residence permit after eight years
- How to apply for a long-term residence permit
- Residency and citizenship: the differences
Book a consultation or message us on WhatsApp: tell us since when and on which permits you have lived in Turkey, and we will check whether you can apply.
How the process works
Residence history
We list your permits and their dates, and check your entry and exit record for gaps or long absences.
Conditions
We check the other conditions with you: social assistance, income and health insurance.
Documents
We prepare the document list and check each document before it is submitted.
e-ikamet application
The application is filed online at e-ikamet and the appointment is booked.
Appointment and review
The documents are submitted at the provincial migration directorate, and the file is reviewed.
Decision
The governorate decides with the approval of the Ministry of Interior; no processing time can be guaranteed.
Documents checklist
- Passport, with a copy
- Your current and earlier residence and work permits, or their details
- Proof of sufficient and regular income
- Health insurance valid in Turkey
- Biometric photographs
- The other documents we list for your case
Your full list depends on your situation; we prepare it with you.
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.
Frequently asked questions
How many years do I need for a long-term residence permit in Turkey?
At least 8 years of continuous residence in Turkey on residence permits (Law No. 6458, Article 42).
Do my years on a work permit count?
Yes. Periods on work permits count towards the 8 years (Law No. 6458, Article 27).
Do my years as a student count?
Only at half: periods on a student residence permit count for half of their length.
What are the other conditions?
No social assistance in the last 3 years, sufficient and regular income, valid health insurance, and no threat to public order or public security (Law No. 6458, Article 43).
Is a long-term residence permit the same as citizenship?
No. A long-term residence permit lets you live in Turkey; it does not make you a Turkish citizen or give you a Turkish passport. Citizenship is a separate application, for example through an investment route.
Can time abroad break my continuous residence?
It can. Long periods outside Turkey, or gaps between two permits, can affect whether your residence counts as continuous. We check your entry and exit record and the dates of each permit before you apply.
Have the rules changed recently?
No change to the long-term residence permit rules was found for 2025 or 2026. We confirm the current position before you apply.
Related services
- Short-Term Residence PermitFor stays beyond 90 days in any 180-day period: tourism, business connections, property ownership or a language course.
- Family Residence PermitFor the foreign spouse and children younger than 18 of a Turkish citizen or of a foreigner living in Turkey on a permit.
- Turkish Citizenship by InvestmentA Turkish passport through one of 7 investment routes, from USD 400,000 in real estate.
- Turkish Work PermitWork permits for foreigners employed by a company in Turkey.
Other residence permits
Client reviews
Reviews from our Google Business Profile, shown in their original language.
“I have been applying through Gordion Partners for the past five years, and they have always been incredibly helpful and professional. They are honest, friendly, and truly care about their clients. The team is always up to date with the latest government regulations, which makes the entire process smooth and stress-free. When it comes to applying for my kimlik, I completely trust them. They are reliable, kind, and genuinely supportive throughout the whole process. I highly recommend their services to anyone looking for trustworthy and professional assistance.”
Gabe K.
“Professional A grade services. The team knows their job and very responsive. The communication is not only fast but also very polite. Highly recommended if you are looking to onboard people who care about you.”
Murtaza K.