A Turkish residence permit (İkamet) allows foreign nationals to stay in Türkiye for more than 90 days or after their visa expires. In 2025, applicants submit their requests online through the e-İkamet system. This status gives the right to reside in the country legally and, depending on the type of permit, to access healthcare, education, and banking services.
There are several ways to obtain a short-term residence permit in Turkey or other types of İkamet — through business activity, property ownership, education, family reunification, or humanitarian grounds.
Since 16 October 2023, a nationwide minimum property value of USD 200 000 applies for residence permits based on home ownership. The initial permit is usually issued for up to two years and can be renewed, subject to meeting the conditions.
Benefits of a Turkish residence permit
- Lawful residence in Türkiye for the duration of the permit, with the ability to leave and re-enter Türkiye without losing status;
- The ability to engage in certain activities, depending on the type of residence permit (e.g., study, research, family reunification, business/property);
- Education for children in local public schools;
- Access to healthcare services with valid health insurance; eligibility for public coverage may depend on your status;
- Use of banking products (opening an account, cards, loans/mortgages) subject to bank policies, tax number and address registration;
- Prospects for long-term residence and, when eligible, future citizenship.
The residence permit is valid only in Türkiye and requires periodic renewal. It is important to comply with all conditions; otherwise, the status may be cancelled or not renewed. To reduce refusal risk, check your documents in advance and, if needed, consult a qualified adviser.
Types of residence permits in Turkey
| Permit type | Specifics |
|---|---|
| Short-term | Usually granted for up to two years for purposes such as tourism, research, treatment, property ownership, business activities, or education. In some cases (e.g., investors or citizens of Northern Cyprus) it may be issued for up to five years. |
| Family | Valid for up to three years and available to spouses and dependent children of Turkish citizens or residence-permit holders. |
| Student | Issued for the duration of study at a Turkish educational institution when the applicant does not already hold a family residence permit. |
| Long-term | Can be obtained after eight years of continuous legal residence in Türkiye. It is granted for an indefinite period and provides similar rights to permanent residence. |
| Humanitarian | Granted in exceptional circumstances when an applicant cannot return to their home country or needs protection. The validity period is determined by the Ministry of Interior with the approval of the Directorate General of Migration Management. |
| For victims of human trafficking | Initially issued for 30 days and may be extended for up to six months at a time, but the total stay under this permit cannot exceed three years. |
How to obtain a Turkish residence permit
The process for obtaining a residence permit in Turkey includes the following steps:
- Prepare the documents
Compile a dossier according to the type of residence permit and your legal basis for application. Make sure all documents are translated and certified as required. Include a valid passport, proof of address, health insurance, and evidence supporting your permit category.
- Submit the application online
All applicants must register through the e-İkamet system. Complete the online pre-application form and enter your personal information. After you finish the form, the system assigns you an in-person appointment at the provincial Migration Directorate.
- Attend the appointment at the Migration Directorate
On the scheduled date, visit the provincial office (Göç İdaresi) with your printed application and original documents. Pay the official fees for processing and card issuance. Keep the payment receipts with your file.
- Wait for a decision
The Directorate reviews applications within 90 days from the date of document submission. If the review takes longer, the applicant will be informed. Once approved, the residence permit card is delivered by post to the registered address provided in your application.
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Residence Permit application process and requirements
The types of Turkish residence permits available to foreign applicants are presented below.
Short-term
This ikamet is available to foreigners based on different legal grounds in 2025:
- Conducting scientific research;
- Purchasing real estate;
- Establishing a commercial partnership or opening a company;
- Participating in training programs to improve qualifications;
- Educational or other purposes in exchange programs;
- Tourism plans;
- Seeking medical care, provided the applicant does not have any illnesses that could pose a threat to others;
- Resolving judicial or administrative issues;
- Completing language courses;
- Investing;
- Participating in internships under government programs.
Citizens of Northern Cyprus can also obtain a short-term residence permit valid for five years. This type of residence permit is available to holders of a family ikamet, as well as to graduates of local educational institutions. The document is usually valid for one year, but the specifics depend on the applicant’s intended purpose for staying in the country. For instance, individuals who have received a diploma from a local educational institution are granted a one-year residence permit, while those attending Turkish language courses are granted a permit for no more than two years.
