Detailed Information about Turkish Visa, Residence, and Citizenship

Turkey issues electronic entry visas for citizens of many countries and grants foreigners various types of residence permits based on their purpose of stay, such as tourism, work, study, and real estate ownership. It is also possible to obtain Turkish citizenship through several methods, including lawful residence for five years, marriage to a Turkish citizen, investment, with the most prominent being the purchase of property worth at least 400,000 US dollars.

In this guide, we review the method of obtaining the Turkish visa, the types of residence permits in Turkey and the requirements for each, followed by the ways to obtain Turkish citizenship and its step-by-step procedures.

Obtaining the Turkish Visa

Since 2013, it has been possible to obtain a Turkish visa electronically. Visa applications for tourism or business purposes for citizens of several countries can be submitted through the official electronic platform of the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, available in multiple languages including Arabic and English, within just minutes.

Official Turkish Website for Obtaining the Electronic Visa

Electronic Turkey Visa

It is a document that allows you to enter Turkish territory. Below are the main facts you need to know about it:

• The applicant can obtain the electronic entry visa immediately upon providing the necessary information and paying the required fees via credit or debit cards. Note that the visa fees vary according to the applicant's nationality.

• Citizens of certain countries are entirely exempt from visas, while the electronic visa is granted to citizens of other countries under conditions, such as holding a valid visa or residence permit from Schengen countries, the United States, the United Kingdom, or Ireland. Therefore, it is recommended to verify your nationality's status on the official electronic visa site before traveling.

• After successful application submission, a link allowing you to download the electronic entry visa will appear on the last step page, and it will also be sent to your email.

• Turkish visa fees (electronic visas to Turkey) usually vary depending on the applicant’s nationality and are paid electronically through the official site. Airport visas are no longer available for most nationalities, so it is advisable to obtain the Turkish visa electronically before travel.

• Tourism companies receiving tour groups are allowed to apply for electronic entry visas for the entire group and pay collectively.

• Staff assigned to check passports at border crossings can verify the validity of the electronic visa through their private network; however, it is recommended to carry a printed or electronic copy as a precaution.

• The electronic entry visa is valid only for tourism and business purposes; those who wish to study or work must apply through Turkish missions.

• Holders of nationalities not eligible for electronic visas should visit the nearest Turkish mission to apply for a visa to Turkey under specific conditions. The visa fees vary according to the nationality as mentioned previously.

What Are the Types of Residence Permits in Turkey?

The types of residence permits in Turkey vary depending on the resident’s purpose of stay in Turkey. The methods of extracting residence permits in Turkey vary according to the following:

1. Tourist Residence in Turkey

The tourist residence permit is issued upon the foreigner's application, provided they entered the country legally and submitted the request during the validity period of their entry visa (validity of the Turkish visa). The application is completed and the appointment booked through the official website of the Immigration Office (Turkish residence site e-ikamet), then the applicant visits the immigration directorate in their city of residence.

The short-term residence permit, also known as tourist residence, is usually granted for one year. The requirements to obtain it include: electronic application form, copy of passport, 4 recent biometric photos, health insurance (sigorta), proof of residence such as a notarized rental contract or property deed (tapu), proof of sufficient income, tax ID that can be obtained from the tax office, and payment of the residence fee and card.

For children under 18 years, birth certificates certified by their source, translated and notarized (noter) in Turkey, or a translated and certified family register must be submitted.

It should be noted that Turkish immigration periodically closes districts where foreigners exceed 20% of the Turkish citizen population from registering new foreigners. Ten municipalities in Istanbul, including Fatih, Esenyurt, Başakşehir, and Bağcılar, have been closed to new residence applications according to an official statement from the Immigration Office. Since these lists are updated regularly, it is advised to confirm the neighborhood is open for foreign registration before renting or buying property.

2. Permanent Residence in Turkey

Foreigners who have legally resided in Turkey continuously for 8 years have the right to apply for permanent residence (long-term residence permit), granted with the approval of the Ministry of Interior. Conditions for permanent residence include:

• Not having received social assistance during the last three years of residence in Turkey.

• Having a sufficient income to support themselves and their family regularly.

• Having valid health insurance.

• Not posing a threat to public order and security.

3. Work Residence in Turkey

Foreigners employed by a Turkish company are granted a work permit issued by the Ministry of Labor (Ministry of Family, Labor and Social Services). The work permit serves as residence for the holder, with the company applying on their behalf. One of the most important conditions for work residence is that the company employs five Turkish citizens for every foreign employee.

If the father or mother obtains a work permit, family members (spouse and children) are entitled to a family residence permit with the same duration as the work permit.

4. Humanitarian Residence in Turkey

Humanitarian residence is granted with the approval of the General Directorate of Migration Management in exceptional cases defined by Article 46 of the Law on Foreigners and International Protection, such as the best interest of a child, inability of the foreigner to leave or be deported from Turkey, or emergency circumstances requiring their stay. It differs from temporary protection granted to Syrians and from international refugee protection.

5. Student Residence in Turkey

Residence permits are granted to students attending Turkish universities. Requirements include those of the tourist residence permit plus proof of enrollment issued by the university.

6. Family Residence in Turkey

If married to a Turkish wife or husband, one can apply for family residence permit, which allows the holder to apply for Turkish citizenship after three years.

