The most popular ways to obtain a residence permit in Turkey

Turkey attracts many people with its favorable geographical location, which unites the cultures of Europe and Asia. Let's not forget the warm climate, which allows you to enjoy comfortable weather most of the year. This wonderful country is characterized by an affordable standard of living, a wide range of real estate and developed infrastructure. There is modern transportation, medical and educational institutions, stores and entertainment centers.

Many foreign citizens consider Turkey as a promising destination for life and investment. The real estate market is actively developing here, offering a variety of objects for purchase both for the purpose of living and for profitable investments. In addition, this country creates favorable conditions for running your own business. This is especially attractive to entrepreneurs wishing to open new destinations or expand existing businesses abroad.

Thanks to the stable economy and hospitality of the locals, it becomes an attractive choice for those looking for new opportunities.

Currently, it is possible to stay in Turkey without a residence permit for up to 60 consecutive days and not more than 90 days in total for every 180 days. Therefore, the issue of obtaining a residence permit in Turkey is becoming increasingly important for foreigners from around the world.

Theresidence permit, which in Turkish is called Ikamet, gives many advantages. It allows you to freely leave and re-enter the country, to use free basic medical care. It also allows you to apply for visas of other countries directly in Turkey without having to leave the country.

in our today's article we will look at the most popular ways of obtaining a residence permit in Turkey.

General requirements for obtaining a residence permit

To obtain a residence permit in Turkey, the applicant must comply with a number of requirements and prepare the necessary documents. But first of all, there must be a reason for staying in the country.

Regardless of the reason, the standard package of documents usually includes a residence permit application, passport, photographs, proof of income, residence certificate and health insurance. You will also need documents confirming the basis for your stay in the country, in some cases a certificate of criminal record.

The processing time for a residence permit usually ranges from one to three months depending on the category of the applicant and the completeness of the submitted documents. The application procedure starts with an online application on the official website of the Migration Department. After that, a personal visit is scheduled to submit the original documents and undergo an interview.

The decision to issue a residence permit is made by the migration service of Turkey after reviewing all the documents. It is important to take into account the nuances of each category, especially the requirements for the investment amount and business conditions, and timely submit the documents according to the established deadlines.

Main categories confirming the grounds for staying in Turkey

1. Buying real estate in Turkey is one of the popular ways of obtaining a residence permit for foreign citizens. This option attracts investors and those who plan long-term residence, due to the simple process of registration and a number of advantages.

Buying real estate allows you not only to legalize your stay, but also to open prospects for further business, renting or living. Owners of real estate can freely reside in Turkey, use the infrastructure and registration of residence permits for family members.

Conditions and minimum cost. To obtain a residence permit on the basis of "owner of real estate" must purchase a dwelling in your name in any part of Turkey. The minimum amount of the transaction starts from 100 000 USD. The real estate must be suitable for living (that is, it must be an apartment, house or apartment).

Procedure of registration. After the purchase of real estate must register ownership in the cadastral service and receive TAPU (certificate of ownership). Then submit documents for residence permit to the local department of migration: passport, photo, insurance, application, TAPU. You will also need a bank statement on the availability of funds and documents confirming the payment of fees. Usually the review procedure takes from two to eight weeks.

It is worth noting an important feature: after submitting your application, you can legally stay in the country until you meet with the migration service. If you submit your application before the end of 60 days of visa-free stay, you do not need to leave Turkey, even if the collection of documents took all this time.

It is important to apply before your authorized stay expires to avoid having to leave the country. You can safely await your appointment with the officials. Even if it will be later than the end of the visa-free period - in this case, migration rules are not violated.

2. Registration of long-term rental housing in Turkey is another popular way of obtaining a residence permit. It is especially popular among foreigners planning a long stay. The possibility of obtaining a residence permit through rent is relevant for those who do not plan to purchase real estate, but want to legally live in the country.

To apply for a residence permit by lease, the applicant must sign an official long-term lease agreement (usually for a period of one year). The lease agreement must be registered with a notary and confirmed by the landlord of the property. The required documents will include a valid passport, a notarized rental agreement, photographs of the applicant, and Turkish health insurance.

You will also need an income certificate or bank statement showing that you have sufficient funds to live on. It will also be necessary to attach an application for residence permit, paid state duty and tax registration number (INN).

Among the nuances of the process, it is important to keep in mind that the Turkish authorities may check rental applications more thoroughly to rule out fictitious contracts. Sometimes they may require additional proof of actual residence at a given address. It is also worth keeping up to date with changes in legislation - registration conditions and requirements are periodically adjusted, especially in popular tourist regions.

Long-term rental housing - an affordable and relatively fast way to obtain a residence permit in Turkey. But all requirements must be met and documents must be correctly prepared.

Nevertheless, such a residence permit is granted for a maximum of one year, after which it will need to be renewed. Two months before the expiration date, you must again prepare all the necessary documents and apply to the migration service.

In addition, it is important to take into account that this type of residence permit does not give the right to employment in Turkey.

