Residence in Turkey for Saudis: Types and Conditions

Saudi citizens are entitled to obtain residence in Turkey through any type of residence permit specified by the Foreigners and International Protection Law No. 6458, provided they meet its conditions. Saudis can enter Turkey visa-free and stay up to 90 days within every 180-day period. If they wish to stay longer, they must apply for residence via the e-ikamet portal of the Directorate General of Migration Management. The most common types among Saudis are tourist residence and property-based residence, with the latter requiring a residential property valued at no less than 200,000 USD.

Does a Saudi need a visa to enter Turkey?

They do not need a visa. Since December 2023, holders of ordinary Saudi passports can enter Turkey visa-free and stay up to 90 days within any 180-day period.

If they wish to stay longer, they must apply for a residence permit before this period expires. Staying beyond this without residence is considered overstaying and can result in fines and entry bans.

What are the types of residence permits in Turkey for Saudis?

1. Tourist residence in Turkey for Saudis

Tourist residence is a type of short-term residence. It is granted to Saudis wishing to stay in Turkey longer than the visa exemption period for tourism purposes and is usually issued for one year.

Advantages of tourist residence in Turkey for Saudis

• Ability to travel freely within the country and book domestic flights using the residence permit

• Eligibility to obtain a Turkish driver's license

• Opportunity to travel and re-enter Turkey without a visa

• Facilitates renting a house or car in Turkey

• Obtain health insurance allowing treatment in public hospitals

• Obtain a tax number that eases opening companies and other investment projects

• Access to four countries with the Turkish residence card (Georgia, Azerbaijan, Armenia, Turkish Cyprus)

Conditions for obtaining tourist residence in Turkey for Saudis

• Present documents proving your tourism plan in the country

• Proof of sufficient means to support yourself during your stay

• Register your residence address with the Turkish population registry office

• Obtain health insurance valid for the residence period

Documents required for tourist residence in Turkey for Saudis

• A valid passport copy with at least 6 months validity

• 4 biometric photos (white background)

• Official residence address document registered at the population office

• Copy of entry stamp to Turkey

• Health insurance

• Receipt of tax fee payment

2. Permanent residence in Turkey for Saudis

Permanent residence in Turkey is granted to a foreign citizen who has legally resided in the country for 8 consecutive years without long absences, excluding periods of residence related to asylum or temporary protection. Study residence (student residence) counts as half the time.

Saudi nationals are among the foreigners eligible to apply to Turkish authorities for permanent residence after meeting the law’s conditions.

Benefits of permanent residence in Turkey for Saudis

Permanent residence holders enjoy all rights of Turkish citizens except the right to vote or run for office, and they are exempt from military service.

Conditions for permanent residence in Turkey for Saudis

• Must fulfill legal residence requirement of at least 8 consecutive years

• Previous residence must not be under temporary protection or asylum status

• Clean criminal record during previous residence

• Stable and sufficient income source

• Not pose a threat to public security or national interests of Turkey

Also read: Living in Turkey for Saudis

Documents required for permanent residence in Turkey for Saudis

• Copy of passport and entry stamp

• Copy of previous residence permit

• Registered residence address at population office

• 4 biometric photos with white background

• Document proving no financial assistance received from non-governmental sources during last 3 years of residence

• Proof of financial sufficiency

• Health insurance

• Receipt of tax fee payment

3. Property-based residence in Turkey for Saudis

Property-based residence is a category of short-term residence granted to foreigners owning a residential property in Turkey. It is renewable as long as the property remains registered in the owner’s name and meets conditions.

Advantages of property-based residence in Turkey for Saudis

• Guaranteed continuous renewal and issuance

• Qualifies for obtaining permanent residence in Turkey

• Access to health insurance services

• Residence permits can be issued under this property for the owner’s spouse and children under 18

Conditions for property-based residence in Turkey for Saudis

• Property must be worth at least 200,000 USD or equivalent in Turkish Lira at purchase date, effective for properties bought from October 16, 2023, in all provinces. Properties bought between April 26, 2022, and October 16, 2023, have limits of 75,000 USD in major cities and 50,000 USD elsewhere.

• Property must be residential and used by owner for residence, not for rental or income purposes.

• Property registration (title deed) must be in applicant’s name.

• Property must have earthquake insurance

For full details, see the guides on property-based residence in Turkey and property ownership in Turkey for Saudis.

Documents required for property-based residence in Turkey for Saudis

• Copy of passport and entry stamp

• 4 biometric photos

• Copy of property ownership deed

• TAJ number document for the property

• Family statement or birth certificates of family members + marriage certificate

• Earthquake insurance document

• Health insurance

• Receipt of paid property tax

Read more: Property-based residence in Turkey - buying property in Turkey and residence

4. Work residence in Turkey for Saudis

Work residence is granted based on the Saudi citizen obtaining a work permit from the Turkish Ministry of Labor, with applications submitted by companies or institutions operating inside Turkey.

