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Types of Residence Permits in Turkey (2025 Guide): Property, Work, Student & More

  • Writer: gamzeturker46
    gamzeturker46
  • 3 days ago
  • 3 min read

Explore all types of residence permits in Turkey — from property-based and work permits to student and long-term options. Learn the latest rules, including the $175,000 USD real estate requirement.

View of hat air baloons from a hotel in Cappadocia
View of hat air baloons from a hotel in Cappadocia

Turkey has become an increasingly attractive destination for global entrepreneurs, investors, students, and families looking to live, study, or invest. Whether you’re building a startup in Istanbul, buying property on the coast, or enrolling in a Turkish university, you’ll need a residence permit to stay legally beyond your tourist visa.

In this article, Legit Law breaks down the main types of residence permits in Turkey for 2025, including eligibility, documentation, and how they can lead to long-term residency or Turkish citizenship.

1. Short-Term Residence Permit

This is the most flexible and commonly issued residence permit. It is typically valid for 1 year, and can be renewed.

✅ Eligible Categories:

  • Property ownership in Turkey

  • Business connections or market research

  • Tourism (long-term stay without employment)

  • Medical treatment

  • Participation in Turkish language courses

  • Attending cultural exchange programs

Required Documents:

  • Valid passport

  • Proof of purpose (e.g., title deed, course enrollment)

  • Turkish health insurance

  • Biometric photos

  • Proof of address and income

💡 Tip for CEOs: This is ideal for those exploring business or investment opportunities without immediately applying for a work permit.

2. Residence Permit Based on Property Ownership

🆕 Updated in 2024–2025: $175,000 Minimum Investment Required

Foreigners who own real estate in Turkey can apply for a short-term residence permit, provided the property meets the new legal threshold.

✅ Key Requirements:

  • Minimum property value: $175,000 USD


    (approx. 5.75 million TL at current exchange rate)

  • Must be residential, not commercial

  • Registered under your name in the title deed (Tapu)

  • Property must be in an open district (some areas are closed to new foreign residents)

  • Valid property valuation report by a licensed expert

  • DASK (earthquake insurance)

Application Process:

  1. Buy qualifying residential property

  2. Get tax number and open a Turkish bank account

  3. Register address and gather documents

  4. Apply via e-ikamet.goc.gov.tr

  5. Attend appointment and wait for approval

Renewal:

  • Renewable yearly if the property is retained

  • Must maintain ownership and not exceed 120 days abroad annually

⚠️ Avoid:

  • Properties below $175,000

  • Buying in closed districts

  • Incomplete documentation

3. Work Permit = Residence Permit

If you're employed by a Turkish company or operating your own business in Turkey, you can apply for a work permit through the Ministry of Labor. Once approved, it automatically grants you residence rights.

Types of Work Permits:

  • Foreign employee hired by a company

  • Entrepreneur/founder of a registered Turkish company

  • Tech/startup founder under the "Turquoise Card" system

Benefits:

  • Legal employment + residence

  • Pathway to permanent residence

  • Option to bring family under family permit

4. Student Residence Permit

Foreigners studying in Turkish universities (bachelor’s, master’s, or PhD) can apply for a student residence permit.

Required:

  • University acceptance/enrollment letter

  • Health insurance

  • Proof of accommodation

  • Financial means for living expenses

⚠️ Note: Years spent under a student permit count partially toward long-term residence or citizenship.

5. Family Residence Permit

This is available to:

  • Foreign spouses of Turkish citizens

  • Children under 18

  • Dependents of foreign residents with valid work or long-term permits

Valid for up to 3 years, and renewable.

6. Long-Term Residence Permit

After 8 years of uninterrupted legal stay, foreigners may apply for a long-term residence permit, which offers near-citizen rights (excluding voting, army, or public employment).

Conditions:

  • 8 years of continuous legal residence (student permits count partially)

  • No significant gaps outside Turkey

  • Proof of income

  • Clean criminal record

  • Valid health insurance

7. Can Residence Permits Lead to Turkish Citizenship?

Yes — in many cases, residency can eventually lead to naturalized citizenship, but it’s not automatic.

Path to Citizenship via Residency:

  • 5 years of continuous legal stay (work or property permit)

  • Demonstrate integration (Turkish language, income)

  • No long absences (max 6 months at a time)

  • Clean legal record

Faster Option:

  • Citizenship by investment is available if you invest $400,000 USD or more in real estate and hold it for 3 years. This leads to direct citizenship within 6–12 months.

Quick Comparison Table

Permit Type

Leads to Citizenship?

Min. Investment

Duration

Property-Based

✅ After 5 years

$175,000 USD

1-year, renewable

Work Permit

✅ After 5 years

Company/job

1–2 years

Student Permit

🔶 Partially counted

N/A

Duration of study

Family Permit

✅ After 3–5 years

N/A

Up to 3 years

Long-Term Permit

❌ No, but near-citizen

N/A

Indefinite

Citizenship by Investment

✅ Directly

$400,000 USD

Fast-track

Why Work with Legit Law

At Legit Law, we help individuals, business owners, and international families navigate the Turkish legal system confidently and correctly.

Our services include:

✅ Legal review of real estate✅ Property valuation reports✅ Company setup & work permit processing✅ Full residence permit application support✅ Family and long-term permit strategies✅ Citizenship guidance

📞 Contact us today to book a consultation and get your residency journey started the legal, stress-free way.


 

Address: İzzetpaşa,

Yeni Yol Cd., 34387 K: 2 

Şişli/İstanbul

Telephone: +90 545 744 48 92

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