Moving to Turkey - what documents do I need to collect? Full list and proven procedure
Moving to Turkey requires thorough preparation of documents, and many compatriots are faced with questions: what certificates are required for a residence permit, what needs to be apostilled, how to prepare a package for children or pets? In this article you will find a comprehensive checklist of documents for moving to Turkey, a step-by-step preparation plan with a timeline and practical advice on avoiding common mistakes. The material will help you to collect the right package of documents regardless of the purpose of the move - whether it is a family reunion, work, study or real estate investment.
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Who will benefit from this list of documents
Tourist on an exploratory visit
If you are planning a short-term trip to explore the real estate market or choose a neighborhood, you will need a minimal package: passport, travel insurance and documents for renting temporary accommodation. This option is suitable for those who are not yet ready to apply for a residence permit.
Family move with children
Families need an extended package of documents, including children's birth certificates, travel consents, school documents and medical certificates. Special attention is required to apostilize documents for minors.
Relocating for work, business or freelancing
Working professionals will need apostilled diplomas, qualification certificates, employment contracts and work permit documents. Entrepreneurs additionally need certificates to register their business and obtain a tax number.
Student relocation
Applicants and students require an invitation from an educational institution, educational documents with an apostille, certificates of financial support and medical documents for a student residence permit.
Buying real estate and moving with pets
Investors in Turkish real estate need documents confirming the legality of the funds and the sale transaction. Pet owners - veterinary passports, vaccination certificates and certificates for the transportation of animals.
Top 20 documents for moving to Turkey: master checklist
- Passport (valid for at least 6 months)
- National passport with apostille and translation
- International medical insurance
- Biometric photos (Turkish passport format)
- Certificate of no criminal record with apostille*
- Marriage/birth certificate with apostille*
- Diploma/Certificate with apostille and translation*
- Bank statements on the movement of funds
- Certificate of income or employment record book
- Notarized powers of attorney (if necessary)
- Housing documents (lease/purchase agreement)
- Driver's license + international license
- Car documents (if importing)*
- Vaccination certificates for children*
- Veterinary passport and pet chip*
- Tax status certificate
- Employment contract or invitation to work*
- Educational enrollment documents*
- Proof of residence address in the country of origin
- Receipts for payment of state fees and visa fees
*Requirements are subject to change - check the latest information before applying.
Required documents for all categories of migrants
Passport and validity requirements
The main document for entry must be valid for at least 6 months from the date of application for a residence permit. If you have an old passport with valid visas from other countries, take it as additional proof of your mobility.
Health insurance: inbound and for residence permits
For short-term stays, travel insurance with coverage of 30,000 euros or more is sufficient. For a residence permit, a local Turkish insurance or an international policy recognized by Turkish medical institutions will be required.
Biometric photos according to Turkish standards
Requirements: size 5×6 cm, light-colored background, no hats and glasses with darkened glasses. Photos should be taken not earlier than 6 months before submission.
Financial documents and proof of solvency
Bank statements for the last 3-6 months, income statements, proof of real estate or business ownership. The minimum amount on the account depends on the type of residence permit and ranges from 500 to 6000 USD.
Notarized translations and apostille: step-by-step procedure
All documents in the national language require a notarized translation into Turkish. Documents issued in Hague Convention countries must have an apostille. The order: first apostille in the country of issue, then notarized translation in Turkey or at the consulate.
Documents for obtaining a residence permit on various grounds
Family reunification
Required documents:
- Marriage certificate with apostille and translation
- Documents confirming Turkish citizenship or residence permit of the spouse
- Certificate of cohabitation
- Family photos (as proof of relationship) Preparation time: 30-45 days Approximate budget: 800-1200 dollars
Student residence permit (öğrenci ikameti)
Document package includes:
- Invitation from a Turkish educational institution
- Education documents with apostille
- Certificate of financial support (minimum $500/month)
- Medical certificate of health status Who prepares: the applicant in cooperation with the educational institution Deadlines: 45-60 days before the beginning of the school year
Work permit (çalışma izni)
Documents from the employee:
- Diploma with apostille and translation
- Resume in Turkish
- Certificate of no criminal record Documents from the employer Documents from the employer:
- Employment contract
- Certificate of company's activity
- Confirmation of vacancy in the Employment Service Budget: 1500-2000 dollars (including employer's services)
Residence permit for real estate owners
Required documents:
- Tapu (ownership document)
- Certificate of appraised value of the object
- Documents on the legality of the origin of funds
- Property insurance
Minimum value of the object: 200 000 USD
Tourist residence permit
This type of residence permit is temporarily suspended in most popular tourist areas. Check with the Migration Department for up-to-date information before applying.
Moving with children:
Basic documents for a child
Obligatory certificates:
- Birth certificate with apostille and translation
- Immunization certificate (international certificate)
- Medical card of the child
- Turkish passport size photos
Consent for departure and residence
If the child is traveling with one of the parents, a notarized consent of the other parent is required. The document must be translated into Turkish and apostilled.
School documents and academic certificates
For school enrollment, you will need:
- Student's personal file with translation
- Certificate of current grades
- A document on the grade completed
- Language proficiency certificate (if available)
Medical requirements for children
Turkish schools require certificates of preventive immunizations according to the national calendar. Children must have a medical examination at a Turkish health center within 30 days of enrollment.
Documents for working and doing business in Turkey
Proof of education and qualifications
Diplomas and certificates of professional training must be recognized in Turkey. Some professions require additional certification by professional chambers.
