Residency in Turkey for Palestinians: Types and Conditions 2026

Residence in Turkey for Palestinians is available in all its forms under the same conditions applied to other foreigners. A Palestinian passport holder enters Turkey with a 30-day visa, then applies for residence electronically via the e-İkamet system before the visa expires.

Continue reading to learn about the types of residence permits available to you and the conditions for each according to the latest 2026 updates, and to find out which is most suitable for your situation before you start applying.

Is residence in Turkey available for Palestinians?

A Palestinian holding a Palestinian Authority passport who wishes to reside and stay in Turkey is subject to Turkish laws and regulations relating to foreign residence in the country. Turkish authorities grant different types of residence permits within the country, which have validity periods and expiration dates, and can be renewed and extended if desired, provided the requirements for obtaining one of the legal residence types available to Palestinians in Turkey are met.

The Palestinian seeking a legal residence permit in Turkey submits their application to the General Directorate of Migration Management in the country, before the expiration of the permitted stay on the entry stamp to Turkey, which usually lasts for 30 days.

Palestinians can obtain all types of legal residence permits granted to foreigners in Turkey, provided they meet the conditions of one of the available residence types and have a valid legal entry stamp to the country.

What are the types of residence in Turkey for Palestinians?

Holders of the Palestinian passport can obtain a legal residence permit in Turkey, which comes in various types and forms depending on the purpose of staying in the country. The types of residence permits granted to Palestinians in Turkey are as follows:

1. Tourist residence in Turkey for Palestinians

This is a type of short-term residence permit granted to Palestinians wishing to spend a longer time in Turkey for tourism and recreation. It can be renewed and is valid for up to one or two years.

Tourist residence is a form of short-term residence granted to Palestinians who wish to stay in Turkey beyond their visa duration for tourism and visitation purposes. The law allows it for up to two years, but it is usually granted for one year and can be renewed 60 days before expiration.

Advantages of tourist residence in Turkey for Palestinians

• Legal stay in Turkey for the duration of the residence permit without the need for a visa.

• Entry and exit from Turkey without a new visa as long as the residence permit is valid.

• Ability to obtain a Turkish driver's license.

• Registering children in Turkish schools.

• Opening a bank account and conducting official transactions more easily.

• May support your application for visas to some countries, such as the Schengen visa.

Note: Tourist residence does not grant the right to work or university study in Turkey and is not a travel document, so it does not replace the passport when traveling to other countries.

Conditions for tourist residence in Turkey for Palestinians

• Legal entry to Turkey with a valid visa, usually 30 days for Palestinians.

• Submitting the application before the visa expires.

• Passport validity must exceed the requested residence period by at least 60 days.

• Proof of financial ability to cover living expenses during the residence period.

• Possession of valid private health insurance for the entire residence period.

• Residence at a registered address in the civil registry, not within neighborhoods closed to foreign residence.

• Payment of residence fees and card cost.

Documents required for tourist residence in Turkey for Palestinians

• Residence application form filled out via the e-İkamet system, signed by the applicant.

• Original passport with a copy, visa, and entry stamp.

• Recent biometric photos.

• Valid private health insurance document.

• Address registration document from the civil registry, or notarized lease agreement.

• Receipt of payment of residence fees and card cost.

• Electronic notification account number (UETS), opened at Turkish PTT post offices.

• Statement explaining the visit plan, such as hotel bookings, tours, and flight tickets.

Is it still easy to obtain tourist residence?

Obtaining tourist residence in Turkey has become more difficult than it was years ago, for Palestinians and other foreigners, due to several reasons:

• Closed neighborhoods: First-time residence applications are not accepted in neighborhoods where foreigners exceed 20% of the population.

• Strict renewal: Since 2025, clear restrictions apply to renewing tourist residence, particularly in major cities like Istanbul.

• Waiting period after rejection: If the application is rejected, the applicant must wait six months before reapplying for the same purpose.

For this reason, many Palestinians seeking long-term stability opt for property-based residence, which is linked to stable property ownership and offers a more secure legal status.

2. Permanent residence in Turkey for Palestinians

Permanent residence, legally called "long-term residence," is an indefinite residence permit granted to foreigners who have legally and continuously resided in Turkey for at least 8 years. Palestinians submit their application to the migration directorate in the province they reside in, and the decision is issued with approval from the Ministry of Interior after verifying the conditions are met.

