Many travelers who have visited Turkey dream about residing in this friendly nation for several months or years to enjoy the weather, sea, and culture. Furthermore, investing in Turkish real estate has become a popular choice for internationals from various nations. If you want to buy property in Turkey and get residency or spend some time as a resident to see if living in Turkey will suit you, you will need to get residency in Turkey or apply for citizenship under the Turkish citizenship by investment program. API Investment is well versed in these processes as we have a wealth of knowledge from years of supporting our clients to invest in Turkey. In this post, we share details about obtaining residency in Turkey and Turkish citizenship by investment program to help you navigate the process for whatever reason you plan to be in Turkey.
Turkish Residency for Foreign Nationals
You can easily apply for an E-Visa Turkey if you only desire a brief trip to Turkey. This application is for anyone who wants to travel or do business in Turkey. This tourism visa will cover your stay if you’re a foreigner visiting Turkey for less than three months. Some citizens of certain nations, such as British nationals, can enter Turkey as short-term visitors without applying for e-visas. If you’re unsure, check with the Turkish embassy or consulate. However, if you plan to stay in Turkey for an extended period, you must apply for residency in Turkey. A Turkish residence permit applies if you want to stay in the country for more than 90 days.
The application process is relatively straightforward; you can find the form online at the e-ikamet website, which is under the governance of the Directorate General of Migration Management. You can stay in Turkey for a period longer than three months, during six months, if you have a Turkish resident permit. Whether you intend to work, study, or reside permanently in Turkey, you must have it. If you are applying for residency as a homeowner, the threshold for property prices is pretty low. If you purchase a property in one of the 30 major cities the threshold is $75,000 and if you buy in one of the less populated cities it’s only $50,000.
What Documents are Required?
Once you have completed the online application form and selected an appointment date at the immigration office for your province, you will have to prepare your documents. Check the list below to see what paperwork you will need to prepare:
- Four printed biometric photographs.
- A signed contract for your rental accommodation if you do not own property. You will need a copy of your Tapu (land registry document) if you own a property.
- You need to open a Turkish bank account and provide a signed statement from your bank showing you have funds to support yourself during your stay.
- A copy of your healthcare policy. All residency applicants under the age of 65 must have private health insurance to cover the period they are applying for residency. This does not apply to anyone over the age of 65.
- You must provide two copies of your passport and be sure to take the original with you.
Types of Turkish Residence Permits
Short-term Residence Permit
You can submit an application for a short-term residence permit for either six months, one year, or two years. At the end of your residency period, if you want to continue living in Turkey, you can apply for a renewal which is even more straightforward as you are already in the system. You can start a renewal application 2 months before your current residency runs out.
Long-Term Residence Permit
You can apply for a long-term Turkish residency permit, which is an indefinite license to remain if you have been residing in Turkey legally for at least eight years in a row with a residence permit issued by the Turkish government.
Student Residence Permit
A student residence permit is granted to foreign nationals who plan to study in postgraduate, bachelor, or associate degree studies (2 years). The student residence permit is valid until the completion of studies.
Humanitarian Residence Permit
Another Turkish humanitarian residence permit applies exclusively to foreigners who are victims of civil war, people who have had their human rights violated, and refugees.
New Rules for Turkish Residence Permit 2022
As of July 1, 2022, the Turkish government placed restrictions on certain areas for foreigners applying for residency. In specific districts, you will no currently be able to apply for a residence permit because they are designated as closed territories with a high percentage of foreign residents (20% or more). You should seek advice about whether your desired area falls into this category and look for other nearby alternatives.
Turkish Citizenship by Investment Program
The Turkish Citizenship by Investment process is the quickest and most straightforward way to establish permanent residency in Turkey. You can achieve it in two months with real estate investments starting at $400,000. The choices range from $400,000 for real estate purchases to $500,000 for one of the investment alternatives. Additionally, there is the option of employing at least 50 employees. Furthermore, Turkey allows dual and multiple citizenship, irrespective of the country you belong to. You don’t need to renounce your old passport of your country of origin. So, it’s beneficial if you wish to live between your native country and Turkey.
As a foreign national, you can apply to the Consulate for citizenship or a residence permit if at least one of the three investment requirements has been met. The documentary proof of investments is the only requirement.
- Tapu (right of ownership) for property worth $400,000.
- a document from the Ministry of Finance to certify investments from $500,000.
- a report from the Ministry of Labor and Social Security to certify that you have created employment for 50 employees.
Time to Invest in Turkey
Where can you quickly and securely invest in Turkey to get residency in Turkey or reap the benefits of Turkish citizenship? At API Investment. We focus on global investment opportunities and always offer our international clients the most advantageous possibilities. Brokerage, Investment, Consultancy, and Property Management are API’s primary divisions. Please get in touch with the professionals at our global portal if you want to learn more about the available possibilities!