Interestingly, in order to obtain a residence permit, it is not necessary to rent housing - it is enough to be a guest of the owner of the property. The owner of the apartment must confirm that you really live with him permanently. This guest status allows you to stay in Turkey legally and enjoy the same conditions of residence permit as ordinary tenants.

You can also get this status when you check into an apartment hotel. The main rule - you will need to pay for the entire stay at once. For example, if you plan to stay for a year, you will be charged a year's rent in advance. You will also need a full package of documents, including passport and health insurance.

3. Astudent residence permit gives foreign citizens the opportunity to legally reside in the country for the period of study. You can obtain a student residence permit when enrolling in accredited universities, colleges or language schools in Turkey. Educational programs usually include bachelor's, master's, doctoral studies, as well as short-term courses and exchange programs.

In order to apply for a student residence permit, a certain set of documents must be collected. Usually required: invitation or certificate of enrollment from the educational institution, passport with a copy, completed application for residence permit. As well as photos of the established sample, medical insurance, proof of payment for the registration of residence permit. A rental agreement or a certificate of residence may also be required.

A certificate of financial security (for example, from the bank) may also be requested, if this is stipulated by the requirements of the institution.

The peculiarity of the student residence permit in Turkey is that it is issued exclusively for the period of study. Usually the permit is valid for the period of one academic year, after which it must be renewed by providing updated certificates or confirmation of continued study.

Students with this residence permit have the right to legally reside in the country, attend various events, use student benefits, open bank accounts. However, a student residence permit limits employment opportunities: official work will require a special permit. In some places, part-time work is allowed only after the first year of study.

The process of applying for a student residence permit is quite transparent, but it is important to carefully monitor the deadlines for submitting an application and the relevance of the documents provided. Untimely submission or an incomplete set of certificates may lead to refusal or delay in the consideration of the application.

4. In Turkey, it is also possible to obtain a residence permit through starting your own business, investment or official employment. If a foreigner registers a company or invests in the Turkish economy, this may be the basis for applying for a residence permit.

Opening a business involves preparing the founding documents, depositing the authorized capital, registering the company with the local state authorities and issuing a tax number. After that, the business owner can apply for a residence permit, attaching documents confirming the legality and activity of the enterprise.

In the case of investments, it is required to invest capital in funds or banks in Turkey, or to create jobs for the citizens of the country. Each of the methods has its own requirements for the minimum amount, list of documents and confirmation procedure.

For residence permit on the basis of employment requires an official work visa - the employer must request a work permit for a foreigner. The application for a residence permit is accompanied by an employment contract, work permit, certificates from the employer and health insurance.

5. Family reunification is also one of the grounds for obtaining a residence permit in Turkey. This opportunity can be used by foreign citizens if their spouse, parents or children already have a valid residence permit or Turkish citizenship.

List of required documents: Passport with a copy of all completed pages, residence permit application form, biometric photos (4 pcs.). You also need a marriage certificate (for spouses) or birth certificate (for children), drawn up and legalized/apostilled.

You will also need a document proving income or financial solvency, medical insurance valid in Turkey. A certificate of residence and a document certifying the legal status of a family member (copy of residence permit or passport of a Turkish citizen) are also required.

Criteria for approval: confirmation of family ties (legal marriage, kinship), availability of sufficient funds for residence, legal status of the inviting party in Turkey. Compliance with the migration legislation may be taken into account (the period of stay on the visa is not exceeded).

It usually takes from several weeks to 2-3 months to consider the application. After a positive decision, a residence permit is issued for up to 2 years, with the possibility of extension.

Additional requirements and paperwork may differ if one of the applicants is a Turkish citizen or a foreign resident. Therefore, it is recommended to check the current requirements with the Migration Department in advance.

6. Medical grounds for obtaining a residence permit in Turkey imply the issuance of a residence permit for foreigners in need of long-term treatment. These are treatments that are impossible or difficult to obtain in their home country. In order to apply, it is necessary to submit official documents confirming the need for medical therapy, as well as the consent of the medical institution in Turkey to carry out the treatment.

The list of required documents usually includes: an application form, a valid passport, a medical report on the need for treatment. In addition, you will need an invitation or confirmation from the Turkish clinic about readiness to accept the patient, medical insurance valid in Turkey.

You will also need proof of financial solvency (bank statement, income certificate), photographs of the established sample. You will also need a receipt for payment of the state fee, confirmation of your place of residence (rental agreement or confirmation of accommodation in the clinic).

The documents must be submitted to the local Migration Department. The application is considered individually, and the decision to grant a residence permit is made taking into account the recommendations of the medical institution and the competent authorities. A residence permit obtained on medical grounds is usually issued for the period of the intended treatment with the possibility of extension if necessary.

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Tips for choosing the best method.

Choosing the best way to obtain a residence permit in Turkey requires careful consideration and thorough preparation. First of all, determine the purpose of your stay: tourist, study, work, family or real estate. The key point is to choose the basis that best suits your situation and meets the requirements of Turkish law.