Advantages of permanent residence in Turkey for Palestinians

• Stay in Turkey without time limit and without annual or biennial renewal.

• Entry and exit from Turkey without a visa.

• Enjoy most rights granted to Turkish citizens, except for military service, voting and candidacy rights, holding public offices, and duty-free car importation.

• Apply for an indefinite work permit instead of periodic work permit renewals.

• Greater legal protection compared to short-term residence types.

Note: Permanent residence is cancelled if the holder leaves Turkey for more than one uninterrupted year unless due to studies, treatment, or mandatory service in their home country. It is not a travel document and does not replace the passport.

Conditions for permanent residence in Turkey for Palestinians

• Legal residence permit in Turkey for at least 8 continuous years; student residence counts as half its duration.

• Time under temporary protection, humanitarian residence, or international protection does not count toward permanent residence.

• No social aid received from the state during the last three years.

• Possession of regular, sufficient income to support the applicant and family.

• Possession of valid health insurance.

• Applicant must not pose a threat to public order or public security.

Documents required for permanent residence in Turkey for Palestinians

• Residence application form completed via e-İkamet, signed by the applicant.

• Original valid passport with a copy.

• Copies of previous residence permits proving legal residence duration.

• Recent biometric photos.

• Proof of regular and sufficient income, such as bank statements or income documents.

• Valid health insurance document.

• Criminal record certificate, obtainable from the e-Devlet platform.

• Document proving no social aid received during the last three years.

• Address registration document from the civil registry.

• Receipt of payment for residence card fee.

3. Property-based residence in Turkey for Palestinians

Property-based residence is a short-term residence permit obtained by Palestinians upon purchasing a residential property in Turkey. It is granted for up to two years and can be renewed as long as the property is registered in the applicant's name and conditions remain met. It is one of the most stable residence types because it is linked to fixed property ownership rather than temporary purposes like tourism.

Advantages of property-based residence in Turkey for Palestinians

• More stable residence than tourist residence due to association with property registered in your name.

• Ability to apply for residence permits for your spouse and children under 18 based on the same property.

• Years of property-based residence count towards the eight years required for permanent residence.

• Entry and exit from Turkey without a visa as long as the residence permit is valid.

• Ability to obtain a Turkish driver’s license and register children in Turkish schools.

Note: Renewal of property-based residence in Turkey is not automatic. The application may be rejected if conditions change, e.g., if the property is sold, not used as residence, or the neighborhood becomes closed to foreign residence requests.

Conditions for property-based residence in Turkey for Palestinians

• Purchase of a residential property worth at least 200,000 USD in any Turkish province without discrimination between major and smaller cities.

• The value is based on the sales price recorded in the title deed, using the Central Bank exchange rate on the date of ownership transfer.

• The property must be registered as "residence" in the title deed; residence is not granted for commercial shops, offices, or land.

• The property must be actually used for residence.

• The property must not be located in a neighborhood closed to foreign residence applications.

• Payment for the property must be via bank transfer, not cash.

• Possession of valid private health insurance.

• Possession of compulsory earthquake insurance (DASK) for the property.

Note: The limits of 75,000 USD in major cities and 50,000 in smaller cities still apply only to properties purchased between April 26, 2022, and October 16, 2023, for which a property appraisal report is required.

Documents required for property-based residence in Turkey for Palestinians

• Residence application form completed via e-İkamet, signed by the applicant.

• Original valid passport with a copy, visa, and entry stamp.

• Copy of the title deed (Tapu).

• Earthquake insurance document (DASK) for the property.

• Property tax document (Numara Taş) for the property.

• Address registration document from the civil registry.

• Valid private health insurance document.

• Recent biometric photos.

• Electronic notification account number (UETS).

• Receipt of payment for residence fees and card cost.

• For family members: marriage certificate and birth certificates of children, translated and certified.

4. Work residence in Turkey for Palestinians

Palestinians have the right to work legally in Turkey after obtaining a work permit issued by the Ministry of Labor and Social Security at the employer's request. Holders of a work permit do not need a separate residence application because a valid work permit counts as a residence permit for its duration.

How does a Palestinian obtain a work permit in Turkey?

The employer submits the application electronically via the e-İzin system affiliated with the Ministry of Labor, in one of two ways:

• From outside Turkey: The Palestinian applies for a work visa at the Turkish consulate, then the employer completes the application within 10 days.

