Turkish Residence Permits: Extended Stay Authorization for Property Owners

Standard Turkish tourist visas permit 90 days presence within any 180-day period. Property owners seeking extended stays require formal residence permit applications.

Residence Permit Through Property Purchase

In Istanbul, a residential property with a title deed value of at least $200,000 can be the basis of a residence permit application. Some neighbourhoods are closed to new residence registrations for foreigners, so we check the address before you buy. Our residence permit page explains the rules in detail.

Residence Permit Application Process

Online Application Initiation

Visit Directorate General of Migration Management website to begin application process. Input personal information to schedule DGMM office appointments.

The online system displays:

Applicants may remain in Turkey between application submission and appointment dates. Exit and re-entry permitted within 15 days following application submission.

Permit Fee Structure

Fees vary based on permit duration. Online application systems automatically calculate costs during appointment scheduling. Payment options include credit card processing or tax office payment.

Required Documentation

Online systems generate situation-specific documentation lists. Typical requirements include:

1. Biometric passport photographs (white background, bring six for contingency)

2. Turkish Title Deed (TAPU) copies or rental agreement documentation showing residence address and payment amount

3. Passport copies including:

- Main details page

- Visa entry stamp

- Validity verification covering permit duration

4. Turkish tax identification number (obtainable at local tax offices)

5. Health insurance coverage proof

6. Bank statements demonstrating sufficient funds for residence period (Turkish bank account documentation available upon request)

7. Family member documentation (for family permit applications): birth certificates, passports, photographs

Permit Delivery and Duration

Approved permits deliver through postal service. Initial permits typically valid one year. Subsequent renewals may extend to two-year duration. Eight-year residents qualify for indefinite long-term permits.

Employment Restrictions

Residence permits do not authorize employment. Working without proper authorization risks:

Employers face strict regulations regarding foreign employee proportions and sector restrictions. Employment should be arranged before Turkey arrival, with employers handling work permit applications.

Citizenship Through Property Investment

A property purchase of at least $400,000, confirmed by an official valuation report, can be the basis of a Turkish citizenship application. Citizenship provides:

The property must be kept for at least three years; this is registered as a no-sale annotation on the title deed.

Living in Turkey Resources

Post-permit acquisition, new residents face integration challenges. Language learning, driving regulations, communication maintenance, and pet relocation require attention. Sun and Sky Real Estate provides comprehensive expatriate living guidance beyond permit acquisition.

Sun and Sky Real Estate Permit Support

Our team assists property buyers through residence permit processes. Combined property acquisition and permit guidance ensures smooth transitions into Turkish residence.

Contact our team for coordinated property purchase and permit application support. Our office is in Istanbul, where all of our projects are located.