What Documents Are Required to Apply for a Residence Permit in Turkey

Purchasing real estate in Turkey is a prerequisite for obtaining a residence permit in this country, and it is entirely up to you whether to exercise this right or not. You do not have to apply right after the purchase: you can apply at any time while you own the apartment. But if you plan to stay in Turkey longer than your visa-free period, the application must be submitted before it ends. We have explained the whole process of moving to Turkey by buying property separately.

Contents:

• How to obtain a residence permit in Turkey when purchasing property?
• Obtaining citizenship for investors
• Who a property-based residence permit may not suit
• Frequently asked questions

How to obtain a residence permit in Turkey when purchasing property?

The main condition in 2026 is a TAPU price of at least USD 200,000 at the Central Bank of Turkey rate on the purchase date (since October 16, 2023, this threshold has been the same for all cities). The property must be designated as a home (konut) and located in a neighbourhood open to residence permits for foreigners.

Under the Law on Foreigners and International Protection (No. 6458), in force since April 2014, foreigners of any citizenship who wish to obtain a property-based residence permit submit the following documents to the Migration Service:

• residence permit application form;
• 4 photos (biometric, on a white background);
• passport (original and copy) with a validity period exceeding the requested residence permit by at least 60 days;
• TAPU (copy);
• document from the cadastral office confirming your ownership of real estate in Turkey;
• health insurance;
• receipt of payment for the card and state duty (the card costs TL 964 in 2026; the duty depends on citizenship);
• Turkish tax identification number;
• criminal record certificate (it is not requested in every case, so it is best to check the list when booking an appointment).

We have explained the residence permit application process for all grounds in detail in a separate article.

The application can be submitted online. However, original documents for the residence permit must be submitted to the Migration Service office in Turkey. The online application is completed in the e-ikamet system, after which an appointment date is set.

Application processing takes up to 90 days. A residence permit is typically issued for a period ranging from 6 months to 2 years. After this period, it must be renewed by applying through the electronic system. A renewal application is submitted within 60 days before expiry, and always before the residence permit runs out.

Closed neighbourhoods. Neighbourhoods where residence permits are not issued to foreigners exist in 63 Turkish 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. There is no official register, so it is best to check the status of the address with a sales manager before booking.

Obtaining citizenship for investors

Under the new rules, foreign citizens can obtain not just a residence permit but Turkish citizenship without years of residence in the country. To do this, one must fulfil one of the following conditions:

• purchase Turkish property worth at least $400,000;
• invest at least $500,000 in production within the country;
• deposit at least $500,000 in a local bank for at least 3 years;
• create at least 50 jobs.

Now, purchasing property worth at least $400,000 provides the right to apply for citizenship through investment; the Turkish passport is issued after the application has been reviewed. The USD 400,000 threshold has been in force since June 2022. The property cannot be sold for three years, payment is made by bank transfer through a Turkish bank, and the application review usually takes 6–8 months, or up to a year when the authorities are busy. If you are interested in this opportunity, please do not hesitate to contact us. We will help you select a suitable property, purchase it at an advantageous rate, and arrange for a residence permit or citizenship in Turkey. Please apply through our website or contact us at +90 533 782 0000.

"Documents for a residence permit are collected quickly; buyers wait longest for the TAPU and health insurance. We advise taking out insurance right after the deal and not putting off the application: if the visa-free period ends first, you will no longer be able to apply from within Turkey," says a sales manager at Yekta Homes.

Who a property-based residence permit may not suit

• Those who come to Turkey only on holiday. The visa-free period is usually enough, so you do not need a residence permit.
• Those whose TAPU price is below USD 200,000. Such an apartment will not qualify for a residence permit.
• Those who bought an apartment in a closed neighbourhood. Ownership will be registered, but a residence permit will not be issued at that address.
• Those who plan 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 price, neighbourhood and goals are checked before booking, and for work you obtain a work permit, which itself replaces a residence permit.

Frequently asked questions

Do you need to apply for a residence permit right after buying an apartment in Turkey?

No, it is your right, not an obligation. But if you stay in the country longer than the visa-free period, you must apply before it ends.

What documents are needed for a property-based residence permit?

An application form, 4 photos, a passport, a copy of the TAPU, a document from the land registry, health insurance, receipts for the card and duty, and a Turkish tax number.

How long does it take to review a residence permit application?

Up to 90 days. A residence permit is issued for 6 months to 2 years.

Does buying property for USD 400,000 give you a Turkish passport right away?

It gives you the right to apply for citizenship. The review usually takes 6–8 months, and the property cannot be sold for three years.