Family visa to Turkey: ways and conditions for obtaining it

Many foreigners who wish to move to the republic and bring their families are wondering how to get a family residence permit in Turkey. Thanks to reforms in the migration policy, this process has become much easier. That said, since 2022 some requirements have become stricter: some neighbourhoods are closed to residence permits for foreigners, and a tourist residence permit is not approved for everyone. For example, you can purchase a villa in Turkey with a TAPU price of USD 200,000 and obtain an investor residence permit. This status also allows you to obtain residency for immediate family members.

Read more about the conditions for a family residence permit in Turkey, how to get a family residence permit online and how long you can stay in Turkey without a residence permit.

Why do I need a visa?

Turkey is a country with a developed social support system for its citizens. State residents are entitled to free medical and educational services, along with many other privileges. The first step to obtaining a local passport through naturalisation is to apply for a residence permit. The most popular options for obtaining a residence permit are family reunification in Turkey and property investment. The latter, when purchasing a property worth USD 400,000, allows you to apply for citizenship immediately. An apartment bought for citizenship cannot be sold for 3 years, and payment is made only by bank transfer.

What is a family residence permit in Turkey?

This type of residence permit, known as Aile Ikamet Izni, is designed to reunite foreigners with immediate relatives who are citizens of Turkey or have resident status. It allows the entire family to legally reside in the Republic's territory and provides numerous benefits. It is governed by the Law on Foreigners and International Protection No. 6458 (Articles 34–35).

The process of obtaining a family visa consists of the following steps:

Document preparation;
Making an appointment at the Migration Board through the e-İkamet system;
Interview at the Migration Board;
Submission of documents and waiting for the decision.

A comprehensive set of documents will be required, including proof of housing and sufficient funds to stay in the country, health insurance for all participants in the application, marriage and birth certificates for children, identity cards and other relevant documents. A decision on the application is made within 90 days, and the residence permit card costs TL 964 in 2026.

Difference between a resident visa and a tourist visa

A tourist visa entitles you to a short-term stay in Turkey (up to 90 days within 180 days) but does not allow access to government programmes or services such as education and healthcare. The exact visa-free period depends on your citizenship, so check it in advance.

A resident visa, on the other hand, allows long-term residence with the right to work, study and access the healthcare system. Work still requires a separate permit.

'Golden Visa' Residency

In Turkey, there's an alternative to the 'golden visa', which grants investors and their families long-term residency. This is a residence permit issued upon the purchase of property for USD 200,000. Such a residence permit is valid as long as the property remains in the applicant's ownership and can be extended. If you purchase a property for USD 400,000 or more, you'll be able to apply for a local passport immediately. For a residence permit based on property, it must be registered as a home (konut) and be located in a neighbourhood open to residence permits for foreigners. In Alanya, according to data from June 2026, Mahmutlar, Kestel, Avsallar and Kargicak are open, but the status is checked for the specific address.

What gives a family residence permit in Turkey?

Citizenship is possible after five years of continuous residence in the country (three years if married to a Turk);
Free education for children in municipal schools and kindergartens;
Quality medical care in public and private clinics;
The possibility to open a bank account or take out a loan or mortgage.

For citizenship by marriage, the 3 years are counted from the date of marriage, not from relocation. After 8 years of continuous residence, you can apply for an indefinite residence permit.

Applicant requirements

The investment programme is open to a wide audience, including property buyers, entrepreneurs and others who can contribute to the country's development. This article focuses on the conditions for investors and entrepreneurs.

Public investment

Investors who invest in the country's economy may apply for residency or citizenship under the following conditions:

Investment of USD 500,000 or more in the authorised capital of a company in the country;
Creation of at least 50 jobs for citizens of the state;
Deposit in a local bank of USD 500,000 or more for at least three years.

These are the conditions for citizenship by investment: a regular residence permit does not require such amounts. More precisely, the requirement is an investment of USD 500,000 or more in a company's fixed assets.

Real estate investments

Buying a home is one of the most common ways to obtain a residence permit. To do this, you need to purchase a property worth USD 200,000 or more. In this case, one can say that a family residence permit in Turkey costs USD 200,000, which is the minimum investment. This can be a single flat or several properties with a total value exceeding the minimum threshold. The value is confirmed by a valuation report, not just by the price in the contract.

Programme conditions

Proof of ownership (TAPU);
Permitted to purchase a home with a mortgage;
Possibility to apply for residency for the whole family.

If the conditions are met, the owner can apply for citizenship after five years.

Startup owners and businessmen

Entrepreneurs who plan to develop a business in the state can also apply for residency. A residence permit for doing business is usually issued on the basis of your own company, and a foreigner needs a work permit to work in it.

