Types of Residencies in Turkey and Their Requirements: The Easiest Way to Obtain Residency

Residency in Turkey is a topic of significant interest for many people, whether for work, study, or even tourism.

In this article, we will detail the various types of residency in Turkey and the requirements needed to obtain them, providing you with a comprehensive guide to achieve this goal with ease.

Have you ever wondered about the types of residency you can obtain in Turkey? Or what are the requirements for acquiring a business, family, or student residence permit? Here, you will find answers to all these questions and more.

Whether you are seeking long-term or short-term residency, or you are looking to study in Turkey, we will provide you with the necessary information and practical steps to achieve your goals.

Stay with us until the end to also learn about the new residency law in Turkey for 2024.

Let’s get started…

What Are the Types of Residencies in Turkey?

Turkey offers various types of residencies to meet the needs of different foreign nationals, whether they are seeking work, study, or residency for humanitarian reasons. Here are the details of the types of residencies in Turkey and their associated requirements:

• Long-Term Residence Permits:

• Family Residence Permit: Granted to foreigners married to Turkish citizens, valid for up to three years and renewable. After three years of marriage, you may apply for Turkish citizenship.
• Work Residence Permit: Issued to foreigners with a work permit from the Turkish Ministry of Labor, requiring renewal every two years. After five years of continuous work, you can apply for citizenship.
• Property Residence Permit: Granted to foreign investors owning property in Turkey, valid for two years and renewable as long as the property ownership continues.
• Residence Permit for Turkish Cypriots: Issued to citizens of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, renewed with each period not exceeding five years.
• Humanitarian Residence Permit: Issued to individuals who cannot return to their home countries due to exceptional circumstances threatening their lives.
• Residence Permit for Victims of Human Trafficking: Granted to victims of human trafficking for 30 days, renewable for up to 6 months several times, with a maximum duration of 3 years.

• Short-Term Residence Permits:

• Student Residence Permit: Granted to foreign students enrolled in Turkish universities, renewable throughout their study period.
• Student Exchange Residence Permit: Issued to students participating in academic exchange programs between Turkish and foreign universities, such as Erasmus and Mevlana.
• Graduation Residence Permit: Given to foreign students who have completed their university studies in Turkey to complete graduation procedures.
• Tourist Residence Permit: Issued to foreigners wishing to stay in Turkey for an extended period for tourism, valid for one to two years.
• Investor Residence Permit: Granted to foreign entrepreneurs with business relations in Turkey, valid for three months.
• Investment Study Residence Permit: Issued to foreigners wishing to conduct investment studies in Turkey, valid for a short period.
• Turkish Language Learning Residence Permit: Granted to foreigners enrolled in Turkish language courses at recognized institutions.
• Medical Treatment Residence Permit: Issued to foreigners coming to Turkey for medical treatment based on a reservation from a Turkish hospital.
• Compulsory Residence Permit: Granted based on a request or decision from judicial or administrative authorities in Turkey.

These various types of residencies cater to diverse needs of foreigners, enhancing their opportunities to live, work, and study in Turkey legally and comfortably.

Contact Directly now to secure the most reliable and straightforward residency in Turkey: a student residence permit.

 What Is the Business Residence Permit in Turkey?

The business residence permit in Turkey is an ideal option for entrepreneurs and investors looking to establish or manage their businesses in the country. This permit allows for long-term residency, facilitating legal business and investment activities. ○ Steps to Obtain a Business Residence Permit:

1. Determine the Suitable Permit Type: Choose the permit that matches your needs, whether for business or investment.
2. Register and Apply Online: Fill out the application form through Turkey’s e-Residence system and schedule an interviw appointment.
3. Prepare Required Documents:

• Application form for the residence permit.
• Valid passport and a copy of the business visa.
• Four recent biometric photos.
• Health insurance covering the duration of stay.
• Proof of sufficient financial resources to cover living and business expenses.
• Lease agreement or proof of accommodation in Turkey.
• Receipt of payment for the residence permit and card.
• Documents related to the business, such as tax registration, company activity certificate, official trade journal, and partner signatures.

4. Attend the Interview: Show up at the scheduled appointment and submit the required documents.

○ Benefits of the Business Residence Permit:

• Investment and Business Management: Allows holders to easily establish and manage their companies in Turkey.
• Access to the Turkish Market: Provides the opportunity to capitalize on diverse economic opportunities in Turkey.
• Turkish Citizenship: You may apply for Turkish citizenship after meeting specific requirements, such as investing a certain amount over a set period.

The business residence permit in Turkey simplifies the process of setting up businesses and investing in economic opportunities, and opens the path for investors to obtain Turkish citizenship once the required conditions are met.

