Due to the benefits of its strategic and geographical location, Turkey is a nation that draws a lot of interest from outsiders. However, foreigners must apply for a residency permit in Turkey if they wish to work or live in our nation.

Foreign nationals must get a residence permit in order to stay in Turkey beyond the duration of their visa, which is temporary residency permit document. There are several sorts of resident permits, including short-term, long-term, family, student, and humanitarian residence permits, which are also referred to as residency permits.

How to Get a Residence Permit in Turkey?

To obtain a residency permit in Turkey, there are a few steps that must be taken. The online system is used to complete these processes. Foreign nationals who wish to apply for a residence permit must do so using the Migration Management’s e-residence website. The “I am applying for a residence permit for the first time” button on the e-residence page must be chosen in order to submit an application. The application form that appears on the screen must then be filled out entirely and accurately.

The e-residence system makes scheduling appointments simple. The completed form must be printed, signed, and sent to the Provincial Directorate of Migration Administration along with other supporting documentation after making an appointment. Results of applications are disclosed at the latest after 90 days. Those whose applications are accepted receive their residence permits via PTT cargo.

What are the Conditions for Obtaining Residence Permit in Turkey?

A residence permit is a crucial application that arises from international law. To identify and manage foreigners in our nation, safeguarding public order and health, and averting potential negative effects, it is important to learn the requirements for obtaining a residence permit in Turkey.

People who want to apply for a residence permit must possess specific documents. Despite the fact that these documents may vary depending on the type of residence permit, the essential ones are;

  • Residence permit application form
  • Photocopy with passport
  • Biometric photo and
  • Health insurance.

Who Can Get Residence Permit in Turkey?

All foreigners entering Turkey must have a residence permit for stays that last longer than the duration of their visa, with the exception of those who are exempt. Depending on why visitors want to stay in Turkey, there are various types of residence permits. These are:

  • Family Residence Permit
  • Student Residence Permit
  • Short Term Residence Permit
  • Long Term Residence Permit
  • Humanitarian Residence Permit
  • Human Trafficking Victims Residence Permit

Foreigners who want to obtain a residence permit should choose which of these types is appropriate, and apply by preparing the necessary permits and documents.

How to Obtain a Short-Term Residence Permit for Foreigners?

A short-term resident permit is one of the choices that people seeking a residence permit in Turkey commonly prefer. Foreigners who own real estate or intend to establish a business relationship in Turkey must submit an application through the e-residence system in order to receive a short-term residency visa. The applicable Provincial Directorate of Migration Management should receive the required documentation after the application.

Short-term residency permits are often provided every two years as a general rule. However, foreigners who make investments in Turkey in amounts and on a scale determined by the Council of Ministers may be given a five-year leave of absence with their partner and children. These foreign investors may also apply for Turkish citizenship or a long-term residence permit.

Where to Apply for Short Term Residence?

Requests for a temporary residence permit are submitted electronically to the provincial immigration office in the province where the foreign nationals live. The foreign national may apply for residence directly or through intermediate organizations. It is the applicant’s duty to guarantee that the information provided on the application is accurate. After that, you should schedule an appointment with the Provincial Immigration Administration.

The appointment required to obtain a short-term residence permit must be made through the Migration Management’s online system. At the appointment stage, it should be noted that the visa or visa exemption period of the foreigner has not expired, the dates of the application and residence permit requested period with the passport number should be entered correctly.

Which Documents Should Be Prepared for a Short-Term Residence Application?

There are some documents that need to be prepared for a short-term residence permit application in Turkey. These documents are:

  • Residence permit application form
  • 4 biometric photos
  • Health insurance
  • Photocopy of passport or equivalent document
  • Statement that there is sufficient financial means for the duration of residence

These can be listed among the documents common to all short-term residence permits. However, other signed or e-signed documents may be requested from foreigners depending on the reason for requesting a residence permit.

How to Obtain a Long-Term Residence Permit for Foreigners?

A long-term residency permit is a sort of permission that foreign nationals who have lived in Turkey continuously for 8 years may apply for. Those who qualify for a long-term residency visa may stay in Turkey for as long as they like without having to renew it in the future. Foreigners only have the right to apply for unlimited residence after eight years. The applications are assessed, and the responsible authorities decide the outcome.

In order to be granted a residence permit in Turkey for an indefinite amount of time, a number of requirements must be satisfied. Foreigners must also have lived in Turkey for at least 8 years and not have committed any crimes or engaged in any actions that could endanger the public during this time.

