RESIDENCE PERMIT - TURKEY

In the past, owning property in Turkey was not a qualifying element for obtaining a Turkish residence permit. Foreign nationals were previously allowed to stay for 90 days without a residence permit. As a result of the revision of the law governing residence rules and regulations for buyers of foreign property from other countries, a residence permit for one year can be extended indefinitely if the individual remains in possession of the acquired property. in Turkey . Among this new law, the Turkish government has extended the duration of the initial residence permit from three months to one year for foreigners who buy property in Turkey.

The law states the following:

- One year residence permits will be granted to foreign nationals owning property in Turkey.

- This one-year residence permit will be extended for periods of one year at a time provided that the property has not been sold. Individuals wishing to take advantage of this permit will need to provide details of the property they purchased and the address where they will reside.

- Individuals may be asked to provide details of their criminal record from their own country.

There are several types of residence permit in Turkey. Foreigners must apply for a short-term residence permit when buying real estate in Turkey. The duration of Turkish short-term residence is one year. Regarding the principle of reciprocity, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Turkey has the right to modify the duration of the residence permit. Residence permits must be renewed 1 month before the expiration date and at the latest 15 days after the expiry date of the existing residence permit.

If you are applying for a residence permit for the first time, you need to make an online reservation before going to the office. 

The online reservation must be made before your tourist visa expires. 

https://e-ikamet.goc.gov.tr/Ikamet/Basvuru/IlkBasvuru

If you are applying for the first time, you choose “first application”. After filling out the e-ikamet, you will see the confirmation page with all the details and the amount of money that you have to pay at the tax office. You should print out this page if possible, in the Tax Office they may ask for it.

After paying the tax for the residence permit and having prepared all the documents, at the date of your appointment, you must visit the local office and apply in person.

For obtaining a residence permit in Turkey, you will need following documents:

- A residence permit application form

- An original and copy of the buyer's valid passport or travel document (photo page and page with the last entry)

- Four passport-sized photos

- A declaration regarding financial resources (500 $ per month or its equivalent in another currency) and its proof from Turkish bank in the account with your name

- Valid health insurance in Turkey

- An official document with your address (either a copy of signed and notarized rental contract or proof of owning a property in Turkey where you will be staying)

EXTENSION OF RESIDENCE PERMIT

If you are a holder of newly applied for a residence permit, you need to follow most of the steps mentioned before. Instead of making an online reservation, you only need to send the online application and send all the documents by post office or courier.

https://e-ikamet.goc.gov.tr/Ikamet/Basvuru/UzatmaBasvuru

Residence permit application form turkey

https://e-ikamet.goc.gov.tr/Ikamet/BasvuruFormuOrnegiGecis/BasvuruFormuBos?tur=0

Foreigners from different countries have bought so many properties across Turkey since the reciprocity law came into effect. The government aims to further stimulate foreign investment in the real estate sector by supporting the law of reciprocity and extending the period of stay in Turkey with a tourist visa as well as facilitating the procedures for obtaining a residence permit.