Contents (16 sections)
If you want to stay in Turkey longer than your visa or visa exemption allows, obtaining a residence permit in Turkey is a legal requirement. In this comprehensive guide we bring together, in official terminology, the six residence permit types under the Law on Foreigners and International Protection (No. 6458, known in Turkish as YUKK), the requirements for each, the required documents, the e-İkamet application steps, the 2026 fees and card costs, and the rules on renewal and cancellation. Since 2010, Fast Danışmanlık has been preparing residence permit files across the Marmara Region, above all in Istanbul, Kocaeli and Bursa, and, through our online process, throughout Turkey (officially Türkiye).
What is a residence permit in Turkey?
A residence permit (ikamet izni) is the permission to stay that the Presidency of Migration Management (PMM, Göç İdaresi) grants under Law No. 6458 to foreigners who will remain in Turkey longer than their visa or visa exemption allows, or longer than 90 days. It is documented by a card bearing a foreigner identification number. There are six types: short-term, family, student, long-term, humanitarian and victim of human trafficking. Applications are made through e-İkamet, the online residence permit system.
In everyday Turkish the same document is usually called "oturma izni"; legally the two terms mean exactly the same thing, and in English both are simply a residence permit. This page covers the official concepts and every permit type in detail. For hands-on topics such as how to fill in the form, what to watch out for on appointment day and the most common mistakes, see our practical guide on how to get a residence permit in Turkey.
In practice, most foreigners apply from inside Turkey after entering the country legally, before their visa or visa-exempt period runs out. The permit is tied to your purpose of stay; if your purpose changes, your permit type must be changed as well.
Holders of a valid work permit or Turquoise Card, Blue Card holders (the card for former Turkish citizens by birth), members of diplomatic and consular missions, and international protection applicants or status holders stay in Turkey on their own documents. We explain how a work permit affects the residence permit in a separate section below.
Turkish residence permit types: comparison table
Article 30 of Law No. 6458 divides residence permits into six types. Who each type is granted to, how long it can be issued for at one time and what rights it gives you all differ from one type to the next. Applying for the wrong type is one of the most common reasons for refusal, so we recommend reviewing the table below first.
| Residence permit type | Who can apply? | Maximum term per issue | Right to work | Effect on citizenship / long-term residence count |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Short-term | Those staying for purposes listed in the law, such as tourism, property ownership, business connections, scientific research or medical treatment | 2 years | None; a separate work permit is required | Counts toward long-term residence; does not count toward citizenship through the general route |
| Family | The foreign spouse and children of a Turkish citizen, a foreigner with a residence permit, a Blue Card holder or a protection status holder | 3 years (cannot exceed the sponsor's permit term) | Not automatically; you can work by obtaining a work permit | Counts toward long-term residence; does not count toward citizenship through the general route |
| Student | Foreigners attending primary, secondary or higher education in Turkey | Limited to the duration of studies | As a rule, no; special part-time work rules for students apply | Counts at half for long-term residence; does not count toward citizenship through the general route |
| Long-term | Those who have stayed in Turkey for 8 years without interruption on residence permits and meet the other requirements | Indefinite | May apply for an indefinite work permit; exempt from the assessment criteria | Indefinite status; does not count toward citizenship through the general route |
| Humanitarian | Exceptional situations, such as the best interests of a child or people who cannot return to their country | Up to 1 year, renewable | By obtaining a work permit; exempt from the assessment criteria | Does not give a direct right to switch to long-term residence |
| Victim of human trafficking | Foreigners assessed to be, or likely to be, victims of human trafficking | Initial permit 30 days; renewals of 6 months each, total cannot exceed 3 years | By obtaining a work permit; exempt from the assessment criteria | Special protection status; how the time counts is assessed separately by the authorities |
If you are planning on long-term residence or Turkish citizenship later, which permit you held and for how long is decisive. Time on a student residence permit counts at half toward long-term residence, while time on a humanitarian residence permit does not count toward it at all. For Turkish citizenship through the general route, however, time on a residence permit does not count; the period that counts is 5 years on an uninterrupted work permit. A gap between two permits also breaks the continuity requirement.
