In the Republic of Turkey it is pleasant not only to spend your vacations, but also to live. This country attracts digital nomads with its mild climate, low prices, great views, luxurious cuisine and friendliness. Also, this country keeps its borders open during the pandemic and does not have strict visa requirements.
Of course, to stay on its territory for a long time, you will need to prepare the appropriate documents. In Turkey, such a document is “ikamet” or residence permit.
A residence permit allows expats to live in the country for one or two years. When the ikamet expires, it can be extended. The number of extensions is not limited.
General rules of a long stay in Turkey
Staying in Turkey without any visas is possible for 30 to 90 days. Foreigners who want to stay legally in Turkey longer than a visa or visa-free stay, but in any case longer than 90 days, must apply for a residence permit.
At the legislative level there are two types of residence permits:
- Short-term (Kysa Dönem İkamet İzni)
- Long-term (Uzun Dönem İkamet İzni)
It is possible to get a short-term ikamet (up to one year) for such purposes as:
- tourism;
- buying a real estate;
- teaching Turkish at an educational institution in Turkey (you will need a permit from the Ministry of Education);
- studying or internships in exchange programs;
- receiving medical care at Turkish private and public clinics (if the disease does not pose a threat to the health of citizens);
- business;
- employment;
- if there are relatives in Turkey;
- refugee assistance (Afghan, Syrian refugees, etc.);
Long-term residence permits are granted to those expats who have received ikametas for at least 8 years without interruption and have spent no more than a year outside of Turkey in five years.
Tourist residence permit in Turkey: how to get and prolong it
With a tourist ikamet, a foreign citizen will not be able to work in Turkey legally, but it gives the opportunity to live in the country for one year. The application is submitted either in person or by an authorized representative. It is important to keep in mind the validity period of the residence permit and re-new it in time.
Requirements for obtaining a tourist residence permit in Turkey:
- Enrolment for an interview at the local migration service before the expiration of the visa or visa-free stay;
- The passport must be valid for 60 days longer than the requested residence permit period;
- A foreigner must not pose a danger to society;
- It is necessary to have health insurance for the whole period of residence permit;
- It is be necessary to prove that there are sufficient funds for living;
- It is obligatory to have a legal residence address in Turkey for the whole period of the requested residence permit.
Steps to obtain tourist residence permit in Turkey
Get all needed bank statements
While staying in your country you should ask your bank for a statement for the last year. To obtain a residence permit, you must prove a monthly income of at least 3000 TRY (about US$360). Optimal income is considered to be at least $500 a month.
Rent an apartment and get a
You can rent an apartment on your own (if you know the language), as well as with the help of a real estate agency.
Beforehand, find out whether the owner of the apartment or the agent will be able to provide a notarized rental agreement. You will need this document to apply for the Ikamet.
Make passport-sized photos
You will need not only printed but also digital versions of your photos to register your electronic application. The easiest way to take Turkish passport photos is online at Visafoto.com.
Buy health insurance
Medical insurance for residence permit is issued through an insurance company. An application is filled out and payment is made at the office. There are many such companies and sales points in most cities. As a rule, real estate agencies can advise you on a good company, and in some cases help with the registration. The insurance must be valid at least for 1 year.
Submit an online application
Use the official website of the migration service.
Standardly the start date of a residence permit coincides with the date of insurance purchase. That is, while waiting for the interview, the foreigner already can stay legally in the country.
After completing the questionnaire, the system will propose a date of an interview in the Migration Directorate. Basically, it is appointed in 2-3 months from the date of the application. Then you must pay a fee of 220 TRY in the tax office.
Be interviewed in the immigration office
Think in advance about the exact answers about the reasons for coming to Turkey, place of work, and income sources and level.
List of required documents for obtaining a tourist residence permit in Turkey:
- A signed application for IKAMET and a receipt for its payment;
- Passport: the original and a copy;
- Bank statement;
- Biometric Turkey visa photos: 4 pieces;
- Insurance;
- Rental agreement with a notary certification;
- Copy of the passport of your landlord;
- Copy of TAPU, confirming the ownership right of the landlord.
It is prohibited to leave the country before the interview. If there is an urgent need to do so, you must go to the migration office and provide reasons for departure. Departure without notice automatically cancels the submitted application and you will have to do it again.
A ready-made IKAMET plastic card will arrive at the branch and you will be notified about it by a text message.