What is the Family Residence Permit in Turkey?

The family residence permit in Turkey is granted to foreigners who have a spouse or children with Turkish citizenship, allowing them to live in Turkey for up to three years, with the possibility of renewal.

○ Benefits of the Family Residence Permit in Turkey:

• Family Stability: Allows you to live with your Turkish family members.
• Education and Healthcare: Provides free education for children and access to public healthcare services.
• Work and Study: Foreign spouses can work and study in Turkey, provided they obtain the necessary permits.

○ Requirements for Obtaining the Family Residence Permit:

• Marital Relationship: Proof of a legal marital relationship with a Turkish citizen.
• Co-residency: The couple must live together in Turkey for at least three years.
• Sufficient Income: Proof of sufficient income to support the family.
• Clean Criminal Record: A clean criminal record for both the foreigner and the Turkish citizen.

○ Documents Required for the Family Residence Permit in Turkey:

• Application form.
• Valid passport.
• Personal photos.
• Marriage certificate.
• Proof of income.
• Health insurance.
• Criminal record check.

The family residence permit is granted for up to three years and can be renewed two months before its expiration.

This permit is particularly advantageous as it allows foreigners to settle in Turkey with their Turkish family members and enjoy various benefits.

What is the Humanitarian Residence in Turkey?

Humanitarian residence in Turkey is granted to foreigners who cannot return to their home countries due to exceptional circumstances, such as wars, natural disasters, or persecution. This type of residence is issued based on humanitarian and international standards to provide temporary protection for individuals in need of a safe haven.

○ Disadvantages of Humanitarian Residence in Turkey:

While humanitarian residence in Turkey is crucial for many, it comes with several drawbacks:

1. Short Duration: It is granted for short periods that are renewable, limiting long-term stability.
2. Ineligibility for Work: Does not automatically grant the right to work legally, except in special cases requiring additional procedures.
3. Complex Renewal Process: Requires continuous proof of humanitarian conditions to renew, making the process complicated.
4. Access to Services: Residents may face challenges in accessing certain social and financial services.
5. Legal Status Impact: It does not lead to automatic eligibility for citizenship or long-term residence permits.
6. Possibility of Rejection: Applications can be easily rejected if the required humanitarian conditions are not sufficiently met.

Humanitarian residence in Turkey offers temporary protection, but it comes with significant limitations that affect stability, employment, and access to services for the residents.

What is the Tourist Residence Permit in Turkey?

A tourist residence permit in Turkey is granted to foreigners who wish to stay in the country for a longer period than a traditional tourist visa allows, typically up to one year, with the possibility of renewal.

Here are the required documents for obtaining a tourist residence permit in Turkey: 

• Valid Passport: The passport must be valid for at least six months beyond the desired period of residence.
• Local Health Insurance: The insurance must cover the entire period of the requested residence and be issued by an approved Turkish insurance company.
• Proof of Accommodation: This can be provided through a notarized rental contract or a property deed in Turkey.
• Proof of Sufficient Financial Resources: This may include a bank statement or other documents proving sufficient funds to cover living expenses during the stay.
• Personal Photos: Typically, four biometric photos with a white background and specific dimensions are required.
• Residence Permit Application Form: The application form must be completed online through the e-Residence system managed by the Turkish Ministry of Interior and submitted along with the necessary documents.

What is the Student Residence Permit in Turkey?

The student residence permit in Turkey is granted to foreign students enrolled in Turkish educational institutions. This permit allows them to stay for the duration of their studies and is renewed annually.

Here are the most important documents required to obtain a student residence permit in Turkey:

• Acceptance letter from a Turkish university.
• A valid passport.
• Health insurance.
• Proof of sufficient financial resources.
• Personal photos.
• Residence permit application form.

Conditions for Obtaining Residency in Turkey

Obtaining residency in Turkey requires following a number of legal conditions and criteria that ensure the organization of foreign residents in a lawful and safe manner. Here, we will outline the conditions for obtaining residency in Turkey in a simple and clear way.

Here are the conditions for obtaining residency in Turkey:

• Submission of Supporting Documents: All documents and information that clarify the purpose of staying in Turkey must be submitted, whether it is for work, study, tourism, or any other purpose.
• Housing Conditions: The housing conditions must meet safety and public health standards. This means that the place of residence must be suitable for human habitation.
• Address Information: Clear information about the address where the foreigner will reside in Turkey must be provided to ensure that the relevant authorities can contact them when needed.
• Criminal Record: The foreigner may be required to submit a criminal record document from their home country, proving that they have no criminal record, based on the request of the concerned official.

