Residence permit in Turkey: guide for UK citizens

Turkey is one of the most unique countries in the world, as it is one of the few nations on the planet that rests between two entire continents. It’s a huge country with an extensive, diverse and rich history.

However, its unique geography means that living in Turkey for more than 90 days in a 180-day period¹ is a more complex process compared to doing the same in other European nations coming from the UK.

If you’re thinking of moving there, read on. We’ve put together a helpful guide explaining how to get a residence permit in Turkey, known as an Ikamet. This includes the different types of visas and permits, what you need to apply, the costs and how it all works.

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Types of residence permits in Turkey

There are several categories of residence permits that apply to foreign nationals who want to stay in Turkey beyond their allotted visa period. For the UK, this is 90 days.¹

In total, there are six main residence permit types recognised by the Turkish Presidency of Migration Management.²

But aside from two humanitarian residence permits for people in extraordinary circumstances, a work permit acting as a residence permit, and a family reunion permit - there are three main types of residence permits to apply for.

Short term residence permit

First up is the short-term residence permit for people who wish to stay in Turkey for more than three months but less than two years. You can apply if your circumstances fit one of the following reasons:²

• To conduct scientific research, subject to permission.
• If you own property in Turkey.
• For business and commercial reasons, which does include both contracted and freelance work.
• To participate in an on-the-job training programme such as an apprenticeship.
• For people who are part of student exchange programmes such as Erasmus.
• For tourism purposes beyond the allowed 90 days in 180.
• For people receiving medical treatment, as long as they do not cause a public health threat.
• People who are required to stay in Turkey for legal reasons.
• People transferring from a family residence permit.
• People attending a Turkish language course.
• People attending an internship, research programme or education programme supported by a public agency.
• People who have graduated from a university in Turkey within six months.
• People who will not work in Turkey but make an investment into the national economy.

Student residence permit

Alternatively, there is a student residence permit that applies throughout a person’s academic career, from primary school to university. This permit is for situations when a family residence permit somehow does not apply.

Specifically, the student residence permit is for:²

• Under-18s in primary or secondary education without a family residence permit.
• Students in an associate, undergraduate degree or postgraduate-level course, as well as students specialising in medicine or dentistry.

Long-term residence permit

Finally, foreign nationals who have continuously lived in Turkey for at least eight years or meet conditions set out by the Ministry of the Interior can apply for a long-term residence permit. This is so long as they:²

• Have not received any kind of social support for three years.
• Have enough money to sustain themselves.
• Have valid medical insurance.
• Are not subject to a public order or are deemed a public security threat.

This allows them to stay in Turkey indefinitely without having to continue to apply for temporary visas and residence permits.

What is the difference between a visa and a residence permit in Turkey?

The difference between a visa and a residence permit is the amount of time you are allowed to stay in the country. For tourist visas and work annotated visas, this is no more than 90 days in a 180-day span.³

There are some exceptions to this though. For example, tour operators, lorry drivers (and other parts of the transport sector) and other specialist sectors. However, the primary tourism and working visas only allow for a 90-day stay.

A residence permit allows for more than this, and a working visa is treated as an entry visa to allow for the completion of the residence permit application process.⁶

Can I travel to Turkey with a UK residence permit?

Yes, there is a special visa exemption provision for British citizens.

If you have a UK residence permit and ordinary passport, you can enter Turkey for up to 90 days in any 180-day period.⁴

How much does it cost to get a Turkish residence permit?

A Turkish residence permit costs 356 Turkish lira (£15) for the initial application.

There’s also a further 490 lira (£20) to pay for the first month and 98 lira (£4) for each additional month that the residence permit is in effect.⁵

In addition, if you need an entry visa, that will cost an additional 2,304.20 lira (£95).⁶

In total, expect to pay about 2000 lira (£83) for a year, although the exact price can vary.

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How can you apply for a Turkish residence permit as a UK citizen?

You can apply for the Ikamet online, and the Turkish government encourages using the online service. However, alternative routes to apply may be available through the Turkish Consulate General.

Before you start your Turkish residence permit application, you’ll need to have the following documents ready:⁷

• A signed copy of the application form. If you have filled it out with the aid of a legal representative, they will need to sign it too.
• Photocopy of your passport, and on the day of appointment you will need to show the original as well.
• Four biometric photographs taken in the last six months, of a similar type to those used in passport photographs.
• A statement that you have regular, sufficient financial means, which may require additional documentation in exceptional circumstances such as working as a freelancer.
• Proof of payment for the residence permit and card will be needed once you complete the online form and pay the initial application fees.
• Proof of valid health insurance.
• Document proving you have registered your address with the district you are living in.
• A document proving where you live, either a title deed, rental agreement or proof of stay.
• Documents that prove your reason for staying (job contract, proof of house ownership, time and place of job training etc.).

How long does it take to get a residence permit in Turkey?

The application process should not take any more than 90 days from when you submit your application to final approval. However, this can vary.

As long as you have an open application, you will be allowed to stay in Turkey. So you may be informed of an extension during particularly busy application periods.

How long does a Turkish residence permit last?

A Turkish residence permit lasts at least three months and no more than two years before it needs to be extended.

Exactly how long it lasts depends on the particular circumstances surrounding the application, such as job contract length.

How to get Turkish residence permits for your spouse, children, and family?

The Turkish migration system has a family residence permit that allows for the spouse and children under 18 of a sponsor to live in Turkey.

This permit will only be valid for up to three years at a time. It will never be approved for longer than the sponsor’s residence permit.

To apply, the sponsor must:²

• Have health insurance to cover all family members.
• Have a monthly income of more than a third of the minimum wage for each family member
• Have a criminal record check to ensure they have not committed any crimes against the family.
• Have lived at least a year in Turkey.

A family residence permit is applied for using the same online system used for residence permit applications.

Turkey is a country filled with opportunities, alongside incredible historical and natural beauty. If you want to make it your home, applying for a residence permit is not as complex as you might expect.

Using a Wise account makes it even simpler. With this user-friendly online account, you can manage both your pounds and lira in the same place. There are no hidden fees to worry about, and you’ll always get mid-market exchange rates.

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Please see the Terms of Use for your region or visit Wise fees & pricing for the most up-to-date information on pricing and fees.

Sources used:

Sources last checked on date: 14-May-2023