Short-term residence permit: grounds and requirements
The short-term residence permit is the most common type and is issued for a maximum of 2 years at a time. Under Article 31 of Law No. 6458, it can be requested for the following purposes:
- Those coming for scientific research
- Those who own real estate in Turkey
- Those who will establish business connections or set up a business
- Those attending in-service training programs
- Those coming for education or similar purposes under agreements to which Turkey is a party or under student exchange programs
- Those staying for tourism
- Those receiving medical treatment in Turkey (provided they do not have a contagious disease)
- Those who are required to stay in Turkey at the request or decision of judicial or administrative authorities
- Those who no longer meet the conditions for a family residence permit
- Those attending Turkish language courses
- Those attending education, research, internships or courses through public institutions
- Those who have completed higher education in Turkey and apply within 6 months of graduation
- Those who will make an investment of the specified scope and amount without working in Turkey, together with their spouses and children
- Citizens of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC)
Tourist residence permit (short-term, for tourism)
This is the option most often chosen by foreigners who want to get to know Turkey or live here for a while. You are expected to document your accommodation address, health insurance covering your stay and sufficient financial means to cover your expenses. On renewals, the PMM may look more closely at whether the tourism purpose still applies, so if you are planning a long stay, choose the type that fits your purpose from the start.
Residence permit as a property (home) owner
Owning real estate registered in your name in Turkey is a valid ground for a short-term residence permit. In practice, however, additional conditions may apply, for example that the property is residential, meets a minimum value threshold and is actually used for residence, so always check the current thresholds before applying. If your property investment is 400,000 USD or more, you can go beyond a residence permit and also consider the citizenship through real estate option.
General requirements for a short-term residence permit
- Your passport must be valid for at least 60 days longer than the residence period you request
- Valid health insurance covering your entire stay
- Sufficient financial means to support yourself for the whole time you stay in Turkey
- A genuine, registrable address (rental contract, title deed or accommodation document)
- No obstacle in terms of public order or public security
Family residence permit: spouses and children of Turkish citizens or residence permit holders
The family residence permit is granted to foreign family members who want to live with a "sponsor" residing in Turkey. It is issued for a maximum of 3 years at a time, but in no case can it exceed the sponsor's own residence permit term.
Who can get a family residence permit?
The sponsor can be a Turkish citizen, a foreigner with a residence permit, a Blue Card holder, or a holder of refugee or subsidiary protection status. The following family members of the sponsor may apply:
- The foreign spouse (in cases of polygamy, a permit is granted to only one spouse)
- Foreign children of the sponsor or the sponsor's spouse who are under 18
- Foreign dependent adult children of the sponsor or the sponsor's spouse
Requirements for the sponsor
- A regular monthly income of no less than the minimum wage in total, and no less than one third of the minimum wage per family member
- Health insurance covering all family members
- No conviction for crimes against family order in the last 5 years
- For a foreign sponsor, at least 1 year of residence in Turkey on a residence permit
- Registration in the address registration system
If you are applying as the foreign spouse of a Turkish citizen, the marriage is expected to be registered in Turkey and the family union must actually continue. If you have not married yet, or a marriage concluded abroad has not been registered in Turkey, you first need to complete the marriage procedures for foreigners. Foreigners who have been married to a Turkish citizen for at least 3 years can apply for Turkish citizenship if they also meet the other requirements.
Children who have stayed on a family residence permit for at least 3 years and turned 18, as well as spouses who lose the conditions for a family residence permit for reasons such as divorce, may apply to switch to a short-term residence permit, provided they meet the conditions set out in the law. If the marriage is found to have been entered into solely to obtain a residence permit, the permit is not granted, or, if already granted, it is cancelled.
Student residence permit
Foreigners who will pursue associate, bachelor's, master's or doctoral studies in Turkey are granted a student residence permit, which is limited to the duration of their studies. For primary and secondary education, this permit is issued only with the consent of the parents or legal guardian. Children whose parents hold a residence permit, however, can attend school on a family residence permit until age 18 without obtaining a separate student residence permit. Switching to a short-term residence permit is possible within 6 months after graduation.
Long-term residence permit requirements
The long-term residence permit is issued indefinitely and opens the door to permanent life in Turkey. To apply, all of the following conditions must be met together:
- 8 years of uninterrupted stay in Turkey on a residence permit
- No social assistance received in the last 3 years
- Sufficient and regular income to support yourself and your family
- Valid health insurance
- No obstacle in terms of public order or public security
When the 8 years are calculated, half of the time spent on a student residence permit and all of the time spent on other residence permits is counted. Refugees, conditional refugees and subsidiary protection holders, humanitarian residence permit holders and those under temporary protection cannot switch directly to a long-term residence permit.
