Residence Permit

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

A short-term residence permit for tourism purposes and does not give the right to work in Turkey.

Highlights, Requirements, and Documents:

• Residence permit validity for up to one (1) year.
• Applicant must be over eighteen (18) years.
• Valid health insurance. This condition is not required for foreigners who are under eighteen (18) years old or over sixty-five (65) years old.
• Property ownership documents or rental contracts in Turkey. Documents must be in Turkish and notarised by Turkish Noter.

Note: In case the application is made with the title deed, a document showing that the title deed is up-to-date should be obtained from the (Tapu Office) General Directorate of Land Registry and Cadastre.

Note: If the rental contract is presented, your landlord’s Turkish ID and title deed of the property is required to be submitted along with your rental contract.

• Local Turkish bank statement evidencing financial independence and ability to support the applicant and any dependent family members (spouse and children under the age of eighteen (18) years old).

Note: Financial independence is defined by Turkish immigration as proof of funds equivalent to the Turkish minimum wage index (currently $500 USD per month of stay).

• Resident application form completed and signed by the applicant. If you have appointed a lawyer to submit your documents, your lawyer must be issued with a limited power of attorney stamped by the notary office. Applicant must be physically present at the notary office to arrange power of attorney (as your signature will be required). Applicant must present a passport. Once the passport is translated into Turkish, the power of attorney can be processed and issued the same, or the next day.
• Original passport, photocopy, and original notarized passport or travel document (by Turkish Notary).

Note: If the passport contains a Latin alphabet, a notarized Turkish translation is not required.

Note: If the passport does not include a date of birth, the applicant needs an approved birth certificate. Notarized Turkish translation is required for this document.

• Four (4) biometric passport photos for each applicant. Must contain a white background and meet biometric requirements.
• When applying for a spouse or dependent child (under eighteen years) submit sworn Turkish translations of the child’s birth certificate and spouse marriage certificate. A birth certificate and marriage certificate may need an apostille(if your country has an agreement) or a stamp from your country’s Turkey consulate. This can take some time and requires an appointment. Basically, you have to go personally but any person who holds a power of attorney can go on to the appointment on your behalf to complete the procedure. The original power of attorney has to be presented at the time of the appointment at the Consulate and Foreign Ministry to act upon your behalf.
• Police clearance certificate (If you are getting your residence permit for the first time in Turkey, the applicant may submit their criminal record obtained from his / her own country. But if the applicants are applying for a renewal and have lived in Turkey for a short or long period, they have to obtain a criminal record from the Turkish Government too).

If these documents have been obtained from Turkish Authorities they must be e-signed/signed and stamped/sealed; if obtained from foreign countries, they must be apostilled and have notary public certified translations. If the applicant is a citizen of a state that is not a signatory to the Apostille Convention, said documents must be approved by the relevant state’s authorities (consulate approval and by Ministry of Foreign Affairs or Competent Turkish Authorities authorized therefor).

Getting a Short-Term Residence Permit with a Rental Agreement

Foreigners may get a residence permit related to the law nr 6458, Foreigners and International Protection Law. If you are a foreigner coming to Turkey for the first time, you can get a residence permit by a rental agreement. Despite the procedure goes fast and effective, there is a critical point which you should be aware of; This residence permit is valid for one year. It cannot be extended with a rental agreement. Rental agreement residence permits do not give you the right of obtaining Turkish citizenship after 5 years.

How to Renew My Touristic Residence Permit?

Renewal of Turkish tourist residence permit must be applied for within sixty (60) days before the expiration date of your current residence permit. This can be done online at https://e-ikamet.goc.gov.tr

Note: If you try to renew earlier than sixty (60) days before your current residence permit expiry date, your application will not be accepted.

Updated on 22.11.2019: From the date of 01.01.2020, If the foreigners who have received a short-term residence permit for a period of up to 1 year do not provide a new reason with justified reasons, requests for a residence permit will not be accepted.

TIP: Before you start your online application to renew your tourist residence permit, be sure to have your biometric photo (with a white background) on your computer to upload during your online application. Note that your biometric photo should not be older than six (6) months.

