Short-Term Residence Permit
Turkey
Last updated: December 29, 2025
1 to 2 years (renewable)
$80-$150
3-4 months
Medium
About this Visa
A permit that lets you legally live in Turkey for 1-2 years. It's like getting official permission to make Turkey your home for a set period. You get a physical card with your information on it. Anyone from any country can apply. You need to prove you have enough money to support yourself and a clean criminal record. You can live in Turkey, use banks, go to hospitals with insurance, and bring your family. It's a step toward becoming a Turkish citizen if you want that later. Important: It does NOT let you work. If you want a job, you need a separate work permit.
Key Benefits
- Legal right to live in Turkey for your permit duration
- Bring your spouse and children under 18 to live with you
- Use Turkish banks - get accounts, credit cards, loans
- Get healthcare with health insurance (insurance is mandatory)
- Children can attend public schools in Turkey
- Path to permanent residence after 8 years of continuous residence
- Path to Turkish citizenship after 5 years of continuous residence
- Travel in and out of Turkey freely during your permit period
Eligibility & Requirements
Eligibility Criteria
- Must be 18 or older
- Must have a valid passport
- Must have a clean criminal record (no convictions)
- Must have enough money to support yourself monthly per financial requirements
- Must have valid health insurance from a Turkish company
- Must have somewhere to live (lease agreement or property deed)
- Must not be a threat to Turkey's security or public order
- Must not have been banned from entering Turkey
Financial Requirement
For a single person: need at least $773 USD per month income (or $9,268 USD saved in bank). For a couple: need at least $1,288 USD per month income (or $15,447 USD saved). For a couple with one child: need at least $1,803 USD per month income (or $21,625 USD saved). You must show bank statements proving you have this money. It cannot be borrowed - it must be yours.
Documents
- Valid passportMust stay valid 60+ days after your permit expires
- Biometric photosFour photos, 50×60mm, white background, recent
- Application formCompleted form from online e-İkamet system
- Bank statementsLast 3-6 months, official documents from bank
- Lease agreement at notaryApartment rental document signed with landlord at notary office. Alternative: Property deed if you own a home
- Turkish health insuranceFrom Turkish insurance company (foreign insurance no longer accepted)
- Criminal record certificateFrom your home country, official government document, notarized and translated
- Address registration proofProof of address registration in Turkey
Disclaimer: The information on this page is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or immigration advice. Visa requirements, fees, and processes change frequently. Please verify all information with official government sources and consult a qualified immigration attorney before making decisions.