Updated on 6 May 2026 · Written by Attorney Cem Arda Tepe, registered at Istanbul Bar
Thanks to its central location, living in Turkey is an attractive option for many worldwide. Present-day Turkey is a cosmopolitan country, and the main route for foreigners to live in Turkey is to obtain a short-term residence permit. The requirements for a short-term residence permit depend on your purpose of travel. There are different short-term residency paths depending on your purpose. The standard documents required for all travel purposes are listed in this article. We also examine the specific documents required for cases such as residence based on property ownership or permit renewal. These documents are generally obtained from public institutions and must comply with strict form requirements, which we examine in detail.
The two most common routes for a short-term residence permit in Turkey are based on tourism and property ownership. Although the property ownership route is relatively more secure, the procedural requirements must be met and carefully followed up. In 2026, a property worth more than USD 200,000 is sufficient to qualify for a residence permit, with no other requirements. Below, you can find detailed guidance on short-term residence permit applications in Turkey, including those based on property ownership, tourist residence permits, and other types. We also cover the residence permit renewal process with specific information based on the subcategory of short term permit currently held.
How many types of residence permits are there in Turkey?
There are four common types of residence permits in Turkey: long-term residence permit (permanent), family residence permit, short-term permit and student residence permit. On the other hand, foreigners can get humanitarian residence permits or residence permits for victims of human trafficking. These permits are listed under Article 30 of the Law on Foreigners and International Protection, No. 6458, which was adopted on 04.04.2013. These permits also have several subcategories. This article reviews short term residence permits based on property ownership or touristic travel.
Residence Permit Application
What are the different types of short-term residence permits in Turkey?
A short-term residence permit can be obtained for the following purposes under Art. 31(1) of the Law on Foreigners and International Protection:
- Ownership of immovable property in Turkey
- Tourism purposes (travel plans should be provided)
- Establishing business or commercial connections
- Participation in on-the-job training programmes
- Attending educational or similar programmes as part of student exchange programs or agreements to which the Republic of Turkey is a party
- Medical treatment
- Conducting scientific research
- Request or decision of administrative or judicial authorities
What are Turkey's short-term residence permit requirements?
To begin with, the applicant should complete the online residence permit application form and request an appointment. Before the appointment, the applicant needs to ensure that the following documents and preparations are completed:
- The applicant must hold valid medical insurance (public or private) for the duration of the requested residence permit.
- Travel documents used for entry into the country and previous residence permit details are also essential documents to submit to the Provincial Directorate of Migration.
- Provide a document of residence, such as a rental contract.
- A criminal record document issued by the competent authorities in the country of citizenship or legal residence may be required upon the Directorate's request.
Copies of these documents must also be brought to the appointment, which will be collected by the Provincial Directorate (including photocopies of passports, etc.).
In addition to these essential requirements, applicants must prepare for the specific requirements of each short-term residency subcategory listed above. Furthermore, the Provincial Directorate of Migration ("the Immigration Authority" or "Göç İdaresi" in Turkish) has some discretion in assessing the types and formats of required documents during the application stage. Relevant residence permit procedures should be considered when choosing the right path to residency.
Do I need to be in Turkey for the application process? When will my appointment be?
The foreigner must apply while in Turkey. The application cannot be submitted abroad. Furthermore, they will have to attend the appointment in person. The appointment date is highly unpredictable, ranging from 1 week to 1 month after the online submission. The applicant can find out in the following days after online submission.
The physical appointment is mainly for submitting documents and providing fingerprints. After this stage, a lawyer with power of attorney can submit your missing documents if required. Contact our Turkish immigration attorneys for assistance.
How long does it take to get a short-term resident permit in Turkey?
The migration management authority usually makes an appointment within a few weeks of submitting the online residence permit application form. According to the law, a decision about your application will be made within 90 days, depending on circumstances such as whether you had any missing documents at the appointment (Art. 21(5) of the Law on Foreigners and International Protection).
Processing times for residence permit applications across Turkey may differ greatly. Some cities with a very low number of applications may even assess your application and issue a residence permit card on the spot, if you have all your documents ready.