• Click the “I apply for the extension of the duration of residence permit” as seen on the right:

• Follow the steps to complete the online application. In the upper right corner of the website you have a choice of four (4) languages to complete your application:

1. English
2. Turkish
3. Russian
4. Arabic

Documents you’ll need:

• Your passport copy was notarized by the Turkish Notary. (Passport will need to be translated by a sworn translator at the Turkish Notary office.)
• Four (4) biometric photos (against a white background) on your computer to upload during your online application. Note that your biometric photo should not be older than six (6) months.
• A financial self-sufficiency declaration (that you declare in the application form). However, Directorate for Immigration may request a local Turkish bank statement evidencing financial independence and ability to support yourself and each dependent family member (spouse and children under the age of eighteen years).
• Valid health insurance. This condition is not required for foreigners who are under eighteen (18) years old or over sixty-five (65) years old.
• Copy of property ownership documents or your tenancy agreement in Turkey. Documents must be in Turkish and notarised by Turkish Noter.
• Police clearance certificate.

If these documents have been obtained from Turkish Authorities they must be e-signed/signed and stamped/sealed; if obtained from foreign countries, they must be apostilled and have notary public certified translations. If the applicant is a citizen of a state that is not a signatory to the Apostille Convention, said documents must be approved by the relevant state’s authorities (consulate approval and by Ministry of Foreign Affairs or Competent Turkish Authorities authorized therefor).

Good To Know: Children and Single Parents

If you’re a single parent or recently divorced with a child/children applying for renewal, a declaration of parental consent is required in the absence of either the Mother or Father or in the case of both (i.e. you are the custodian of an orphan). If Turkish Authorities issued a parental consent document, it must be stamped/signed. Where parental consent is from a foreign country, the document must be apostilled and translated into Turkish by a Public Notary (Notary).

A short-term residence permit to allow the applicant to explore business ventures, visit suppliers/buyers, conduct market research, trade shows, and conferences, and incorporate a business, etc.

Highlights, Requirements, and Documents:

• Residence permit validity for up to one (1) year.
• Applicant must be over eighteen (18) years.
• Valid health insurance. This condition is not required for foreigners who are under eighteen (18) years old or over sixty-five (65) years old.
• Evidence of financial independence and the ability to support yourself and each dependent family member (spouse and children under the age of eighteen (18) years old).

Note: Financial independence is defined by Turkish immigration as proof of funds equivalent to the Turkish minimum wage index (currently $500 USD per month of stay).

• Resident application form completed and signed by the applicant. If you have appointed a lawyer to submit your documents, your lawyer must be issued with a limited power of attorney stamped by the notary office. Applicant must be physically present at the notary office to arrange power of attorney (as your signature will be required). Applicant must present a passport. Once the passport is translated into Turkish, the power of attorney can be processed and issued the same, or the next day.
• Original passport, photocopy, and original notarized passport or travel document (by Turkish Notary).

Note 1: If the passport contains a Latin alphabet, a notarized Turkish translation is not required.

Note 2: If the passport does not include a date of birth, the applicant needs an approved birth certificate. Notarized Turkish translation is required for this document.

• Four (4) biometric passport photos for each applicant. Must contain a white background and meet biometric requirements.
• Police clearance certificate.

If these documents have been obtained from Turkish Authorities they must be e-signed/signed and stamped/sealed; if obtained from foreign countries, they must be apostilled and have notary public certified translations. If the applicant is a citizen of a state that is not a signatory to the Apostille Convention, said documents must be approved by the relevant state’s authorities (consulate approval and by Ministry of Foreign Affairs or Competent Turkish Authorities authorized therefor).

How to Renew My Business Residence Permit?

Renewal of Turkish business residence permit requires the following documents:

• Passport copy notarized by the Turkish Notary. (Passport will need to be translated by a sworn translator at the Turkish Notary office.)
• Four (4) biometric photos (against a white background) on your computer to upload during your online application. Note that your biometric photo should not be older than six (6) months.
• A financial self-sufficiency declaration (that you declare in the application form). However, Directorate for Immigration may request a local Turkish bank statement evidencing financial independence and ability to support the applicant and any dependent family members (spouse and children under the age of eighteen (18) years old).
• Evidence of Turkish private health insurance.
• Police clearance certificate.

