How to obtain a residence permit in Turkey in 2024

With Turkey becoming a more popular destination for expats, there have been some significant changes to the process of getting a residence permit.

How to obtain a residence permit in Turkey in 2024

This article will serve as a comprehensive guide for you, outlining the latest procedures and e-Ikamet application requirements to make Turkey your new home successfully.

Table of contents

Turkish Residence Permit: New Rules

In 2023, Turkey made some significant changes to the way it processes residence permits. For example, it placed more restrictions on where one can get one.

New geographic restrictions for residence permits. They designated 1169 areas as “closed” areas, which means they can't issue permits there anymore. This is because too many foreigners live there — more than 20% of the local population. Some closed areas are in big cities like Istanbul, Adana, Ankara, and Mersin. If you already have a permit there or renewed it before the new rules started, it's still valid.

Revised investment threshold for real estate. The minimum investment amount required to get Turkish citizenship through the Golden Visa program has been increased to $400K for both residential and commercial real estate. In addition, foreigners can obtain residency by investing $50K in less developed areas or $75K in major cities.

Tourist residence permit validity and extensions. The validity period for a tourist residence permit has been reduced from one year to six months. The Migration Service also requires a tourist plan and an apostilled income certificate. Extension rules for tourist visas based on tourism have tightened, and the immigration service may require additional documents, such as travel itinerary and an apostilled income certificate.

Turkish Residence Permit Types

Turkey offers a variety of residence permit options to meet different needs, including:

General Residence Permit (“Ikamet”) Application Rules

To obtain a Residence Permit in Turkey, you must make sure that you meet specific requirements:

How to Apply for Ikamet Online?

To get a Turkish residence permit online, just follow these simple steps:

  1. Start by creating an account on the e-İkamet website. You'll be asked for some basic information, such as your personal, family, and contact data;
  2. Fill out the Ikamet online application form and upload all the required documents;
  3. Pay the application fee using the payment gateway on the website;
  4. Visit your local migration office to complete the application process. You must bring all the original documents, including your passport and rental agreement or property deed;
  5. Wait for approval. The processing time may differ, but it generally takes about 90 days. You can monitor your application's status online via the migration office's website;
  6. Receive your permit. If approved, you will get your Ikamet by mail.

Documents Required for Residence Permit in Turkey

For a successful application, be prepared to submit the following Ikamet application documents:

Please note that starting on April 15, 2024, when you apply to renew your residence permit, the Migration Management Office will request the UETS form, which can be obtained from PTT branches. To register, you must provide documents such as a rental contract or subscription agreement and a utility bill with your name.

You must submit all the documentation in their original form, and any documents obtained from abroad must be translated into Turkish and notarized.

Ikamet Photo Requirements

To ensure that your application for a Turkish Residence Permit (Ikamet) is complete, your photo must meet certain guidelines:

Here is an example:

Ikamet photo example

Get a Turkish Residence Permit Photo Online!

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Simply use your smartphone or digital camera to snap a photo against a white background, then upload it to Visafoto.com. We'll do the fine-tuning, adjust your photo to fit the Ikamet photo size, format, and background, and ensure your face is perfectly positioned. We will offer a full refund if the results don't meet your expectations.

Take an image with a smartphone or camera against any background, upload it here and instantly get a professional photo for your visa, passport or ID. No registration required. You will see results in seconds.
Additional options
Upload photo & Continue

Source

Source photo example that you need to take in order to make a passport or visa photo at visafoto.com

Result

Result example: a correct visa or passport photo that you will receive

First take a photo of yours which will look like this one:

The original photo example

Visafoto.com provides two versions of your photo: a digital copy for online submission and a template for printing.

Turkish residence permit photo for electronic submission
Turkish residence permit photo suitable for printing

Take a Turkish Residence Permit Photo With a Phone!

7ID App: Turkish Residence Permit Photo App
7ID App: Turkish Residence Permit Photo Editing Tool
7ID App: Turkish Residence Permit Photo in seconds

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Simply upload your photo to the app, specify the document and country, and let 7ID do the rest. It will resize, reformat, change the background color, and ensure your face and eyes are correctly aligned to meet official photo standards.

7ID prepares your photo for printing on standard paper sizes such as 10x15 cm, A4, A5, or B5, so you can print it instantly for any purpose.

For those who want even more precision, Expert Mode offers extensive customization options, even for challenging backgrounds. And if you need help, our 24/7 technical support team is always available.

Turkish Residence Permit Renewal Requirements

Remember that you must start the renewal process about 60 days before your Turkish residence permit expires. This involves submitting updated documents and paying another fee.

If it's already expired, you must leave Turkey and get a new one. But if you can't do that, you can still apply for a new one within 10 days of it expiring, but you'll need to explain why you missed the deadline in a letter to the immigration office.

Ikamet Waiting Times

How long does it take to get a Turkish residence permit? According to official news, it can take up to 3 months for the government to process your residency application after you submit all the necessary documents. You'll be notified when your application is ready.

How to Check Your Ikamet Status

To check the status of your Ikamet application, you can use the e-Ikamet portal managed by the General Directorate of Migration Management. Here's how to do it:

  1. Go to the e-İkamet website.
  2. Click on the option "I would like to see my application result".
  3. Enter your application number, mobile phone number, or email address, and passport number.
  4. Enter the verification code on the page's bottom left and click the Login button.
  5. Your residency status will be displayed, along with the validity period of your permit.
  6. If your application is missing any documents, this platform will also let you know what's missing and where to submit it.
  7. Use your PTT barcode number to track the delivery status of your permit.

If you have issues with checking your Ikamet status, you are advised to contact 157 — Foreigners Communication Center for additional information and help.

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