Weekly Q&A Section No. 7

1. What is required to obtain a residence permit? How much time and money will it take?

When you own property, obtaining a residence permit is quite straightforward. What do you need for this?

• Tax identification number.
• Property ownership certificate (TAPU).
• Medical insurance, the cost of which depends on the insurance coverage. Prices start from 700 lira per person.
• State duty for issuing the residence permit card from TRY 565 ($15) and for application processing ($5$25 for the first month and $0.5$5 for each subsequent month). The amount may vary depending on the citizenship of the applicant.

2. Are there any changes in residence permit procedures in 2025?

As of early 2025, no new regulations have been recorded. Citizens of other countries are prohibited from extending residence permits based on rental agreements (in 2025, this is only available for Ukraine).

3. Can I obtain a residence permit (İkamet Tezkeresi) in Turkey when purchasing a flat?

Yes, when purchasing property worth at least $200,000 in Turkey, a foreign citizen has the right to obtain a residence permit. The TAPU property ownership certificate is provided as confirmation of the basis for issuing the residence permit.

4. Will I receive Turkish citizenship if I buy property?

Yes, when purchasing Turkish property worth at least $400,000, a foreign citizen is eligible to apply for Turkish citizenship. Buying Turkish property is a straightforward way for citizens of Russia, Ukraine, Belarus and other countries to obtain a Turkish passport. The relevant provision is enshrined in the latest version of the "Turkish Citizenship Act."

5. Once I have a residence permit, can I work officially?

No, a residence permit in Turkey obtained through property purchase does not grant the right to work in the country. For this, you need to obtain a work permit.

6. How and where can a Russian citizen extend their residence permit in Turkey?

They can extend a residence permit independently by submitting an application to the Migration Service no later than 60 days before its expiry. Specialized agencies also handle residence permit extensions in Turkey for Russian citizens.

7. How many days per year can one stay outside Turkey to be eligible for Turkish citizenship?

To qualify for Turkish citizenship, you are permitted to stay outside Turkey for no more than 365 days within a 5-year period and no more than 180 days within a 1-year period.

8. My son is buying a flat in Turkey. Can his retired parents obtain a residence permit?

Yes, retired parents have the right to obtain a residence permit in Turkey when their children purchase property worth at least $200,000.