If these documents have been obtained from Turkish Authorities they must be e-signed/signed and stamped/sealed; if obtained from foreign countries, they must be apostilled and have notary public certified translations. If the applicant is a citizen of a state that is not a signatory to the Apostille Convention, said documents must be approved by the relevant state’s authorities (consulate approval and by Ministry of Foreign Affairs or Competent Turkish Authorities authorized therefore).

This residence permit is a pathway to Turkish Citizenship and nationality where the applicant is awarded a Turkish passport upon completion of the successful application.

To qualify, an applicant must meet any of the following requirements:

• Invest a minimum of five hundred thousand United States dollars ($500,000 USD) for a minimum term of three (3) years in a fixed deposit in a local Turkish bank, Government Bonds, or Turkish real estate investment trusts (REITs).
• Purchase real estate for no less than two hundred and fifty thousand United States dollars ($250,000 USD) and undertake in the registry that you will not sell the real estate for a minimum of three (3) years. The Source of funds for investment must be self-funded and paid in full (no bank finance or credit permissible under this category of permit).
• Create employment for a minimum of fifty (50) employees, provide all employees with social security and maintain the business, employees, and social security payments for a minimum of three (3) years.

Highlights, Requirements, and Documents:

• Applicant must be over eighteen (18) years.
• Passport copy notarized by the Turkish Notary. (Passport will need to be translated by a sworn translator at the Turkish Notary office.)
• Four (4) biometric photos (against a white background) on your computer to upload during your online application. Note that your biometric photo should not be older than six (6) months.
• Valid health insurance. This condition is not required for foreigners who are under eighteen (18) years old or over sixty-five (65) years old.
• Documentary evidence of investment:
• Property title deed from Land Registry with three (3) year restriction on sale documented on the title deed and earthquake insurance.
• Ministry of Treasury and Finance or the Capital Markets Board of Turkey document evidencing a minimum investment of five hundred thousand United States dollars ($500,000 USD) for a term of three (3) years.
• Ministry of Family, Labor and Social Services document evidencing the creation of employment for a minimum of fifty (50) employees.

If these documents have been obtained from Turkish Authorities they must be e-signed/signed and stamped/sealed; if obtained from foreign countries, they must be apostilled and have notary public certified translations. If the applicant is a citizen of a state that is not a signatory to the Apostille Convention, said documents must be approved by the relevant state’s authorities (consulate approval and by Ministry of Foreign Affairs or Competent Turkish Authorities authorized therefor).

Short-term Residence Permit contains other opportunities for foreigners who will come to Turkey for;

– Scientific research (archaeological and excavation digs, surface research, filming activities for documentaries, movies, film location research, etc.),
– Medical treatment,
– Exchange / short time training programs (non-education programs),
– Judicial authorities (Victims of domestic violence and foreigners married to Turkish citizens who divorce, and therefore require an alternative right to residence as issued through the courts).

Applicants who have lived in Turkey can apply for long-term residence if they meet the following requirements:

• Resided in Turkey for a minimum of eight (8) years consecutively and consistently. Short-term absences are permitted, but any time over six (6) months within one (1) year or more in total shall forfeit 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 three (3) years.
• The policyholder of valid private health insurance.
• No criminal record, or any record or incident posing a threat to the public or a compromise to public security.

How to Apply?

• To apply, applicants who meet the above criteria must visit their provincial security directorate or the immigration office they reside with their current passport and Turkish ID.
• The long-term residence permit is valid provided the beholder does not reside outside of Turkey for more than one (1) year. Exceptions to this rule include exiting Turkey for more than one (1) year for reasons of health, education, or compulsory public service in the beholder’s native homeland.
• Long-term residence permit holders have the same rights as Turkish Citizens with the exception of the following:
• Compulsory military service.
• The right to vote and be elected.
• Entering public service.
• Exemption from customs duties when importing vehicles.

