Types and conditions of residence permits in Turkey and their costs in 2025

What are the types of residence permits in Türkiye?

When talking about the types of residence permits in Türkiye, it is necessary to distinguish between long-term and short-term residence permits.

For this reason, we will discuss each type in detail:

1. Types of permits for long-term residence:

People who wish to reside in Türkiye for a long period can apply for a residence permit and choose the option that suits them from the following:

• Family residence permit:

This residence permit is granted to foreigners who are married to Turkish citizens. Holders of this permit can stay in Türkiye for three years with the possibility of renewal as long as the marriage continues. They can also apply for Turkish citizenship on the basis of this residence permit.

Learn more about this topic: How to apply for Turkish citizenship for international students? (2024 guide)

The advantages of this type of residence permit in Türkiye are:

1. Children can receive free education until the age of 18.
2. Free or low-cost healthcare services.
3. The possibility of applying for Turkish citizenship after three years.

• Work residence permit:

This permit is granted to foreigners working in Turkish companies. It is renewed every two years, and holders of this permit can apply for Turkish citizenship after residing and working in the same place for five years.

Advantages of a work permit in Türkiye:

1. The possibility of applying for Turkish citizenship after 5 years.
2. The possibility of applying for a Schengen visa to enter the European Union.
3. The ability to enter and exit Türkiye without needing a new visa.
4. Access to free healthcare services in public hospitals and a 75% discount in private hospitals.
5. The possibility of applying for family residence permits for your family members.

• Real estate residence permit:

This type of residence encourages foreign investors to purchase real estate in Türkiye and is granted for two years, renewable.

However, it should be noted that property owners can obtain Turkish citizenship only if the value of the real estate exceeds 400 thousand dollars transferred from outside Türkiye.

Advantages of the real estate residence permit:

1. The possibility of entering and leaving Türkiye without a visa.
2. The possibility of applying for Turkish citizenship after 5 years.
3. The possibility of buying a car and obtaining a driver’s license.
4. Health insurance.
5. The possibility of enrolling in schools and universities.
6. The possibility of easily obtaining Turkish citizenship if the price of the real estate exceeds 400 thousand dollars.

• Residence permit for Turkish Cypriot citizens:

This type of residence is specific to citizens of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus and helps them reside and work in Türkiye.

• Residence permit for humanitarian reasons:

This type of residence falls under the 1951 Geneva Convention and is granted to people who are in danger in their countries; Türkiye provides them with safety and protection.

The most important advantages of humanitarian residence in Türkiye are:

1. You do not need to make an online appointment.
2. You can change this type of residence to any other type of residence in Türkiye, except for permanent residence.
3. You can enter and leave Türkiye without needing a new visa.
4. You can travel to and from any province in Türkiye without needing a travel permit.

• Residence permit for victims of human trafficking:

The Turkish government grants victims of human trafficking the right to reside safely on Turkish territory for 30 days; this period is renewed every 6 months and can be extended for up to three years.

2. Types of permits for short-term residence in Turkey:

• Student residence permit:

This permit is granted to Algerians or other foreign students of Arab or European nationalities who wish to obtain residence in Turkey; it is given to those who wish to study in Turkey and is regularly renewed for the duration of the student’s education.

The most notable advantages of a student residence permit in Turkey:

1. The opportunity to live in Turkey and stay in the country until the end of your studies.
2. The ability to travel without needing to obtain permission.
3. The ability to enter and exit your home country without a visa.
4. The opportunity to apply for a discounted transportation card.

Learn more: Student residence permit in Turkey in 2024 and how to obtain it

• Residence permit for student exchange programs:

This permit is granted to foreign students participating in the inter-university student exchange program conducted between Turkish universities and European universities.

• Residence permit after graduation:

It is granted to foreign students who have graduated from one of the Turkish universities so that they can complete their graduation procedures and receive their university diploma.

• Touristic residence permit:

It is granted to foreign tourists who wish to visit Türkiye and enjoy its beauties as a distinguished tourism destination.

Below are some of the most important advantages of a touristic residence permit in Türkiye:

1. Entry to Türkiye without a visa.
2. The possibility of opening a bank account.
3. Completely free movement within Türkiye.
4. The possibility of benefiting from student services.
5. The possibility of obtaining a work permit.
6. Facilitation of many procedures related to entering Türkiye and daily life.

• Investor residence permit:

Turkish companies send invitations to traders and investors who are interested in working with Türkiye in various fields, and under this invitation, individuals are granted a three‑month residence permit.

• Residence permit for medical treatment:

This permit helps people who need healthcare services in Türkiye; however, in order to obtain a residence permit, it is first necessary to present an appointment or hospitalization document issued by the hospital in the name of the patient to be treated.