1. Pay attention to the application deadline: it is important to start the process early to avoid overstaying your temporary stay. Because this can lead to rejection or deportation. Also take into account regional specifics of the application process - requirements and deadlines may differ from city to city.

2. Common mistakes include an incomplete set of documents, incorrectly filled out application forms, lack of translated and notarized copies. Be sure to have translations of your passport, marriage certificate, and children's birth certificates notarized and apostilled if necessary. Make sure that your health insurance is valid in Turkey for the entire period of your intended stay.

3. Avoid submitting knowingly false or unconfirmed data - this can lead to lengthy verification or denial of residence permit. Use only up-to-date official instructions of the Turkish Migration Service and do not trust dubious intermediaries.

4. It is recommended to collect a package of documents in advance in accordance with the chosen category of residence permit and keep all copies. When filling out the online application form, pay attention to the correctness of personal data, date, address, number and series of documents.

If you still have questions, contact official consultants or the Migration Service to clarify the details. Such a careful approach will help to avoid common mistakes and speed up the process of obtaining a residence permit in Turkey.

Obtaining a residence permit in Turkey for foreigners is a great opportunity to discover the benefits of living in this wonderful country. Turkey is famous for its mild Mediterranean climate, which allows you to enjoy the warm sun, clean sea and green parks all year round.

Developed infrastructure provides comfortable living: modern residential complexes, convenient transport interchanges, many shopping centers, cafes and restaurants. All this makes everyday life as pleasant and convenient as possible.

Of great importance is the rich history and culture of Turkey. European and oriental traditions are combined here. You can immerse yourself in the atmosphere of ancient cities, visit unique museums, enjoy the national cuisine and take part in colorful festivals.

Turkey also offers foreign residents quality medical service, which is characterized by a high level and affordable prices. Many clinics provide diagnostics and treatment with modern equipment, and medical personnel often speak foreign languages.

A residence permit in Turkey opens doors to new opportunities. You can study, work, develop a business or simply enjoy a safe and peaceful life by the sea. By deciding to obtain a residence permit, you are taking a step towards a new reality and prospects that await you every day in Turkey. Start preparing today and make your dreams come true!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is a residence permit (Ikamet) in Turkey and what are its benefits?

An Ikamet is a residence permit that allows you to leave and re-enter Turkey freely, receive free basic medical care and apply for visas from other countries directly in Turkey without leaving.

How long can I stay in Turkey without a residence permit?

Up to 60 consecutive days and not more than 90 days cumulatively in every 180 days. After these periods, a residence permit is required for legal residence.

How do I start applying for a residence permit?

With an online application on the official website of the Migration Office. Then a personal visit (rendezvous) is scheduled for submission of original documents and an interview.

What documents are usually required for all applicants, regardless of the basis?

Application for residence permit, passport, photo, proof of income, document on the place of residence, medical insurance, as well as papers confirming the chosen basis. In some cases - a certificate of criminal record.

How long is the application considered?

Usually from 1 to 3 months - the term depends on the category and completeness of the package of documents.

What to do if the visa-free visa expires and the rendezvous is scheduled later?

If the online application is submitted before the end of the authorized period of stay, you can legally stay in Turkey and wait for rendezvous even after the visa-free period is over.

What are the conditions for a residence permit for the purchase of real estate?

You need to purchase a habitable property (apartment/home/apartment), a minimum of 100,000 USD in your name, issue a TAPU (certificate of ownership) and submit a package of documents (passport, photo, insurance, application, TAPU, bank statement, receipts of fees). Consideration is usually 2-8 weeks.

Is it possible to get a residence permit on a long-term lease and what are the nuances?

Yes. You need a notarized lease agreement (usually for 1 year) with confirmation from the owner, insurance, proof of income, TIN, state fees. Rental applications are checked especially carefully; sometimes they require proof of actual residence. Such a residence permit is given for a maximum of 1 year, you need to renew it ~2 months before the end. It does not give the right to work. Alternatively, the status of a "guest" at the owner or accommodation in an apartment hotel with full prepayment of the entire term.

What are the requirements for a student residence permit and can I work?

You need enrollment in an accredited educational institution (university, college, language school), a standard package of documents, insurance and proof of payment. The permit is usually issued for an academic year with an extension if you continue your studies. Work is only possible with a separate permit and more often after the first year of study.

What other reasons are there: business/investment/work, family, medical treatment?

• Business/investment/work: company registration with authorized capital and tax number, proof of activity; for employment - work visa/permit and employment contract.
• Family (reunification): spouse, parents, children of a Turkish resident/citizen; proof of kinship, income, insurance and legal status of the inviting party are required. Residence permits are issued for up to 2 years with extension.
• Treatment: medical report on the need for long-term treatment, consent of the Turkish clinic, insurance, proof of funds and place of residence; residence permit is issued for the period of treatment with the possibility of extension.