Requirements and Documents:

• Original and photocopy of passport. Passport copy notarized by the Turkish Notary. (Passport will need to be translated by a sworn translator at the Turkish Notary office.)
• Current residence permit and Turkish ID.
• Two (2) photographs (must be biometric) and not older than six (6) months.
• A document confirming no financial aid received from the Turkish Government or Organisations in the past three (3) years.
• Evidence of financial independence. Note: financial independence is defined by Turkish immigration as proof of funds equivalent to the Turkish minimum wage index (currently $500 USD per month of stay).
• Valid medical insurance.
• Police clearance certificate.

If these documents have been obtained from Turkish Authorities they must be e-signed/signed and stamped/sealed; if obtained from foreign countries, they must be apostilled and have notary public certified translations. If the applicant is a citizen of a state that is not a signatory to the Apostille Convention, said documents must be approved by the relevant state’s authorities (consulate approval and by Ministry of Foreign Affairs or Competent Turkish Authorities authorized therefore).

This category of residence permit is predominately reserved for foreign national spouses and/or relatives of Turkish citizens who wish to bring their families to Turkey. The family residence permit allows dependent children under the age of 18 to continue their education without obtaining a student residence permit.

Highlights, Requirements, and Documents:

• Residence permit validity for up to three (3) years.
• Apply online at https://e-ikamet.goc.gov.tr

TIP: Before you start your online application to renew your residence permit, be sure to have your biometric photo (with a white background) on your computer to upload during your online application. Note that your biometric photo should not be older than six (6) months.

• Includes applicants within the scope of Article 28 of law number 5901, including foreign nationals holding a residence permit, refugees, and minors.
• Evidence of Turkish private health insurance for applicants between the age of eighteen and sixty-five.
• Property ownership documents or rental contracts in Turkey. Documents must be in Turkish and notarised by Turkish Noter.

Note: If the rental contract is presented, your landlord’s Turkish ID and title deed of the property is required to be submitted along with your rental contract.

• Local Turkish bank statement evidencing financial independence and ability to support the applicant and any dependent family members (spouse and children under the age of eighteen (18) years old).

Note: Financial independence is defined by Turkish immigration as proof of funds equivalent to the Turkish minimum wage index (currently $500 USD per month of stay).

• Resident application form completed and signed by the applicant. If you have appointed a lawyer to submit your documents, your lawyer must be issued with a limited power of attorney stamped by the notary office. Applicant must be physically present at the notary office to arrange power of attorney (as your signature will be required). Applicant must present a passport. Once the passport is translated into Turkish, the power of attorney can be processed and issued the same, or the next day.
• Original passport, photocopy, and original notarized passport (by Turkish Notary).
• Four (4) biometric passport photos for each applicant. Must contain a white background and meet biometric requirements.
• When applying for a spouse or dependent child (under eighteen years) submit sworn Turkish translations of the child’s birth certificate and spouse marriage certificate. A birth certificate and marriage certificate may need an apostille(if your country has an agreement) or a stamp from your country’s Turkey consulate. This can take some time and requires an appointment. Basically, you have to go personally but any person who holds a power of attorney can go on to the appointment to your behalf to complete the procedure. The original power of attorney has to be presented at the time of the appointment at the Consulate and Foreign Ministry to act upon your behalf.
• Police clearance certificate.

If these documents have been obtained from Turkish Authorities they must be e-signed/signed and stamped/sealed; if obtained from foreign countries, they must be apostilled and have notary public certified translations. If the applicant is a citizen of a state that is not a signatory to the Apostille Convention, said documents must be approved by the relevant state’s authorities (consulate approval and by Ministry of Foreign Affairs or Competent Turkish Authorities authorized therefor).

Note: If the foreigner who will apply for Family Residence Permit has more than one spouse, only one of the spouses may benefit from this permit. However, all children of the head of the family may be granted a Family Residence Permit.

Residence permit granted for tertiary studies for the duration of the course taught at an approved Turkish educational institute.