Also, family members of employees holding a work permit can apply for family residence in Turkey.

7. Real Estate Residence in Turkey

It is a renewable short-term residence permit granted to foreigners who own residential property in Turkey. You can buy an apartment in Turkey and legally reside there. It is also known as property ownership residence. The real estate residence permit in Turkey (residence in Turkey via property purchase) is usually granted for one year with renewal rights. The spouse and children under 18 years old are entitled to residence as accompanying family members.

Since October 16, 2023, the property value must be at least 200,000 US dollars to obtain real estate residence for the first time in all Turkish provinces. Renewal applications should be submitted within the last 60 days of the permit's duration. It is also advised to make sure the district where the property is located is not closed to foreign registrations, as purchasing property in a closed district may prevent registration of the address and obtaining residence.

Documents Required to Obtain Property Ownership Residence in Turkey

• Property deed (tapu).

• Earthquake insurance for the property.

• Passport valid for at least six months.

• Translated and certified family statement for children by the Turkish embassy in the home country.

• Health insurance valid in Turkey for each family member.

What Is Investor Residence in Turkey and How Do I Obtain Turkish Citizenship?

Below are the cases that qualify their owner for Turkish citizenship:

1. Continuous lawful residence in Turkey for five years with a work permit; residence for study purposes is excluded.

2. A person of Turkish origin with sufficient and strong documents proving their Turkish lineage.

3. Marriage to a Turkish citizen for three years, after which the foreign spouse can apply for Turkish citizenship provided family unity and connection are proven.

4. Businessmen, investors, artists, economists, thinkers, and those contributing to the development of agriculture, trade, industry, arts, and sports in Turkey, as determined by the competent authorities.

5. Obtaining Turkish citizenship through real estate investment in Turkey, which will be detailed below...

The New Turkish Citizenship Law for Investment in Turkey

The implementing regulation of the Turkish Citizenship Law governs citizenship by investment. It has been amended multiple times, most recently by Presidential Decree No. 5554 published in the Official Gazette on May 13, 2022, which raised the minimum property value from 250,000 to 400,000 US dollars. Today, anyone meeting one of the following conditions has the right to apply for Turkish citizenship:

• Purchasing one or more properties with a value of at least 400,000 US dollars, with a note on the deed not to sell for three years. Since December 2023, the property must be a distinct unit (independent ownership or easements) or land with a building constructed.

• A fixed investment of at least 500,000 US dollars.

• Depositing 500,000 US dollars in Turkish banks without withdrawal for three years.

• Purchasing government bonds worth 500,000 US dollars and holding them for three years.

• Purchasing shares in real estate investment funds or venture capital funds for 500,000 US dollars and holding them for three years.

• Providing employment for at least 50 people.

The investment amount is paid in foreign currency through Turkish banks, which sell it to the Central Bank of Turkey.

Procedures for Obtaining Turkish Citizenship - What Does Imtilak Real Estate Offer?

• Imtilak Real Estate, through its extensive experience in investment in Turkish real estate and its access to the best Turkish legal practices while providing distinguished after-sales services, can help you obtain Turkish citizenship by following certified, correct, and precise procedures as follows:

• Imtilak Real Estate assists you in selecting the property that suits your requirements and meets the conditions for granting Turkish citizenship (you may purchase more than one property and submit them together in one file).

• Imtilak Real Estate provides you with a list of documents and required papers for Turkish citizenship that you must prepare in your home country and have certified by your Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

• Imtilak Real Estate helps you complete the purchase procedures and issue the property deed (tapu) from the General Directorate of Land Registry - Tapu.

• Imtilak Real Estate assists in preparing a legal power of attorney from the new property owner (you) to a trusted lawyer to initiate citizenship acquisition procedures.

• Imtilak Real Estate coordinates with the lawyer in preparing and assembling all necessary documents for the citizenship application.

• Imtilak Real Estate prepares the compliance form from the Directorate of Population and Citizenship Affairs, which is signed by the new property owner (you) or the authorized lawyer.

• Imtilak Real Estate receives your original personal documents certified by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in your country, certifies them at your country's consulate in Turkey, then translates them into Turkish by a sworn translator, and notarizes them (noter).

• Imtilak Real Estate submits the tapu deed and translated passport copy to a government-approved appraisal institution.

• Imtilak Real Estate receives the certified appraiser’s report and submits it to the General Directorate of Land Registry – Tapu to register the commitment not to sell the property for 3 years as per Turkish citizenship granting conditions.

• Imtilak Real Estate obtains a certificate from the General Directorate of Land Registry – Tapu confirming that the property has been marked with the restriction of not selling for 3 years.

• Imtilak Real Estate collects all documents and paperwork in one file, reviews and ensures their accuracy and completeness, then submits the file to the joint office for reviewing citizenship applications of foreign investors in Istanbul.

• A copy of the file is forwarded to the Immigration Directorate, and the investor is granted a residence permit until the application is processed.

• A copy of the file is referred to the General Directorate of Population and Citizenship Affairs for reviewing the investor’s request and deciding on granting citizenship.

• If the outcome of the research is positive, the file is submitted to the Ministry of Interior to present it to the Presidency of the Republic.

• Upon approval from the Presidency, Turkish citizenship is granted to the applicant.

Edited by: Imtilak Real Estate©

Source: Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs + Turkish Ministry of Interior.