There are other cities that will issue the İkamet Card (residence permit) within a few days (see Case Study 3 for Balıkesir below). For major cities like Istanbul, even the appointment can be a few weeks after the online submission, and the assessment period can take another few weeks. However, there are exceptions based on the Göç İdaresi's workload in a given month. See our Case Study Section below to examine the sample range of appointment timing and dates in our previous applications for our clients.
How much does a short-term residence permit in Turkey cost?
The cost of a residency card is 964 TL as of 2026, but there is an additional fee which depends on the type of short-term residency. You can find the amount of the extra fee for your residence application at the end of the online form on e-ikamet.goc.gov.tr. The Presidency of Migration Management regularly updates the costs.
| Expense Item | 2026 Current Fees |
|---|---|
| Residence Permit Card Fee (9207 ikametgah tezkeresi defter satış bedeli) | 964.00 TRY |
| Residence Permit Government Fee (9233 göç idaresi ikametgah harcı) | Varies by nationality |
| Single Entry Visa Fee | 6,515.00 TRY (For citizens of countries exempt from tuition fees) |
| Health Insurance Premiums | 2,000 TRY – 8,000 TRY (Varies based on age) |
Sample costs for a tourist and property-based residence permit, renewed for a duration of two years from our most recent application in April 2026:
- 1551.16 TL for a 2-year tourist residence permit renewal
- 3,102.32 TL for a 2-year property-based tourist residence permit renewal
In addition, the 964.00 TL card fee mentioned above applies.
Important Rule on Max. No. of Applications per Foreigner
Foreigners can only apply for the same type of residence permit within a 6-month period according to the most recent policies of the Immigration Authority. This means that once the application form is submitted and an appointment is made, the foreigner has only one more chance to make another application if the first one is cancelled or missed.
Buying Property in Turkey for Residency
Can I get residency in Turkey if I buy a house?
Yes, you can obtain a short-term residency in Turkey for up to 2 years by buying property there. However, there are special rules for citizens of different countries when purchasing property in Turkey. For example, citizens of neighbouring countries cannot buy property in border cities. Furthermore, the title deed and the transaction must meet specific criteria when one party is a foreigner applying for a real estate residence permit in Turkey. Foreign citizens must ensure that each transaction complies with the latest regulations issued by Turkish authorities, as this field is relatively volatile.
The property must be residential.
How long can foreigners stay in Turkey if they own property?
Turkey's real estate residence permit is a short-term residency permit valid for up to 2 years. For short-term residency based on property ownership, the residency can be renewed every 2 years. Eventually, it might be possible to apply for a long-term residence permit via this route.
How to get permanent residency in Turkey by buying a property?
The current rule states that the property must be at least $200,000 to be eligible for a residence permit based on property ownership in 2026.
- Signed and stamped originals of bank statements or salary documents.
- The land registry document for the permit
- Up-to-date valuation report for the property for properties purchased before 16 October 2023, but for sales after that date, the sale price written on your title deed (tapu) must be above USD 200,000 (in TRY) according to the Central Bank's official rate on the date of the title-transfer
- An official document collected from the municipality documenting the local registration of the property (Numerataj belgesi)
- Health insurance document (covering a 2-year period since this is typically the length of this type of residence currently provided by the Immigration Office)
- Documents showing that the foreigner resides in the relevant property
- Biometric photos
- Birth certificate for the owner's child, if applicable
- Marriage certificate for the owner's spouse, if applicable
What are some key points to consider for short term Turkish residence permits based on property ownership?
- The property cannot be located near a military zone.
- Certain foreign nationals are not allowed to purchase property in certain border areas.
- Some neighbourhoods are altogether closed off for residence permit applications (These are often those districts that are highly affected by the recent migration trends into Turkey)
Tourist Residency and Tourist Visa in Turkey
Specific Requirements for a Touristic Residency
Yes, a tourist can apply for a Turkish residence permit by applying for a short-term residence permit and specifying the purpose of the visit as touristic (Art. 31 (1) e). A short-term residence permit can be obtained for up to 2 years (Art. 31).
How can I stay in Turkey for six months?
