اقامت قانونی در ترکیه | سوالات متداول

Please Note:

The information below is provided for educational and informational purposes only. While we do our best to keep it up-to-date, laws, procedures, and requirements in Turkey are constantly evolving. Every case is unique — your situation may differ due to nationality, personal background, or recent legal changes.

hat’s why we always recommend speaking with the expert advisors first.

Do I need a visa to travel to Turkey, and how can I get one? – Most foreigners require a visa or e-Visa to enter Turkey (e.g. US citizens must obtain an e-Visa online before travel). Turkey’s electronic visa system makes it easy to apply in advance for tourism or short visits. Visa-exempt nationalities can enter without a visa for short stays, but others should apply through the official Republic of Turkey e-Visa system.
Can I get a visa on arrival in Turkey? – No, Turkey discontinued visa-on-arrival in 2014, so travelers must obtain an e-Visa (or appropriate visa) before arriving. It’s important to apply online prior to your trip to avoid being denied entry at the border.
How long can I stay in Turkey on a tourist visa? – A typical tourist visa allows a stay of up to 90 days within a 180-day period. This can be a continuous 90-day stay or multiple visits that add up to 90 days total in 180 days. Overstaying the 90-day limit can result in fines, deportation, or entry bans, so plan your stay accordingly.
What happens if I overstay my visa in Turkey? – Overstaying even by a short time can lead to fines and potentially a ban on re-entering Turkey for a period. It’s essential to abide by the visa duration to avoid legal consequences. If you need to stay longer, you should apply for a residence permit before your visa expires.
How can I live in Turkey longer than 90 days? – To stay beyond the tourist visa limit, you need to apply for a residence permit (İkamet) appropriate to your situation (e.g. short-term residence, family residence, student residence, etc.). This application is made through Turkey’s Migration Management system and typically involves an online application, an appointment at the local migration office, and providing required documents (passport, photos, proof of address, health insurance, etc.).
What are the types of residence permits in Turkey? – Turkey offers several residency permit types: short-term residence permits (for purposes like tourism beyond 90 days, owning property, or digital nomads), family residence permits (for spouses and children of permit holders or citizens), student residence permits (for those enrolled in Turkish educational institutions), long-term (permanent) residence permits (for those who have lived in Turkey continuously for 8+ years) and others (humanitarian, etc.). Each has its own requirements, but all require a valid reason and proof of finances/insurance.
What are the requirements to apply for a residence permit in Turkey? – You must have a passport valid 60 days beyond the duration of the permit you seek, a reason/purpose for stay, and supporting documents (e.g. proof of address, financial means, health insurance). For example, you’ll need to submit your passport, passport-size photos, a Turkish tax number, proof of health insurance, and documents supporting your purpose (like a title deed if property-based, or enrollment letter if student). After applying online, you schedule an in-person appointment to submit originals of these documents.
How long does it take to get a residence permit approved? – The processing time can vary by province. Residence permit applications are usually concluded within a few weeks, but it depends on the workload at the local migration office (governorate). In high-demand areas (e.g. Istanbul) it might take longer, whereas quieter provinces may process faster. It’s advisable to apply well before your current visa or permit expires.
When should I apply to renew my Turkish residence permit? – You should apply for extension within 60 days before your current permit expires (and before it actually expires). Renewal applications can be submitted online; missing the deadline could lead to fines or having to leave and re-enter Turkey.
Can I extend an expired residence permit or what if I miss the renewal date? – If your residence permit has already expired, you are technically out of status. In some cases, if you have a valid excuse for not renewing on time, the authorities may accept a late renewal with a fine for the gap. However, if you overstay without renewal, you might be required to leave Turkey and reapply from abroad. It’s best to never let your permit expire without at least applying for an extension.
Do I need to leave Turkey to apply for a residence permit, or can I do it in-country? – You can apply for a first-time residence permit in Turkey if you are already legally in the country (on a visa or visa-exempt). Foreigners do not have to exit to apply, as long as they apply before their visa period ends. The application is done online and then finalized at a local immigration office in Turkey.
Is health insurance required for a residence permit? – Yes. Foreigners under 65 typically must have valid health insurance covering their stay to get a residence permit. This can be a private Turkish health insurance policy or proof of coverage under certain bilateral agreements or international plans. (For short stays under one year, travel health insurance covering the full period is acceptable; for longer stays, a Turkish policy or registration in Turkey’s public health system is needed.)