Investor Visa

This programme provides investors with the opportunity to purchase property in Turkey worth USD 200,000 or more and obtain residency for two years with subsequent extensions. The investor can also sponsor a spouse and children. We have explained in detail how to obtain a residence permit for your spouse and children as a property owner in a separate article.

The main conditions of the programme include the following:

Proof of ownership. An extract from the Land Registry (TAPU) will be required;
Certified marriage certificate to confirm marital status;
Possibility of renewing the residence permit for the same period.

Residency visa for family members

Foreigners who already have resident status may sponsor a similar status for their immediate family members. Sponsorship extends to spouses and children under 18 years of age. It also extends to dependent adult children. Spouses must be over 18.

Requirements for sponsorship

Additional conditions to the above requirements include:

The sponsor's minimum income must be sufficient to cover the expenses of all family members. The threshold is set by law: total income of at least the minimum wage, and at least one third of the minimum wage per family member. In 2026, the minimum wage is TL 28,075.50 net (TL 33,030 gross);
Documents for a family residence permit in Turkey must be submitted before the relatives' visa or visa-free period expires;
A foreign sponsor must have lived in Turkey with a residence permit for at least a year (this does not apply to work permit holders or spouses of Turkish citizens);
The housing must be suitable in size for the whole family, all family members need health insurance, and the sponsor must not have been convicted of crimes against the family in the last 5 years and must be registered at their address.

For parents, sponsorship is possible upon confirmation of their financial solvency. To clarify: the family residence permit does not cover parents. They apply for a short-term residence permit on their own grounds, for example based on property or a lease.

What documents are required?

Let's consider what documents are required for a family residence permit in Turkey:

Application form of the established sample;
Documents confirming the income of the sponsor (certificate of employment or bank statement);
TAPU or rental agreement, confirming the place of residence in the republic;
Certified proof of kinship (such as marriage certificates, birth certificates, etc.). Documents from abroad must be apostilled and translated by a sworn translator;
Passports of all family members and their copies;
Medical certificates for family members. Most often, this means health insurance for each family member; travel insurance is not accepted;
Biometric photographs;
Turkish identification number (obtained after registration).

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What else do I need to know?

It's crucial to maintain an impeccable reputation to obtain residency. Any conflicts with the law, even during a tourist trip, can be reasons for the refusal of a residence permit. Violating local rules and regulations automatically disqualifies the candidate, preventing them from obtaining residency. A refusal can also result from a marriage entered into solely for a residence permit: the migration authority has the right to check this.

"We most often advise families to obtain residence permits based on property: the buyer of an apartment worth USD 200,000 or more applies for themselves, their spouse and children at the same time. It is important to check in advance whether the neighbourhood is open to residence permits and to take out insurance for all family members," says a sales manager at Yekta Homes.

Who a family residence permit may not suit

Those who want to bring their parents. The family residence permit does not cover them; they need a separate residence permit.
Those whose sponsor has lived in Turkey for less than a year. The sponsor first needs to live in Turkey for a year with a residence permit, unless they hold a work permit.
Those whose income is below the threshold. Total income must be at least the minimum wage, and at least a third of it per family member.

Each of these situations is visible in advance. The solution is a residence permit based on property for the whole family at once, or separate grounds for parents.

Main issues related to family visas

What are the types of residency and types of residence permits in Turkey?

Turkey offers short-term, student, family and long-term residence permits, as well as residence permits for scientific research, humanitarian aid and victims of human trafficking.

How long is a family residence permit issued for?

It's usually valid for up to three years, but cannot exceed the duration of the sponsor's residence permit.

How long does processing take?

By law, a decision must be made within 90 days.

Can you get a residence permit in Turkey for family reunification?

Yes, it's issued for a period not exceeding three years and can be renewed.

Can a single parent apply for a residence permit for a child?

Yes, but married women will need the consent of their spouse and single mothers will require proof of guardianship. In general, the notarised consent of the other parent or a guardianship document is required.

Is Turkey's family residence permit renewable?

Yes, renewal is possible as long as the sponsor maintains a valid residence permit and meets the requirements at the time of renewal. Filing documents for children from previous marriages: Permissible, with the written consent of the biological parent.

Can you work with a family residence permit in Turkey?

Yes, but you need to obtain a separate work permit.

Is it possible to apply for a residence permit on my own?

Theoretically, yes, but without a full understanding of the process, there's a risk of errors that may delay the application. It's recommended that you seek professional help.

Legal assistance in document processing and property acquisition

The company's experts will advise you on any questions related to obtaining a residence permit in Turkey. It's easy to find suitable options for family living in the property catalogue and the purchase process can be conducted remotely. As of October 2026, prices in Yekta Homes complexes start from EUR 103,000 in those under construction and from EUR 139,000 in completed ones; for a residence permit based on property, an apartment in Turkey must be with a TAPU price of USD 200,000 or more.