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

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:
Buy qualifying residential property
Get tax number and open a Turkish bank account
Register address and gather documents
Apply via e-ikamet.goc.gov.tr
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.