Turkey offers diverse opportunities for individuals wishing to live, work and study in Turkey, and provides many types of residence permits to meet different immigration needs. By understanding these permits and their conditions, immigrants can obtain legal residency in Turkey and enjoy the opportunities and services this country offers. Türkiye is characterized by a developed investment environment and flexible immigration policies that make it an ideal destination for those seeking new opportunities. To obtain residency in Turkey, there are several types of permits that immigrants can apply for and obtain, and these permits vary according to the purposes of residence and the required length of stay. Here is a comprehensive look at the types of residence permits in Turkey for 2024 and 2025.

1. Short-term residence permit in Turkey:

All non-Turkish citizens, individuals who want to stay in Turkey longer than the Tourist visa (more than 90 days) in every 180 day period, must obtain a short-term residence permit valid up to 1 year to 2 years each time. Holders of this permit must adhere to the conditions and regulations determined by the Turkish authorities. Obtaining tourist residency in Turkey requires preparing a file containing some papers and then submitting it to the Presidency of Turkish Immigration and Foreigners Affairs to study the application and grant approval or rejection within a period ranging from a week to up to 90 days. Residency can be requested for a full year or two years based on the validity of the passport and insurance policy in Turkey.

Conditions for obtaining short-term residency in Turkey:

• The Turkish authorities impose some conditions on foreigners wishing to obtain a tourist residence permit in Turkey. These conditions are:
• The applicant must not have entered Turkey on a commercial visa.
• The application for residence in Turkey must be submitted within the duration of the visa.
• The applicant must be present in Turkey during the application.
• The applicant must hold a passport valid for more than 60 days.

Documents required to obtain short-term residency in Turkey:

• A copy of the passport.
• 4 personal photos.
• Application form for tourist residence in Turkey.
• An apartment rental contract certified by the Turkish Civil Registry and Notary.
• Health insurance with a validity period of one or two years (upon request).
• The tax number for a foreign citizen can be extracted from the nearest tax directorate in Turkey or through their official website.

• A residence document requested from the Turkish Civil Registry according to the rental contract clearly specifies the residential address.

• Receipt of payment of residence fees in Turkey.
• Gas, electricity or water bill in the name of the applicant.

Documents required to renew short-term residency in Turkey 2024:

• Valid health insurance covering the entire duration of stay, excluding children under the age of 18 and adults over the age of 65.
• A copy of a valid passport, translated and certified by a notary.
• A copy of the previous residence card.
• 4 recent personal photos.
• Residency renewal application form signed by the applicant or his legal representative.
• Proof of residence issued by the e-government system e-devlet.
• A copy of the receipt of the fees incurred for renewing the application.
• Bring a recent electricity, water or gas bill in the name of the applicant to confirm the validity of the address.

2. Residence permit to study in Turkey:

This permit is intended for foreign students who wish to continue their studies in educational institutions in Turkey. Applicants must submit the required documents from the universities or institutes in which they will be registered.

3. Residence permit to work in Turkey:

This permit is granted to individuals who have been employed to work for Turkish companies or for self-employment purposes. Employers must submit residency applications and necessary documents for foreign employees.

4. Residence permit for investment in Turkey:

This permit is granted to foreign investors who wish to invest capital in Turkey. Investors must provide proof of the investment they intend to make, in addition to the documents required by the competent authorities.

5. Family residence permit in Turkey:

This permit is granted to family members of foreigners who hold residence permits in Turkey. Family members with a residence permit can join them based on specific conditions and criteria.

6. Medical residence permit in Turkey:

This permit is granted to individuals who need medical treatment in Turkey. Applicants must provide the necessary medical documentation to obtain this permit.