Residence in Turkey for Iraqis: Types and Conditions

After Turkey flourished in the past two decades, it has become a point of interest for Arab citizens; some consider it for work and import, some for tourism, some for study, and other goals and purposes. Therefore, it is necessary to clarify everything related to residency in Turkey for Arabs in general and Iraqis in particular.

Is residency in Turkey available for Iraqis?

Residency in Turkey for Iraqis is possible and naturally allowed, as they have the right to come to Turkey after obtaining a visa, and then they must submit the necessary documents to obtain the required specific residency, regardless of its type, whether it is tourist, real estate, family, or others.

What are the types of residencies in Turkey for Iraqis?

Iraqis in Turkey have the right—in addition to tourist residency—to apply for work residency, family residency, student residency, real estate residency, investor residency, scientific research and student exchange residency, trader residency, Turkish language study residency, vocational training residency, and medical residency.

1. Tourist residency in Turkey for Iraqis

Tourist residency in Turkey for Iraqis is one of the most sought-after types of residency, and it is available to them, as they can apply for it two months before the allowed period ends after entering Turkish territory.

Advantages of tourist residency in Turkey for Iraqis

The holder of a tourist residency in Turkey has the right to:

• Enter and exit Turkey at will.
• Open a bank account in any Turkish or international bank present in Turkey.
• Own property, and open the necessary utility bills for this property, whether for residence or work, as soon as they obtain the tourist residency.
• Grant their children the right to free education.
• It is a requirement for establishing a company and obtaining a work permit in it.
• The holder can buy and own a car and obtain a driving license.

Conditions for obtaining tourist residency in Turkey for Iraqis

• Entry into Turkey with a passport stamped at the airport.
• Providing the required documents.
• Booking the specified appointment to submit the documents.
• Applying for it after entering Turkish territory within the specified period, which is at least two months before the end of the 90-day period.

Required documents for tourist residency in Turkey for Iraqis

• Original passport and its translation by a certified notary (noter).
• Application form signed by the applicant.
• Proof of residence with a house rental contract.
• Receipt of payment of financial fees.
• Health insurance for those between 18 and 65 years old.
• Tax number obtained from the tax office.
• 4 recent personal photos (white background).
• Copy of the family book, or family registration extract for minor children, translated and certified by the notary (noter) and signed by the parents or guardians.

2. Permanent residency in Turkey for Iraqis

Some people consider permanent residency in Turkey because of the stability conditions it offers, or due to the nature of their work, or other reasons, but there are required conditions and documents to obtain this residency.

Advantages of permanent residency in Turkey for Iraqis

Permanent residency in Turkey for Iraqis is granted to those who have obtained tourist, temporary, or humanitarian residency. Its advantages include:

• Residency with no expiration date.
• Allows the holder to retain all types of insurance.
• Exempts the holder from compulsory military service.

Conditions for permanent residency in Turkey for Iraqis

• At least eight years of uninterrupted residency in Turkey.
• A criminal record free of misdemeanors or felonies.
• Stable employment and steady income.
• Not receiving humanitarian aid (at least for the last three years).

Required documents for permanent residency in Turkey for Iraqis

• Original passport or a copy of it.
• Permanent residency application.
• Residence permit.
• Detailed address document.
• Criminal record certificate.
• Valid comprehensive health insurance.
• 4 recent colored photos.
• Proof of sufficient income to support the family in the long term.
• Proof of not receiving humanitarian aid.

3. Real estate residency in Turkey for Iraqis

Real estate residency in Turkey for Iraqis is a short-term residency (one year) that is renewed upon expiration and is granted to those who have acquired a property in Turkey. It is also granted to their spouse and children under 18 years old.

Advantages of real estate residency in Turkey for Iraqis

The advantages of real estate residency are generally similar to those of tourist residency, in terms of residency duration and the right to enter and exit Turkey; however, the renewal of real estate residency is stronger than other types of residency.

Conditions for real estate residency in Turkey for Iraqis

• The value of the property must not be less than $75,000 in major cities such as Istanbul and Ankara, and $50,000 in smaller cities.
• Obtaining the title deed, which is necessary for obtaining real estate residency.
• Registering the property in the Land Registry Directorate (Tapu), or with the notary (noter).