These conditions aim to regulate the presence of foreigners in Turkey in a manner that ensures security and stability. Compliance with them is necessary to obtain a residence permit legally and smoothly.

If you are considering obtaining residency in Turkey, make sure to prepare all the required documents and adhere to the mentioned conditions to ensure a smooth and successful application process

Conditions for Obtaining Long-Term Residency in Turkey

Obtaining residency in Turkey requires adherence to several conditions set by laws and regulations. The conditions vary depending on the type of residency, whether it is long-term or short-term. Here are the details: Here are the conditions for obtaining long-term residency in Turkey:

• Family Residence (Reunification): 
• Marriage to a Turkish citizen.
• Proof of living together as a married couple in the same household for 3 years with good conduct.
• Work Residence:
•   Obtaining a work permit from the Turkish Ministry of Labor.
• You can apply for Turkish citizenship after 5 continuous years of work.
• Property Residence:
• Real estate investment worth at least $75,000 USD in major cities (such as Istanbul and Ankara) or $50,000 USD in less populated cities.
• Compliance with regulations related to the permitted areas for real estate investment.
• Humanitarian Residence:
• Granted to victims of civil war, those whose rights have been violated, or refugees.
• Subject to review by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR).
• Victims of Human Trafficking Residence:
• Granted to victims of human trafficking for a period ranging from 30 days to 6 months, with a maximum of 3 years.

Conditions for Obtaining Short-Term Residency in Turkey

Here are the conditions for obtaining short-term residency in Turkey:

• Student Residence:
• Enrollment in a recognized Turkish educational institution.
• Residence permit valid for up to one year, renewable according to the duration of studies.
• The right to work begins after one year of study, with a maximum of 24 hours per week for associate degree programs.
• Exchange Student Residence:
•  Participation in academic exchange programs between Turkish and foreign universities (such as Erasmus, Mevlana).
• Graduation Residence:
• Granted for completing graduation procedures and receiving the diploma.
• Tourist Residence:
• Application can be made in person or through a proxy by submitting documents to the consulate and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
• It can last from one to two years.
• Investor Residence:
• Providing evidence of the intent to establish an investment project in Turkey.
• Granted for a short period for the purpose of studying and preparing for the investment.
• Investment Study Residence:
• Providing evidence of the intent to establish an investment project in Turkey.
• Granted for a short period for the purpose of studying and preparing for the investment.
• Turkish Language Learning Residence:
• Enrollment in a recognized institute to learn the Turkish language.
• This residence permit can be renewed a minimum of two times.
• Medical Treatment Residence:
• Booking from a Turkish hospital, either private or public.
• Ensuring that there is no disease that poses a threat to public health.
• Mandatory Residence:
• Based on a request or decision from judicial or administrative authorities in Turkey.
• The duration of the residence is determined by the authority that issued the request.

By following these conditions precisely, foreigners can enjoy a legal and safe stay in Turkey.

Reasons for Residency Rejection in Turkey

Knowing the reasons for residency rejection in Turkey is crucial to avoid mistakes that could hinder your ability to obtain a residence permit.

Here are the common reasons for residency rejection in Turkey that you should be aware of when applying:

• Failure to Meet Required Conditions: If the applicant does not meet all the necessary conditions, such as providing the required documents or proving the purpose of the stay.
• Using the Residence Permit for Non-Compliant Purposes: If the residence permit is used for purposes other than those for which it was granted, such as using a tourist residence permit to work.
• Deportation or Entry Ban Decision: If a deportation order has been issued against the foreigner or if there is a ban preventing them from entering Turkey due to violations of laws or policies.
• Violation of Residency Duration: If the foreigner exceeds the duration specified in the previous permit or stays in Turkey after the permit has expired without renewing it.
• Providing False Information: Submitting forged or incorrect documents can lead to the rejection of the application.
• Failure to Prove Financial Support: Inability to prove the existence of sufficient financial resources to support the stay.
• Poor Criminal Record: A criminal record that negatively affects the acceptance of the residency application.

Adhering to the conditions and submitting accurate documents helps ensure a successful application for a residence permit in Turkey.

Cost of Residency in Turkey

The cost of residency in Turkey includes several essential elements that applicants should consider:

• Residence Card Fee: A fixed administrative fee is charged to obtain a residence card, amounting to approximately 160 Turkish Lira (as of 2022).
• Annual Residence Permit Fees: The annual fees vary depending on the type of residence and the validity period. Currently, they range between 326 and 7,280 Turkish Lira. These fees may increase due to the high influx of migrants.
• Cost Based on Previous Country of Residence: The cost of residency also varies depending on the country where the applicant previously resided, and some countries may impose additional fees.
• Health Insurance: Health insurance is mandatory for all foreign adults under the age of 65. The cost of health insurance ranges between 500 and 1,800 Turkish Lira, depending on the coverage and type of plan chosen.

