Residence Permits in Türkiye — K&L Global Turkey Desk

K&L Global assesses your eligibility for a short-term or long-term residence permit in Türkiye and prepares your application through the e-İkamet system.

Overview of the Turkish residence permit system

Türkiye's residence permit system is governed by the Law on Foreigners and International Protection No. 6458 (Yabancılar ve Uluslararası Koruma Kanunu). The system is administered by the Directorate General of Migration Management (Göç İdaresi Başkanlığı — GİB).

Since 2022, all new residence permit applications are submitted through the e-İkamet online system at https://e-ikamet.goc.gov.tr. Applications are then confirmed at an in-person appointment at the relevant Provincial Directorate of Migration Management (İl Göç İdaresi Müdürlüğü).

*Source: https://en.goc.gov.tr/general-information41

Important note for 2026: The Turkish government has designated certain districts (particularly in Istanbul and other major cities) as closed to new residence permit applications by foreign nationals. If your intended address is in one of these districts, your application will be rejected regardless of its merit. K&L Global checks the current list of closed districts before preparing your application. *Source: https://erdalnuhbasa.com/turkey-short-term-residence-permit-2026-requirements/

What K&L Global does

• Assess your eligibility for the correct permit type based on      your specific situation

• Confirm whether your intended address is in a restricted      district

• Prepare the complete document pack for your application

• Assist with obtaining Turkish private health insurance

• Submit the e-İkamet online application and book your      appointment

• Provide a written checklist of what to bring to the appointment

• Monitor the application and respond to any authority requests      for additional documents

Permit types relevant to K&L Global clients

Short-Term Residence Permit (Kısa Dönem İkamet İzni) The most common permit for investors, property owners, and those establishing business connections. Issued for a maximum of 2 years per application (extendable). Principal grounds relevant to business clients:

• Ownership of residential property (Tapu — title deed required;      property value must meet the minimum threshold — currently USD 200,000,      effective since 16 October 2023. *Source: https://www.celebilegal.com/turkey-residence-permit-2025-real-estate/)

• Establishing a business or making business connections in      Türkiye

• General tourism or extended stays (requires proof of sufficient      funds — generally €500 per month of intended stay as a guideline)

Work Permit as Residence Permit (Çalışma İzni — Residence substitute) A valid Turkish work permit simultaneously serves as a residence permit under Article 27 of Law No. 6458. If you hold a work permit, you do not need a separate residence permit for the duration of the work permit's validity. 

Long-Term Residence Permit (Uzun Dönem İkamet İzni) Available to foreigners who have resided continuously in Türkiye for at least 8 years on a valid permit. Issued indefinitely (no renewal required). Requires proof of no receipt of social aid from state institutions in the preceding 3 years. *Source: https://en.goc.gov.tr/residence-permit-types

Turquoise Card (Turkuaz Kart) It is issued under the Ministry of Labour and Social Security framework for eligible foreigners, including qualified professionals and investors, based on the Ministry’s criteria. The card grants the holder the rights provided under the indefinite work permit regime. The holder’s spouse and dependent children receive a document that serves as a residence permit.

*Source: https://www.csgb.gov.tr/uigm/en/calisma-izni/calisma-izni-turleri/

Process and timeline

1. Submit application through https://e-ikamet.goc.gov.tr (online)

2. Book in-person appointment at the nearest Provincial Migration      Directorate

3. Attend appointment with all original documents

4. Pay the official permit fee and card issuance fee

5. Receive the residence permit card by post to the registered      address in Türkiye (review period: up to 90 days from document submission)

Permit fees (2025 figures — verify at GİB before applying):

• Document fee (Belge Bedeli): TRY 810 (2025 rate)

• Permit tax (Harç): varies by nationality and duration — check      the current fee schedule at https://dijital.gib.gov.tr

Restrictions on residence permits in 2026

• Closed districts: Certain      districts in Istanbul and other cities are restricted. Applications      listing addresses in these districts will be rejected. K&L Global      checks the current list before preparing any application. Source:      https://erdalnuhbasa.com/turkey-short-term-residence-permit-2026-requirements/

• A residence permit does not authorise work. Working without a valid work permit — even if you hold a      valid residence permit — is illegal and can result in deportation. Source:      https://www.csgb.gov.tr/uigm/en/general-information/information-and-documents-required-in-the-work-permit-evaluation-process/

Sources used (Residence Permits page):

• https://en.goc.gov.tr/general-information41 — DGMM general      information

• https://en.goc.gov.tr/residence-permit-types — DGMM permit      types

• https://www.invest.gov.tr/en/investmentguide/pages/obtaining-a-residence-permit.aspx      — Invest in Türkiye (official residence permit guide)

• https://www.celebilegal.com/turkey-residence-permit-2025-real-estate/      — USD 200,000 property minimum

• https://erdalnuhbasa.com/turkey-short-term-residence-permit-2026-requirements/      — 2026 closed district guidance

• https://www.csgb.gov.tr — Ministry of Labour (work permit vs.      residence permit)

• https://dijital.gib.gov.tr — GİB (permit fees)