Residence Permit in Turkey: Types, How to Get, Rules (2025)

If you’re planning to stay in Turkey beyond 90 days, you need a residence permit. Permits vary by purpose and duration, from short-term tourist stays to long-term residence and special cases like humanitarian needs.

Types of Residence Permits

1. KISA DÖNEM (Short-Term Residence Permit)

Short-term permits are issued for a variety of reasons, with the most common being tourism, business, property ownership, and studies. Each reason is labeled with a letter (A-J), and the maximum duration is generally 1 year. Here are the different types:

• A: Scientific Research
  For those conducting scientific or archaeological studies in Turkey.
• B: Property Ownership
  Issued to those who own property in Turkey. Can be valid for up to 2 years, depending on the value of the property and other criteria.
• C: Business & Commercial Connections
  Requires an invitation from a partner company. Valid for 3-6 months, allowing commercial activity and setting up business relations.
• Ç: Qualification Improvement Programs
  Issued to participants involved in various skill improvement programs.
• D: Student Exchange Programs
  Covers individuals in short-term academic programs outside of full-time degree studies.
• E: Tourist Purposes
  The most common type, issued for 6 months to 1 year, rarely for 2 years. Meant for those who wish to live in Turkey for an extended period without specific ties like business or family.
• F: Medical Reasons
  For foreigners seeking medical treatment in Turkey.
• G: Court Orders
  Residence is granted by a court decision.
• Ğ: Family Transition from AİLE
  For individuals transitioning from a family residence permit due to divorce or death of a spouse.
• H: Language Courses
  Issued for learning Turkish, available only twice. Valid as long as the course duration.
• I: Research, Education, Internships
  Sponsored through government or state organizations.
• İ: University Graduates Seeking Employment
  Allows graduates to remain in Turkey to seek work for up to 6 months after graduation.
• J: Investments
  Allows residence based on investments made in Turkey.

Short-Term Residence Permits for Property Owners in Turkey

There are two types of short-term residence permits (kısa dönem) for property owners:

1. Tourist Residence Permit (Kısa dönem E)

• Grants eligibility for an indefinite residence permit (uzun dönem) after 8 years.
• Does not allow for citizenship application after 5 years.
• Currently, approval is uncertain (around 50/50), and your property alone does not guarantee issuance or renewal. Properties below $50k/$75k/$200k often face rejections.

2. Residence Permit for Property Owners (Kısa dönem B)

• Allows applications for a long-term permit after 8 years or citizenship after 5 years.

Tip: If you own residential property, apply for a kısa dönem B permit for more rights. It’s your legal right, regardless of property value or purchase date.

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2. AİLE: Family Residence Permit

Allows foreign spouses, children, and dependents of Turkish citizens or legal residents to stay in Turkey. Requires a sponsor and valid for up to 2 years. Special conditions and documents are needed, such as proof of income and a criminal record check.

Differences between AİLE & KISA DÖNEM (E) “Family Reunification”

• Documents: AİLE needs more evidence, like income proof.
• Sponsor Rules: AİLE sponsors must show regular income and 1+ year of residency in Turkey.
• Transition: If requirements aren’t met, an AİLE applicant may be shifted to a KISA DÖNEM (E).

3. UZUN DÖNEM: Long-Term Residence Permit

Issued to residents who have lived in Turkey for over 8 years continuously on a residence permit. Requires consistent income, a stable living history in Turkey, no recent social assistance, valid health insurance, and no public security concerns.

Conditions

• No stays outside Turkey exceeding 180 days in a year.
• Must not be away from Turkey for more than 365 days in total during residency.

4. ÖĞRENCİ: Student Residence Permit

For students in elementary, middle, high school, and university. The validity matches the study period, and it does not allow family members to gain a residence permit through the student’s status. Parents may separately apply for KISA DÖNEM (E).

5. İNSANİ: Humanitarian Residence Permit

Granted for up to 1 year in cases like:

• A child’s best interest.
• Life-threatening situations preventing someone from leaving Turkey.
• Cases where deportation is not possible.
• Emergencies.

These permits involve many nuances based on individual situations and the specific province. Consulting legal advice is highly recommended.

Fines and Fees in 2025

As of January 1, 2025, fines and fees in Turkey have increased by 30%. Here’s what changed:

Residence Permit Fees

Costs include the residence card, a fee calculated in dollars (unchanged), and the vize harcı (visa fee). For renewals, no visa fee is needed.

• Card Fee: 813 TL
• Residence Permit Document Fee: 810 TL.
• Vize harcı: 7881 TL

Overstay Fines

Includes card fee + monthly fine in dollars + vize harcı.

• Example: For Russian citizens exceeding 20 days: 985 TL.

Notary Services

• Average contract notarization fee in Istanbul (2025): 3 792 TL (58.46% increase).

Legal Fees & Attorney Services

• Increased by 58.46%; calculated by the UYAP system.
• Minimum fees for lawyers available on the Istanbul Bar Association website.

Penalties for Foreign Vehicle Overstays

• 1st month: 1,656 TL
• 2nd month: 3,312 TL
• 3rd month: 4,968 TL
• 25% discount for timely payment.

Insurance

• Increase of around 200 TL for foreign vehicle insurance.
• Health insurance for foreigners remains unchanged.

Minimum Wage (NAÜ)

• Increased to 17,002 TL from 11,402 TL. Essential for family permits, workers, and long-term permits.

Make sure to budget accordingly and check specific requirements for your situation.

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