A short-term residence permit is required to stay in Turkey for six months. A tourist visa is insufficient for stays exceeding 90 days, as it permits only 90 days within a 6-month period (Art. 19(1)).
What is the 90 days in 180 days rule in Turkey?
Visitors who enter Turkey on a tourist visa may remain for 90 days within the 180-day period covered by the visa (Art. 11(1)). One requirement for a visa to visit Turkey is to have insurance coverage (medical insurance) for your entire visit, according to the provision on Turkey Entry Ban in Law No. 6458, Article 15-1e. According to the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the 90-day-in-180-day rule applies to all foreign nationals.
How to calculate the 90 days in the 180-day rule?
Entry and exit dates from Turkey must be included in the calculation. That is why the 90-day period can end quickly when there are multiple trips. Neither the phone line nor the offices of Göç İdaresi calculate your days for you. An option is to find the "hudut kapısı" (border gate) at the airport.
When should I apply for a tourist residence permit as a visa holder?
The above rule of 90 days, 180 days allows a foreigner to apply for a tourist residence permit before the visa expires.
Final Steps of Residence Permit Application After Submitting the Online Form
Paying the Official Fees for Your Short Term Residence Permit Application
The residence permit application is made online, and a physical appointment to collect fingerprints and submit documents follows. However, one crucial step that is often missed due to the way this process is designed is the payment of official fees (currently 964 TL for the ikamet card and typically ranging between 2000-3000 TL in government fees, depending on the duration and type of permit, discussed above under the first section). The online application is completed, and you are directed to an appointment with a date and time provided. At this stage, there is no warning that you need to pay fees, aside from a tab at the final application menu that applicants often overlook. As a result, the officers at your appointment will tell you to make the payment and submit the invoices when you return. This causes frustration and unnecessary delay, which can be avoided by following our instructions.
To make official payments, you need to first access the final menu after completing your application on the official e-ikamet residence permit application portal. The main menu includes the payment option, in addition to viewing your appointment or downloading your application form. Click the payment button, and you will be directed to a page showing the amounts you need to pay and the Tahakkukuk No. Your payment will be displayed. Copy the Tahakkuk no. and pay your residence permit fees through the Dijital Vergi Dairesi (Digital Tax Office) payment page. Enter the Tahakkuk no. to access the page where you can make payments. Download the payment documents after the payment and keep copies in your file for submission at your appointment with the Immigration Authority.
The ikamet application system does not allow you to view the payment page immediately after completing your application. This can be confusing, since the button simply will not work without any warnings. This is due to the requirement that the application form must be downloaded first. Afterwards, you will be able to access the payment information page. However, at certain times of the day or the week the ikamet system may not be immediately synced with the Tax Office (interaktif vergi daresi gelir idaresi başkanlığı). Waiting for a few hours should normally be sufficient.
Attending the Appointment and Submitting Fingerprints
Another important rule is that the ikamet application system cannot be used when the foreigner is abroad. The application can only be made once they enter the country and the application form is filled using the passport or other travel document they used to enter the country. The foreigner must also be present at the physical appointment since they must submit fingerprint and biometric data. However, it may be possible to travel abroad between the online submission date and the appointment. Please consult our lawyers on this matter since the procedures constitute a grey area in this regard.
Submitting the Missing Documents that are Requested by the Immigration Office After Your Appointment
We have mentioned that the stages of the ikamet application involve:
- Online submission of the application form
- Attending the appointment where the form and your documents are submitted alongside your fingerprints, biometric documents, and data
The third and penultimate step of the application process is to submit any missing documents that are requested by the public officer upon examination of your physical files. The officer will inform you immediately of any missing documents, which you can collect and resubmit with your original file. The officer will return your file to you if any documents are missing and hand over a list with the missing items marked. You will be able to return everything on the same day and complete the physical submission stage, after which the evaluation step will begin.
At the evaluation stage, a new officer will take over your file and will be responsible for managing it. If any additional missing documents are identified at this stage, you will be informed via text message and through the ikamet site's online panel. That is why it is essential to monitor your application online during the evaluation stage. This can be done by your lawyer if you issued a PoA. Your legal representative can also attend the Göç İdaresi to submit any missing documents. Our lawyers also assist in collecting the relevant documents on your behalf, as many foreigners may not be familiar with the process, be subject to language barriers, or be abroad for various reasons. Contact us if you need full assistance with your application process.
