Resident Permit
We have important news for potential immigrants: new amendments to Immigration Law No. 6458, Article No.: 31-1 (e), entered into force in Turkey. New restrictions were set on areas where you can get a residence permit, and the amount of investment in property has been reconsidered. These changes mean that:
- You cannot renew a tourist residence permit on the same grounds (rest), which does not apply to the countries of the European Union, Russia, China, and Slovenia.
- The minimum amount of investments in residential and commercial real estate under the Turkish Golden Visa program is USD 400,000.
- You can get a residence permit if you buy real estate that costs USD 50,000 or more (in sparsely populated areas) or USD 75,000 or more (in large cities).
- Starting on July 1, 2022, you cannot get a residence permit in 1169 Turkish areas as they receive the status of closed territories densely populated with foreigners that account for 20% and more of the total number of residents.
The new rules apply to short-term, long-term, and any other kinds of residence permit, which should be taken into account if you choose Turkey as a destination for temporary or permanent residence.
What Kind of Resident Permit a Foreign National Can Get in 2022
The Turkish law entitles foreign guests to legally stay in the country on the basis of one of the following permits:
- Short-term residence permit
- Humanitarian residence permit for up to 1 year
- Residence permit for the purchase of real estate, including Turkish citizenship for a real estate object worth USD 400,000 or more
- Ä°kamet for business, for investment or incorporation of a company in Turkey by a foreign individual
- Touristic residence permit
- Family residence permit valid for up to 2 years
- Student residence permit for the younger generation issued for the period of study in Turkey
- List ILong-term residence permit – valid for an indefinite term provided the holder meets a number of requirementstem
- Residence permit for victims of human trafficking
The government of the jurisdiction will give you an opportunity to choose any type of Ä°kamet if you provide a strong argument why you need it: for a business visit, medical care, scientific research, or to meet judicial requirement
Short-Term Residence Permit in Turkey in 2022
What requirements do you need to meet to receive a residence permit in Turkey valid for up to 2 years? There are several options here, and each of them has to be discussed separately.
Requirements for the applicant who wants to obtain a short-term residence permit in Turkey in 2022:
- Age – 18 years and more
- A valid medical insurance (persons over 65 years of age and citizens under 18 years of age do not need any health coverage)
Documents required to get a residence permit:
- A lease agreement in Turkey or Tapu (title of real estate) signed and stamped by a notary public
- A document confirming the financial stability of the applicant and his family members (bank statement to confirm availability of at least $500 on the account per 1 month of stay)
- Original and notarized copy of the passport
- 4 photographs for each applicant (on a white background, in the format set for biometric data)
- Also, a foreign citizen fills out a resident’s form, and in the case of an application submitted for a spouse and children – provides a sworn translation of the birth certificate (for a minor child) and a marriage certificate. In some cases, an apostille or Consulate seal is required.
If you arrive in Turkey for a business visit, you may need documents on company registration, bank accounts, investment fees, etc. The list of mandatory requirements may differ depending on the type of permit.
Residence Permits in Turkey: New Conditions to be Met by Foreigners in 2022
The following items in the Turkish immigration program have been amended, and they refer not only to residence permits but also to citizenship:
- The minimum amount of investment in real estate in Turkey which gives the right to citizenship is 400,000 US dollars.
- The minimum amount of investment in Turkish real estate to acquire a residence permit varies as follows in 2022:
- From USD 75,000 in any of the 30 major cities (including the most popular ones, such as Izmir, Istanbul, or Ankara)
- From USD 50,000 in sparsely populated cities (51 in total) or municipalities in Turkey
- The Turkish Ministry of the Interior published a list of closed areas where the number of foreigners exceeds 20%. Since July 1, 2022, the list of such provinces and municipalities includes 1,169 areas where foreigners CANNOT get a residence permit for buying real estate at any rate. These include:
- 53 districts in Istanbul
- 75 districts in Adana
- 23 districts of Ankara
- 62 in Mersin
The new rules do not apply to foreigners who managed to get a primary residence permit in these areas before the restrictions were imposed and/or extend it on the same grounds without changing their place of residence.
If the primary residence permit was obtained on the condition of buying real estate in another area and the application for extension was received after moving to a closed area, the foreigner will be turned down, and other grounds for residence permit renewal will have to be provided.
How to Obtain and Renew a Touristic Residence Permit in 2022?
A touristic residence permit does not give the right to work in Turkey, but allows you to stay in the jurisdiction for up to 2 years. You can apply for a touristic residence permit in Turkey in person or through a proxy by submitting the relevant document to the Consulate and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Note: in 2022, you can get a touristic residence permit on the same terms by buying a facility at a price of $75,000 (or $50,000 in small cities). However, the period of stay on the basis of a touristic residence permit in Turkey is not included in the naturalization period (which gives the right to citizenship). According to a general rule, the naturalization period lasts for 5 years, following which the foreigner can apply for a Turkish passport.
Residence Permit for Investments and Real Estate in Turkey
One of the most common residence permits in Turkey is granted for the purchase of real estate for commercial or residential purposes. Making such investments gives a foreign citizen an opportunity not only to obtain a residence permit but also to become a Turkish resident. In this case, the terms and conditions depend entirely on the cost of the apartment.
For example, if you invest in a villa in Antalya, you can count on obtainingTurkish citizenship with a minimum package of documents. However, if you purchase nothing less than a boutique hotel, you can move to Turkey with the whole family (with family members becoming subjects of the jurisdiction) and start a hotel business. Sounds good, doesn’t it?
Here are the requirements you will have to meet to qualify for a residence permit by investment in Turkey:
- Invest in trusts, government bonds, and the country’s economy at least $500,000 for a minimum period of 3 years
- Purchase residential/non-residential real estate or land at an estimated value of $400,000 or more, which is evidenced by an extract from the register. You will have to observe the 3-year time limit on the sale and disposal of this property
- Set up a company in any city in Turkey and create at least 50 jobs for local professionals with full social security for 3 years (minimum)
If a foreign citizen has fulfilled at least one condition, he/she can safely apply to the Consulate for a residence permit or citizenship. The only mandatory condition is the documentary evidence of investments:
- Tapu (right of ownership)
- A document from the Ministry of Finance to certify investments from 500,000 dollars
- A document from the Ministry of Labor and Social Security to certify that you have created the required number of jobs