Requirements and Documents:

• Completed and signed resident application form.
• Letter of acceptance from Turkish educational institute mentioning the type of the course, duration of the course, starting and the finishing date of the course, location of the course, name of educational institute offering course, and capacity studying at course: post-graduate studies, research, internship, etc.
• If the applicant is under eighteen (18) years of age, a letter of consent from parents to attend a course in Turkey.
• Passport copy notarized by the Turkish Notary. (Passport will need to be translated by a sworn translator at the Turkish Notary office.)
• Four (4) biometric photos (against a white background) on your computer to upload during your online application. Note that your biometric photo should not be older than six (6) months.
• Evidence of Turkish private health insurance for applicants between the age of eighteen and sixty-five.
• A financial self-sufficiency declaration (that you declare in the application form). However, Directorate for Immigration may request a local Turkish bank statement evidencing financial independence and ability to support the applicant and any dependent family members (spouse and children under the age of eighteen (18) years old).
• Police clearance certificate.

If these documents have been obtained from Turkish Authorities they must be e-signed/signed and stamped/sealed; if obtained from foreign countries, they must be apostilled and have notary public certified translations. If the applicant is a citizen of a state that is not a signatory to the Apostille Convention, said documents must be approved by the relevant state’s authorities (consulate approval and by Ministry of Foreign Affairs or Competent Turkish Authorities authorized therefor).

Note: financial independence is defined by Turkish immigration as proof of funds equivalent to the Turkish minimum wage index (currently $500 USD per month of stay).

How to Renew My Student Residence Permit?

• Signed and completed resident permit application form.
• Coloured photocopy of previous residence permit.
• Two (2) photographs (must be biometric) and not older than six (6) months.
• Statement of financial independence covering the duration of your stay in Turkey.
• Statement from educational institute mentioning requirement for the extension of stay for study purposes.
• A new letter of consent from parents if the applicant is under the age of eighteen (18) years of age.
• Copy of private health insurance policy in Turkey.
• Passport copy notarized by the Turkish Notary. (Passport will need to be translated by a sworn translator at the Turkish Notary office.)
• Police clearance certificate.

If these documents have been obtained from Turkish Authorities they must be e-signed/signed and stamped/sealed; if obtained from foreign countries, they must be apostilled and have notary public certified translations. If the applicant is a citizen of a state that is not a signatory to the Apostille Convention, said documents must be approved by the relevant state’s authorities (consulate approval and by Ministry of Foreign Affairs or Competent Turkish Authorities authorized therefore).

Residence permits are offered for one (1) year to those suffering from displacement from civil war, violation of human rights, refugees, and a wide variety of individual humanitarian situations that are approved on a case-by-case basis. This permit is regulated by Articles 46 and 47 of the Law on Foreigners and International Protection number 6458.

This permit is not a pathway to resettlement in a third country via Turkey. All resettlement is handled directly by the United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR).

Note: Unlike all other residence permit categories, you cannot use the services of a lawyer to lodge your application for a humanitarian permit.

Requirements and Documents:

• Regardless of how the applicant entered the country (legally or illegally) must apply directly to the Provincial Directorate of Migration Management as soon as possible.
• Signed and completed application form submitted to the Provincial Directorate of Migration Management.
• Valid for one (1) year and renewable thereafter. Renewal is on a case-by-case basis and at the discretion of the Directorate.
• Signed and completed resident permit application form.
• Two (2) photographs (must be biometric) and not older than six (6) months.

This residence permit is issued for thirty (30) days by governorates to foreigners who are victims of human trafficking or where there is strong circumstantial evidence that they might be victims.

Residence permits for the Victims of Human Trafficking might be extended at most six (6) months.

Note: Extensions can not exceed three years in total.

Requirements and Documents:

• In the application for this residence permit, the documents required for other residence permits are not required.

Citizenship Instead of Residency

Any foreigner who meets the following requirements may apply for citizenship instead of residency. They include;

• A fixed capital investment of 500.000 USD
• Purchasing property in Turkey worth 250.000 USD and keeping it for three years.
• Create employment for a minimum of fifty (50) employees.
• Anyone who has deposited 500.000 USD in Turkish banks or bought the equivalent amount of government bonds. Terms and conditions say these requirements must stay in place for three years.

Further Information: When it comes to obtaining a residency permit in Turkey, customers of BODRUM WHITE VILLAS and our other branches around Turkey can contact us for more advice and help. Please contact us here to speak to a sales representative.