• Compulsory residence permit:

This is a permit issued by judicial authorities when deemed necessary, in cases where a foreigner is obliged to stay in Türkiye for a certain period of time.

• Residence permit for learning Turkish:

The Turkish government grants a language residence permit for the purpose of learning Turkish to foreign nationals enrolled in Turkish language courses opened in specialized institutes recognized by the Ministry of National Education, and this residence permit can be renewed at least twice.

What are the easiest types of residence permits in Turkey?

Obtaining a tourist residence permit in Turkey is one of the fastest ways to get a residence permit in the country. Foreigners who hold a tourist visa can apply for a residence permit in Turkey by following these steps: 

1. Fill out the application form on the website of the Turkish Directorate General of Migration Management and enter the required information.
2. Submit the required documents; these documents are:
3. A photocopy of the passport.
4. 4 biometric photos.
5. Health insurance.
6. Bank account statement.
7. A rental contract or accommodation document in Turkey.
8. Then an appointment is made with the Migration Management office to submit the documents; the office will request a face-to-face interview with the residence applicant and will also require the payment of fees.
9. After that, the residence card can be received by mail.

11. What are the conditions for obtaining residence permits in Turkey?

12. The applicant must provide all the necessary documents that show the reason for residing in Turkey.
13. The applicant must be able to stay in housing that is suitable and meets health conditions.
14. The details of the residential address in Türkiye must be declared.
15. The applicant may be requested to provide a clean criminal record obtained from their country of origin.
16. If the applicant is over 18 years of age, they must have valid health insurance (for those over 65 and under 18, there is generally no obligation to have any health insurance).
17. The specified validity period of the current residence permit must be taken into account, and an extension application must be submitted 60 days before it expires.

What is Article 32 of the Residence Law in Türkiye?

This article is a provision in Turkish law specifically aimed at determining the residence conditions and the requirements for obtaining a residence permit. Some of these conditions are as follows:

• It is mandatory to submit documents and papers explaining the purpose of residence in Türkiye.
• There must be proof of residing in an appropriate place, such as a rental contract or a title deed for an immovable property.
• Those who wish to obtain a residence permit are required to provide a criminal record approved by their own country. 
• All details regarding the correct residential address must be provided in full.
• The residence renewal period, which is generally 60 days, must definitely be observed.

• What are the reasons for rejection of residence permits in Türkiye?

• Failure to meet all the conditions for obtaining a residence permit.
• Using the residence permit for purposes that are contrary to the purpose for which it was issued.
• If a deportation decision is issued against the person because they pose a security threat in Türkiye, the residence permit is rejected.
• In case of violation of the granted residence period.

What documents are required to obtain a residence permit in Türkiye?

A person applying for a residence permit in Türkiye must submit the following documents:

• Notarized rental contract or title deed. 
• A bank account statement showing that the applicant can cover their own and their family’s expenses during their stay.
• A clear photocopy of the passport. 
• Four biometric photos for each applicant.
• Birth and marriage certificates must be translated into Turkish and certified with the seal of the embassy of the country of origin.
• Health insurance.

• What are the conditions for obtaining a long-term residence permit in Turkey?

In 2025, the conditions for long-term residence in Turkey vary depending on the type of residence:

• Conditions for obtaining a family residence permit or family reunification permit:

It is granted to a foreign person who is married to a Turkish citizen, whether a woman or a man.

The permit is valid for three years, and during this period the spouses must prove that they are of good conduct, that they live in the same house, and that they maintain the family residence.

• Conditions for obtaining a work permit (residence for work purposes):

The work permit is issued by the Turkish Ministry of Labour.

Turkish citizenship can be obtained if you continue to work in the same workplace for five consecutive years.

• Conditions for obtaining a real estate (immovable) residence permit:

The investments made allow the foreign national to obtain a residence permit and become a resident in Turkey.

The conditions depend on the cost of the apartment, company registration documents, bank accounts, and investment fees:

• Any investment of 75,000$ in any of the 30 major cities (such as Izmir, Istanbul, Ankara).
• An investment of 50,000$ in cities with a smaller population (51 cities) or within the borders of Turkish municipalities.

The Turkish Ministry of Interior has published a list of closed areas where the proportion of foreign residents exceeds 20% and where foreigners cannot obtain a residence permit by purchasing real estate in these areas; this list covers 1,169 areas:

• 53 areas in Istanbul.
• 75 areas in Adana.
• 24 areas in Ankara.
• 62 areas in Mersin.

These new rules do not apply to foreigners who obtained a regular residence permit before restrictions were imposed and/or extended in these areas and who have not changed their place of residence.

If a regular residence permit was obtained on the condition of purchasing real estate in another area, and then, after moving to a closed area, an extension application is submitted, the extension request will be rejected and other grounds will be required to renew the residence permit.