Long-term residence permit holders enjoy most of the rights granted to Turkish citizens, with exceptions such as military service, the right to vote and stand for election, and entry into public service. Staying abroad for more than 1 year without interruption, other than for reasons such as health, education or compulsory public service, may however terminate the permit.
Before applying, you can check your trips abroad and any possible gaps between permits with our residence duration calculator. If you are choosing between long-term residence and Turkish citizenship, our roadmap from residence permit to Turkish citizenship helps you compare the two options.
Free calculatorTurkey Residence Duration for Citizenship Calculator 2026Enter your first residence permit and work permit dates and your trips to see days spent in Turkey, your time abroad…Humanitarian residence permit and residence permit for victims of human trafficking
A humanitarian residence permit is granted at the PMM's discretion in exceptional situations, even if the requirements of the other types cannot be met; examples include cases where the best interests of a child require it, or people who cannot be removed from the country despite a deportation decision against them. It is issued for up to 1 year at a time and can be renewed.
A residence permit for victims of human trafficking, on the other hand, is first issued for 30 days so that the victim can recover and decide whether to cooperate with the competent authorities. If necessary, it can be extended in 6-month periods; the total cannot exceed 3 years. Both types serve protection purposes and are handled in coordination with the official authorities.
Required documents for a Turkish residence permit
Although the document list varies slightly by permit type and province, the core documents requested in almost every application are:
- Signed residence permit application form generated in the e-İkamet system
- Original passport, plus photocopies of the identity page, the last entry stamp and the visa pages
- 4 biometric photos (recent, with a white background)
- A valid health insurance policy covering the residence period
- Proof of address: rental contract, copy of the title deed or accommodation document
- Declaration or proof of financial means (bank statement, proof of income, etc.)
- Payment receipts for the fee and the card fee
In addition, documents specific to your permit type are requested:
| Residence permit type | Additional documents (examples) |
|---|---|
| Short-term (tourism) | Accommodation details and travel plan, proof of financial means |
| Short-term (property) | Title deed and documents showing the nature of the property |
| Short-term (business connection) | Invitation letter from the company in Turkey, company and activity documents |
| Short-term (medical treatment) | Letter from the healthcare institution providing the treatment, document showing how the costs will be covered |
| Family | Marriage certificate or family register booklet, birth certificates for children, the sponsor's income, health insurance and criminal record documents |
| Student | Student certificate; parental consent letter for those under 18 |
| Long-term | 8-year residence history, proof of regular income, declaration of not having received social assistance |
Birth, marriage or criminal record certificates issued abroad must be submitted with an apostille (or consular legalization) and a notarized sworn Turkish translation. Make sure the names in the translation are spelled exactly as in your passport.
e-İkamet application steps
The first step of any residence permit application is always completing the electronic application form at e-ikamet.goc.gov.tr. The process generally runs as follows:
- Choose the right type
Select the residence permit type that matches your purpose of stay. The wrong type can lead to your file being refused from the outset.
- Prepare your documents
Gather all documents before you fill in the form; the information on the form must match your documents exactly.
- Fill in the e-İkamet form
Enter your identity, passport, contact, address and purpose-of-stay details; upload your biometric photo and state the period you are requesting.
- Book an appointment and print the form
Based on your address, the system offers an appointment at the Provincial Directorate of Migration Management responsible for you. Print out the form and sign it.
- Pay the fee and the card fee
Pay the residence permit fee and the 964 TL card fee using the method shown in the system, and add the receipts to your file.
- Attend your appointment with your documents
On the stated date and time, apply in person at the Provincial Directorate of Migration Management with your original documents and photocopies.
- Track the result
Check your application status on e-İkamet; if additional documents are requested, submit them within the deadline given.
- Receive your card
The approved residence permit card is sent by PTT (the Turkish postal service) to the address you stated on the form.
While your application is being assessed, your application document shows that your stay is on record.
