Obtaining a Residence Permit in Turkey

1. Short-Term Residence Permit in Turkey

There are many different types of short-term Turkish residence permit options. Each kind of short-term residence permit is valid for a particular circumstance. These are:

1.1. Residence Permit by Buying Property in Turkey

Buying property in Turkey allows foreign investors to get a residence permit. Foreign nationals can apply for a property residence permit by owning immovable real estate in Turkey.

Required Documents for Residence Permit by Buying Property in Turkey

• Applicant must be over 18 years old.
• The original passport and notarized translation of the passport or travel document
• 4 biometric photos with a white background. It must be taken in the last 6 months.
• Valid health insurance obtained in Turkey. This condition is not required for foreigners younger than 18 years old or older than 65 years old.
• When applying for a spouse or dependent child (under 18), you submit the Turkish translations of all the family members' birth and your spouse's marriage certificates.
• Appraisal report

They must have apostilled and notarized translations if they are taken from foreign countries.

If the applicant is a citizen of a state that is not a party to the Apostille Convention, the documents must be approved by the authorities of the relevant state (consulate approval and by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Turkish Authorities.)

1.2. Touristic Residence Permit

A short-term residence permit for tourism does not give the right to work in Turkey. It can only be used for tourism purposes. It is valid for up to 1 year.

Required Documents for Tourist Residence Permit Turkey

• Applicants must be over 18 years old.
• Valid health insurance obtained in Turkey.
• Residence application form (filled out and signed by the applicant)
• The original passport and notarized translation of the passport or travel document
• 4 biometric photos with a white background. It must be taken in the last 6 months.
• When applying for a spouse or dependent child (under 18), you submit the Turkish translations of all the family members' birth and your spouse's marriage certificates.
• Criminal record
• A financial self-sufficiency declaration form

They must have apostilled and notarized translations if they are taken from foreign countries.

If the applicant is a citizen of a state that is not a party to the Apostille Convention, the documents must be approved by the authorities of the relevant state (consulate approval and by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Turkish Authorities).

1.3. Business Residence Permit

A business residence permit in Turkey allows the applicant to explore business ventures, visit suppliers/buyers, conduct market research, trade shows, and conferences, start a business, etc. The validity of the business residence permit in Turkey is up to 1 year.

Required Documents for Business Residence Permit

• Applicants must be over 18 years old.
• Valid health insurance.
• A financial self-sufficiency declaration form. However, the Directorate General of Migration Management may require a local Turkish bank statement that shows your financial independence and ability to support yourself and any dependent family member (spouse and children under 18).
• Residence application form (filled out and signed by the applicant)
• The original passport and notarized translation of the passport or travel document
• 4 biometric photos with a white background. It must be taken in the last 6 months.
• Criminal record

Other types of short-term residence permits in Turkey for foreigners are shown below;

1. Scientific research (archaeological and excavation excavations, surveys, filming activities for documentaries, films, film location investigations, etc.),
2. Medical treatment,
3. Exchange/short-time training programs (non-educational programs),
4. Judicial authorities (Victims of domestic violence and foreigners who are married and divorced to Turkish citizens and therefore need an alternative right of residence granted through the courts).

2. Long-Term Residence Permit in Turkey

Applicants who have been living in Turkey for more than 8 years can apply for long-term residence in case if they meet the following conditions:

• Have been living in Turkey for 8 years consecutively. Short-term absences are tolerated. However, absences exceeding 6 months in each year or 365 days in the past 5 years may cause losing the right to apply for long-term residency.
• Financially self-sufficient and has not received any financial support from the Turkish Government in the last 3 years.
• The policyholder of a valid private health insurance policy.
• No criminal records, or records or events that pose a threat to the public or endanger public safety.

Required Documents for Long-Term Residence Permit

• Original and photocopy of passport.
• 4 biometric photos with a white background. It must be taken in the last 6 months.
• Current residence permit
• A document confirming that no financial aid has been received from the Turkish Government or Institutions in the last 3 years.
• Evidence of financial independence.
• Valid health insurance.
• Criminal record.

Note:Turkish long-term residence permit holders have the same rights as Turkish citizens, except for the following;

• Compulsory military service
• Right to vote and to be elected
• To work in the public service
• Exemption from customs duties

3. Family Residence Permit in Turkey

Turkey’s family residence permit allows foreign spouses or relatives of Turkish citizens who want to bring their families to Turkey. It also allows children under 18 to continue their education without getting a student residence permit. The validity of the family residence permit in Turkey is up to 3 years.

