Turkish residence permits
On this page you will find information about applying for a residence permit for Turkey.
To request a Turkish residence permit
If you want to stay in Turkey for a period more than 90 days you must apply for a longer stay visa before you travel or get a residence permit before your 90 days stay is over.
If you request a work visa, student visa or residence permit for Turkey you need to do that within 30 days of your arrival in Turkey. The Turkish name for a residence permit is " ikamet tezkeresi ". It’s Important to know that if you're married with someone who has the Turkish nationality you are qualified for a residence permit. A residence permit has validity between one and five years.
You can get a residence permit from the local authorities. Look for the nearest headquarter of police where you can request a residence permit. If you want to apply for a work visa then you must go to the main office of your company. The Turkish authorities will communicate with your office to ask questions. They need the answers for the process for obtaining a work visa. More information is available from the Turkish Ministry of the Interior.
Do not forget to bring the following documents if you are going to apply a Turkish residence permit:
Your passport that’s valid for at least 6 months, your passport photo’s, your work permit, your employment papers, your bank statements to proof that you can maintain yourself financially and if you’re a student your letter from your training institute.
You will be charged for requesting your residence permit.
Renewing your residence permit?
If you are planning to renew your residence permit please do not forget to have your current residency with you when you visit the ' Department for Foreigners '. On arrival the authorities will explain which forms and documents are mandatory. Please note that the process may take a while. After you have gone through the ‘ official mill ‘ you will have to come back the day after to get your new permit.
Long term residence permit in Turkey
If you are married to someone of Turkish origin you can get a residence permit. It does not matter what kind of visa you currently hold. When applying for a residence permit for longer term you have to submit a certificate of fidelity. Then you have the right to a residence permit. If you get divorced during these years then there is a chance that your residence permit is declared invalid. When you are applying for your residence permit you need to speak the truth. Don’t try to put the Turkish Government a heel because this can lead to severe penalties.