Turkish Residence Permit (İkamet İzni)
Apply for a Turkish residence permit with full compliance. We manage every step — from eligibility assessment to your approved permit card.
Choose the right basis for your stay.
The Short-Term Residence Permit covers several common grounds for staying in Turkey. We'll help you choose the right one.
Property Owner Permit
Mülk Sahibi İkamet İzni
For foreign nationals who own residential property in Turkey. One of the most straightforward grounds, with no minimum property value required for the permit itself.
General Short-Term Permit
Genel Kısa Dönem İkamet İzni
For long-stay visitors, remote workers, and those with a legitimate commercial or personal connection to Turkey who don't own property.
Your rights as a residence permit applicant.
Turkey's residence permit regime is governed by Law No. 6458 on Foreigners and International Protection and its Implementing Regulation.
Right to Apply
Foreign nationals who wish to stay in Turkey beyond their visa or visa-exemption period, or for a purpose requiring a longer stay, must obtain a residence permit before that period expires.
Law No. 6458 — Art. 27Short-Term Permit Grounds
Issued for property ownership, business or commercial connections, tourism, education-adjacent stays, and other legitimate purposes. Granted for up to two years and renewable.
Law No. 6458 — Art. 31Family Residence Permit
Granted to foreign spouses, children, and dependents of Turkish citizens or foreign residence/work permit holders. Valid for up to three years.
Law No. 6458 — Art. 3490-Day Decision Period
Applications must be concluded within 90 days from the date of application, under the Regulation on the Implementation of Law No. 6458.
İkamet ve Seyahat Yönetmeliği — Art. 42Under Law No. 6458, applicants whose residence permit application is refused, not extended, or cancelled have the right to a written justification and the right to appeal the decision through administrative or judicial channels within the legally prescribed period.
Source: Presidency of Migration Management — Residence Permit Types
Who can apply for a Short-Term Residence Permit?
Law No. 6458 lists several categories of eligible applicant (YUKK Art. 31/1):
Property Owners
Foreign nationals who own immovable property in Turkey, together with their spouse and children if desired.
Business & Commercial Connections
Those establishing a business relationship or commercial connection in Turkey, subject to review by the Migration Directorate.
Tourism Purposes
Long-stay visitors who intend to remain in Turkey for tourism purposes beyond their visa or visa-exemption period.
Other Legitimate Purposes
Including participation in language courses, medical treatment, or other grounds recognized under YUKK Art. 31.
From eligibility to permit card.
A clear, step-by-step process. We handle all paperwork, filings, and appointments on your behalf.
Eligibility Assessment
We review your purpose of stay and confirm the correct residence permit type and grounds under Law No. 6458.
Document Preparation
We prepare your passport copies, biometric photos, and any required certified translations, tailored to your permit type.
Address Registration & Health Insurance
We arrange proof of a valid Turkish address and a private health insurance policy meeting the minimum coverage requirement.
e-ikamet Online Application
We submit your application through the Directorate General of Migration Management's e-ikamet system and pay the applicable fees on your behalf.
Migration Directorate Appointment
You attend an in-person appointment at the Provincial Migration Directorate (İl Göç İdaresi Müdürlüğü) to submit biometrics and original documents.
Approval & Card Delivery
With our service, most clients see a decision within 1–2 weeks — well inside the 90-day maximum allowed by law. Your residence permit card is delivered by post (PTT Kargo) to your registered address.
What you'll need to provide.
The exact documents depend on your permit grounds and whether family members are included in your application.
▸ Standard Requirements (All Applicants)
Valid Passport
Original passport plus a copy, valid for at least 60 days beyond your requested permit duration.
Biometric Photos
Four recent biometric photographs meeting Turkish ID photo standards (white background, no glasses).
Address Document
Notarized rental agreement, or title deed (tapu) if you own the property you'll be residing at.
Health Insurance Policy
Private health insurance valid for the full requested permit duration, meeting minimum coverage rules.
Proof of Financial Means
Bank statements or other proof of sufficient, regular funds to support your stay in Turkey.
Application Form
Completed e-ikamet application form and declaration, submitted online ahead of your appointment.
▸ Additional Requirements (Family Permit Applicants)
Marriage or Birth Certificate
Apostilled marriage certificate, or child's birth certificate, with a certified Turkish translation.
Sponsor's Status Document
Copy of the Turkish citizen's ID, or the sponsoring foreign resident's residence permit card.
Family Registration Extract
Turkish Aile Nüfus Kayıt Örneği, or the equivalent foreign civil registry family extract.
Explore each step in detail.
Each stage of the application has its own requirements and nuances. Explore our dedicated guides for a full breakdown.
Required Documents
Understand the exact document checklist for your permit type, translation and notarization requirements, and common rejection reasons.
Read the guide →Application & Appointment
Learn how the e-ikamet system works, how appointments are scheduled, and what to expect at the Migration Directorate.
Read the guide →Address & Health Insurance
Find out what counts as valid proof of address, minimum health insurance coverage requirements, and which insurers we recommend.
Read the guide →Ready to apply for your residence permit?
Send us a message and we'll prepare a custom checklist for your specific situation.
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