Understanding the Different Types of Residence Permit Available in Turkey

Before we dive into the different types of residence permit available in Turkey, let's first understand why you need a residence permit in the first place. A residence permit is an official document that allows you to stay in Turkey for an extended period. Without a residence permit, you can only stay in Turkey for a maximum of 90 days within 180 days.

Obtaining a residence permit is essential for anyone looking to stay in Turkey for more than 90 days, including those who want to study, work, retire, or live with their family members who are Turkish citizens or residents. Besides, having a residence permit enables you to open a bank account, sign a lease agreement, and access healthcare services in Turkey.

Short-term resident permits are ideal for foreigners who want to stay in Turkey for one to two years. This type of permit is suitable for those who own property in Turkey, have a Turkish partner, or have a work permit. To be eligible for a short-term resident permit, you need to provide proof of your financial means of support and accommodation in Turkey.

Short-term resident permits are usually valid for one year and can be extended for another year.

Who may Apply to short term residence permit?

1- Individuals who plan to conduct scientific research in Turkey must obtain a license from relevant institutions or organizations, such as the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, Ministry of Energy, or universities. If the research is subject to permission, the license is necessary. If no permission is required, a statement regarding the research subject is needed for the residence permit application.
2- Foreigners who own immovable property in Turkey can apply for a residence permit. The property must be a house and used for residential purposes. Additionally, family members residing in the shared or cooperated property can also apply for a residence permit.
3- Individuals who aim to establish business or commercial connections in Turkey may apply for a residence permit for more than three months. They will need to provide an invitation letter or similar documents from the individuals or companies they plan to collaborate with.
4- Individuals participating in on-the-job training programs can obtain a residence permit for the duration of the training. The permit will be based on documents provided by state institutions or organizations, indicating the content, duration, and location of the training.
5- Individuals who are part of student exchange programs or agreements in which Turkey is involved can apply for a residence permit. They will need to obtain relevant documents from the institutions they are affiliated with. The duration of the residence permit cannot exceed the duration of the educational or similar programs.
6- Individuals visiting Turkey for tourism purposes must provide information about their travel plans, including their intended destinations, duration of stay, and other relevant details. Additional documents and information may be required if deemed necessary.
7- Foreigners seeking medical treatment in Turkey, provided they do not pose a public health threat, can apply for a residence permit. They need to receive treatment at public or private hospitals and are not required to have valid health insurance if they can prove that treatment expenses will be covered.
8- Individuals who are required to stay in Turkey based on a request or decision by judicial or administrative authorities can apply for a residence permit.
9- Individuals transferring from a family residence permit to an individual residence permit can apply accordingly.
10- Individuals attending a Turkish language course can apply for a residence permit.
11- Individuals participating in educational programs, research, internships, or courses organized by public agencies can apply for a residence permit.

To apply for a short-term residence permit, you must submit the required documents to the Provincial Directorate of Migration Management in your city. The documents required for a short-term residence permit include the following:

- A valid passport or travel document
- A residence permit application form
- Two passport-size photographs
- Proof of financial means of support
- Proof of accommodation in Turkey
- Health insurance

You can apply for a family residence permit if you have a Turkish spouse, child, or parent. This type of permit allows you to stay in Turkey for an extended period with your family members. Family resident permits are usually valid for up to two years and can be renewed after expiration.

To apply for a family residence permit, you must provide proof of your relationship with the Turkish citizen or resident. You must also submit the required documents to the PDMM in the city where you reside. The documents required for a family residence permit include the following:

- A valid passport or travel document
- A residence permit application form
- Two passport-size photographs
- Proof of your relationship with the Turkish citizen or resident
- Proof of financial means of support
- Proof of accommodation in Turkey
- Health insurance

If you're an international student enrolled in a Turkish university, you must obtain a student resident permit. This type of permit allows you to study and stay in Turkey for your academic program. Student resident permits are usually valid for up to one year and can be renewed during your academic program.

To apply for a student residence permit, you must provide proof of your enrollment in a Turkish university. You must also submit the required documents to the PDMM in the city where you reside. The documents required for a student resident permit include the following:

- A valid passport or travel document
- A residence permit application form
- Two passport-size photographs
- Proof of enrollment in a Turkish university
- Proof of financial means of support
- Proof of accommodation in Turkey
- Health insurance

Long-term resident permits are suitable for foreigners who have lived in Turkey for at least eight years and have not spent more than 180 days outside of Turkey per year. This permit allows you to stay in Turkey permanently and gives you the same rights and benefits as Turkish citizens, except for the right to vote and hold public office.

To apply for a long-term residence permit, you must provide proof of your continuous residence in Turkey for the past eight years. You must also submit the required documents to the PDMM in the city where you reside. The documents required for a long-term resident permit include the following:

- A valid passport or travel document
- A residence permit application form
- Two passport-size photographs
- Proof of continuous residence in Turkey for the past eight years
- Proof of financial means of support
- Proof of accommodation in Turkey
- Health insurance

If you're a foreigner who wants to work in Turkey, you must obtain both a work permit and a resident permit. The work permit allows you to work in Turkey, while the resident permit allows you to stay in Turkey for an extended period.

You must obtain a job offer from a Turkish employer to apply for a work and resident permit combination. Your employer will then apply for a work permit on your behalf. Once you obtain a work permit, you can apply for a resident permit. The documents required for a work permit and resident permit combination include the following:

- A valid passport or travel document
- A work permit application form
- A residence permit application form
- Two passport-size photographs
- Proof of employment in Turkey
- Proof of financial means of support
- Proof of accommodation in Turkey
- Health insurance