• From inside Turkey: If the Palestinian holds a valid residence permit with at least six months remaining.

Advantages of work residence in Turkey for Palestinians

• Legal residence and work combined in one document, no need for a separate residence permit.

• Registration in the Social Security Institution (SGK), including government health insurance for the permit holder and dependent family members.

• Full protection under Turkish labor law, including severance pay and retirement rights upon eligibility.

• Ability to obtain family residence permits for spouse and children.

• Years of work count toward the residence period required for Turkish citizenship (5 continuous years) and permanent residence (after 8 years).

Conditions for obtaining work residence in Turkey for Palestinians

Most conditions apply to the employer, including:

• Employ at least 5 Turkish citizens for every foreign employee in the establishment.

• Meet the minimum capital, sales volume, or export requirements set by the ministry.

• Pay the foreign employee a salary not less than the ministry’s set minimum based on the job and qualifications.

• Register the employee in social security immediately upon permit issuance.

The ministry evaluates each application according to labor market conditions and the establishment's need for the foreign employee’s qualifications.

Work permit duration: Initially granted for up to one year, then renewed up to two years, then three years. After 8 years of legal work, an indefinite work permit can be applied for.

Documents required for work residence in Turkey for Palestinians

From the employee:

• Copy of valid passport.

• Recent biometric photo.

• Copy of university or professional diploma, translated and certified.

• Employment contract signed by both parties.

• Copy of valid residence permit if applying inside Turkey.

From the employer:

• Work permit application via e-İzin system.

• Official company documents, such as commercial registry in the official gazette.

• Company financial data, such as balance sheet or profit and loss statement.

• List of employees registered in social security.

4. Family residence in Turkey for Palestinians

Family residence is granted to Palestinians for family reunification, including spouse, minor children, and dependent children. It is not limited to those married to Turkish citizens but can also be obtained through a family member holding legal residence in Turkey, such as a worker, student, or permanent resident. This family member is called the "sponsor" or "guarantor" in law.

Family residence is granted for up to 3 years each time, not exceeding the sponsor’s residence duration if the sponsor is foreign.

Advantages of family residence in Turkey for Palestinians

• The possibility to apply for Turkish citizenship after 3 years of marriage to a Turkish citizen, provided the marriage continues and the family lives together.

• Family residence years fully count towards the eight years required for permanent residence.

• Children have the right to study in Turkish schools until 18 without a student residence permit.

• Ability to work after obtaining a work permit.

• Possibility to switch to short-term residence in specific cases, such as when a child turns 18 after 3 years of family residence, or divorce after 3 years of family residence.

Note: Renewal is not guaranteed. The Migration Directorate verifies continuation of marriage and cohabitation, and the permit may be revoked if the marriage is found to be for residence purposes only.

Conditions for family residence in Turkey for Palestinians

Sponsor conditions:

• Monthly gross income not less than the minimum wage, and at least one-third of the minimum wage per family member.

• Provide adequate housing for the number of family members.

• Have health insurance covering all family members.

• No criminal conviction against family order in the last five years.

• If the sponsor is foreign, they must have lawful residence in Turkey for at least one year.

Applicant conditions:

• Must be the spouse, minor child, or dependent child of the sponsor.

• Spouses must be at least 18 years old.

• Live with or intend to live with the sponsor.

• The marriage was not contracted for residence purposes only.

• Passport validity exceeds the requested residence period by at least 60 days.

Documents required for family residence in Turkey for Palestinians

• Residence application form completed via e-İkamet, signed by the applicant.

• Original valid passport with a copy, visa, and entry stamp.

• Recent biometric photos.

• Marriage certificate registered in Turkey, or translated and certified if issued abroad.

• Birth certificates of children, translated and certified.

• Copy of the sponsor’s Turkish ID or residence permit if foreign.

• Proof of sponsor’s income, such as salary statement or bank statement.

• Sponsor’s criminal record certificate.

• Address registration document from the civil registry.

• Valid health insurance document for each family member.

• Electronic notification account number (UETS).

• Receipt of payment for residence fees and card cost, as applicable.

6. Student residence in Turkey for Palestinians

Student residence is granted to Palestinians enrolled in universities or higher education institutions in Turkey for diploma, bachelor's, master's, or doctoral studies. It is granted for the study duration and renewed yearly or biennially until graduation.

