A Comprehensive Guide to Turkish Residence Permits
If you plan to stay in Turkey for more than 3 months within 6 months to work, study, or settle, a residence permit is required. Whether you’re moving to Turkey for work, studies, marriage, or investment, understanding the process of obtaining a residence permit is essential. Here’s everything you need to know about applying, renewing, and extending your Turkish residence permit.
Why You Need a Turkish Residence Permit
A residence permit is a mandatory document for anyone who wants to stay in Turkey for an extended period. You’ll need this permit if you’re planning to study, work, get married, purchase property, or make investments in Turkey. Work permits serve as both a residence and work authorization, simplifying the process for expatriates.
Documents Required for a Turkish Residence Permit
- Application Forms
Complete the necessary application forms and download the PDF copies of your documents. Be sure to save them as the system can be unreliable. - Health Insurance
You’ll need private health insurance, which is an affordable option for meeting this requirement. The cost varies based on age, and in 2022, the Turkish government increased insurance fees. - Biometric Photos
Get biometric photos to attach to your application. You will also need to provide four hard copies. - Tax ID Number
To open a bank account or get insurance, you will need a Turkish Tax ID. You can easily get this from a local tax office (vergi dairesi) by presenting your passport. - Notarized Rental Contract
Foreigners must rent a place and notarize the rental contract to apply for a residence permit. This proves you have a place to live in Turkey. - Numarataj Document
This document provides the address number of your residence. It’s required for new applications to ensure proper registration in Turkey’s national address system. - Passport and Visa Copies
You’ll need copies of your passport and visa for the application process. - Fee Payment
Once you complete your application, you’ll need to pay the residence permit fee. You can do this using a Turkish credit card.
How to Renew or Extend Your Turkish Residence Permit
To renew or extend your Turkish residence permit, you must apply within 60 days before the expiration date. If your residence permit has expired, you cannot apply for an extension. For renewal, the documents and fees are similar to the original application. However, if your address is already registered in the Population Registration System, you won’t need a new rental contract or numarataj.
