What Should Those Who Want to Stay in Turkey for More Than 60 Days Do?

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. We have explained the visa-free stay limit for citizens of different countries separately: for most European countries, the UK and the USA, it is up to 90 days.

1) at the time of entry, your passport must be valid for at least 120 days (the general rule is at least 60 days beyond the length of stay);

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. A short trip abroad does not reset this limit.

What options are available to those who want more?

Contents:

• Obtaining a residence permit
• Residence permit through property purchase
• What this means for property owners
• Who a property-based residence permit may not suit
• Frequently asked questions

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. People usually apply for a short-term residence permit: the application is submitted via the e-ikamet system before the visa-free period ends, and a decision is made within 90 days.

Who can get a residence permit?

• Property buyers with purchases worth at least $200,000 at the TAPU price – up to 2 years with subsequent extension.
• Students – for 1 year with the possibility of extension or for the entire study period.
• Family members of Turkish citizens – up to 3 years.
• 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.

* A tourist residence permit based on a rental agreement has not formally been abolished, but a first permit of this kind is not granted to everyone, is usually issued for up to a year, and is harder to extend.

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. A renewal application is submitted within 60 days before expiry, and always before the permit runs out.

The advantages include:

1. If the property meets the program conditions, the ikamet will usually not be refused, although the final decision rests with the migration service.

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. Since October 16, 2023, the threshold has been the same for all cities, and the value is based on the transaction price in the TAPU at the Central Bank of Turkey rate on the purchase date. The property must be designated as a home (konut).
• 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. Closed neighbourhoods exist in 63 provinces. In Alanya, according to a briefing by the Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ALTSO) in June 2026, applications are again accepted in Mahmutlar, Kestel, Avsallar and Kargıcak; it is best to check the status of the address with a sales manager before booking.
• A valuation certificate is required only for properties bought between April 26, 2022 and October 15, 2023. For later purchases, a valuation is not accepted for a residence permit: the TAPU price counts.

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:

• Application form.
• Passport: original + notarized copy translated into Turkish.
• Original + copy of property title deed (TAPU).
• Valuation certificate (for properties acquired between April 26, 2022 and October 15, 2023).
• 4 photos – to avoid parameter mistakes, take photos in a Turkish photo studio.
• Insurance (Sigorta), the period of which corresponds to the duration of the residence permit. Travel insurance is not accepted for a residence permit; you need a health insurance policy for foreigners.
• Turkish Tax ID Number.
• Criminal record certificate (it is not requested in every case, so it is best to check the list when booking an appointment).

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. The residence permit card costs TL 964 in 2026, and the fee depends on citizenship.

What this means for property owners

If you have bought an apartment and want to spend more than the visa-free period in Turkey, a property-based residence permit solves the question of timing. But it also brings regular costs that are worth planning for in advance:

"For owners who spend half the year by the sea, we advise applying for a residence permit right after the deal, while the visa-free period is still running. Then there is no need to count days or leave the country, and insurance and aidat can easily be included in the annual budget," says a sales manager at Yekta Homes.

Apartments in Yekta Homes complexes under construction start from EUR 103,000, and in completed ones from EUR 139,000. Apartments in the completed Yekta Kingdom Premium in Mahmutlar, for example, meet the residence permit threshold, with prices from EUR 190,000 according to the October 2026 catalogue.

Who a property-based residence permit may not suit

• Those who come for 2–3 weeks several times a year. The visa-free period is usually enough, so a residence permit is not needed.
• Those whose apartment has a TAPU price below USD 200,000. Such a purchase will not qualify for a residence permit.
• Those who want to work. A property-based residence permit does not give the right to work; a separate permit is required.

Each of these situations is visible in advance. The solution is to count your days, check the TAPU price and neighbourhood before booking, or obtain a work permit.

Frequently asked questions

Can you stay in Turkey longer than the visa-free period without a residence permit?

No. Once the visa-free period ends, you need a residence permit or another legal basis to stay.

Which residence permit is easiest for an apartment owner to get?

A short-term property-based permit for up to 2 years, if the TAPU price is USD 200,000 or more and the neighbourhood is open to residence permits.

Do you need insurance for a residence permit?

Yes, health insurance for the entire permit period. Travel insurance is not accepted.

After how many years can you get a long-term residence permit?

After 8 years of continuous residence with a residence permit.