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. For example, you can purchase a villa in Turkey valued at 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 USD400,000, allows you to apply for citizenship immediately.

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.

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.

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.

A resident visa, on the other hand, allows long-term residence with the right to work, study and access the healthcare system.

‘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.

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.

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.

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.

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. The requirements include:

An innovative or socially significant project;
An investment of at least USD 150,000 in the startup;
Confirmation of the business project assessment by Turkish authorities or accredited organisations.

Moving to Turkey

Immigration to Turkey through citizenship by real estate investment programme

Investor Visa

This programme provides investors with the opportunity to purchase property in Turkey worth USD200,000 or more and obtain residency for two years with subsequent extensions. The investor can also sponsor a spouse and children.

The main conditions of the programme include the following:

Houses or apartments in Turkey can be purchased with a mortgage, but at least 50% of the property's value or USD 200,000, must be paid at the time of application;
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.

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 amount is not officially set, but it’s roughly USD 1,500 per dependent;
A mandatory medical examination in accredited centres in Turkey for family members over 18 years of age;
Documents for a family residence permit in Turkey must be submitted within 90 days of the relatives' entry into the country.

For parents, sponsorship is possible upon confirmation of their financial solvency.

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.);
Passports of all family members and their copies;
Medical certificates for family members;
Biometric photographs;
Turkish identification number (obtained after registration).

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.

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 two years, but cannot exceed the duration of the sponsor's residence permit.
Can you get a residence permit in Turkey for family reunification? Yes, it’s issued for a period not exceeding two 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.
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.