How to apply for and extend a residence permit in Türkiye
One Residence permit Türkiye is the first step for many foreigners to stay in the country long-term.
Turkey attracts thousands of people every year who want to live, study, or invest here. But what documents are required? What are the benefits of a residence permit? And how can the process run smoothly?
In this article you will learn all about the application, costs and extension of the residence permit Türkiye.
Why apply for a residence permit in Türkiye?
A residence permit is issued by the Turkish immigration authorities issued. You will need it if your visa-free period expires and you wish to continue to stay in Turkey.
The most common reasons for a residence permit in Türkiye
- Renting or buying a property
- Studying at a Turkish university
- Medical treatments in local clinics
Particularly popular cities for long-term stays are Istanbul, Antalya, Alanya and Mersin – either because of the economic opportunities or the pleasant climate.
Advantages of a residence permit in Türkiye
A valid residence permit offers numerous advantages:
- Open a bank account with no high minimum deposit, including debit and credit cards.
- A vehicle registered abroad can be temporarily imported into Turkey under certain conditions. For foreigners with a valid residence permit, the permitted duration of the vehicle's stay can correspond to the duration of the residence permit, but not exceeding 730 days.
- Use health insurance and receive medical care at affordable prices.
- With a valid residence permit, you can generally enter and leave Turkey without an additional visa during its validity period. Both your passport and residence permit must be valid.
- Free museum admission with a special card for only $2.50 per year.
- Enroll children in public or private schools and kindergartens.
Important: A residence permit entitles not to work in Turkey.
For short-term tourist residence permits, proof of sufficient and regular income is required. For individual applications, the current minimum income is 1.5 times the net minimum wage applicable on the application date; for family applications, it is at least one net minimum wage per family member. Proof of regular income must generally be provided for the last three months.
Costs for a residence permit in Türkiye
The total costs are made up of several factors.
Private health insurance
The costs depend on age.
Young adults between 16 to 35 years usually pay less.
Each family member needs their own insurance.
State fees
- Residence Permit Card: The document fee for the residence permit card is 964 TL in 2026. Additional separate residence fees may apply, depending on nationality and length of stay.
● Residence fee: The amount depends on nationality and length of stay. Nationals of certain countries
Countries – including the Czech Republic, Denmark, Ireland, Kosovo, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Syria and Turkmenistan – are
Exempt from the residence fee according to the principle of reciprocity. The document fee for the Ikamet-
However, the card must be paid for by all applicants.
Notarial certifications & translations
- Official documents must translated into Turkish and notarized.
- Cost per document: 30–70 USD.
Tax identification number
You will receive these for free on the website of the Turkish Tax Authority or at a tax office.
Required documents for a residence permit in Türkiye
The list of documents varies depending on the purpose of your stay.
For a tourist residence permit Türkiye you need:
- Passport (original + copy, valid for the entire stay + 60 days)
- Proof of payment of the state fee (payable in cash in Turkish lira)
- Application form from the official website: e-ikamet.goc.gov.tr
- Health insurance policy (first page)
- Bank statement as proof of sufficient financial resources
- Rental agreement or land register extract (TAPU) as proof of residence
- Proof of hotel bookings or travel plan (for tourist applications)
Additional documents for children:
- birth certificate
- Parents' marriage certificate
- Notarized consent form from the other parent (if only one parent is applying)
Sometimes the authority requests additional evidence, such as a police clearance certificate or a health certificate.
How we can help you
Home World Alanya is your reliable partner when applying for a Residence permit Türkiye.
With many years of experience, we accompany our customers step by step through the entire process.
Our services
- Individual advice to select the best solution
- Support in applying for a residence permit for you and your family
- Complete document review and support with administrative procedures
- Experience with bureaucratic procedures to facilitate the process
You can find out more about our services here:
🔗 Home World Alanya Services
If you would like to buy a property in Turkey, you can discover our current offer here:
🔗 Home World Alanya Real Estate
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