Documents for employment
Applicants should prepare:
- CV in Turkish and English
- Letters of recommendation from previous jobs
- Portfolio of works (for creative professions)
- Certificates of professional development
Registering a business and obtaining a tax number
To open a sole proprietorship or LLC you will need:
- Tax number (vergi numarası) - obtained at the tax office
- Registration with the Chamber of Commerce (MERSÍS)
- Bank account for a legal entity
- Certificate of authorized capital
Driver's license, car, insurance
Use of national and international licenses
Russian driver's license is valid in Turkey for 90 days from the moment of entry. For long-term use of a car it is necessary to obtain a Turkish license or have an international driving license.
Importing a personal car
Documents for customs clearance:
- PTS and STS with apostille and translation
- Certificate of absence of export restrictions
- International insurance policy
- Power of attorney for the right to drive (if the owner is not the driver)
Car insurance in Turkey
Compulsory third party liability insurance (Kasko) can be taken out with any Turkish insurance company. MTPL policy from another country is not valid in Turkey.
Travel with pets
Veterinary documents and vaccinations
A compulsory package for each pet:
- International Veterinary Passport
- Rabies vaccination certificate (not earlier than 21 days)
- Clinical examination by a veterinarian (5-10 days before the trip)
- Certificate of deworming
Chipping and identification of the animal
The animal must be chipped with an ISO 11784/11785 microchip. The chip number is indicated on all veterinary documents and certificates.
Airline requirements for transportation
Each airline has its own rules for the transportation of animals. Be sure to check carry-on requirements, weight restrictions and additional certificates 2-3 weeks prior to departure.
Step-by-step preparation plan:
60 days before the move:
- Applying for a criminal record certificate
- Order an apostille for key documents
- Starting medical insurance
- Search and book accommodation in Turkey
30 days before:
- Obtaining certificates with apostille
- Notarized translation of documents into Turkish
- Preparation of international driver's license
- Preparation of veterinary documents for pets
In 14 days:
- Biometric photos
- Medical examination and certificates for children
- Bank statements for the last 3 months
- Airline reservations
In 7 days:
- Final verification of all documents
- Preparation of copies and translations
- Packing of documents into folders by categories
- Receipt of bank statements on movement of funds
If the document is not ready in time, you can apply with an incomplete package and send the missing certificates within 30 days. However, this may delay the process of consideration of the application for residence permit.
Frequent mistakes when preparing documents
Typical mistakes to avoid:
- Incorrect passport expiration date - the passport should be valid for another 6 months
- Missing an apostille - all official documents from Hague Convention countries require an apostille
- Outdated photos - biometric photos must have been taken no earlier than 6 months ago
- Inaccuracies in translations - first and last names must be translated identically in all documents
- No criminal record certificate - required for most types of residence permits, takes 30-45 days to process
- Incomplete package of financial documents - bank statements should cover a period of 3-6 months
- Overdue health insurance - the policy must be valid for the entire period of planned stay
- Incorrectly executed consents for children - notarization and apostille required
- Lack of proof of address - certificate of residence in the country of origin
- Incorrect veterinary documents - rabies vaccination must be done at least 21 days prior to travel
Useful official sources
Be sure to check websites for up-to-date information:
- Presidency of Migration Management (Göç İdaresi- rules for obtaining residence permits and visas
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs Turkey - visa requirements for nationality
- e-Devlet Portal - electronic government services
- Turkish consulates - current document requirements
- Official websites of Turkish airlines - baggage and animal transportation rules
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What documents do I need to move to Turkey in 2025? The basic package includes a passport, medical insurance, financial statements, a certificate of no criminal record with apostille, translations of personal documents. Additionally - specific certificates depending on the purpose of the move.
2. Do I need a criminal record certificate and when is it required? A certificate of no criminal record is required for all types of residence permits, except for short-term tourist stays. The document must be obtained no earlier than 6 months prior to the application.
3. What documents are required for a residence permit and how do the packages differ? Basic documents are the same for all: passport, insurance, financial certificates. The differences are in specific documents: for work you need a diploma and a contract, for studies - an invitation from the university, for family reunification - a marriage certificate.
4. Do I need an apostille and notarized translation? All official documents from Hague Convention countries require an apostille. Documents in the national language must be notarized and translated into Turkish.
5. What kind of insurance is accepted for residence permit? International medical policies with coverage of 30,000 euros or more or Turkish health insurance are accepted. The policy must be valid for the entire period of planned stay.
6. What documents do children need for school? Birth certificate, immunization certificate, school record, certificate of current grades - all with apostille and translation. In addition, a medical examination at a Turkish health center.
7. How to get a tax number and what to prepare in advance? Vergi numarası is obtained at the tax office in the place of residence. You need: passport, address certificate, documents on income or planned activity.
8. What documents are needed for a driver's license? A national driver's license with an international license is valid for 90 days. To obtain a Turkish driver's license you need a medical certificate, a certificate from a driving school, translations of Russian documents.
9. What is required for transportation of pets? International veterinary passport, rabies vaccination (at least 21 days in advance), chipping, clinical examination 5-10 days before the trip, deworming certificate.
10. How long does it take to prepare and how much will it cost? Full preparation of documents takes 1-2 months. The average budget is 1000-2000 dollars, depending on the number of documents and the need for a translator.
This article was updated in August 2025. Information is for reference only - be sure to check with official sources for current requirements before submitting documents.
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