Required documents for real estate residency in Turkey for Iraqis

• Valid passport stamped with entry.
• Family book translated into Turkish and certified by the notary (noter).
• Property title deed document (Tapu).
• Application form.
• Bank account.
• Fixed monthly income not less than $500.
• 4 personal photos.
• Health insurance document.
• Earthquake insurance document (DASK).

4. Work residency in Turkey for Iraqis

According to the labor law in Turkey, Iraqis have the right to work in Turkey after obtaining a work permit under specific conditions and regulations.

Advantages of work residency in Turkey for Iraqis

The holder of a work residency enjoys the same benefits as holders of other types of residency, in addition to some other benefits:

• Allows the opportunity to apply for Turkish citizenship after five years of having a work permit.
• Ensures the holder receives full worker rights and the minimum wage set by the Turkish government.
• Ensures the holder has health insurance that covers all family members.
• The holder is entitled to a pension after reaching the age of sixty.

Conditions for work residency in Turkey for Iraqis

To obtain work residency in Turkey for Iraqis, the following are required:

• The applicant must be above the legal working age.
• The applicant must have resided in Turkey for at least six months.
• Work must be within one official entity and with one employer for the period specified in the application. If the worker moves to another job, they must reapply for a work permit.
• Preliminary approval from the Ministry of Labor and Social Security.
• The work permit is granted once for one year, and if work continues, it is renewed for two consecutive years, and for the third renewal, it is extended for three years.

Required documents for work residency in Turkey for Iraqis

• Valid tourist residency for at least six months.
• Certified translation of certificates for those applying for educational or academic work.
• Application letter for work permit, addressed to the Ministry of Labor and Social Security.
• Passport translated into Turkish and certified by the notary (noter), valid for at least six months.
• CV in Turkish.
• Employment contract signed by the employer and the employee.
• Recent personal photo.

Note: Students are not allowed to apply for a work permit before reaching postgraduate studies.

Read more: How to obtain a work permit in Turkey 2022 (work residency)

5. Family residency in Turkey for Iraqis

A Turkish citizen has the right to grant family residency in Turkey to their spouse (only one wife) and foreign children—even if from more than one wife—under the age of 18.

Advantages of family residency in Turkey for Iraqis

• The advantages of family residency are similar to tourist residency regarding entry and exit from Turkey.
• Family residency includes family members in government social security.
• Children under 18 have the right to free education at all pre-university levels without needing a student residency permit.
• After three years of residency in Turkey, the holder of family residency can apply for Turkish citizenship.

Conditions for family residency in Turkey for Iraqis

• Passport validity of more than six months.
• Submitting the application before the visa expires.
• Providing the required documents.
• Booking a family interview appointment.
• Paying the financial fees.

Required documents for family residency in Turkey for Iraqis

A. From the sponsor:

• Original Turkish ID.
• Document proving sufficient income for the entire residency period (bank statement or salary statement).
• Criminal record certificate from the administrative court or from the government website.
• Residence certificate from the civil registry office responsible for the place of residence.
• Civil registry certificate.
• Health insurance for all family members during the residency period. Note that children under 18 and seniors over 65 do not need health insurance.

B. From the applicant:

• Residency application form (signed by the applicant or their legal representative).
• Original passport and a copy of it.
• Tax number from the tax office.
• 4 recent personal photos.
• Copy of marriage contract, family book, or family registration extract.

If the document is issued in a language other than Turkish, it must be translated into Turkish and certified by the notary (noter).

After the recent laws, has it become difficult for Iraqis to obtain residency?

Some believe that the recent laws related to residency have made the process somewhat difficult, but even after the latest amendment to obtain residency in Turkey, applying for all types of residency is still a routine procedure. All you have to do is document your residence with a house contract (ownership or rental), or include the name of the foreign resident in another house contract certified by the notary (noter).

What are the best and most reliable types of residency in Turkey for Iraqis?

Real estate residency is considered the best and most reliable type of residency in Turkey in terms of acceptance and renewal rates.

How does Imtilak Real Estate help Iraqis obtain real estate residency in Turkey?

Imtilak Real Estate offers you a range of options related to property ownership, according to area and specifications, in the city you desire, and at suitable prices. We also point out the after-sales service and follow-up of the property registration process, and taking care of submitting the necessary documents to obtain real estate residency.

For more information and inquiries, you can contact our company team or visit our website online.

Edited by: Imtilak Real Estate©