Advantages of work residence in Turkey for Saudis

• Qualifies holder to apply for Turkish citizenship after five consecutive years of work in Turkey

• Includes the holder in the Turkish social security system

• Work residence holders receive health insurance allowing free treatment in state hospitals

• Health insurance and social security cover all family members

Conditions for work residence in Turkey for Saudis

• Must work in the same institution that applied for the work permit, maintaining a ratio of 5 Turks for every foreign worker

• There must be a convincing reason for hiring the foreigner (if no Turkish citizen with required qualifications is available)

• Meet all legal requirements before applying for this residence type

Documents required for work residence in Turkey for Saudis

• Copy of passport and entry stamp

• 4 biometric photos

• Health insurance

• Receipt of paid tax

• Registered residence address at Turkish population office

5. Family residence in Turkey for Saudis

This residence type is granted upon marriage of a Saudi citizen with a Turkish citizen, with official legal documentation registered by government offices. The residence is granted for up to 3 years.

Advantages of family residence in Turkey for Saudis

• Qualifies for Turkish citizenship if marriage lasts three years without abuse or problems

• Easily renewable for up to three years at a time if marital relationship continues

• Enables obtaining permanent residence if Turkish citizenship is denied

Conditions for family residence in Turkey for Saudis

• One spouse must be a Turkish citizen

• Couple must live together and prove a good marital relationship

• Ability to cover living expenses (presence of provider)

• Valid health insurance

• Clean legal record of applicant

Documents required for family residence in Turkey for Saudis

• Copy of passport

• 4 biometric photos

• Copy of family book or marriage certificate registered in Turkey

• Residence address for both spouses registered at population registry

• Copy of Turkish spouse's ID

• Certificate of no criminal record

• Receipt of paid tax

• Proof of ability to cover living costs for one spouse

• Valid health insurance

6. Student residence in Turkey for Saudis

Turkish universities host a large number of international students. Upon enrollment, foreign students are granted a legal residence permit for the duration of their studies.

Advantages of student residence in Turkey for Saudis

• Qualifies for permanent residence in the country, counting as half the actual duration. For example, 4 years of student residence counts as 2 years towards permanent residence eligibility.

• Holders enjoy student discounts on public transportation, shopping, and more

• Obtain health insurance ensuring treatment in public hospitals and health centers

Conditions for student residence in Turkey for Saudis

• Enrollment at a Turkish university

• Obtain health insurance

• Register residence address with Turkish population office

• Passport valid for at least 6 months

Documents required for student residence in Turkey for Saudis

• Copy of passport and entry stamp to Turkey

• 4 biometric photos

• Student certificate

• Health insurance

• Registered residence address document from population office

• Receipt of paid tax fees

After recent laws, is it harder for Saudis to obtain residence?

Turkish authorities have generally tightened the enforcement of residence permit conditions recently. However, if a foreigner meets all requirements, their residence is issued without notable problems.

Saudis remain among the nationalities with the highest number of residence permits in Turkey due to their active investments in real estate and tourism.

What are the best and most reliable types of residence in Turkey for Saudis?

Property-based residence is considered one of the best residence types in Turkey by ease of issuance, as it is issued based on property ownership within the country, compelling Turkish authorities to accept applications for the owner and their family (spouse and children under 18).

You might also be interested in: Properties for sale in Turkey

How does Imtilak Real Estate assist Saudis in obtaining property-based residence in Turkey?

Imtilak Real Estate has earned its reputation in the Turkish real estate market as a pioneer in marketing to the Arab region and the Middle East, being among the first companies to work in real estate brokerage and providing the best investment opportunities in the Turkish property market.

Imtilak’s experience spans more than a decade, during which it has developed its real estate services to clients to a highly professional level, evident from the first interaction.

Saudi clients are among the key nationalities with whom Imtilak established strong relationships of trust, continuing even after property purchases through after-sales services like resale, rental, investment, and other services important for those wishing to settle in Turkey.

Imtilak selects appropriate properties for obtaining property-based residence and offers properties that meet Turkish citizenship requirements for those wishing to acquire citizenship. The company also handles all procedures for acquiring property-based residence or Turkish citizenship.

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Frequently Asked Questions about Residence in Turkey for Saudis

Does a Saudi need a visa to enter Turkey?
No. Saudi passport holders enter Turkey visa-free and stay up to 90 days in every 180 days.

What is the minimum property value that grants Saudis residence in Turkey?
200,000 USD at minimum at purchase, on the condition the property is residential and used for living, not for rent.

Does property-based residence include the owner's family?
Yes. The owner's spouse and minor children can apply for residence linked to the owner, with documents proving relationship.

Does residence in Turkey allow Saudis to work?
No. Residence permits do not grant work rights. Work requires a work permit issued by the Ministry of Labor and Social Security.

Can tourist residence be renewed multiple times?
Renewal of tourist residence may be denied after a year or more if no justification other than tourism is provided.

When can Saudis apply for permanent residence?
After 8 years of continuous legal residence in Turkey, provided no social benefits were received in the last 3 years and that sufficient income and health insurance are available.

Are study years counted towards permanent residence?
They count as half their length. Four years of student residence equals two years for the purpose of permanent residence.

How many photos are required for a residence application?
Two recent biometric photos with white background according to current Migration Administration document requirements.

Edited by: Imtilak Real Estate©