Turkey is a favorite holiday destination for most tourists. Some foreign citizens can stay in Turkey for 60 days without a visa during a single trip, but there are several nuances.

1) at the time of entry, your passport must be valid for at least 120 days;

2) sometimes at border control, you may be asked to show insurance, return tickets or a tourist voucher;

3) upon arrival, you will receive a free entry stamp in your passport and an exit stamp when departing.

The stay in the country during any 180 days should not exceed 90 days.

What options are available to those who want more?

Obtaining a residence permit

If your plans do not involve limitations, and you want to live in the country for more than 60 days, obtaining a residence permit (ikamet) makes the most sense. You'll need to arrange this in advance.

Who can get a residence permit?

1. Property buyers with purchases worth at least $200,000 – up to 2 years with subsequent extension.
2. Students – for 1 year with the possibility of extension or for the entire study period.
3. Family members of Turkish citizens – up to 3 years.
4. Victims of human trafficking – issued for 30 days, can be extended. The total validity period does not exceed 3 years.

Other common grounds for obtaining a residence permit include conducting scientific research, engaging in entrepreneurial activities, pursuing employment, undertaking professional development, and receiving medical treatment.

* Previously, foreigners could obtain a short-term residence permit based on a rental agreement. However, this option has now been abolished.

If you do not plan to study or reunite with a Turkish family, the most optimal option is to purchase property. We'll explain below how to do this and what is required.

Residence permit through property purchase

Residence permits for property owners are short-term permits. They are valid for up to 2 years and can be easily extended through the migration administration's electronic service.

The advantages include:

1. If the property meets the program conditions, the ikamet will not be refused.
2. After 5 years of residence, you can apply for citizenship.
3. You are not dependent on third parties, such as landlords, educational institutions, etc.
4. If you don't want to apply for citizenship, after 8 years, you can obtain permanent residency, which doesn't need to be extended.

What are the conditions?

• Purchase of property worth at least $200,000.
• As of 1 July 2022, only properties purchased in one of the country's open districts are registered for residence permits. Foreign citizens can find the complete list of locations where registration has been suspended on the Migration Administration website.
• When applying for an ikamet, attach a valuation certificate.

What documents are needed?

You can apply for an ikamet online through the electronic registration system. This must be done while in Turkey.

You need to prepare a package of documents:

1. Application form.
2. Passport: original + notarized copy translated into Turkish.
3. Original + copy of property title deed (TAPU).
4. Valuation certificate (for properties acquired after 26 April 2022).
5. 4 photos – to avoid parameter mistakes, take photos in a Turkish photo studio.
6. Insurance (Sigorta), the period of which corresponds to the duration of the residence permit.
7. Turkish Tax ID Number.
8. Criminal record certificate.

The residence permit application asks you to indicate your income. A bank statement may be required to confirm this, so it's better to prepare one in advance.

* The applicant must submit additional documents within 30 days.