UPDATED INFORMATION ON RESIDENCE PERMITS IN Turkey

Short-term residence permits, one of the most popular types of residency permits among foreigners, are now subject to significantly stricter regulations. Submitting an application with outdated information will result in wasted time and money. Here is the most important information for 2026:

1) Purchasing an apartment in Turkey worth US$200,000 alone is not sufficient to obtain a residence permit. The provincial and district migration authorities will decide on your application after reviewing your income, any violations of immigration law, and the accuracy and completeness of your documents.

2) You cannot purchase two separate apartments to reach the total value of US$200,000 and then apply for a residence permit. To apply for a residence permit, you must purchase a single apartment worth at least US$200,000 (based on the cadastral value). (Example: You own two apartments, one valued at $110,000 and the other at $105,000, with a total recorded value of $215,000. However, since you only received a residence permit for one apartment, you cannot combine these two properties in your application.)

3) The value of the property you acquired must be at least $200,000, according to the Central Bank's exchange rate on the date you receive the title deed. Even if the value is only $1 below the required amount, your application will be rejected.

4) For properties acquired before January 15, 2025, with a recorded value of less than $200,000, you can apply for a residence permit after an appraisal (provided the appraised value is at least $200,000). For properties acquired after January 15, 2025, the land registry value must be at least $200,000. For title deeds issued after January 15, 2025, the value stated in the deed applies. The value in the appraisal report is not considered.

5) Applications for a residence permit can be submitted by individuals who own real estate in Turkey and meet the necessary requirements, as well as by their spouses and children under 25 years of age who are financially and morally dependent on the family.

6) In the case of joint ownership, spouses can jointly apply for a residence permit by submitting a certified copy of their marriage certificate. However, if the owners are two friends, a mother and child, or a father and child, they can only apply for a tourist residence permit.

7) For tourist applications, you must submit proof of income and a rental agreement. Your monthly income should be at least 50,000 TL. You can initially apply for a tourist residence permit for six months.

However, please note: 8) If you are retired abroad and your pension exceeds €800, you can apply for a two-year tourist visa. To do so, submit your pension certificate, apostilled and notarized by a Turkish public official, to the Turkish Immigration Office.

9) Nationals of certain countries who work online abroad and meet specific requirements can obtain a nomadic visa for entry into Turkey and a residence permit.

10) If your application for a residence permit is rejected, you must wait six months before you can submit a new application. Therefore, prepare your documents carefully and completely.