Conditions for obtaining a residence permit for humanitarian reasons

This type of residence permit covers only people who fall into the following groups:

• Victims of civil war.
• Refugees.
• People who have been subjected to human rights violations.

All humanitarian residence permit files in Turkey are examined by the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees.

• Conditions for obtaining a residence permit for victims of human trafficking:

This type of residence permit is granted to foreign nationals who have been subjected to human trafficking, and its duration ranges from 30 days to 6 months; the total residence period in Turkey cannot exceed 3 years.

What are the conditions for obtaining short-term residence permits in Turkey?

Now we will learn the conditions for obtaining a short-term residence permit for different types of residence in Turkey:

• Conditions for obtaining a student residence permit:

Foreigners can obtain a student residence permit only if they receive primary or secondary education for a period of one year. This type of residence in Turkey is also granted to foreign students who wish to enroll in master’s, bachelor’s, or associate (two-year) degree programs.

This type of residence in Turkey does not allow the applicant’s parents and relatives to apply for a residence permit.

The validity period of the student residence permit ends when the education at one of the educational institutions within the jurisdiction is completed.

In addition, under the new regulations of the Law on Foreigners and International Protection, students are granted the right to start working legally in Turkey.

Foreign students also have the right to work in Turkey after one year of education. 

For foreign students enrolled in associate degree programs, weekly working hours are limited to only 24 hours. 

• Conditions for obtaining an exchange student residence permit:

They vary according to the academic student exchange system between foreign and Turkish universities.

• Conditions for obtaining a graduation residence permit:

This type of residence in Turkey is granted to students so they can complete their graduation procedures and receive their diplomas.

• Conditions for obtaining a tourist residence permit:

You can submit the application in person, or you can carry it out through a power of attorney to present the relevant documents to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the consulate.

You can also renew your tourist residence permit in Turkey remotely; to do this, it is sufficient to fill out the application form on the official website: https://e-ikamet.goc.gov.tr/

• Conditions for obtaining an investor residence permit:

Some of the most important conditions for obtaining this permit are as follows:

• Investing at least $500,000 in government bonds and investment funds for a minimum period of three years.
• Purchasing residential or non-residential real estate or land worth at least $400,000 and documenting this with a title deed; in addition, complying with the three-year condition for selling the property.
• Establishing a company in any Turkish city and providing at least 50 jobs for local professionals; in addition, providing social security for at least three years.
• If the foreign national fulfills at least one of these conditions, they can apply to the consulate to obtain a residence permit or citizenship.

How much does a residence permit cost in Turkey?

Residence permit fees in Turkey consist of several components:

• The fixed residence card fee, which was approximately $4.69 in 2022.
• The annual fee that must be paid to obtain a residence permit in Turkey currently ranges between $9.56 and $213.38 and may increase due to the high number of immigrants.
• In addition, the cost of a residence permit in Turkey for Egyptians and other nationalities also varies depending on the country where the applicant previously resided.
• Health insurance is mandatory for foreign nationals under the age of 65; there is no fixed standard for the health insurance fee, but it can range from approximately $14.66 to $52.76.

You can also review the table below to learn the fees for some types of residence in Turkey:

Countries you are allowed to enter with Turkish residence

A person who has a residence permit in Türkiye can enter some countries by obtaining a visa in advance thanks to this residence permit.

The most important countries you are allowed to enter with Turkish residence are: 

• Bosnia.
• Romania.
• Kosovo.
• Albania.
• Serbia.
• Cyprus.
• Georgia.
• Armenia.
• Azerbaijan.

The new residence law in Türkiye in 2025

Now we will learn the most important information about the new residence law in Türkiye for the year 2025:

• Types of residence permits:

The types of residence in Türkiye are divided into two main categories: short-term residence permits such as tourist, family, and student residence, and long-term residence permits of indefinite duration.

• New conditions for granting residence permits to foreigners:

Such as changing the minimum real estate value required to obtain a residence permit.

• Process:

Covers all documents; includes steps such as filling out the online form, making an appointment, waiting for the decision, and finally receiving the card from the post office.

• Tourist residence permit:

Includes local health insurance, biometric photos, a passport valid for at least six months, and also a form filled out online.

• Residence permit for real estate and investment purposes:

The minimum real estate value required to obtain a residence permit has been increased from 50 thousand dollars in small cities and 75 thousand dollars in big cities to 200 thousand dollars.

• Family residence permit:

Granted to the spouses and children of Turkish citizens.

• Student residence permit:

It depends on the duration of the student's education and is renewed every year.

• Humanitarian residence permit:

Granted to foreign nationals who cannot leave Türkiye due to special reasons such as pregnancy or serious illness.

