Understanding Residence Permits in Turkey for Extended Stays
We are faced with a number of questions from our clients, and the main question is: If I have an apartment in Turkey, Will I be able to get a residence permit automatically?
Useful information regarding residence permit in Turkey
Foreigners who wish to stay in Turkey for more than the permitted visa-free regime must necessarily contact the migration service to obtain a residence permit.
The migration service provides in order to legally stay in Turkey.
A residence permit is a document that allows you to legally live in Turkey between 1 and 2 years without leaving the country. Ikamet can be issued for a year or two – it is up to you. Then it can be extended as many times as you like. The document is a card – it is called ikamet.
In the country, it is impossible to work on such a residence permit, it is only for legal residence. If you work without a work permit and have an ikamet, it is illegal and you are threatened with deportation (but you can get a work permit separately).
Foreigners who have a valid residence permit can enter and leave the country with the existing document without any restrictions during the period of validity of the permit.
If you have your own property in Turkey, this will make it easier for you to get a residence permit, but it does not automatically entitle you to one.
In other words, if you have an apartment in Alanya (or any other part of Turkey), it will be easy for you to get a residence permit if the property is located in a residential area.. Property owners in Turkey will receive a long-term residence permit (at least 1 year).
Types of residence permits in Turkey:
- Short term residence permit for 6-12 months (for real estate owners, doctors, scientists);
- Family residence permit (issued for a maximum of two years);
- Residence permit for students (during studies);
- Residence permit for refugees;
- Permanent residence permit (issued indefinitely to those who have lived in Turkey for more than eight years);
The following documents are required to obtain a temporary residence permit:
Residence permit application form (must be signed by the foreigner and/or his/her legal representative);
Valid health insurance (the insurance period must cover the intended duration of the residence permit);
4 photos;
Real estate owners must submit a certificate of ownership of real estate (TAPU);
Identification number of the taxpayer and its copy;
Passport and a copy of the first page;
Proof of solvency;
Existing ikamet and its copy (if you are applying for an extension);
* In individual cases, an additional list of documents is required.
If your residence permit has expired, the applicant has the right to remain in the country until the date of the interview at the Migration Service. But it is forbidden to travel outside Turkey before submitting the documents. After submitting documents for ikamet (residence permit) to the Migration Service, the applicant has the right to leave Turkey for a period of up to 15 days, but do not forget to take a special document from the migration officer.
After submitting the documents to the Migration Service, your residence permit will be sent to your address. It usually takes 1 to 3 months.
For more information about the residence permit (Ikamet) in Turkey, contact UNIQ Real Estate experts on our website.
We are happy to help our customers!