The key rule here is that you will have only 30 days to submit any missing documents. That is why the online system must be continuously monitored by you or your legal representative.
Collecting the İkamet Card (Foreigner ID Card) After the Application Process Ends
Once your application and any missing documents are submitted to the Göç İdaresi, the next step is to monitor the application status on the ikamet website (ikamet.gov.tr). This can be done either by your representative or by yourself. The system also issues a Müracaat Belgesi, which confirms that you have an ongoing application process and allows you to remain in Turkey. You should keep the printed copy with you in case you need to show it to the public officers or the police.
When your application is approved, you will see a notice stating that it is being printed. The card will be sent to your home address through PTT. Your home address is the address you submitted to Göç İdaresi in your application form as your residence address in Turkey. The printing stage can take up to a week, and the delivery via PTT can take a few days or up to a week. To receive the ID card, you must be present at your address. Otherwise, the delivery will be transferred to the local PTT headquarters. You can go and collect your ID there, too. The foreigner's card is a personal item that must be collected by the cardholder to exercise the legal rights and liabilities attached to it. The only exception to the rule is to assign a lawyer with a specific power of attorney that has the correct provision that allows your legal representative to collect the card on your behalf. In that case, your lawyer may collect your card from the PTT office on your behalf.
Case Studies from Our Previous Client Work
The applicants travelled to Turkey only to make the renewal application, which put us under a time constraint. We submitted the application as soon as they entered the country, since the appointment date is usually far ahead and documents can be collected while waiting. In this case, the Pendik Göç İdaresi gave an appointment only one business day in advance. The lessons are (1) the appointment date can be highly unpredictable even in big cities, (2) you should always make sure documents are prepared in advance.
Overstaying a Residence Permit in Turkey
How long can I stay in Turkey after my residence permit expires?
You can remain in Turkey for an additional 10 days after your residency expires to submit a new application. If a new residency application is made during this period, you can stay in Turkey during the assessment of this application.
What happens if you overstay your residence permit in Turkey?
Overstaying a Turkish residence permit results in a penalty to be paid if you have not started a new residency application before the expiration date. You can submit a new application within 10 days of the expiration. If you do not make a new application, you will have to leave the country.
Will I be deported if I overstay?
You can remain in Turkey for an additional 10 days after your residency expires. Once this period ends and you still have not started a new application for residency, there is a risk of deportation (Art. 54/(1)-g). This matter is within the jurisdiction of the administrative office for border gates. If you are deported from Turkey, you can also be banned from entering Turkey (Art. 9).
FAQ
Can foreigners work with a residence permit in Turkey?
No, it is not possible to work in Turkey with a residence permit unless a separate work permit is applied for. The primary condition for applying for a work permit in Turkey is having stayed in Turkey for at least 6 months with a valid residence permit if the applicant is submitting the application in Turkey. There is a slightly different process for applicants from abroad.
Foreigners who want to work in Turkey must apply for a Turkish work permit.
What happens if you work without a work permit in Turkey?
The Law of Foreigners states that a decision to deport will be made for foreign nationals found working in Turkey without a work permit.
Each residency application and related matter must be evaluated on a case-by-case basis. If you would like to learn more about the above topics, please contact us to book a consultation with one of our expert lawyers.
What is the family residence permit in Turkey?
Foreign nationals can stay in Turkey for a short term if they hold a family residence permit. However, the Law on Foreigners and International Protection defines it as a separate category from a short-term residence permit. This residence permit is granted to family members, such as minor children, dependent children of persons already residing in Turkey, or spouses of Turkish citizens. The duration is usually the same period as the remaining residency period of the principal residency holder.
Is Turkey part of the Schengen visa?
Turkey is not part of the Schengen area or a member of the European Union. Negotiations to join the Schengen area have been ongoing. However, the progress slowed, and there is no prospect of joining Schengen soon.
