Residence Permits in Türkiye
Written by: Editorial team
Summary
- Foreigners staying longer than their visa or visa exemption allows need a residence permit (ikamet izni).
- The law provides six types of residence permit; the most common are short-term, family, student and long-term permits.
- A short-term permit is generally issued for up to 2 years at a time (up to 5 years for investors and TRNC citizens) and a family permit for up to 3 years; a long-term permit has no expiry.
- Apply for renewal within the last 60 days before your permit expires, and always before it expires.
- A residence permit does not by itself allow you to work.
A residence permit (ikamet izni) is issued by the provincial migration directorates to foreign nationals who will stay in Türkiye longer than their visa or visa exemption allows (Law No. 6458, art. 19). Which permit you need depends on why you are staying.
Types of residence permit
| Type | For whom | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Short-term (kısa dönem) | Tourism, home ownership, business contacts or setting up a business, medical treatment, education and the other purposes listed in the law | Up to 2 yearsSource: Law No. 6458 on Foreigners and International Protection (YUKK), art. 31/2, as amended by Law No. 6735 at a time; up to 5 yearsSource: Law No. 6458 on Foreigners and International Protection (YUKK), art. 31/5, added by Law No. 6735 for investors and TRNC citizens |
| Family (aile) | The foreign spouse and minor or dependent children of Turkish citizens, foreigners holding a residence permit, Mavi Kart holders, and refugees or holders of subsidiary protection status (Law No. 6458, art. 34/1) | Up to 3 yearsSource: Law No. 6458 on Foreigners and International Protection (YUKK), art. 34/1, as amended by Law No. 6735 at a time |
| Student (öğrenci) | Foreigners enrolled in higher education in Türkiye | Linked to the study period |
| Long-term (uzun dönem) | Foreigners with at least 8 yearsSource: Law No. 6458 on Foreigners and International Protection (YUKK), arts. 42/1 and 43/1-a of uninterrupted residence on a permit | No expiry |
The Implementing Regulation still sets the shorter terms that applied before the Law was amended (Regulation art. 27/1). The Law prevails, and the administration decides the term of each permit.
Humanitarian residence permits and permits for victims of human trafficking cover special situations (Law No. 6458, art. 30).
How to apply
- First-time, renewal and transfer applications are made through e-İkamet. On the appointment day you attend the provincial migration directorate of the province where you will live, with your documents.
- If you apply from inside Türkiye, apply before your legal stay ends.
- Your passport must remain valid for at least sixty days longer than the permit you request (Law No. 6458, art. 21/2).
- The residence permit fee and the card fee are paid before the appointment. The card fee is TRY 964.00 (2026)Source: General Communiqué No. 97 of the General Directorate of Public Accounts (Muhasebat Genel Müdürlüğü Genel Tebliği Sıra No 97), Official Gazette 24.12.2025/33117; the permit fee depends on your nationality and is calculated in e-İkamet.
Working in Türkiye
A residence permit does not by itself allow you to work. You need a work permit or a work permit exemption. A valid work permit also counts as a residence permit while it is valid (Law No. 6735, art. 12).
Some neighbourhoods and districts may be closed to new registrations of foreign residents; check e-İkamet or the YİMER 157 helpline before you apply.
In this section
Long-Term Residence Permit
Long-term residence permit in Türkiye (uzun dönem ikamet izni) - how the uninterrupted stay is counted, income and insurance conditions, rights and loss.
Frequently asked questions
Can I apply for a residence permit from abroad?
No. Although the law names consulates as the general rule, applications go to the provincial migration directorates until consulates start accepting them, and the migration authority states that applications from abroad are not accepted.
Who can file the application?
As a rule the foreign national applies in person. The application can also be made through a statutory representative (e.g. a parent or guardian) or a lawyer holding a power of attorney, and the authority may still ask the applicant to attend. Application files can also be submitted through notary offices.
Sources
- Law No. 6458 on Foreigners and International Protection (Turkish) — YUKK art. 19, 21, 24, 30
- Presidency of Migration Management — Types of residence permits (Turkish)
- Presidency of Migration Management — Residence permit FAQ (Turkish)
- General Communiqué No. 97 of the General Directorate of Public Accounts (Muhasebat Genel Müdürlüğü Genel Tebliği Sıra No 97), Official Gazette 24.12.2025/33117
General information only; this is not legal advice. Decisions on your application rest solely with the competent authority; confirm current requirements with the relevant authority before applying.
The e-İkamet application and appointment are free; the residence permit fee (unless you are exempt) and the card fee are paid separately before the appointment.
We have no official affiliation with the Presidency of Migration Management, the General Directorate of Population and Citizenship Affairs (NVİ) or the Ministry of Labour and Social Security (ÇSGB).
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