Required Documents for Family Residence Permit

• 4 biometric photos for each applicant. Photos must be taken in the last 6 months.
• Proof of Turkish private health insurance for applicants between 18 and 65.
• Copy of property ownership documents in Turkey. Documents must be in Turkish and notarized.
• A local Turkish bank statement that proves financial independence and ability to support the applicant and dependent family members (spouse and children under 18 years old.
• The resident application form must be filled out and signed by the applicant. If you have appointed a lawyer to present your documents, your lawyer must have a power of attorney stamped by a notary.
• The original passport and notarized translation of the passport or travel document by a Turkish notary.
• When applying for a spouse or dependent child (under 18), you submit the translations of all family members' birth and spouse's marriage certificates. Birth certificates and marriage certificates may require an apostille (if your country has an agreement) and a stamp from the Turkish consulate in your country.
• Criminal record.

4. Student Residence Permit in Turkey

A student residence permit is issued to students pursuing higher education at an approved Turkish educational institution until the end of their education.

Required Documents for Student Residence Permit

• Residence application form (filled out and signed by the applicant)
• Letter of acceptance from the Turkish educational institution
• The original passport and notarized translation of the passport or travel document (by Turkish notary).
• Letter of consent from the parents (if the applicant is under 18)
• 4 biometric photos with a white background. It must be taken in the last 6 months.
• A financial self-sufficiency declaration form. However, the Directorate General of Migration Management may require a local Turkish bank statement that shows your financial independence and ability to support yourself and any dependent family member (spouse and children under 18)
• Criminal record.

5. Humanitarian Residence Permit in Turkey

The Humanitarian Residence Permit in Turkey is granted for 1 year to individuals affected by civil war, human rights violations, refugee circumstances, and various other humanitarian situations that are evaluated on a case-by-case basis.

This permit is governed by Articles 46 and 47 of the Law on Foreigners and International Protection No. 6458.

It is important to note that this permit does not facilitate resettlement to a third country through Turkey. All resettlement processes are managed by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR).

Required Documents for Humanitarian Residence Permit

• A signed and filled application form taken from the Provincial Directorate of Migration Management.
• 2 biometric photos with a white background. It must be taken in the last 6 months.

A humanitarian residence permit is valid for 1 year and can be renewed afterward. Renewal is on a case-by-case basis and at the discretion of the Directorate.

Note:Regardless of how the applicant entered the country (legal or illegal), the applicant must apply directly to the Provincial Directorate of Migration Management as soon as possible.

6. Residence Permit for Victims of Human Trafficking

A residence permit for victims of human trafficking is granted to foreigners who are confirmed victims or when there is substantial evidence suggesting they may be victims.

This type of residence permit is initially issued for 30 days by the governorates. The residence permit may be renewed for six months periods. However, the total duration shall not exceed 3 years.

The usual conditions applicable to other types of residence permits are not required when issuing residence permits for victims of human trafficking.

How to Apply for a Residence Permit in Turkey?

Applicants who meet the requirements must apply to the provincial police headquarters or the immigration office with their official documents. Also, you can learn more about how to apply for a Turkish residence permit online by browsing the official website of the Presidency of Migration Management in Turkey.

You must be physically present while applying for a residence permit in Turkey.

Frequently Asked Questions about Turkey Resident Permit 2024

Q: How long does applying for a residence permit in Turkey take?
A: The Directorate of Migration Management has to finalize residence permit applications within 90 days. Generally, your application will be concluded within 10-30 days. You must arrange an appointment before you apply for a residence permit at the Directorate of Migration Management. Although the appointment time varies from city to city, it takes 2-3 weeks on average.

Q: Can I stay in Turkey after applying for a residence permit?
A: After completing your residence permit application at the Directorate of Migration Management, you can stay in the country with the document given to you by the Directorate of Migration Management until your application is finalized. (Even if your visa has expired)

Q: Are the required documents for a tourist visa and residence permit the same?
A: Yes, they are.

Contact Us for Expert Guidance on Your Residence Permit Application in Turkey

Antalya Homes specializes in buying and selling properties and managing all related legal procedures in Turkey. Our team is dedicated to assisting you throughout your purchasing process. It helps you to find the best deals and navigate the residence permit procedures smoothly.

You may contact our professional team for more advice and detailed information about obtaining residency or Turkish Citizenship by investment in Turkey.

* Source:Republic of Turkey Ministry of Interior Directorate General of Migration Management