How to Get Turkish Residence: The Ultimate Guide 2024

**Urgent** Update December 2024

Turkey rumoured to raise its minimum CBI (Citizenship by Investment) level from $400,000 to $600,000, effective start of 2024.

In this article we discuss how to get Turkish residence, the types of resident permits available and the benefits you can get by obtaining one.

At Nomad Capitalist we frequently discuss the value of obtaining second residence as part of a plan B strategy or a step towards second citizenship. It opens up the possibility of enhanced investment opportunities, lower taxes and even extended travel privileges.

Are you interested in exploring paths to Turkish residence? Or perhaps you’d rather cut the chase and apply for Turkish citizenship by investment? Whatever path you choose, you’re guaranteed to get the best advice so you can make the right choice first time as a Nomad Capitalist client.

Turkey Country Overview

With a population of over 85 million, Turkey is a huge market located at the intersection of Europe and Asia, the west and the middle east.

During the summer, Turkey enjoys a Mediterranean climate that sees sunseekers flock to its shores. Midwinter is a lot bleaker in Turkey than in rival tourist destinations in the Med. Turkish terrain is more mountainous and not so flat and uniform.

The Turkish economy is a mixed one, with both the state and private companies driving its growth. It has evolved from a primarily agricultural economy to one more focused on industry and services.

Turkish Residency Benefits

Turkey offers an attractive business environment for entrepreneurs interested in setting up a company in a new jurisdiction. The country is similarly appealing if you want to invest in real estate.

By becoming a Nomad Capitalist client, we can show you how you and your family can specifically benefit from a residence permit in Turkey.

Turkish Citizenship

While citizenship by investment in Turkey is possible, you now have to make a minimum investment of $400,000 instead of the previous $250,000.

We do feel this is fairly steep, however it must be said that Turkey does have a solid real estate market allowing you to see returns on your property. For this you also get a Turkish passport, with visa-free travel throughout most of South America.

As CBI programs go, we consider it quite niche, especially when compared to more popular programs like Malta’s golden visa or the Carribean programs.

With so many countries vying for your investment (and so many local firms fighting for your business) choosing the right CBI program can be exhausting.

But as a Nomad Capitalist client we can help inform your decision making and make the entire process simpler and faster.

Turkish Residency Requirements

How long you can stay in Turkey on an e-visa depends on the country you enter Turkey from and your passport or travel document.

If you are arriving from the U.S., you qualify for a 90-day stay thanks to a tourist visa obtained at a Turkish Embassy. On top of that, you are eligible for a touristic residence permit. Touristic residence permits are valid for a maximum period of six months.

Six different residence permits will enable you to extend that stay further. These include a family residence permit, humanitarian residence permit, student residence permit, and residence permit for victims of human trafficking. The two main ones are the short-term residence permit and the long-term residency permit.

You’re exempt from acquiring a residence permit in Turkey if you hold a Registration Certificate as an international protection applicant or you have an exemption from a residence permit pursuant to multilateral or reciprocal conventions to which Turkey is a party.

If you are moving to Turkey to work, you won’t require a residence permit, as your work permit will suffice. A valid work permit serves as a residence permit in this case.

Short-Term Residency Permits in Turkey

If you buy real estate, establish a business, or plan to make business connections in the country you can be eligible for a residence permit.

As a rule of thumb, the Turkish government issues short-term residence permits for a maximum of two years.

However, suppose you demonstrate an interest in investing in Turkey subject to conditions laid out by the Council of Ministers. In that case, you and your spouse and children may obtain a five-year short-term residence permit. On the back of this, you can apply for Turkish citizenship or a long-term residence permit.

You cannot apply for a residence permit at a Turkish Embassy abroad. Applicants must submit the following documents to the relevant Provincial Directorate of Migration Management after filling in the online application form on the e-residence system of the Turkish Ministry of Foreigner Affairs website:

• Residence permit application form
• Photocopy of passport or equivalent travel document
• Four biometric photographs
• Proof of sufficient income or sustainable financial resources for the duration of your stay
• Documents/receipts for the payment of the residence permit fee and card fee
• Title deed proving your ownership of immovable property in Turkey​
• Valid health insurance.

If you’re applying for a short-term residence permit by setting up a business or making business connections in Turkey, you must provide the following additional documents:

• Letter of invitation from the person or company
• Notarized company activity certificate
• Notarized tax registration certificate
• Notarized trade registry gazette
• Notarized signature circular.

To get an extension on your residence permit ID card, you must submit the same documents to the relevant Provincial Directorate of Migration Management you gave for your original application. This must be done by mail within five business days once an application is submitted through the e-residence system. Residence permit extension applications are possible 60 days before the residence permit ID card’s expiry but impossible after the expiration date.

Long-Term Residence Permit in Turkey

As Turkish authorities issue long-term residence permits indefinitely, foreign citizens are not required to apply for an extension for their residence permit ID card. For long-term residence permits, if you have continuously resided in Turkey for at least eight years, you must submit the following documents to the relevant Provincial Directorate of Migration Management: ​

• Residence permit application form
• Original and photocopy of passport or equivalent travel document
• Photocopy of the previous residence permit document
• Four biometric photographs
• Proof that you have not received any social aid from governmental institutions and organizations in the last three years
• Bank account proof of financial sufficiency and regular means of subsistence for the duration of the stay
• Police record document
• Valid medical insurance.

Turkish Residency Conclusion

If you want to stay longer in Turkey than allowed by a tourist visa or touristic residence permit, you are going to have to apply for Turkey residence. There are exemptions, such as if you enjoy international protection status.

The Turkey residence permit type that’s right for your situation depends on why you’re applying and the intended period of residence in the country. You might be enrolled in one of the country’s student exchange programs or looking for temporary protection. Here is a summary of the different categories:

• Family residence permit
• Student residence permit
• Humanitarian residence permit
• Residence permit for human trafficking victims
• Short-term residency permit
• Long-term residency permit

Whether it’s a family residence permit, student residence permit, short-term residency that doubles as a medical residence permit, or long-term residency that equates to a business residence permit, you are going to need to provide the following documents:

• Application for residence permit form
• Photocopy of passport or equivalent travel document
• Four biometric photographs
• Proof of sufficient income or sustainable financial resources for the duration of your stay
• Documents/receipts for the payment of the residence permit fee and card fee
• Title deed proving your ownership of immovable property in Turkey​
• Valid health insurance.

A Turkey residence permit is a means to many ends, offering the chance to claim a foreigner work permit and secure a Turkish passport. A family residence permit allows your family to benefit from free primary or secondary education.

Go Where You’re Treated Best

Suppose you are dissatisfied with the medical treatment you have received in your home country. Or you may want to take advantage of being married to a foreign spouse. In these situations, Nomad Capitalist can help you improve your position in a jurisdiction that aligns more with your values.

We’d like to help you solve your offshore puzzle and go where you’re treated best.

Turkish Residency FAQ