Residence Permit in Turkey

Residence Permit in Turkey

Four types of residence permits (İkamet İzni) for long-term stay

2 Years
Short-Term Permit
8 Years
For Long-Term
30-90 Days
Processing Time
Residence Permit in Turkey

Apply for Turkish residence permit through Göç İdaresi (Migration Directorate) via e-Ikamet portal. Short-term permits (2 years) for property owners and investors; family permits for dependents; long-term permits (indefinite) after 8 years of continuous residence.

Short-Term Residence Permit (Kısa Dönem İkamet İzni)

Maximum 2 years, renewable. Eligible grounds: property ownership (min. USD 200,000 cadastral value, sole ownership required), investment meeting ministerial thresholds, Turkish language course, scientific research, internships, medical treatment, or business connections. Spouse and children under 18 can be added as dependents.

Family Residence Permit (Aile İkamet İzni)

Maximum 3 years (never exceeding sponsor's permit duration). Eligible for spouses and minor children of Turkish citizen or foreigner with valid residence permit. Sponsor must have held valid permit for minimum 1 year. Family must not receive social assistance; sponsor demonstrates sufficient income (minimum 1/3 of net minimum wage per family member); valid health insurance required.

Student Residence Permit (Öğrenci İkamet İzni)

Tied to official enrollment period (typically annual renewal). For foreigners enrolled in Turkish university, associate degree, or preparatory language school. Important: Student years count at 50% toward 8-year threshold for long-term residence permit eligibility.

Long-Term Residence Permit (Uzun Dönem İkamet İzni)

Indefinite validity (closest to permanent residency). Eligibility: minimum 8 years uninterrupted legal residence on any valid permit type (student years count at 50%); no social assistance in last 3 years; sufficient and regular income; valid health insurance; no threat to public order. Benefits: no renewal required; right to work without separate work permit (with restrictions); access to social security and health services.

Application Process & Timeline

1. Apply online at e-ikamet.goc.gov.tr; 2. Pay fees at ivd.gib.gov.tr or authorized bank; 3. Attend appointment at Provincial Migration Directorate with original documents; 4. Biometric data collected; 5. Decision typically 30–90 days from appointment; 6. Physical ikamet card mailed 2–6 weeks after approval. 2026 note: Tourism-only renewals routinely rejected; must show genuine ongoing reason.

2026 Costs & Fees

Residence permit fee: USD 50–80 (varies by nationality and type); ikamet card fee: 356 TRY (~USD 10); mandatory health insurance (young): USD 100–200/year; mandatory health insurance (65+): USD 300–450/year; document translation/notarization: USD 50–200; legal agent assistance (optional): USD 300–800.

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