When should I apply for residency in Turkey?

Starting from February 1, 2012, the total period of stay for foreigners visiting Turkey as tourists cannot exceed 90 days. So if you plan to stay in Turkey for more than 90 days, or live in Turkey legally, you will have to apply for a residence permit. Applications for residency must be submitted before the expiration date

What are the types of residency in Turkey?

There are four (4) main types of residence permits, mainly depending on the purpose of the foreign person's visit to Turkey:

Short term residence permit

Long-term residence permit

Family residence permit

Student residence permit

The short-term residence permit is issued for a period of 12 months, and may be granted for tourism purposes, or to people who own immovable property in Turkey.

If you spent 8 continuous years within the Turkish residence permit without spending more than 120 days during a 12-month period outside the country, you can apply for a long-term residence permit.

How can I apply for residency in Turkey?

Starting from May 18, 2015, all procedures related to residence permit applications in Turkey are made via the Internet, and directly to the General Directorate of Migration Management in Turkey.

Get started by going to the General Directorate of Immigration Management website https://e-ikamet.goc.gov.tr/, and filling out the online application form.

Prepare all relevant documents required by the Immigration Office, and make sure you have all the documents required to properly complete the application.

For first-time applications, you must visit the Immigration Office in person at the date and time of your appointment with the relevant documents.

Your application will then be evaluated by the General Directorate of Immigration Administration. In the event of any contradictory document, you will be given 30 days to submit the documents and complete the application.

After the application is accepted, you will be given a proof to document the form, and your residence permit will be issued within 90 days to be sent through the Turkish postal system to your address in Turkey.

Residence permits are issued in Turkey for a period of between 6 months and 5 years, depending on the type of residence acquired.

How much is the total cost of obtaining residency?

The application fee is calculated by the system of the General Directorate of Immigration Management in Turkey, according to nationality, duration, and type of residence permit. However, there are some fixed costs that must be paid, such as an administrative fee to obtain your residence card, with a value of 58 Turkish liras - as of 2016. In addition to the presence of health insurance, which is a mandatory requirement for those under the age of 65 years, and its cost varies according to the age group of the applicant the demand. On average, the cost of a one-year residency permit is around $ 200- $ 250.

What documents are required to complete the application form?

For first-time applicants, it is necessary to ensure that all of the following documents are present, in order to obtain a complete form that is acceptable and is processed by the General Directorate of Immigration Management in Turkey:

Residence permit application form.

The original and a copy of the passport or travel document (the validity period of the passport must be at least 60 days after the expiry date of the permit you requested)

Four passport-sized photographs taken during the past (6) six months.

Announcing adequate and sustainable financial resources for the duration of the stay.

A tax number issued by the tax administration.

An official document proving the applicant's ownership of immovable property.

Obtaining valid medical insurance in Turkey, bearing in mind that ages over 65 and under 18 are exempt from insurance.

When is the right to apply for Turkish citizenship?

In order to apply for Turkish citizenship, the applicant must fulfill the following conditions:

You must be of majority according to your country's national legal system (usually 18).

Stability in Turkey over the past five years (provided that the interruption period does not exceed 6 months), unless you are a foreigner born on Turkish territory, then you must settle in Turkey for a period of three years.

You must have the intention to settle in Turkey (owning your property can help prove this).

Evidence of sufficient financial resources to support yourself in Turkey. If you have a job in Turkey you will fulfill this requirement. If not then evidence of existing funds or pension payments is sufficient.

You should be able to speak Turkish at the basic level.

You must demonstrate that your physical and mental health is healthy.

You do not have a criminal record.

You have to submit the application at the nearest Turkish consulate.

Editing: Building Real Estate ©