**Urgent** December 2024 Update
Turkey is rumored to be effectively raising the minimum level of CBI (Citizenship by Investment) from $400,000 to $600,000 from 2024.
This article explains how to obtain Turkish residency, the types of residence permits available, and the benefits you can get from obtaining them.
At Nomad Capitalist, we frequently discuss the value of acquiring a second home, either as part of a Plan B strategy or as a step toward second citizenship. This opens up the possibility of expanded investment opportunities, lower taxes, and even extended travel privileges.
Are you interested in exploring the path to residence in Turkey? Or would you rather leave it at that and apply for Turkish citizenship by investment? Whichever path you choose, it will be the right choice for you the first time as a client of Nomad Capitalist You’re guaranteed to get the best advice possible.
Turkey country overview
With a population of over 85 million people, Turkey is a huge market located at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, the West and the Middle East.
During the summer months, Turkey enjoys a Mediterranean climate that draws sun seekers to the coast. Midwinter in Türkiye is much darker than in rival tourist destinations in the Mediterranean. Türkiye’s terrain is mountainous and not very flat and uniform.
The Turkish economy is a mixed economy, with both state-owned and private enterprises driving growth. It evolved from a primarily agricultural economy to one more focused on industry and services.
Türkiye residency benefits
Turkey offers an attractive business environment for entrepreneurs interested in establishing a company in a new jurisdiction. The country is equally attractive if you want to invest in real estate.
By becoming a client of Nomad Capitalist, we can show you exactly how you and your family can benefit from a residence permit in Turkey.
Turkish nationality
It is possible to obtain citizenship by investment in Turkey, but you will need to make a minimum investment of $400,000 instead of the previous $250,000.
Although we feel that this is quite steep, we must say that Turkey has a solid real estate market where we can see real estate returns. For this reason, you can also obtain a Turkish passport that allows you to travel visa-free to most parts of South America.
The CBI program is considered to be quite niche, especially when compared to more popular programs such as Malta’s Golden Visa and the Caribbean Program.
With so many countries vying for your investment (and so many local companies vying for your business), choosing the right CBI program can be daunting. I don’t know.
But as a client of Nomad Capitalist, we can help inform your decisions and make the entire process simpler and faster.
Turkey residency requirements
The length of time you can stay in Turkey with an e-visa depends on the country you enter Turkey from and your passport or travel document.
If you are arriving from the United States, you will be entitled to a 90-day stay thanks to a tourist visa obtained at the Turkish Embassy. In addition to that, you are also eligible to obtain a tourist residence permit. Tourist residence permits are valid for a maximum of 6 months.
Six different residence permits allow you to extend your stay further. These include family residence permits, humanitarian residence permits, student residence permits, and residence permits for victims of human trafficking. There are two main types: short-term stay permits and long-term stay permits.
You are exempt from obtaining a residence permit in Turkey if you hold a registration certificate as an applicant for international protection or if you are exempt from a residence permit pursuant to a multilateral or reciprocal treaty to which Turkey is a party .
If you are moving to Turkey for work, you do not need a residence permit as a work permit is sufficient. In this case, a valid work permit acts as a residence permit.
Turkey short stay permit
If you plan to purchase real estate, set up a business, or establish business relations in the country, you may be eligible to obtain a residence permit.
As a rule of thumb, the Turkish government issues short-term residence permits for up to two years.
However, suppose you express an interest in investing in Turkey according to the conditions set by the Council of Ministers. In that case, you, your spouse and children can obtain a five-year short-term residence permit. Based on this, you can apply for Turkish citizenship or a long-term residence permit.
Residence permits cannot be applied for at Turkish embassies abroad. Applicants must submit the following documents to the appropriate local immigration administration after completing the online application form on the e-residency system on the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs website:
Application for residence permit Copy of passport or equivalent travel document 4 biometric photographs Proof of sufficient income or sustainable financial resources for the period of stay Documents/receipts for payment of residence permit fees and card fees Proof of ownership of real estate Title Deed Health insurance valid in Turkey.
If you wish to establish a business or establish a business relationship in Turkey and apply for a short-term residence permit, you will need to submit the following additional documents:
Invitation letter from an individual or company Notarized business activity certificate Notarized tax registration certificate Notarized commercial registration gazette Notarized signature circular.
To obtain an extension of your residence permit ID card, you must submit the same documents you submitted during your initial application to the Directorate General of Migration Management in the relevant state. This must be done by mail within 5 business days of the application being submitted through the e-residency system. You can apply for a residence permit extension up to 60 days before your residence permit ID card expires, but you will no longer be able to apply for an extension after the expiration date.
Turkey long-term stay permit
Turkish authorities issue long-term residence permits indefinitely, so foreigners do not need to apply for an extension of their residence permit ID card. For a long-term residence permit, if you have been continuously residing in Turkey for at least 8 years, you must submit the following documents to the General Directorate of Immigration Administration of the relevant state:
Application for residence permit Original and photocopy of passport or equivalent travel document Copy of previous residence permit document 4 biometric photographs Proof of not receiving social assistance from any government agency or organization in the past 3 years Financial sufficiency and regular status Proof of bank account, means of living during your stay, police records, valid medical insurance.
Conclusion of Turkish residence
If you wish to stay in Turkey for longer than your tourist visa or tourist residence permit allows, you must apply for a Turkish residence permit. There are exceptions, such as those enjoying international protected status.
The type of Turkish residence permit that is suitable for your situation depends on the reason for your application and the length of your planned stay in the country. You may be enrolled in a student exchange program in that country or looking for temporary protection. Here is an overview of the different categories:
Family Residence Permit Student Residence Permit Humanitarian Residence Permit Residence Permit for Victims of Trafficking Short-term Residence Permit Long-term Residence Permit
Whether it is a family residence permit, a student residence permit, a short-term residence permit that doubles as a medical residence permit, or a long-term residence permit equivalent to a business residence permit, you will need to submit the following documents:
Residence permit application form Copy of passport or equivalent travel document 4 biometric photographs Proof of sufficient income or sustainable financial resources for the period of stay Documents/receipts for payment of residence permit fees and card fees Proof of ownership of real estate Title deed real estate in Turkey Valid health insurance.
A Turkish residence permit is a vehicle that can be used for many purposes, including providing an opportunity to apply for a foreign work permit and secure a Turkish passport. A family residence permit allows a family to receive free primary or secondary education.
Go where you’ll get the best treatment
Suppose you are dissatisfied with the medical care you received in your home country. Or you may want to take advantage of marriage with a foreign spouse. In these situations, Nomad Capitalist can help you improve your standing in jurisdictions that are more aligned with your values.
We want to help you solve the offshore puzzle and get to where you’ll get the best treatment.
Türkiye Residency Frequently Asked Questions
How can I obtain permanent residence in Türkiye?
If you have lived in Turkey for at least eight consecutive years without interruption, you are eligible for permanent residence in Turkey.
How much money do I need to obtain residency in Türkiye?
You can purchase real estate in Turkey worth more than $400,000 or equivalent foreign currency with a restriction on resale of the title deed for at least three years.
How long does it take to obtain residency in Türkiye?
This process may take 1-3 months.
Can I get residency in Türkiye after buying a house?
yes. You can obtain a Turkish residence permit with a minimum real estate investment of $400,000.
In many things in life, we operate in a post-paper world. However, many countries’ bureaucracies are not as high-tech as they should be. Let us solve the complicated procedures for you.