Types of Turkish Residence Permits

By Justin Mays:

For most nationalities on a Turkish tourist visa, one cannot stay more than 90 days out of 180 days. This time is enough time to choose whether one wants to stay in Turkey or not. The Turkish residency permit does not allow for work but does offer the right to reside for the time period granted.

Short-term Residence Permit

There are two types of residency permits-short-term and long-term. These are further broken down into types. The most common type is the Touristic residency permit, valid for one year with the possibility to extend for selected nationalities.

Business Permit

There are business residency permits for up to one year too. For these, you must show evidence of sufficient funds and the ability to support any dependent family members that will join you. This permit allows the applicant to explore business opportunities and/or incorporate a business in Turkey. This will eventually give you the right to Turkish citizenship if you purchase real estate for no less than $400,000 USD and keep it for three years.

Long-term Residence Permit 

Multiple long-term residency permits are also available for those who have resided for a minimum of eight consecutive years with evidence of financial independence, no record of financial support from the Turkish government, and no criminal record.

Student Permit

Student residency permits are granted for the duration of studies at accredited Turkish educational institutions for higher education. To apply, one must show an official letter of acceptance from the institution, purchase accepted local private health insurance, and proof of financial security.

Work Permit

For those under work permits with spouses and dependents under the age of 18, their family members have the right to apply for an accompanying family residency permit.

Once you have ascertained which permit is right for you, apply as soon as possible before your valid visa expires. While your application is under review you have the right to remain in Turkey until your appointment and application have been evaluated even if the date you initially entered on expires.

How to apply for a Turkish Residence Permit ?

To apply, learn what paperwork is required and gather it before you begin the online process on the E-ikamet website, https://e-ikamet.goc.gov.tr The site will not allow you to go further if you do not have required items like your biometric digital passport photo ready. Double-check all of your documentation including spellings, it will prevent problems during the process and for future renewals. Having private health insurance is a requirement to stay more than 90 days in Turkey and there are many good policies available from agents across the city.

Once the system has accepted your application you will receive a time, date, and location for your appointment via text message or email text message from the Goc Idaresi (Migration Office). This will have your application number and state where you will submit your paperwork to a provincial immigration agent at a local office. There is a fee for a residency permit that depends on your nationality and card. They will inform you if anything is missing which you will be expected to provide within a given time.

Upon a successful application, you will receive a text message from the Goc Idaresi letting you know you have been approved. They will assign you a foreigner’s identification number starting with 99 and send your identity card via the postal service to the address you provided on your application. If there are any problems you can contact the Directorate of Migration Management by calling 157, the service has options for Arabic, English, Farsi, German, Russian and Turkish speakers.