What’s the difference between a residence permit and a work permit in Turkey? – A work permit is essentially a dual-purpose permit that allows you to work and reside in Turkey, whereas a standard residence permit only allows living (not employment). If you have a valid work permit, you don’t need a separate residence permit (the work permit card acts as your residency as well). But if your employment ends and the work permit is canceled, your right to reside ends too unless you transition to another residence status.
Can I work in Turkey with just a residence permit (without a work permit)? – No. A regular residence permit (e.g. short-term, student, family) does not grant the right to work. To work legally, you or your employer must obtain a work permit for you. Working on a tourist or short-term residence permit is not allowed, and doing so can lead to deportation or bans. The exception is that holders of long-term residence or those with Turquoise Cards (a special talent visa) may work freely, and family residence permit holders still need a work permit to take up employment.
Are there jobs or professions in Turkey that foreigners cannot do? – Yes, some professions in Turkey are legally restricted to Turkish citizens. For example, foreigners cannot practice as lawyers in Turkish court, notary publics, pharmacists, or in certain security roles. Some medical specialties and government positions are also citizen-only. It’s important to check if your field has restrictions. Many common fields (business, IT, teaching English, tourism, etc.) are open to foreigners as long as one has a work permit, whereas fields like mining, maritime piloting, etc., have special rules.
Do I need to register my address after getting a residence permit? – Yes. Within 20 working days of receiving your residence permit card, you should register your local address at the nüfus (population registry) office (or sometimes at the immigration office). This is a legal requirement so that authorities know where you reside in Turkey. It also links to obtaining an identity number for services. Landlords often help with this process.
What is a Yabancı Kimlik Numarası (YKN)? – It is the Foreigner Identification Number, a 11-digit ID number given to foreigners with residence permits in Turkey. It’s used much like a Turkish citizen’s ID number for things like opening bank accounts, getting a mobile line, or health services. You will find this number on your residence permit card once issued. It’s important to keep this number handy, as you’ll use it often for official transactions in Turkey.
Is it mandatory to carry ID in Turkey? – Yes, Turkey requires individuals to carry identification. For foreigners, this means you should carry your passport or residence permit ID card at all times. Police may ask for ID, and failure to produce it could cause issues. It’s a good idea to keep a color copy of your passport data page and visa in your wallet if you don’t want to carry your passport everywhere, but once you have a residence ID card, carry that as it’s proof of legal stay.
How do I legally stay in Turkey long-term or permanently? – The pathways include: obtaining residence permits (renewing as needed), and eventually qualifying for long-term residence or citizenship. A long-term residence permit (indefinite) can be granted after 8 years of continuous legal residency and meeting certain criteria (such as not being on state aid, having enough income, and valid health insurance). Long-term residents enjoy many of the same rights as citizens except voting or compulsory military service. Another route to stay permanently is to apply for Turkish citizenship after meeting requirements (see the Citizenship section below). Some foreigners also obtain a Turquoise Card, which is like a permanent residency given to high-skilled individuals or large investors, and can lead to citizenship.
If I live in Turkey long enough, can I get citizenship? – Potentially yes. Typically, after 5 years of continuous residence (with a valid residence permit and an interruption of less than 6 months in total) you can apply for naturalization. You’ll need to show integration (basic Turkish language ability, income, no criminal record, and intention to settle). There are also faster routes to citizenship (see Citizenship section) such as marriage (3 years) or investment (straight away, with conditions).
Is Turkey safe to live in for foreigners? – Generally yes. Major cities and expat-friendly towns are considered safe, though like anywhere, you should exercise common sense. Petty crime (pickpocketing, scams) can happen in tourist areas, and some areas in the far southeast near conflict zones should be avoided. Turkey has a strong police presence and foreigners are generally welcomed. It’s always good to stay aware of your surroundings and follow local advice or any travel warnings for specific regions, but millions of expats and students live in Turkey without issues.
Are there any cultural or legal issues I should be aware of as an expat? – Culturally, Turkey is a blend of European and Middle Eastern influences. It’s respectful to dress modestly when visiting mosques or conservative towns (e.g. cover shoulders and knees). Removing shoes when entering homes is customary. Legally, avoid making negative comments about Atatürk or the government on social media (laws on insulting Turkish identity or leadership can be strict). Drug laws are very strict – possession of even small amounts of illegal drugs can lead to jail. Also, note that Turkey has strict laws on antiquities – don’t attempt to take historical artifacts out of the country. Overall, being respectful and observant of local laws will keep you out of trouble.

Legal & Residency in Turkey | FAQs