Where to Apply for Long Term Residence?

Long-term residence permit applications are made online. After the online application to the Provincial Directorate of Migration Management, you will see an appointment screen. From this screen, you can easily make an appointment for the appropriate day and time. After the appointment, the documents required for the application should be prepared.

Which Documents Should Be Prepared for a Long-Term Residence Application?

Documents required forapplying for long-term residence in Turkey;

  • Online application form
  • Passport with at least 1 year validity
  • Criminal record
  • 4 biometric photos
  • Count of days document showing uninterrupted residence in Turkey for 8 years
  • Documents showing that applicant earns a living regularly
  • Originals of previous residence permits, if available, and photocopies if not
  • Document showing that you have not received social assistance in the last 3 years before the application
  • Receipts showing that the fees determined by the state have been paid
  • A document stating the address, such as a rental contract, title deed

How Long Does It Take to Get a Residence Permit in Turkey?

In Turkey, applications for residence permits are resolved in no more than 90 days. If the application is approved, a residence permit may be obtained after 90 days, at the latest.

Extension of Residence Permit in Turkey

Depending on the type of permission, residence permits in Turkey are given for a specific amount of time. In order to stay in Turkey after the permit’s validity time has passed, foreigners must submit an application for a residence permit extension.

Applications for residence permit extensions must be submitted to the appropriate Governorships. At least 60 days before the present residence permit expires, the application must be submitted. After amending their details, foreigners can schedule an appointment to request an extension.

After the necessary information is updated through the Provincial Directorate of Migration Management, the extension application can be made via e-residence. However, if there is no change in the person’s information, it is possible to apply for a residence permit extension directly through the e-residence system.

Documents Required to Extend a Residence Permit

Foreigners who want to extend their residence permit must submit the following documents to the relevant institution:

  • Residence permit extension application form
  • 4 photos
  • Notarized copy of passport or equivalent document
  • Health insurance
  • Statement of sufficient financial means for the duration of the residence permit

In addition to these documents, other documents that may need to be attached according to the type of residence permit;

  • A stamped, signed or sealed document showing that you are an active student in order to extend the student residence permit
  • Signed or stamped document to be obtained from the relevant institutions regarding the reason why you want to continue to stay in Turkey in order to extend the short-term residence permit.
  • Updated version of initial application documents to extend family residence permit

How Much Does a Residence Permit Cost in Turkey?

Although the cost of residence permit in Turkey varies every year, it is as follows in 2022:

  • Residence permit fee: 1040 TL
  • Residence permit card fee: 160 TL
  • Although it may differ according to the age of the foreign person applying for a residence permit, the health insurance fee is between 500 -1750 TL. It is obligatory to pay health insurance fee for people under 65 years of age .
  • Translation and notary expenses: 450 TL
  • Where necessary, apostille approval fees per page: 89.23 TL
  • Fee for the lawyer if you are going to carry out the proceedings with the lawyer (Fees are determined by the lawyers themselves)

However, citizens of Turkmenistan, Denmark, Kosovo, Ireland, Nepal, Czech Republic, Sri Lanka and Syria do not have to pay the residence permit fee of 1040 TL, which is among the cost of residence permit in Turkey.

Can You Work in Turkey with a Residence Permit?

Turkey is one of the countries where foreigners come to work. Especially job opportunities in Istanbul cause foreigners to search for apartments for sale in Istanbul, increasing their desire to stay in Turkey for a long time. Kadıköy flats for sale options can be listed among the frequently searched areas in Istanbul.

A residence permit is not a sufficient type of permit to work. Foreigners who want to work in Turkey must obtain a work permit. Foreigners who work without a work permit are deported with fines. However, a work permit can be considered a direct residence permit. Therefore, thanks to the work permit, foreigners can reside in Turkey without obtaining a residence permit.

If You Buy Property in Turkey, Do You Get a Residence Permit?

Turkey is among the countries that grant residence permits to property buyers. However, it is not possible to obtain a residence permit with properties such as land or shops. To obtain the permit, the property purchased must be a residential property.

Obtaining a residence permit by purchasing property is one of the most preferred methods by foreigners. For this reason, Istanbul, Ankara, Alanya rental flat prices , which are offered with options suitable for every budget, are among the options frequently searched by foreigners.

What Should Those Whose Residence Permit Application Has Been Rejected do?

Foreigners whose residence permit has been refused must go to the Administrative Court for the rejection of the decision and file an action for annulment within 60 days after the decision is notified to them.


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