Guide

Turkey Residence Permit for Foreigners: Types & How to Apply

How foreigners get a Turkish residence permit: the short-term, property, family and other permit types, requirements, the application process and renewals.

By Burak Unal · Updated July 23, 2026

Turkey Residence Permit for Foreigners: Types & How to Apply

Quick answer

You can obtain a Turkish residence permit by buying property worth at least USD 200,000 by official valuation (the minimum since 16 October 2023). It lets you and your immediate family live in Turkey and is renewable; it is separate from citizenship, which requires USD 400,000 held for three years.

Key takeaways

  • Property-based residence permit requires at least USD 200,000 (since 16 Oct 2023).
  • It lets you and immediate family live in Turkey and is renewable.
  • It is separate from citizenship (USD 400,000, held three years).
  • Spouse and children under 18 are included on one application.

A residence permit lets you and your family live legally in Turkey without applying for citizenship. For many buyers it is the right first step - you keep your original nationality, gain the right to stay, and can move toward citizenship later. This guide covers the property-based route, the current threshold and the process.

What a residence permit gives you

A short-term residence permit allows the holder and immediate family to reside in Turkey while they own qualifying property. It is renewable, supports opening bank accounts and accessing services, and is a separate track from citizenship - suited to those who want to live or spend extended time in Turkey without a larger investment.

The USD 200,000 property threshold

Since 16 October 2023, the minimum property value for a real-estate-based residence permit is USD 200,000 by official valuation. It is no longer possible to obtain this permit through a lower-value property, so if residency is your goal, make sure the unit clears the threshold before you buy. The valuation report is the figure that counts.

How it differs from citizenship

Do not confuse the two routes. A residence permit needs USD 200,000 and grants the right to live in Turkey; citizenship by investment needs USD 400,000 held for three years and grants a passport with full rights. Many clients start with residency and upgrade later, or buy above USD 400,000 to keep both options open.

Documents you will need

Typically: your title deed (TAPU), an official valuation confirming the USD 200,000 value, a valid passport, Turkish health insurance, biometric photos, proof of address and the government fee receipt. Your spouse and children under 18 can be included on the same application.

The application process

Once the property is registered in your name, applications are filed with the migration authority, followed by an appointment to submit documents and biometrics. On approval, a residence card is issued and renewed periodically while you continue to own the qualifying property. We coordinate the file end to end with our legal partners.

Other residence routes

Property is the most common route, but permits also exist for long-term tourism, study, family reunification and work. If a property purchase is not right for you yet, we can point you to the appropriate category.

How we help

We make sure the property you choose actually meets the USD 200,000 requirement, obtain the valuation, and manage the permit application so nothing stalls. Talk to our team to plan your residency.

Frequently asked questions

What is the minimum property value for a Turkish residence permit?
USD 200,000 by official valuation - the minimum for a property-based short-term residence permit since 16 October 2023.
Is a residence permit the same as citizenship?
No. A residence permit (USD 200,000) grants the right to live in Turkey; citizenship by investment (USD 400,000, held three years) grants a passport and full rights.
Does the permit cover my family?
Yes. Your spouse and children under 18 can be included on the same application and receive residency alongside the property owner.

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Turkey Residence Permit for Foreigners (2026) | Types & Process