Eligibility quiz
Do you plan to live in Turkey on tourism grounds using your own money or income?
Benefits
Benefits for youBenefits for you
Live in Turkey
You can live in Turkey for the approved purpose while your permit is valid.
It can last up to two years at a time, or up to five years in some categories.
Language-course permits can be granted twice; a post-graduation permit can be granted once, for up to one year.
Leave and return
You can leave and re-enter Turkey while your permit and passport or travel document are valid, but ordinary border, visa and entry-ban rules still apply.
How to apply
From outside TürkiyeFrom outside Türkiye
Enter Turkey lawfully
Enter Turkey using the visa or visa exemption that applies to you. You can apply for a short-term residence permit after you arrive.
Find entry requirementsSearches DuckDuckGo for “How do I enter Turkey before applying for a short-term residence permit?”
Once in TürkiyeOnce in Türkiye
Find your local office
Find the Provincial Directorate of Migration Management for your address in Turkey.
Searches DuckDuckGo for “Which Turkey Provincial Directorate of Migration Management handles short-term residence permits for your city?”
Fill in the application
Open the first-application page, select a short-term residence permit and complete the online registration. Enter your travel document, insurance, address, contact details, requested dates and reason for staying.
Start your applicationPrint your application form
Get the Residence Permit Application Form generated by the system and print it. You will sign it when you submit your file.
Find your application formSearches DuckDuckGo for “How do I print my Turkey short-term residence permit first application form?”
Book an appointment
Book an appointment through the e-Residence system at the office for your address. The appointment is free.
Book an appointmentPay your fees
Pay the residence permit and document fees, and the single-entry visa fee if the system asks for it. You can pay through the system, at a tax office or finance cashier, or at a contracted bank; keep your receipts.
Find payment optionsSearches DuckDuckGo for “How do I pay the fees for a Turkey short-term residence permit?”
Gather your documents
Prepare the required documents for your local migration office.
See required documentsGo to your appointment
Bring your printed form, documents, receipts and any required originals to the Provincial Directorate of Migration Management at the time shown on your form. Submit your file and sign the form.
Find your appointment detailsSearches DuckDuckGo for “How do I find my appointment details for a Turkey short-term residence permit first application?”
Keep your application record
Keep your application document and payment records after the office receives your application.
Find your application recordSearches DuckDuckGo for “How do I obtain my application document for a Turkey short-term residence permit?”
Wait for the decision
Follow your application in the e-Residence system and respond if the office asks for more information or documents.
Follow your applicationReceive your permit card
After approval, receive your residence permit card at the address you gave in Turkey. It lets you live in Turkey for the period shown on the permit.
Find delivery informationSearches DuckDuckGo for “How is my Turkey short-term residence permit card delivered after approval?”
Documents needed
Family certificates and recordsFamily certificates and records
Birth certificates *
Get an approved copy of your birth certificate showing who your parents are.
* Only if you are under 18 and your passport or ID does not identify your parents.
May need translationMay need apostille/legalisationCustody and consent *
Get an approved custody document if your parents are divorced, or proof of sole custody if you were born outside marriage. If custody is shared or the other parent has visiting rights, get that parent’s approved consent. Get approved consent from your parent or legal representative abroad as well.
* Only if you are under 18 and your parents are divorced, one parent has sole custody, or a parent or legal representative is abroad.
May need translationMay need apostille/legalisationParent’s death certificate *
Get an approved copy of your parent’s death certificate. If a court has declared your parent absent or dead, get the approved court decision instead.
* Only if you are under 18 and a parent has died or been declared absent or dead.
May need translationMay need apostille/legalisationConsiderations
Things to think aboutThings to think about
Address and documents
Keep an address in Turkey, report changes and maintain housing that meets health and safety standards.
Keep your passport valid and provide a criminal-record certificate from your country of citizenship or legal residence if asked.
Coverage and renewal
Keep the required health coverage or insurance where it applies.
Use your permit for its approved purpose, continue to meet its conditions and apply for renewal before it expires.
Renewal is not automatic.
Permission for work
This permission to live in Turkey does not itself allow you to work; work requires a separate work permit or an exemption.
Check whether this also applies to your remote work for an employer or clients abroad.
Residence can be lost
Your permit expires unless renewed and can be cancelled or not renewed if conditions lapse, it is used for another purpose, or you have a removal order or entry ban.
Unlawful work, overstaying, other immigration violations, serious crime or security risks can lead to removal, although some people are protected.
Rules on time abroad may also allow cancellation.
Discuss
Online communitiesOnline communities
Residency Permit / Fethiye Consultant Mustafa Arıkök
English Facebook group for people living in Türkiye interested in Turkish visas
Request to joinResidence and work permits for foreigners in Turkey
English Facebook group for people living in Türkiye interested in Turkish visas
Join on FacebookTurkish Residence permit for foreigners 🚋🚋🇹🇷
English Facebook group for people living in Türkiye interested in Turkish visas
Join on FacebookConsultation
Talk to a professionalTalk to a professional
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