Turkish Residence Permit

Turkish Residence Permit is one of the most in-demand and convenient residence permits in the world. As per December 2020 statistics, 870,000 foreign nationals are legally residing in Turkey via residence permit. In 2019, a record number of 1.1 million foreign nationals legally resided in Turkey. These figures show a booming interest in Turkish Residence Permit program from all over the world, considering that they do not take into account those who have become Turkish citizen through Turkish Citizenship by Investment program, or those who are granted temporary refugee status in Turkey.

By law, all foreign nationals who enter into Turkey on a touristic visa (or via visa-exemption) may apply for residence permit for touristic purposes. In order to apply, one must declare a residence address in Turkey. Declaring a residence address in Turkey may be accomplished by either leasing or buying a residential property in Turkey.

The first time residence permit applications are usually granted 1-year residence permit, though the maximum allowed limit for first-time applications is 2 years. Single applicants need to bring from abroad no other document than their passports whereas applicants who apply as a family needs to bring from abroad marriage certificates and birth certificates, all duly attested. The rest of the documents can be procured in Turkey, such as lease agreements, photographs, health insurances and photocopies.

Once a touristic residence permit expires, European, Russian, American and some other nationals may apply again and then keep extending them indefinitely whereas other nationals may need to convert their touristic residence permits to non-touristic types. Foreign nationals who have been continuously residing in Turkey for at least 5 years on a residence permit other than the touristic one may apply for Turkish citizenship.

Residence permit applicants may take up to 3 months, though they usually take between 1-2 months, depending on the season.

Antalya Lawyer and Antalya Attorney Baris Erkan Celebi and his Antalya Law Firm offer legal services and representation in Turkish Residence Permit applications.