Turkey is more than just a popular tourist destination; it’s a vibrant hub offering a unique blend of East and West, rich history, and exciting investment opportunities. For many, it’s the perfect place to start a new chapter or secure a valuable second residency. Whether you’re seeking an affordable second home, promising investments, or a potential fast-track to citizenship, Turkey offers compelling advantages.

While bureaucracy and economic fluctuations can present challenges, the benefits of Turkish residency often outweigh them for the right individuals. So, is Turkish residency right for you? Let’s explore.

Turkey at a Glance

With a population of over 85 million, Turkey is a significant market positioned strategically between Europe and Asia. It boasts a beautiful Mediterranean climate in the summer, though winters can be more severe than other Mediterranean locales due to its mountainous terrain. The economy is a dynamic mix of state and private enterprise, evolving from agriculture to a strong focus on industry and services.

Benefits of Turkish Residency

Turkey offers an attractive environment for entrepreneurs and investors. It’s particularly appealing if you’re looking to invest in real estate or establish a new company. Beyond business, obtaining a residence permit can be a crucial step towards long-term plans, including potential Turkish citizenship.

Understanding Turkish Citizenship

Turkey’s Citizenship by Investment (CBI) program is an option, though the minimum investment has increased to US$400,000 (from US$250,000). While Turkey’s real estate market can offer solid returns, and a Turkish passport grants visa-free travel to most of South America, it’s considered a niche CBI program compared to more established options.

Another CBI option involves depositing US$500,000 worth of Turkish Lira in a Turkish bank for three years. However, the Foreign Exchange Protection Scheme (KKM) connection, which helped mitigate currency volatility, is no longer available for new applicants as of early 2025.

Turkish Residency Requirements: What You Need to Know

Most foreign visitors enter Turkey with an e-visa. For longer stays, a Turkish residence permit is necessary unless you have international protection status or an exemption under specific conventions. If you’re moving for work, your work permit will suffice as a residence permit.

Turkey offers several types of residence permits, with the two most common being the short-term residence permit and the long-term residence permit. Other categories include family, student, humanitarian, and human trafficking victim permits.

Short-Term Residence Permits

These are typically issued for a maximum of two years. You may qualify if you:

• Purchase real estate.
• Establish a business.
• Plan to make business connections.

If you’re making a significant investment (as defined by the Council of Ministers), you, your spouse, and children may be eligible for a five-year short-term residence permit, which can then lead to citizenship or a long-term permit.

Application Process: You must apply through the e-residence system on the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs website and then submit physical documents to the Provincial Directorate of Migration Management.

Key Documents for Short-Term Permit:

• Residence permit application form
• Passport photocopy
• Four biometric photographs
• Proof of sufficient income
• Payment receipts for fees
• Title deed (if applying based on property ownership)
• Valid health insurance

Additional documents are required if applying based on business connections (e.g., invitation letter, company activity certificate, tax registration).

Extensions: Apply for extensions within 60 days before your current permit expires by submitting the same documents.

Long-Term Residence Permits

If you’ve continuously resided in Turkey for at least eight years, you can apply for an indefinite long-term residence permit, which doesn’t require extensions.

Key Documents for Long-Term Permit:

• Residence permit application form
• Original and photocopy of passport
• Photocopy of previous residence permit
• Four biometric photographs
• Proof of not receiving social aid for the last three years
• Bank account proof of financial sufficiency
• Police record document
• Valid medical insurance

Why a Turkish Residence Permit Matters

A Turkish residence permit opens doors beyond just legal stay. It can be a pathway to a foreign work permit and, eventually, a Turkish passport. A family residence permit is particularly beneficial, allowing your family to access free primary and secondary education.