Foreigners who intend to extend their stay in Turkey beyond the time limit prescribed in their visa, those who need a visa exemption or intend to stay for more than ninety days must obtain a residence permit.
Short-Term Residence Permit for Foreigners
To apply for a short-term residence permit, foreigners who own real estate in Turkey or intend to establish a business or business connections in Turkey must submit the following documents to the relevant Provincial Directorate of Immigration Administration (Göç İdaresi) once an application is submitted through the e-residence system. Short-term residence permits are issued for a maximum of two years as a principle. A residence permit is invalidated if it is not used within six months.
Initial Application
Residence permit application form
The original and a copy of the passport or travel document
Four biometric photographs
Proof of sufficient and sustainable financial resources for the duration of the stay
Applicant’s residence ownership deed*
An invitation letter or documents issued by the person/business to be contacted**
Valid medical insurance (one of the following shall be sufficient):
Proof of access to health services in Turkey within the scope of bilateral social security agreements
Provision document issued by the Social Security Institution
Document regarding the application made to the Social Security Institution to be covered by the general health insurance
Private health insurance
Application for Extension
Applications for an extension of the residence permit may be made to Governors’ Offices within sixty days prior to its expiration, but under no circumstances should this be done after the expiry date.
To obtain extension, foreigners are required to apply for a residence permit through the e-residence system. The completed application and required documents should be sent to the related Provincial Immigration Administration Office (Göç İdaresi) in Adana, Ankara, Antalya, Aydın, Bursa, Gaziantep, İstanbul, İzmir, Kayseri, Kocaeli, Mersin, Muğla, Samsun, Şanlıurfa or Tekirdağ by mail within five business days.
Residence permit application form
Notarized copy of the passport or travel document
Four biometric photographs
Submission of the previous residence permit document
Proof of sufficient and sustainable financial resources for the duration of the stay
Applicant’s residence ownership deed*
An invitation letter or documents issued by the person/business to be contacted**
Valid medical insurance (one of the following shall be sufficient):
Proof of access to health services in Turkey within the scope of bilateral social security agreements
Provision document issued by the Social Security Institution
Private health insurance including the extension period
*Required for foreigners owning immovable property in Turkey
**Required for foreigners who intend to establish business or commercial connections in Turkey
Long-Term Residence Permit for Foreigners
For a long-term residence permit, foreigners who have continuously resided in Turkey for at least eight years should submit the following documents to the relevant Provincial Directorate of Immigration Administration (Göç İdaresi):
Application*
Residence permit application form
The original and a copy of the passport or travel document
Copy of the previous residence permit document
Four biometric photographs
Proof that the applicant has not received any social aid from governmental institutions and organizations in the last three years
Proof of sufficient and sustainable financial resources for the duration of the stay
Police record document
Valid medical insurance (one of the following shall be sufficient):
Proof of access to health services in Turkey within the scope of bilateral social security agreements
Provision document issued by the Social Security Institution
Document regarding the application made to the Social Security Institution to be covered by the general health insurance
Private health insurance valid for a minimum of one year
*Long-term residence permits are issued indefinitely. Therefore, no extension application is required.
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