How to obtain residency in Turkey? A practical guide for future property owners

Turkey is more than a holiday destination – it’s a place to make a new home. More and more foreigners are buying property by the coast and opting for long-term stays. With a favorable cost of living, stable infrastructure and a rich lifestyle, cities like Alanya are becoming a popular choice for Europeans.

Our real estate agency Asara Turkey will help you not only with the selection of a property, but also with the furnishing of your residence. Here is an overview of what you need to know.

What is residency (ikamet)?

A residence permit in Turkey is an official permit for foreigners that allows them to legally live in the country for a period longer than 90 days. The most common option for property owners is a short-term residence permit , usually valid for 1 year, with the possibility of extension.

Who is it suitable for?

This type of stay is ideal for:

• Owners of real estate in Turkey (e.g. an apartment in Alanya),

• Foreigners planning a long-term stay by the sea,

• Those who want to apply for permanent residence or citizenship later.

Basic conditions

To apply for residency, you must:

• Be the owner of a property registered in the cadastre (TAPU),

• Have a valid passport and Turkish tax number,

• Take out health insurance valid in Turkey,

• Demonstrate sufficient financial resources.

Required documents

1. Valid passport

2. TAPU – title deed

3. Tax number (obtained from the tax office)

4. Health insurance

5. 2 biometric photos

6. Proof of address (e.g. via Nüfus or a notarized contract)

7. Completed online application via e-ikamet.goc.gov.tr

8. Proof of financial security (e.g. bank statement)

How is the process going?

1. Filling out the online form – you book an appointment at the immigration office.

2. Document preparation – with our help you will prepare everything you need.

3. Personal visit to the office – you submit the documents at your place of residence.

4. Waiting for approval – usually 2 to 6 weeks.

5. Card delivery – after approval, you will receive a residence card by mail.

How can we help you?

At Asara Turkey we provide our clients with:

• Complete assistance in purchasing a property,

• Registration of tax number and insurance,

• Assistance with completing and submitting a residence application,

• Communication with authorities in Turkish.

Benefits of a residential stay

• Legal long-term residence in Turkey,

• Access to public services and banks,

• Easier extension of stay in the future,

• Possibility of obtaining permanent residency or citizenship after a few years.

Contact us

If you are considering living in Turkey and are interested in the process of arranging a residency, contact us. We will explain everything to you, advise you, and take care of the entire process.

IMPORTANT: Applicants who do not own property in Turkey will receive a short-term residence permit valid for 6 months. Property owners, on the other hand, will receive a 1-year permit upon their first application based on property ownership, which can later be extended for 2 years. For the first year, private health insurance is required, as entry into the public SGK system is only possible from the second year of residence.

As of October 2023, all new residence permit applicants based on property ownership must prove a minimum market value of $200,000 USD (based on an official appraisal report). This new requirement replaces the previous threshold of $75,000 USD but does not affect investments made prior to the change. In 2023, several provinces also decided to restrict the issuance of residence permits to foreigners due to a high ratio of applications compared to the local population. These changes are part of the amendment to Law No. 6458 on Foreigners and International Protection (LFIP).

Turkey offers several types of residence permits for foreigners who wish to live in the country legally for more than 90 days. Below is an overview of the main options available if you are planning to move or already own property in Turkey.

Short-Term Residence (Tourist Residence Permit)

This type of residence is intended for foreigners who wish to stay in Turkey for more than 90 days for tourism or other short-term purposes. It is the most commonly used type of residence permit.

Requirements:

• Proof of accommodation (rental contract or title deed),

• Proof of sufficient financial means,

• Health insurance,

• Valid passport.

Validity:

• 6 months for persons without property in Turkey,

• 1 year for property owners, with a possibility of extension to 2 years.

As of October 2023: For new applications based on property ownership, an official appraisal report showing a market value of at least $200,000 USD is required.

Family Residence Permit

This permit can be granted to foreigners who are married to Turkish citizens or have close relatives with Turkish citizenship (e.g., children or parents).

Required documents:

• Marriage certificate or birth certificate (depending on the relationship),

• Proof of relationship,

• Proof of accommodation,

• Health insurance.

Validity: Usually up to 2 years, with the possibility of extension.

Student Residence Permit

This permit is for students enrolled in a recognized educational institution in Turkey.

Requirements:

• Proof of admission to a study program,

• Health insurance,

• Valid passport.

The permit is valid for the duration of the studies and must be renewed before it expires.

Work Residence Permit

For foreigners who have obtained employment in Turkey. It includes a work permit (work permit ID) tied to a specific job position.

Validity: Usually 1 year, with the possibility of extension if employment continues.

Long-Term (Permanent) Residence

For foreigners who have legally resided in Turkey for at least 8 years and have no criminal record.

Requirements:

• 8 years of legal residence,

• Stable income and housing,

• Knowledge of the Turkish language.

Advantage: Unlimited right to stay without the need for further extensions.

Humanitarian Residence Permit

Granted for urgent humanitarian reasons, such as medical treatment or temporary protection for refugees.

Residence Permit for Victims of Human Trafficking

Issued to individuals who have been victims of human trafficking and cooperate with Turkish authorities. It provides temporary protection and legal residence.