Guide to Obtaining a Residence Permit in Turkey from A to Z
How to Obtain a Residence Permit in Turkey and the Application Process
A residence permit, which allows a foreign citizen to live permanently in Turkey, is granted by the General Directorate of Migration Management under certain conditions.
Residence permit applications are made by foreigners residing in Turkey through the goc.gov.tr website and migration directorates.
Required Documents for Residence Permit Application
The following documents are generally required for a residence permit application:
- Passport or a valid substitute for a passport
- Four biometric photographs
- Address information in Turkey
- Valid health insurance
- Proof of payment for residence permit fee and card
Conditions for Obtaining a Residence Permit in Turkey
To obtain a residence permit, you need to meet certain conditions. These conditions include:
- Having a valid address in Turkey
- Having health insurance coverage
- Having sufficient financial means
Financial Requirement for Residence Permit
To obtain a residence permit in Turkey, the applicant must have sufficient financial means to support themselves. This usually involves having a monthly income or a sufficient amount of savings in a bank account. Generally, having $3,000 or $5,000 in the bank is sufficient.

Residence Permit Process
The residence permit process is usually completed within 90 days after the application is submitted. However, this timeframe may vary depending on the status of the application and the individual’s circumstances.
If there are missing documents, the migration directorate will provide a deadline to complete the missing documents.
How to Extend a Residence Permit? What are the Requirements for Extending a Residence Permit?
When asked how to extend a residence permit, we generally respond by asking why the person wants to extend their residence permit. The reason for extending the residence permit should be reasonable and valid.
When the residence permit expires, the permit holder must make a new application. It is recommended to apply about 60 days before the expiration of the permit.
Can Residence Permit Application be Made by Proxy?
In theory, a residence permit application can be made by proxy through a lawyer. However, due to the state’s sovereignty in terms of public order and public security, the migration directorate may require the person to be present.
Since the foreigner’s fingerprints need to be taken, it is beneficial for the foreigner to be present in Turkey.

How to Make an Appointment for Residence Permit?
An appointment for a residence permit can be made through the official website of the General Directorate of Migration Management. The appointment can be obtained by entering the applicant’s personal information and the type of application into the system.
Residence Permit Fees in Turkey
Residence permit fees vary depending on the type and duration of the permit. It is recommended to visit the official website of the General Directorate of Migration Management for up-to-date information.
The fees differ for each country, and the list can be quite complex. It is advisable to seek consultancy from an expert.
Where to Apply for Residence Permit Application?
To apply for a residence permit in Turkey, you need to apply to the migration directorates.
Where to Obtain a Residence Permit in Turkey?
After your application is approved, the residence permit will be sent to the address you provided in Turkey by mail.
Is Turkish Language Knowledge Required to Obtain a Residence Permit?
Knowing Turkish is not mandatory to obtain a residence permit. However, if you plan to live in Turkey, learning Turkish can be a significant advantage.
What Rights Do Foreigners with Residence Permits in Turkey Have?
Foreigners with residence permits have certain basic rights, similar to all foreign citizens living in Turkey. These rights include the right to conduct transactions, access education, and social services.
With a residence permit, you can freely travel and stay in Turkey.
What to Do If Your Residence Permit is Cancelled?
If your residence permit is cancelled and you wish
to continue staying in Turkey, you can contact the General Directorate of Migration Management to evaluate your situation.
Is a Residence Permit Required to Obtain a Work Permit in Turkey?
Generally, having a residence permit is a prerequisite for obtaining a work permit in Turkey. However, this requirement may vary in certain exceptional cases.
Is Health Insurance Mandatory to Obtain a Residence Permit?
Yes, you need to have valid health insurance to obtain a residence permit in Turkey.
What is Foreign Health Insurance?
Is There an Age Limit to Obtain a Residence Permit in Turkey?
Generally, you need to be at least 18 years old to obtain a residence permit in Turkey. However, children under this age can also obtain a residence permit with parental consent and accompaniment.
What Should You Do When Your Residence Permit Expires? What Should I Do When My Residence Permit Expires?
If your residence permit expires and you wish to stay in Turkey, you need to extend your residence permit before it expires. You will need to reorganize the necessary documents and make a new application, waiting for the evaluation result.
How to Obtain a Student Residence Permit in Turkey?
To obtain a student residence permit in Turkey, you need to apply to the General Directorate of Migration Management with an acceptance letter from the school you have been accepted to and other required documents. The application procedure varies depending on whether it is for university, high school, primary school, or under Turkish citizenship protection. Please contact us for the application process.
Points to Consider in Residence Permit Application
The most important points to consider in a residence permit application are that all documents are correct and complete, and the application is submitted within the specified timeframe. To avoid any issues during the application process, it is crucial to fill out the application form correctly and ensure that the documents are complete and valid.
Application:
- Purpose of visit
- Reason for stay
- Type of passport
- Marital status
- Family unity
- Employment status
An incorrect application may result in rejection. You can seek consultancy from our team of expert lawyers for your residence permit application.
Don’t Apply for a Residence Permit Yourself
HOSEIN’s STORY
HOSEIN applied for a residence permit based on the information he read online. He had come to Turkey from Iran with his passport due to regime pressure. When he was trying to book an appointment through the migration directorate’s website as his passport expiration date approached, his application was rejected by the General Directorate of Migration Management because he entered his passport information and the reason for his stay incorrectly.
HOSEIN approached us, and we prepared his documents from scratch and corrected the errors. Thanks to our application, HOSEIN obtained a residence permit.
If you are planning to obtain a residence permit in Turkey, it is important to consider the information provided in this guide. To take advantage of the opportunities Turkey offers, we advise you to be meticulous and careful throughout this process. Do not hesitate to seek consultancy.
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