RESIDENCE PERMIT IN TURKEY
Turkey is a colourful country located at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, with ancient architecture, many famous resorts, comfortable climate and modern infrastructure. According to the local constitution, the country is a secular republic, however, about 99% of the inhabitants are Muslims. The population of Turkey in 2024 is about 86 million people.
Despite the known political tensions within the state and in neighbouring countries, a large number of immigrants annually go to Turkey for a long period of time, which requires a mandatory residence permit (residence permit). The most popular destinations for relocation are the largest Turkish cities – Istanbul and Ankara.
A residence permit in Turkey in 2024 is a prerequisite for staying in Turkey for more than 3 months. Most foreigners do not need visas, and therefore residence permits, to visit the country for tourist purposes or for a business visit for a period of up to 60 days.
Since 2005, the Turkish government has been negotiating the country's accession to the EU. Currently, the process has reached an impasse, but from this Turkish economy is no less stable and even developing, and prices are significantly lower than in Europe, including property. In general, life in Turkey has its advantages in comparison with developed European countries.
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How to get a residence permit in Turkey
In order to obtain a residence permit in Turkey in 2024 a foreigner, as before, requires specific grounds. Good immigration policy in the country is quite loyal, even in the presence of certain problems in recent years, including the migration crisis. Residence permits in Turkey are short-term and long-term, the period of validity ranges from 6 months to 5 years. In general, the local laws provide a number of reasons for obtaining a residence permit in Turkey.-
Family reunification.
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Official employment.
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Business and investment.
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University studies, research and attendance at language courses.
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Humanitarian reasons (issued to refugees or victims of human trafficking).
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Short-term residence permit for the purpose of treatment in Turkish medical institutions, as well as when visiting the country as a tourist for a period of more than 3 months.
Important. Turkish authorities grant a residence permit when buying a property in Turkey.
Usually, to apply for a residence permit in Turkey you need to have an open long-term visa, which is issued by the staff of the Turkish Consulate in the country of the foreigner. After moving within 1-2 months, depending on the candidate's nationality, an online application form is completed and a list of prescribed documents is submitted to the Immigration Department (see below). In most cases, the initial residence permit in Turkey is issued for one year with the right to renew.
For a full-fledged life in Turkey, including the possibility of buying a car, opening a bank account, making utility and other payments, a foreigner must obtain a personal tax number (Vergi Numerasi). For this purpose, one should apply to the local tax office.
Uninterrupted, and most importantly, legal stay on the Turkish territory for 5 years, will allow to apply for Turkish citizenship. Long-term residence permit or permanent residence in Turkey is granted after 8 years of residence in the country. Absence in the state for 4 consecutive months is grounds for cancellation of residence permit.
Grounds for issuance of residence permit in Turkey
Residence permit in Turkey for the purpose of family reunification
Close relatives of a Turkish citizen or foreigner legally residing in Turkey are entitled to a residence permit for up to two years. Usually this category includes spouses and dependent children, including adopted children. For this purpose, the following conditions must be fulfilled:
the foreigner resides in Turkey with a residence permit for at least one year;
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financial situation allows to support the family. That is, there is an income equal to or higher than the minimum wage in Turkey (10,008 Turkish Liras), plus at least 180-200 dollars for each family member;
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owned or rented living space sufficient to accommodate relatives;
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having health insurance;
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no violations of the law for at least the last 5 years.
Residence permit in Turkey for the purpose of employment
Labour migration to Turkey for a long period of time requires obtaining a work permit, opening a work visa and obtaining a residence permit. Unfortunately, many foreigners work in Turkey illegally, respectively without a residence permit. Such activity is threatened with large fines and deportation from the country, or even imprisonment.
Of course, it is not easy to find a legal job in Turkey. Not every employer is willing to spend time on issuing a foreign worker a work permit and other bureaucratic procedures. It is necessary to have sufficient qualification, experience and language skills (English, Turkish). The average salary in Turkey in 2024 is about 1,000-1,200 dollars per month.
Residence permit in Turkey for the purpose of doing business or making investments
One of the most affordable options for obtaining a residence permit in Turkey for one year with the right to extend is the purchase of property in this country. This norm has been in force since 2013. There are no requirements for the value of the real estate object. It is necessary to provide the original and a copy of the certificate of ownership, as well as an extract from the land registry.
Another way to obtain a residence permit in Turkey with the help of investments is to open your own business on Turkish territory. Local authorities are quite loyal to foreign entrepreneurs and provide equal rights with Turkish businessmen. Turkey has a stable economy, developed infrastructure and transparent tax system.
Residence permit in Turkey for the purpose of study
Universities in Turkey provide quality education, including in English at absolutely reasonable prices, about 400-1,500 dollars per year. Of course, if you study in public universities. In private universities payment can reach 20-25 thousand dollars. Foreign students are granted a residence permit in Turkey for one year, with subsequent annual renewal for the entire period of study. It is allowed to work up to 24 hours a week.
Documents for residence permit in Turkey
When submitting documents for obtaining a residence permit, employees of the migration service of Turkey have the right to require additional information depending on the situation and reasons for registration of the status. Nevertheless, the main list of documentation can be highlighted.
A residence permit application form filled out through a special service on the website of the General Directorate of Migration Affairs of Turkey – e-ikamet.goc.gov.tr, which must be printed and signed. After entering the required information, the foreigner will be assigned a date to visit the office to submit the documentation in paper form.
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Original and copies of the pages of the passport (personal information) which expires no later than 2 months after the expiry of the residence permit.
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At least 4 colour passport (biometric) photos taken within the last 6 months.
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Health insurance for the whole period of validity of the residence permit.
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Proof of sufficient funds for long-term residence in Turkey. Usually at least $500 per month or equivalent in other currency is required. A certificate from a Turkish bank is acceptable.
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Documentary proof of ownership of real estate in Turkey or a notarised residential lease agreement.
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Grounds for obtaining a residence permit (information on company registration, enrolment in a university, labour contract and so on).
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Payment of the administrative fee. Depending on the type of residence permit and the nationality of the foreigner, the amount is up to $100.
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Recently, it is often required to provide a certificate from the local police department on the absence of offences.
In case of absence of any documents, the candidate for residence permit in Turkey has a month to provide the required information without the need to reapply.
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