When applying for a short-term residence permit, you must provide documentary evidence of your reason for applying. For example, researchers must have a permit for their activities. If they are not required to have a permit, they must submit a request describing the subject of their research. Property owners must confirm that the property is used for residential purposes. Businessmen should have a letter of invitation from their partners.
Family
A residence permit is granted to family members of Turkish citizens, residence permit holders, refugees, and beneficiaries of subsidiary protection, including:
- The spouse of the designated hosts;
- Minor children of the sponsor or their spouse who reside in Turkey;
- Children who are fully supported by the sponsor/designated host.
If the family is polygamous, only one spouse can obtain a marriage residence permit. There is no limit on the number of children who are eligible for a residence permit. Those who have resided in Turkey for three years with a family residence permit may obtain a short-term residence permit due to divorce, the death of a spouse, or when a child reaches adulthood. Children under 18 are entitled to attend primary or secondary school in Turkey with this permit, without the need to apply for a student residence permit.
The validity period of a residence permit cannot exceed three years or the expiration date of the host’s marriage residence permit. To obtain a residence permit, foreigners must meet the general requirements and their spouses must be adults who are not married for the purpose of obtaining a residence permit. The host person must also meet additional requirements:
- Have health insurance that covers all arriving relatives;
- Earn an income of at least one-third of the minimum wage established in Turkey per person;
- Have registered themselves in the address system;
- Have not committed criminal acts related to family matters in the past five years.
Student
This type of Turkish residence permit is intended for individuals who wish to study at Turkish schools and are not eligible for a family residence permit, as well as for university students. A student’s ikamet entitles their spouse and children to apply for a residence permit through family reunification. The permit’s validity cannot exceed the intended period of study. After spending a year as a student in the country and obtaining the relevant residence permit, you can then apply for a work permit, which will allow you to seek employment within the local market.
If the applicant transfers to a different faculty or university within the same province, the residence permit remains valid. However, if the applicant transfers to another region, they must reapply for a residence permit in the new location. Students are not subject to any additional residency requirements other than the general ones.
Long-term
Permanent residence in Turkey is valid indefinitely and offers more privileges than a residence permit, such as relieving the applicant of the need to regularly renew the permit or demonstrate eligibility. The status can be obtained after eight years of residence in Turkey, provided the applicant has a stable income and medical insurance and does not pose a threat to law and order or national security. Applicants must not have received social benefits from the state for three years prior to the application date.
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Humanitarian
The authorities may grant this type of residence permit to an individual due to the improved living conditions for a child, the inability to leave Turkey, or other exceptional circumstances. The permit’s validity period is determined on a case-by-case basis, and no general requirements apply to the applicant. The individual may subsequently apply for a different type of residence permit, excluding a long-term one. Time spent in Turkey under a humanitarian residence permit does not count toward the total period of stay required to acquire citizenship. Applicants must register their information in the address registration system.
Residence permit for victims of human trafficking
Individuals who have been or may potentially be victims of human trafficking may obtain a one-month permit to recover from the incident and decide on their next steps. This status may be extended for up to six months, but the total validity cannot exceed three years. The requirements for other residence permits do not apply in this case.
If you do not find a suitable residence permit option among the proposed ones, you may request more information from and select the most advantageous program.
Required documents for obtaining a Turkish residence permit
The following documents are generally required when applying for a Turkish residence permit (İkamet). Specific requirements may vary depending on the permit type and the applicant’s nationality:
- A completed residence permit application form (printed from the e-İkamet system);
- A copy of the passport or other valid travel document (biographical page and entry stamp or visa);
- Four biometric photographs taken within the last six months, on a white background;
- Payment receipts for the residence permit card fee and the applicable state fee (harç);
- Proof of sufficient and sustainable financial means for the intended period of stay (income declaration or bank statement);
- Proof of address registration in the Central Population Administration System (address registration certificate);
- Valid health insurance covering the entire duration of stay in Türkiye;
- Proof of accommodation (rental contract notarized in Türkiye, or title deed if you own property);
- Documents supporting the reason for your application — for example, title deed, student certificate, marriage certificate, or medical report.
Tip: Always verify document requirements on the official e-İkamet website before applying, as local Migration Directorates may request additional papers depending on your situation.