• Residence permit for victims of human trafficking:

Granted under complex and specific conditions and requirements.

• Long-term residence permit:

Granted to foreign nationals who have legally lived in Türkiye for at least 8 years. 

• Costs:

The processing costs of residence permit documents in Türkiye range between $150 and $1,000.

What is commercial residence in Türkiye?

Commercial residence is one of the most important types of residence for business owners and investors who want to establish and manage their businesses within Türkiye.

A commercial residence permit allows individuals to stay in Türkiye for more than 3 months within a 6‑month period, which facilitates the legal conduct of their commercial and investment activities.

Below are the steps to obtain a commercial residence permit:

• Determining the type of permit:

There are different types of permits depending on the purpose of residence.

• Online registration and application:

An online form must be filled out via the e-Residence system affiliated with the Ministry of Interior.

Then, an appointment date is set for the face-to-face interview.

• Preparation of the required documents and paperwork:

1. Sample residence permit application form.
2. Valid passport and photocopy of commercial visa.
3. 4 recent biometric photographs.
4. Health insurance covering the residence period.
5. Proof of financial resources sufficient to cover residence and business activity expenses.
6. Rental contract or a document showing residence in Türkiye.
7. Receipt showing payment of the card fee and residence permit fee.
8. Documents related to commercial activity such as tax certificate, trade registry gazette, partners’ signature circulars, and certificate of activity of the company.

• Attending the interview:

You must attend the interview and submit the requested documents and paperwork.

Some of the benefits of commercial residence:

• Facilitation of processes for investing, conducting business, and carrying out commercial projects in Türkiye.
• The opportunity to benefit from various economic opportunities offered by Türkiye and to take advantage of the Turkish market.
• The possibility of applying for Turkish citizenship if conditions such as making a certain amount of investment for a specified period are met.

What is family residence in Türkiye?

In Türkiye, a family residence permit is granted to foreign nationals whose spouse or children are Turkish citizens.

This type of residence type in Türkiye allows foreigners to stay and reside in Türkiye for 3 years, and this period is renewable.

The advantages of family residence in Türkiye are as follows:

• Family stability.
• Children have the opportunity to receive free education in public schools and also benefit from public health services.
• The family residence permit in Türkiye allows foreign spouses to work and study in Türkiye, provided they obtain the necessary permits.

The following points explain the conditions for obtaining a family residence permit in Türkiye:

• Proving the existence of a stable and legal marital relationship with a Turkish citizen.
• The spouses must have lived together for at least 3 years before applying.
• The Turkish citizen sponsoring the foreigner must prove that they have sufficient financial income to support their family members without needing state aid or support.
• Both the foreigner and the Turkish citizen must have a clean criminal record.

Of course, there are also steps that must be followed to apply for a family residence permit in Türkiye:

• Online application:

As we mentioned earlier, this process is carried out through the e-Residence system affiliated with the Turkish Ministry of Interior.

1. Preparing the required documents and papers:
2. Residence permit application form.
3. Valid passport.
4. 4 recent biometric photos.
5. Marriage certificate / marriage contract.
6. Document proving the existence of sufficient income.
7. Health insurance covering the residence period.
8. Clean criminal record.

• Booking the interview appointment:

This is done by booking an appointment at the nearest Directorate of Migration Management office to submit the required documents.

• Attending the interview at the scheduled time.

As for the duration and renewal of the family residence permit in Turkey; its duration can be up to 3 years, and the renewal procedure can be carried out two months before the expiry date. The renewal steps are the same as the initial application steps and documents.

• Disadvantages of the humanitarian residence permit in Turkey

The main disadvantages of the humanitarian residence permit in Turkey are as follows:

• The short validity period of the humanitarian residence permit negatively affects people’s stability.
• It is difficult to achieve stability in working life, as holders of a humanitarian residence permit are legally allowed to work only in limited and specific cases. 
• Holders of a humanitarian residence permit in Turkey face restrictions and legal regulations that change each time; sometimes they are required to re‑prove the reasons that led to the granting of the residence permit.
• Certain restrictions may be imposed on people’s access to legal, financial, or social services.
• Holders of a humanitarian residence permit do not have the right to apply for Turkish citizenship or for an indefinite residence permit in Turkey.
• Some people face rejection of their humanitarian residence permit applications in Turkey without clear and explicit reasons.

Frequently asked questions 

1. Are there types of residence in Turkey for Egyptians?

Yes, of course.

2. What are the types of residence permits in Türkiye?

In Türkiye, there are many types of residence permits such as student residence, tourist residence, family residence, commercial residence, and others.

3. How can I obtain a permanent residence permit in Türkiye?

In the lines above, you can find the necessary steps and documents required to obtain a permanent residence permit in Türkiye.