2026 residence permit fee and card fee
The cost of a residence permit has two components: the 964 TL card fee that everyone pays, and the residence permit fee, which varies by nationality and is calculated according to the number of months requested. The fee is set according to the group your country belongs to, with separate amounts for the first month and for each subsequent month:
| Group | Example countries | First month | Each additional month | 6-month fee | 1-year fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Group A | Most countries; USA, Germany, France, Netherlands, China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Romania, etc. | $25 | $5 | $50 | $80 |
| Group B | Japan, Israel, Tajikistan, Philippines, Albania, North Macedonia, Cambodia, Mali, Oman | $14 | $3.50 | $31.50 | $52.50 |
| Group C | Spain, Belgium, Jordan, Kuwait, Belarus, Algeria, Luxembourg, Malta, Singapore, Taiwan | $9 | $2.50 | $21.50 | $36.50 |
| Group D | Russia, South Korea, Ethiopia, Hong Kong, Micronesia | $7 | $1.50 | $14.50 | $23.50 |
| Group E | Iraq, Egypt, Morocco, Tunisia, Côte d'Ivoire, Montenegro | $5 | $0.50 | $7.50 | $10.50 |
| Fee-exempt | Turkmenistan, Syria, TRNC, Palestine, Czechia, Denmark, Ireland, Kosovo, Nepal, Sri Lanka | – | – | Card fee only | Card fee only |
Worked example: A German citizen requesting a 24-month short-term residence permit is in Group A and pays $25 + (23 × $5) = $140 fee + 964 TL card fee. For the same period, an Iraqi citizen in Group E pays $5 + (23 × $0.50) = $16.50 in fees. A citizen of Turkmenistan is exempt from the fee and pays only the card fee. A separate application is made for each family member, and the amounts are, as a rule, calculated per person.
These amounts apply to 2026 and are updated when the legislation changes. The PMM's current tariff is authoritative for the exact amount. If you are unsure which group your nationality falls into, check the current tariff or our calculator.
To quickly see the total cost for your nationality and the period you need, use our residence permit fee calculator.
Free calculatorTurkey Residence Permit Fee Calculator 2026Calculate the 2026 residence permit fee in US dollars and Turkish lira by nationality, residence period and number of…Residence permit renewal (extension)
You can start a residence permit renewal application 60 days before your current permit expires, and it must be made before the permit runs out. Renewals are also done through e-İkamet; the documents are largely the same as for the first application, but time-limited documents such as health insurance and the rental contract must be renewed.
- If you applied for renewal on time, your stay remains on record through your application until a decision is made, even if your old card expires.
- If your purpose of stay has changed (for example, your studies ended or you got married), you must apply for a change of permit type instead of a renewal.
- Some provinces may ask you to send the renewal documents by post or hand them in by appointment; follow the instructions in the system.
- An expired permit cannot be renewed. In that case an overstay begins, and on exit you may face an administrative fine and, depending on the length of the overstay, an entry ban.
If your overstay has already begun, you can see the possible fine and ban duration in advance with our overstay fine calculator.
Cancellation and termination of a residence permit
Even after a residence permit is granted, the conditions must continue to be met. The following situations may lead to the permit being cancelled, not renewed or terminated:
- The conditions for granting the permit ceasing to exist, or it emerging that they were never met
- Using the permit for a purpose other than the one it was granted for, for example working on a tourist residence permit
- A valid deportation (removal) decision against you
- For a short-term permit: spending more than 120 days in total abroad within the last year, except in cases such as compulsory public service, education or health
- For a long-term permit: staying abroad for more than 1 year without interruption, apart from similar exceptions
- For a family residence permit: a sham marriage, the end of the family union or the expiry of the sponsor's permit
- False statements or forged documents in the application
Once a refusal or cancellation decision is served on you, the deadlines for objections and lawsuits are short. We explain the reasons for refusal and the steps to take in detail in our article what to do if your residence permit is rejected. Where a lawsuit is needed, we handle the process through our partner attorneys as part of our immigration law support.
Neighborhoods closed to foreigners and choosing an address
The PMM can close neighborhoods where the foreign population exceeds a set ratio to new residence permit and address registration applications. This practice is especially decisive for short-term residence permit applications: if you rent a home in a closed neighborhood, you may not be able to obtain a residence permit or register your address there. The list of closed neighborhoods is updated periodically and can be followed on the official channels of the Presidency of Migration Management.
- Before signing a rental contract, check whether the neighborhood is open to foreigners.
- Make sure the address in the contract matches the address on your e-İkamet form letter for letter.
- When you move, report your change of address within 20 business days; the new address must also be in an open neighborhood.
- Some permit types, such as the family residence permit, and some special situations may be affected differently by this restriction; confirm this on a case-by-case basis.
