Short-Term Residency Permit

Short-Term Residence Permit for Foreigners

For most nationals on a Turkish tourist visa, they 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. To apply for a short-term residence permit, foreigners must submit the relevant documents to the Provincial Directorate of Immigration Administration (Göçİdaresi). Once an application is submitted through the e-residence system, short-term residence permits are issued for a maximum of two years as a principle. (Note: A residence permit is invalidated if it is not used within six months.)
The Turkish residency permit does not allow one to work but does offer the right to reside for the time period granted.

Who can apply for a Turkish Short Term Residence Permit?

There are different categories of people who can apply for a Turkish short-term permit and an example are

• Foreigners who wish to stay for tourism purposes
• Foreigners who will own immovable property in Turkey
• Foreigners who will establish a business in Turkey
• Foreigners who wish to study a Turkish language course
• Foreigners who will attend an education program, research, or internship in Turkey
• Those who participate in on-job training
• Foreigners who transfer for a family residence permit

How to apply for a Turkish Residence Permit?

To apply, research 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 country.
Once the system has accepted your application you will receive a time, date, and location for your appointment via text message or email 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.

Collecting your Residence Permit

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.