Turkey is a unique country with a rich history, diverse culture and magnificent nature. Resort cities on the Aegean and Mediterranean coasts, such as Bodrum and Antalya, are desirable places for tourists and investors. Turkey has long held a high place in the list of popular destinations for citizens of the CIS and Europe, seeking to buy real estate abroad. Attractive prices, favorable climate and friendly attitude to foreigners make this country especially attractive for long-term investment and recreation. To legally reside in Turkey for more than 90 days you need to obtain a residence permit.
What is a residence permit in Turkey?
A residence permit in Turkey is an official document issued to foreign citizens that allows them to legally reside in the country. This status gives the foreigner permission to stay in Turkey for a certain period of time, which is determined by the competent immigration authorities. This status grants a number of rights and privileges that contribute to comfortable and integrated living in Turkish society:
- free care in public hospitals;
- discounts in private clinics;
- purchase of a car and acquisition of a driver's license;
- the possibility of enrolling children in educational institutions;
- introduction of business on the territory of Turkey;
Changes in the procedure for foreigners to obtain a residence permit in Turkey
On June 30, 2022, the Ministry of Interior of the Republic of Turkey published the "Notification on Closed Districts", which increased the number of districts restricted for residence permit registration to 1169 as of July 1, 2022.
Four districts in Alanya - Mahmutlar, Kargıcak, Kestel and Avsallar have been added to the list of restricted districts due to the large number of foreign residents.
According to this, from July 1, 2022, foreign nationals in the mentioned four districts in Alanya will not be given the opportunity to obtain residence permits. This decision was taken to reduce the overpopulation of foreigners in the mentioned districts. Previously, the percentage of foreign nationals residing in these districts was 25% of the total number of residents, but as of July 1, 2022, this percentage has been reduced to 20%. In the areas of Turkey included in the list of restricted areas for residence permits, foreign nationals will not be able to obtain a residence permit even if they purchase real estate in these 1169 areas.
How to obtain a residence permit in Turkey in 2023?
The possibility of obtaining a residence permit by purchasing real estate in Turkey still exists, but only for areas with "open" status and provided that the value of the property is at least $75,000.
It is important to note that the status of the district does not play a role in the acquisition of real estate in the framework of the investment program to obtain Turkish citizenship.
The new amendments to the legislation do not affect those who have already obtained residence permits in prohibited areas before the introduction of these changes.
What residence permit options are available in Turkey?
There are several types of residence permits available in the Republic of Turkey:
- Short-term permit (for tourist, medical, real estate purchase and other purposes).
- Long-term permit (issued after 8 years of residence in Turkey or to refugees).
- Student (valid while studying).
- Family (issued upon marriage to a Turkish citizen).
Short-term permit (kısa dönem ikamet izni)
Usually granted mainly to tourists for a period of 6 months to 2 years. It represents the easiest way to stay in Turkey beyond the authorized 90 days.
The period of time spent by a foreigner in Turkey using a temporary residence permit will not be taken into account when applying for citizenship after 5 years of stay.
Foreign nationals arriving for medical treatment or owning real estate worth at least 75,000 USD are also able to obtain a short-term residence permit.
Long-term permit (uzun dönem ikamet izni)
This kind of residence permit has no duration restrictions. It is available to all foreign nationals who have been permanently residing in Turkey for at least 8 years.
Family (aile ikamet izni)
A foreign citizen who is married to a Turkish citizen can obtain a family residence permit. After three years, the foreign spouse is eligible to apply for Turkish citizenship.
Student (öğrenci ikamet izni)
Foreign students studying in educational institutions in Turkey are granted a temporary residence permit for one year with the possibility of subsequent extension until the completion of the study period.
What documents are required to apply for a residence permit?
Since the beginning of December 26, 2022, Turkey has supplemented the list of documents that are required to obtain a temporary residence permit.
In order to obtain a residence permit for the purpose of tourism, the following set of documents will now be required:
- A copy of a foreign passport or other identity document.
- A copy of the page with a mark on the last entry into the country (checkpoint stamp).
- Medical insurance covering the period of stay under the residence permit.
- Certificate of ownership (Tapu).
- Receipts for the last month's payment for utilities (electricity, water, internet).
- Document confirming the place of residence.
- Four biometric photos.
- Certificate of employment outside Turkey with apostille.
- A statement from a local bank in the amount of at least $5000.
- Pensioners should provide a document with an apostille indicating the amount of their pension in the country of origin.
Due to the introduction of new rules, obtaining a tourist residence permit in Turkey based on rental has become unavailable. If you have any questions, you can contact the staff of the Migration Service at the toll-free number 157 at any time 24/7.