If you will work: a work permit replaces the residence permit
If you will work in Turkey for an employer, the document you need is a work permit. A valid work permit replaces the residence permit; a foreigner who obtains a work permit does not need a separate residence permit. Working without permission on a tourist or family residence permit, by contrast, exposes both the foreigner and the employer to heavy administrative fines, and the foreigner also to the risk of deportation and an entry ban.
On the other hand, for a work permit application made from within Turkey, the foreigner must, as a rule, hold a residence permit valid for at least 6 months; a student residence permit is generally not considered sufficient for this purpose. The application is filed by the employer. For details, see our Turkey work permit page; if you will provide childcare, elderly care or patient care in a family's home, whether you are the caregiver or the family hiring one, see our caregiver work permit guide.
Migration management appointments in the Marmara Region
Your application is assessed by the Provincial Directorate of Migration Management of the province where your address is registered, and the e-İkamet system sets the appointment location based on your address. In the Marmara Region, demand varies by province and season:
- Istanbul: Because application volume is high, appointments may be given for a later date, so starting your renewal 60 days before expiry is especially important here. Since appointments can be given at more than one service point, go to the address printed on your form.
- Kocaeli: Family residence permit applications for the spouses and children of foreigners working in industrial areas such as Gebze, Darıca, Çayırova and Dilovası stand out.
- Bursa: Short-term, family and student residence permit applications run side by side; when switching to a short-term permit after graduation, be careful not to miss the 6-month window.
- Tekirdağ, Sakarya, Yalova, Balıkesir and the other Marmara provinces: Appointment demand varies by season, and requests for additional documents can differ from province to province.
Fast Danışmanlık provides services in all Marmara provinces, particularly residence permit support in Istanbul, residence permit consultancy in Kocaeli and Gebze and residence permit applications in Bursa, and, with online file preparation, anywhere in Turkey.
Why Fast Danışmanlık?
A single missing document or the wrong permit type can send your file back for weeks. With 16 years of experience since 2010, we plan the process together with you:
- Identifying the right residence permit type for your situation and planning your timeline toward long-term residence or citizenship
- Completing the e-İkamet form in full, plus the appointment and fee procedures
- Document checks, translation and apostille guidance, and address eligibility checks
- Tracking your renewal calendar, and legal guidance in case of refusal or cancellation
No consultancy can promise approval, but with a complete file we maximize your chances of approval. For information, contact us by phone or WhatsApp at +90 542 392 90 92.
Residence Permit: frequently asked questions
The assessment period varies with the workload in the province, the permit type and how complete the file is; no exact time can be given. Long-term applications are examined more thoroughly and therefore usually take longer. A complete file prevents the requests for additional documents that prolong the process.
Your first application must be made before your visa or visa exemption expires. A renewal application can start 60 days before your current permit expires and must be completed before the permit runs out.
Under the 2026 tariff, citizens of Turkmenistan, Syria, the TRNC, Palestine, Czechia, Denmark, Ireland, Kosovo, Nepal and Sri Lanka are exempt from the fee and pay only the 964 TL card fee. The PMM's current tariff is authoritative for the exact amount.
A short-term residence permit is issued for a maximum of 2 years at a time. The period you request must be at least 60 days shorter than the validity of your passport, and you can apply for renewal before the period ends.
By law, the sponsor must have a regular monthly income of no less than the minimum wage in total and no less than one third of the minimum wage per family member. The income is expected to be proven with bank statements, payslips or similar documents.
Yes, but only half of the time spent on a student residence permit is counted. For example, a foreigner who stayed 4 years as a student and then 6 years on a short-term residence permit has 2 + 6 = 8 years counted. For continuity, there must be no gaps between permits.
Yes, you can leave Turkey and re-enter with your valid residence permit card. However, on a short-term permit, stays abroad totaling more than 120 days within the last year may lead to the permit being cancelled, except for the exceptions set out in the law.
As soon as you notice the loss, you must request a new card through the e-İkamet system or the Provincial Directorate of Migration Management. The card fee is paid again for the new card, and in case of theft, the report filed with the police may also be requested.
The foreign spouse of a Turkish citizen applies for a family residence permit; the marriage must be registered in Turkey and the family union must actually continue. A family residence permit is issued for a maximum of 3 years at a time, and after at least 3 years of marriage, a citizenship application may also become an option.
Yes, but the change of address must be reported within 20 business days, and the new address must not be in a neighborhood closed to foreigners. Moving to a closed neighborhood can cause problems when you renew the permit.