Countries Allowed Entry with Turkish Residence Permit

A holder of a Turkish residence permit can enter certain countries using their residence permit, though it may still require obtaining a visa in advance. Here are the key countries that allow entry with a Turkish residence permit:

• Albania
• Romania
• Bosnia
• Kosovo
• Serbia

New Residency Law in Turkey 2024

With the changes brought by the new residency law in Turkey for 2024, there are several key points to be aware of to ensure compliance with the new regulations and to obtain a residence permit smoothly.

• Short-Term Residencies: These include tourist, student, and family residencies.
• Long-Term Residencies: These include indefinite residencies such as property-based and humanitarian residencies.
• Property Investments: The minimum property value required for obtaining a residence permit has been raised. Now, the property must be worth at least $200,000, whether in small or large cities.
• Document Collection: This involves gathering all required documents such as a passport, personal photos, health insurance certificate, and others.
• Online Form Submission: The application form must be accurately filled out online.
• Appointment Booking: An appointment must be booked at the immigration office to submit the application.
• Waiting for the Decision: After submitting the application, one must wait for the application to be reviewed and a decision to be made.
• Receiving the Card by Mail: After approval, the residence card will be sent by mail.
• Tourist Residence: Requires local health insurance, digital photos, and a passport valid for at least six months, along with filling out an online form.
• Property and Investment Residence: The minimum property value is $200,000 and applies to both small and large cities.
• Family Residence: Granted to spouses of Turkish citizens and their minor children.
• Student Residence: Depends on the duration of studies and is renewed annually.
• Humanitarian Residence: Granted to foreigners who cannot leave Turkey due to reasons such as severe illness or pregnancy.
• Residence for Victims of Human Trafficking: Granted based on specific and complex circumstances.
• Long-Term Residence: Granted to foreigners who have legally lived in Turkey for at least 8 years.

By following these procedures and being aware of the new conditions, you can ensure that the application process for a residence permit in Turkey will be smooth and compliant with the new laws for 2024.

Easiest Way to Obtain Residency in Turkey

Among the different types of residency permits, a student residence permit is considered one of the easiest and most reliable ways to obtain a residence permit in Turkey.

It is deemed the easiest and most reliable due to the clarity of the procedures and the continuity of renewal based on the duration of the studies.

Here’s how to obtain it:

• Enroll in a Turkish University:

• Enroll in a Turkish university and obtain an official acceptance letter.
• You can apply online or through international education agencies.
• Gather the Necessary Documents:
• Acceptance letter from the university.
• A valid passport with at least six months of validity.
• Recent personal photos.
• Health insurance that covers the study period.
• Proof of accommodation (university dormitory or rental agreement).
• Proof of financial ability to support yourself (bank statement or financial sponsor).
• Online Application:
• Fill out the application form on the Turkish Immigration Administration website.
• Upload the required documents and schedule an appointment for in-person submission.
• Visit the Immigration Office:
• Go to the immigration office at the scheduled time to submit the documents and provide fingerprints.
• Pay the required fees for the residence permit.
• Receive the Residence Card:
• After the application is approved, the residence card will be sent to your address by mail.

By following these steps accurately and adhering to the requirements, you can easily obtain residency in Turkey and enjoy your stay in this beautiful country.

Benefits of a Student Residence Permit in Turkey

The student residence permit in Turkey offers a range of benefits that enhance the experience of international students during their studies, making Turkey an ideal destination for education. Here are the main benefits:

• Freedom of Movement: It allows students to easily travel between cities and regions in Turkey.
• Unrestricted Travel: Students can leave Turkey and return without the need for a new visa.
• Transportation Discounts: Students benefit from discounts on public transportation cards.
• Work Permit: Students are legally allowed to work after completing their first year of study.
• Unique Cultural Opportunities: Students can visit museums and tourist attractions at reduced or free costs, deepening their understanding of Turkish culture.

These benefits make the student residence permit an attractive option for international students wishing to study in Turkey.

Read more: How to Obtain a Student Visa to Turkey (Your Comprehensive Guide)

How Does Directly Help You Obtain a Student Residence Permit in Turkey?

Directly helps you obtain the most reliable and easiest residence permit, which is the student residence permit in Turkey.

All you need to do is contact us, and we will handle the rest, ensuring you get your residence permit and start your academic journey in Turkey without any complications.

We hope that we have provided you with comprehensive information about the types of residence permits in Turkey.

If you have more questions, contact Directly.

We wish you a successful journey!