Moving to Turkey by purchasing property

Many foreigners consider relocating and pick Turkey as their new country of residence. Read our article to discover why foreign nationals prefer to purchase property in Turkey and learn about the process of relocating to this country. In 2025, foreigners bought 21,534 homes in Turkey (TÜİK). The main condition for a property-based residence permit in 2026 is a home worth from USD 200,000 at the transaction price in the TAPU.

Property purchase and moving to Turkey: reasons

The Republic of Turkey attracts foreign citizens with its excellent seaside location, mild climate, and comfortable living conditions. The following reasons make the country one of the leaders in property sales to foreigners:

high quality of construction;
loyalty to foreign investors from the Turkish government;
comfortable programs for obtaining residence permits and citizenship by purchasing property;
the relative simplicity of the purchase procedure and much more.

Turkey has created all the conditions to stimulate and increase foreign investment.

Obtaining a residence permit and citizenship when moving abroad

If you plan to move permanently to another country, you must consider how to reside there legally. We have gathered the general steps of relocating to Turkey in a separate guide. For this, you must have either a residence permit or citizenship. In Turkey, the most common route for apartment buyers is a residence permit through property. In many countries, a foreign citizen can reside on a visa, which typically lasts up to 90 days within a six-month period. In Turkey, citizens of most European countries, the UK and the USA can stay visa-free for up to 90 days. If your goal is temporary residence, then this option is acceptable. But if you don't want to be tied to such a short period, you must obtain a residence permit. A residence permit is granted when purchasing property in Turkey. If you purchase housing, such as apartments in a completed residential complex, you can apply for a residence permit in this country. This is another reason why many foreigners choose Turkey as a country for permanent relocation.

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Buy property and get a residence permit: conditions

Obtaining a residence permit implies meeting certain conditions. In Turkey, the following requirements are imposed on candidates:

No criminal record;
No serious infectious diseases;
Having medical insurance;
Financial solvency;
Having a place to live.

If the candidate meets these requirements, they can collect and prepare documents. To obtain a residence permit in Turkey, you need:

Application, which can be submitted electronically on the migration service website (the e-ikamet system) before your visa-free period ends;
Passport valid for at least 60 days after the expiry of the ikamet (residence permit) – original and copy;
Biometric photos on a white background, color, full face, strictly in the center – 4 pcs.;
Confirmation of the basis for issuing the ikamet;
Documents confirming the applicant's solvency;
Documents of property ownership (the TAPU showing the purchase price);
Medical insurance policy;
Receipt of payment of the state fee (the card costs TL 964 in 2026; the fee depends on citizenship).

A decision on the application is made within 90 days.

Collecting the documents is manageable, but it takes some knowledge of the local requirements. Therefore, the help of experienced specialists will be helpful when completing it. For example, when purchasing housing from the developer Yekta Homes, you will receive complimentary transaction support and professional assistance in resolving issues related to obtaining a residence permit.

Purchasing a home and obtaining a residence permit in Turkey

A significant advantage of the Republic of Turkey is its loyal investment amount. You can apply for a residence permit when purchasing a home for a minimum of $200,000. Since October 16, 2023, this threshold has been the same for all cities in the country: the TAPU must show a price of at least USD 200,000 at the Central Bank of Turkey rate on the purchase date. The property must be a home (konut); land, a shop or an office will not qualify.

The neighbourhood matters more than the city. Neighbourhoods closed to residence permits for foreigners exist in 63 provinces, including Istanbul and Ankara. 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, but there is no official register, so it is best to check the status of the address with a sales manager before booking.

This type of residence permit allows you to live in the country. An additional permit is required for work. The residence permit is extended after its expiry. After 5 years of continuous residence with a residence permit, you can apply for citizenship under the general procedure (Law No. 5901), and after 8 years of continuous residence, you can apply for a long-term (indefinite) residence permit. Years spent on a tourist residence permit do not count towards citizenship in every case, so it is best to check this in advance. There is also an easier way to do this.

Investing in Turkish property and obtaining citizenship

You can obtain Turkish citizenship by investing a minimum of $400,000 in real estate. This threshold has been in force since June 2022. The property cannot be sold for three years, payment is made by bank transfer with currency sold through a Turkish bank, and since 2024 the applicant and spouse need a criminal record certificate. The process usually takes 6–8 months, or up to a year when the authorities are busy. There are other ways to obtain citizenship:

open a deposit in a Turkish bank for an amount of at least $500,000 for at least 3 years;
invest from $500,000 in securities for at least 3 years;
create your own company with an authorized capital of at least $500,000 or invest the same amount in a Turkish company;
create 50 jobs for Turkish citizens.

For most foreign investors, purchasing a home is the most convenient and promising way to invest and obtain citizenship.

Goal	Threshold	Approx. EUR (October 2026)	Main condition
Property-based residence permit	USD 200,000	178,000	TAPU price, a home, an open neighbourhood
Citizenship through property	USD 400,000	356,000	No sale for 3 years, payment through a bank

Converted at the Central Bank of Turkey rates on October 6, 2026 (USD 1 = TL 49.18, EUR 1 = TL 55.19). For a residence permit, the rate on the purchase date counts, so it is better to leave a margin in the price.

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We'll help you buy property and move to Turkey

If you plan to move to the Republic of Turkey permanently, you will certainly need the support of local market professionals. Yekta Homes specialists will help you choose and purchase a property in Turkey, providing professional support in resolving issues such as obtaining a residence permit and citizenship. For example, apartments in the completed Yekta Kingdom Premium complex in Mahmutlar meet the residence permit threshold, with prices from EUR 190,000 according to the October 2026 catalogue. We will select the best housing and investment options for you to effectively and quickly solve your problems. Contact us at +90 533 782 0000.

"For buyers relocating with a property-based residence permit, we advise checking two things before booking: whether the neighbourhood is open for residence permits and what price will be stated in the TAPU. If an apartment costs close to USD 200,000, the exchange rate on the day of the deal can spoil everything," says a sales manager at Yekta Homes.

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Who moving through a property purchase may not suit

Those with a budget below USD 200,000. Such an apartment will not qualify for a residence permit, so another route is needed, such as renting with a tourist residence permit, which is not granted to everyone.
Those who plan to work in Turkey. A property-based residence permit does not give the right to work; a separate permit is required.
Those who have chosen an apartment in a closed neighbourhood. You can buy it, but a residence permit will not be issued at that address.
Those who plan to resell the property in the first years but want citizenship. With citizenship by investment, the apartment cannot be sold for three years.

Each of these situations is visible in advance. The budget, neighbourhood and goals are checked before booking, and then the move goes without surprises.

Frequently asked questions

How much do you need for a residence permit when buying property in Turkey?

From USD 200,000 at the TAPU price, at the Central Bank of Turkey rate on the purchase date. The property must be a home.

Can you get a residence permit for an apartment in any area?

No. 63 provinces have neighbourhoods closed to residence permits for foreigners. The status of the address is checked before the deal.

How much does Turkish citizenship through property cost?

A purchase of USD 400,000 or more with an obligation not to sell the property for three years.

Does a property-based residence permit give the right to work?

No, you need a separate work permit.