Applying for a Turkish Resident Permit

Turkey is in a peculiar position as a bridge between Europe and Asia, rich culture, and history, together with modern amenities, made it an attractive destination for expatriates, students, and long-term travelers. In Turkey, anyone who plans to stay longer than 90 days for any purpose, whether work, study, or just enjoying the lifestyle, will need to apply for a Turkish residence permit. Everything from residence permit types to the application process and tips for how to make your application successful is contained herein.

Types of Turkish Residence Permits

Depending on the purpose of your stay, there are several types of residence permits that one may be issued. Choosing the right type is crucial because each class has different requirements and allows different activities to be done.

Short-Term Residence Permit

The short-term residence permit is the most frequent type of residence permit that foreign nationals apply for, showing their intention to stay in Turkey for more than 90 days. It could be for the following purposes:

Tourism or leisure stays beyond the visa-free period,
Ownership of property in Turkey,
Business activities without formal employment,
Participation in Turkish language courses.

The short-term residence permit generally can be granted for a period that varies between 6 months to 2 years, with regard to the request of the foreign applicant and the supporting documents presented accordingly.

Long-Term Residence Permit

Having stayed uninterruptedly for eight years in Turkey upon a valid residence permit, you can apply for a long-term residence permit. Indefinite in time, the permit provides all the rights of a Turkish citizen, with the exception of voting and compulsory military service.

Student Residence Permit

This permit is issued to foreigners enrolled in a Turkish university or educational institution. The student residence permit shall be valid throughout the study period, provided proof of enrollment has been given.

Family Residence Permit

One is married to a Turkish Citizen or a foreigner who has a valid residence permit in Turkey. Families of foreign workers that are dependent such as children or families.

For the ones whose request of a work permit has been accepted, a work residence permit is granted at the same time with the work permit. In general, an application for the work permit shall be submitted by the employer and the residence permit will become valid to the extent that the employment contract is valid.

Humanitarian Residence Permit

This is a particular kind of residence permit issued under special conditions, such as refugees or asylum seekers, or on humanitarian grounds, like political turmoil in the home country of the applicant.

Application for a Turkish Residence Permit

The process of applying for a residence permit in Turkey is not complex but includes several steps. Here's an in-depth look at what the application process actually entails:

Step 1: Prepare the Documents

Before sending in your application for residence, you'll have to gather several documents in support of that application. The documentation you will need is mostly the same for all residence permits, though slight variations can be found depending on the type of permit you are applying for. This includes:

Application Form: The application form for a residence permit will have to be completed online from the official website.
Valid Passport: Your passport should be valid for at least 60 days beyond the duration of the residence permit you will apply for.
Four Passport-Sized Photos: These should be according to theTurkish visa photo requirements (white background, full-face view).
Proof of Address: It could be a rental agreement or title deed in case you are an owner.
Proof of Health Insurance: This is required for all applicants, and it needs to be valid throughout the period of stay.
Proof of Financial Means: Bank statements or proof of income, proving you can support yourself during your stay.
Purpose-Specific Documents: Depending on the purpose, for example, applying for a student permit, a letter from an institution one is enrolled in will be required.

Step 2: Online Application

Official Website: Log into the e-Residence application system, and submit an online application. It is available in several languages.

Your Personal Information: Fill in passport details, the period of stay, and purpose of the visit.
Choosing an Appointment Date: After filling out the online form, one can select the date of the appointment and location at the nearest immigration office. The date should fall within the valid period of a visa.
Download and print the application form: After successful submission, download and print the confirmation that carries the date of appointment.

Step 3: Payment of Fees for Residence Permit

You will need to pay the required fees for your residence permit, depending on your nationality and the period of time for which the permit is being sought. You will need to show proof of payment for the permit at your appointment. You can make this payment at the local tax office or online.

Step 4: Attend Your Appointment

Bring all your documents, including a printed application form, to a local immigration office for an appointment on the day of your appointment. You will be given a short interview, and the officials may ask about the purpose of your stay in Turkey and also verify your documents. Ensure everything is okay, so you are not delayed or refused.

Step 5: Wait for Your Application to be Processed

Your residence permit application may take several weeks or months to process. You can track its status online. Even after your Turkey visa expires, you can remain in Turkey if you've attended your appointment and can prove your application is pending. Once approved, your residence permit card will be mailed to you. Always carry this card with you while traveling within Turkey.

The Important Things to Consider for Residence Permit Holders

If you have a Turkish residence permit, it's essential to be aware of the following:

Renewal of Residence Permit

You can apply for the renewal if your residence permit is due to expire, and you wish to continue staying. It is highly recommended that you start the renewal process at least 60 days before the date of expiry of the current permit. The renewal process is similar but usually faster compared to the initial application.

Travel Outside Turkey

Permit holders can leave and re-enter during the validity period of the permit. However, if you will be outside of Turkey for a longer period, kindly note any regulations regarding the maximum number of days you can stay outside without jeopardizing your permit status.

Changing Your Address

At the time of changing the residence permit holder's address, he/she has to notify the immigration authorities within 20 days of the date of his/her removal. In case he/she fails to do so, he might be fined or have problems in the next application or renewal.

Health Insurance Requirements

Your health insurance should be valid throughout the whole period of your stay in Turkey. This means that you are obliged to renew it on time and always carry a copy of the insurance documents with you.

What are Benefits of Applying for a Turkish Residence Permit?

There are many good reasons, especially for people with long-term aspirations of staying in Turkey, to obtain a Turkish Residence Permit. Here are major advantages:

Longer Stay: Enjoy legal residence in Turkey for more than 90 days.
Healthcare Access: Benefit from Turkey's healthcare system at lower costs.
Work and Business Opportunities: Work legally or start your own business.
Education Access: Study at Turkish schools or universities without a student visa.
Path to Citizenship: Potentially become a Turkish citizen after 8 years.
Easy Travel: Re-enter Turkey without needing a visa.

Advantages of a Turkish residence permit depend on the type of residence permit that will be applied and on the personal status of the applicant.

Frequently Asked Questions

Every foreign citizen who would like to stay in Turkey for more than 90 days within a period of 180 days is obliged to apply. Eligibility will also be at the discretion of the purpose of stay, to be specified as work, study, or long-term residency. Short-term, long-term, family, and student are just some types of residence permits.

The application process starts with an online application through Turkey's e-Residence system. You'll then be asked to make an appointment at a local migration office, where you will have to appear in person to support your application with documents.

The list will vary depending on the type of permit you are applying for, but generally, it involves a valid passport, health insurance proof, biometric photos, proof of accommodation, and evidence of financial stability. Depending on the permit type, extra requirements may include work contracts or enrollment documents for students.

Processing for residence usually takes from 2 to 8 weeks, depending on the city where the application is based and the type of residence permit. Once your application has been approved, the residence permit card is sent to your registered address.

Yes, you can apply for a residence permit while you are in Turkey on a valid Turkey tourist visa or eVisa, but the application must be submitted before your visa expiration date, and you will need to switch to a residence permit in order to have legal overstay beyond the Tourist Visa Period.

The cost of a Turkish Residence Permit varies, depending on your nationality and the type of permit. There is also likely to be an additional cost for the processing of your biometric data and health insurance, which is required for the period of your stay. The exact fee is determined in the application process.

Disclaimer: The information on this page is for general guidance and subject to change. For current information, refer to the official websites before lodging an application. Please note that this page was last updated in January 2025; thus, some visa rules might change.