Residency Program
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Residency Program
Turkey offers several residency permit options for foreigners, each tailored to specific purposes such as tourism, study, work, or investment. Below is a detailed overview of the Turkish residency programs, their types, requirements, and benefits, based on the latest available information as of May 2025.
Types of Turkish Residence Permits
Real Estate Residence Permit Purpose: For foreigners who own property in Turkey. Validity: Up to 2 years, renewable as long as property ownership continues.
Requirements: Property ownership of min USD 200,000. Valid passport, biometric photos, and health insurance. Proof of financial stability. Key Benefits: Simplifies residency through property investment.
Purpose:
For foreigners establishing businesses or conducting investment studies in Turkey.
Validity:
3 months for investment study.
Longer duration for established businesses.
Requirements:
Proof of intent to establish a business or investment project.
Valid passport.
Health insurance.
Proof of financial stability.
For hiring foreigners: the company must have at least 5 existing employees.
Key Benefits:
Access to Turkey’s business markets.
Potential pathway to long-term residency or citizenship.
Purpose:
For temporary stays including tourism, medical treatment, or business meetings.
Validity:
Up to 2 years, renewable.
Requirements:
Valid passport:
For 1-year permit: Valid for at least 12 months + 60 days.
For 2-year permit: Valid for at least 24 months + 60 days.
Proof of financial resources (minimum 1.5x Turkish minimum wage for tourism).
Valid health insurance.
Four biometric photographs.
Online application via e-ikamet.goc.gov.tr.
Proof of accommodation (e.g., rental agreement or property deed).
For tourism: Travel plan or accommodation details.
Additional documents depending on purpose (e.g., hospital letter for treatment).
Key Benefits:
Legal stay beyond the 90-day visa limit.
Access to services like opening a bank account, getting a tax number, or converting a foreign driver’s license.
No continuous stay requirement for tourism permits.
Purpose:
For foreign spouses, minor children, or dependent children of Turkish citizens or legal residents.
Validity:
Up to 3 years, renewable.
Requirements:
Proof of family relationship (e.g., marriage certificate, birth certificate).
Sponsor must show sufficient income (minimum wage per family member).
Valid health insurance.
Notarized passport copy and biometric photos.
Proof of address in Turkey.
Key Benefits:
Free primary and secondary education for children.
After 3 years of marriage to a Turkish citizen, eligible to apply for citizenship.
Can switch to a short-term permit in case of divorce or spouse’s death.
Purpose:
For foreigners enrolled in primary, secondary, or higher education in Turkey.
Validity:
Matches duration of the study program, renewable annually.
Requirements:
Acceptance letter from a recognized Turkish institution.
Valid passport and biometric photos.
Proof of financial stability and health insurance.
For minors: Parental consent if unaccompanied.
Notify changes in faculty/department within 20 days.
Key Benefits:
Legal stay during studies.
Work rights after one year (up to 24 hours/week for associate degree students).
Post-graduation, can apply for a touristic permit (up to 6 months) to complete transition.
Purpose:
For foreigners residing in Turkey continuously for 8 years.
Validity:
Indefinite.
Requirements:
8 years of uninterrupted residency (no gap over 6 months, or 1 year in last 5).
No social aid in the last 3 years.
Regular and sufficient income.
Valid health insurance.
Clean criminal record (via e-devlet).
Registered with Turkish Address Registration System.
Key Benefits:
Nearly full rights as a Turkish citizen (except voting).
Indefinite work permit.
No renewal required.
Purpose:
For individuals unable to return to their country due to emergencies like war or persecution.
Validity:
Up to 1 year, renewable.
Requirements:
Proof of emergency situation.
Application submitted to Directorate General of Migration Management.
Key Benefits:
Legal protection for vulnerable individuals.
Access to essential services.
Turkish Language Learning Permit:
For students in certified Turkish language programs.
Scientific Research Permit:
For researchers with institutional backing.
Training Programs Permit:
For vocational or on-the-job training participants.