Palestinians can study in Turkey at their own expense or via the government scholarship program "Türkiye Bursları" covering tuition, accommodation, and health insurance.

Advantages of student residence in Turkey for Palestinians

• Exemption from residence fees, only paying the card cost.

• Possibility to enroll in government health insurance (GSS) at low cost during the first three months of university registration.

• Ability to work part-time after obtaining a work permit, after the first year for diploma and bachelor students, with no such restriction for master’s and doctoral students.

• Ability to apply for family residence permits for spouse and children.

• Eligibility for short-term residence for one year after graduation if applied within six months after graduation.

• Benefit from student discounts on public transport and some services.

Note: Student residence duration counts as half when calculating the eight years required for permanent residence.

Conditions for student residence in Turkey for Palestinians

• Actual registration in a Turkish university or higher education institution.

• Possession of valid health insurance, governmental or private.

• Passport validity exceeds the residence period by at least 60 days.

• Residence at a registered address in the civil registry or student dormitory.

• Application within one month of university registration and before visa expiry.

Documents required for student residence in Turkey for Palestinians

• Residence application form completed via e-İkamet, signed by the applicant.

• Original valid passport with a copy, visa, and entry stamp.

• Recent biometric photos.

• Recent student certificate (Öğrenci Belgesi) issued by the university or from e-Devlet platform.

• Valid health insurance document.

• Address registration document from the civil registry or student housing document.

• Electronic notification account number (UETS).

• Receipt of payment for residence card.

Has it recently become difficult for Palestinians to obtain residence?

There are no special restrictions for Palestinians; they are subject to the same residence laws applied to other foreigners. However, obtaining residence in Turkey generally has become more difficult than years ago due to tightened regulations affecting all nationalities, notably:

• Closed neighborhoods: First residence applications are not accepted in neighborhoods where foreigners exceed 20% of the population; the list of these neighborhoods is updated periodically.

• Restrictions on tourist residence: Marked strictness in accepting initial and renewal applications since 2025, especially in large cities.

• Increase in property-based residence value: The minimum property value became 200,000 USD across all provinces since October 2023, instead of 75,000 in major cities and 50,000 in smaller cities.

• Waiting period after refusal: A six-month delay is required before reapplying for the same purpose.

• Entry visa: Ordinary Palestinian passport holders need a visa before travel. Electronic visa is granted only if holding a valid visa or residence permit from Schengen countries, the US, UK, or Ireland; otherwise, application must be made via Turkish consulates.

Tips to increase chances of residence approval

• Ensure the neighborhood where you live or intend to buy is open to foreign residence before signing any contract.

• Choose the residence type matching your true purpose of stay; applications with mismatched purposes are most likely to be rejected.

• Submit your application or renewal early; the system opens renewal 60 days before residence expiration.

• Make sure documents are complete and accurate, especially health insurance, address registration, and electronic notification account.

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

Property-based residence is considered one of the best types of residence granted to foreigners, including Palestinians, in Turkey, as it is granted by the Turkish government in exchange for property ownership. This type of residence is renewed periodically and continuously as long as the property is registered under the owner’s name.

Moreover, property-based residence qualifies its holder for permanent residence in Turkey if residing continuously for 8 years. It also enables obtaining Turkish citizenship if the property purchase value is not less than 400,000 USD.

Why do many Palestinians prefer property-based residence?

• Greater stability: Connected to permanent property ownership and can be renewed as long as the property is registered in your name and used as residence.

• Includes family: Your spouse and children under 18 can apply for residence based on the same property.

• Path to permanent residence: Its years count in full towards the eight years required for long-term residence.

• Investment value: You own a real estate asset that you can use for residence or rent out.

How does Imtilak Real Estate help Palestinians obtain property-based residence in Turkey?

Imtilak Real Estate is one of the best real estate companies operating in the Turkish real estate market, offering rare and genuine investment opportunities for all foreigners wishing to invest or settle in Turkey.

Imtilak Real Estate relies on its good reputation and over a decade of experience in the Turkish real estate market, maintaining strong ongoing relationships with many Palestinian clients who have purchased property in Turkey through it.

Thus, Imtilak Real Estate provides comprehensive services covering everything needed by those wishing to buy property in Turkey, including services facilitating obtaining Turkish citizenship, through its offices spread across the most important and major Turkish provinces and cities.

Edited by: Imtilak Real Estate©