Which individuals are eligible for an İkamet (Turkish residence permit)
The basic eligibility criteria for obtaining a Turkish residence permit are similar for all types of permits. Applicants must meet the following general conditions:
- Have suitable housing in Turkey that meets health and safety standards (owned or rented, with a registered address);
- Be registered in the official address registration system (Nüfus ve Vatandaşlık İşleri);
- Hold a valid passport or equivalent travel document with an entry stamp or visa, as required;
- Provide documents confirming the purpose of stay — for example, education, family reunification, property ownership, or business;
- Have sufficient financial means to cover living expenses during the stay in Türkiye;
- Possess valid health insurance for the entire duration of the intended residence;
- Have no record of deportation or entry ban and not pose a threat to public order or national security.
Note: Meeting the basic requirements does not guarantee approval. The Migration Directorate may request additional information depending on the applicant’s nationality and type of permit.
How much does a residence permit cost?
As of 2025, the document fee (belge bedeli) for any Turkish residence permit is 810 TRY, set by the Ministry of Finance.
In addition, a residence permit tax (harç) is applied based on the duration of stay:
- Up to 1 month: 292,70 TRY per day (with a minimum of 549,60 TRY and a maximum of 2 824,70 TRY)
- For each month beyond the first: 1 876,70 TRY per month
Some nationalities are **exempt** from the harç (residence permit tax) under reciprocity agreements. These countries include Czech Republic, Denmark, Ireland, Kosovo, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Syria, and Turkmenistan.
Besides official fees, applicants should budget for additional costs such as:
- Document translation and notarization;
- Health insurance covering the permit period;
- Housing (rent or property costs, utilities, address registration);
- Notary or local administrative fees;
- Legal or agency assistance (optional).
Using professional services may increase the total cost, depending on the permit type and scope of support. However, quality support can reduce the risk of errors and refusal.
Residence permit renewal in Turkey
The renewal process for an ikamet is the same as the initial application process. Sixty days before your current permit expires, you must submit an online application and appear at the provincial office on the chosen date and time. Your extension request must be submitted strictly within the validity period of your existing ikamet. To obtain a renewed residence permit without any issues, you must continue to meet the requirements that led to the issuance of your first permit. The length of time for which the residence card is extended depends on its type and initial validity period.
Obtaining Turkish citizenship after a residence permit
There are some restrictions for naturalized individuals applying for Turkish citizenship after five years of residence in the country with a residence permit. Those residing in the country on a study or tourism permit are not eligible for a passport. However, applicants have the right to obtain another type of residence permit and begin the naturalization process, which could lead to citizenship. The period of stay in the country based on one of the aforementioned residence permits will not count toward this process.
To determine the best option for extending your stay in Turkey, it is advisable to consult with specialists. Lawyers can help determine the best immigration method for your personal situation and future prospects.
Reasons for the refusal of a Turkish residence permit
A request for a Turkish ikamet may be rejected for the following reasons:
- An entry ban to Turkey or deportation;
- Failure to comply with legal requirements;
- Grounds to believe that the residence permit will be used for purposes other than those specified.
If an individual resides outside Turkey for more than 120 days in total over the past year, their temporary residence status may be revoked. To avoid denial, it is necessary to carefully study the relevant legislation, ensure compliance with the requirements, and select the correct type of residence permit. If the request is rejected within six months, the applicant cannot apply for the same type of document but may request a residence permit on another basis.
Reviews of the Turkish residence permit
Most individuals who have received a residence permit in Turkey have positive things to say about the experience. Reviews from migrants indicate that the bureaucratic process can be challenging for inexperienced individuals, though the policy is generally lenient. Applicants also note the wide variety of residence permit types available for different purposes. Many foreigners choose a short-term residence permit for tourism purposes when moving to Turkey because the requirements for obtaining one are fairly straightforward — even for retirees — and the permit allows for a stay of up to one year. If they wish to apply for citizenship in the future, they can choose another basis for extending their stay. With a residence permit, applicants can live comfortably in Turkey and enjoy many benefits, including social assistance if needed. Temporary residents can easily enroll their children in school or kindergarten, as well as access healthcare.
Comprehensive legal assistance
Despite Turkey’s lenient immigration policy, a residence permit provides limited rights. Therefore, it makes sense to consider alternative options that offer more advantages for obtaining residency in other countries. Specialists help applicants select the optimal type of residence permit based on their future goals to avoid complications when seeking long-term residency or citizenship. Lawyers prepare documents independently, schedule appointments with the relevant authorities, advise clients on the specifics of each stage, and interact with authorized representatives. With professional assistance, applicants can choose the best immigration path for their situation and achieve the desired results within the desired timeframe.
