RESIDENCE PERMIT IN TURKEY
Foreign nationals wishing to stay in Turkey longer than the visa-free period need to apply for a residence permit at the Turkish Migration Board (Göç Idaresi). Here you can obtain a "residence permit for foreign nationals" to legally live in Turkey longer than the visa-free period. This can be applied for a period of 1-2 years, and can be extended as many times as you want. The residence permit card will be delivered by the state post office to your address, which usually takes 1-3 months.
As an owner of a property in Turkey, it is easier for you to obtain a residence permit in Turkey, compared to if you rent a home in Turkey.
Residence permit extension
If your residence permit expired, you have the right to stay in Turkey until the day of the interview regarding residence permit extension in Göç Idaresi (Turkish Migration Board). At the interview, you will receive a document that allows you to stay in Turkey, as well as travel outside from the country for maximum 15 days, until the final decision of your residence permit extension is issued.
Different types of residence permits in Turkey:
• Residence permit for family
• Permanent residence permit (issued on an unlimited basis to those who have lived in Turkey for more than eight years)
Documents required for applying for a short-term residence permit in Turkey:
• Valid health insurance (which must cover the duration of the intended residence permit)
• 4 photos of the applicant (photos must not be older than 6 months)
• Property owners in Turkey must bring the title deed of their property (TAPU)
• Passport in original and copy
• Evidence of financial strength
• If you live in a rental home with a rental agreement, a notary public-approved copy of the rental
agreement is required
• Receipt proving payment of state tax for the application for residence permit
• When applying for an extension - the existing residence permit card
* In individual cases, additional documents may be required.