Planning to stay in Turkey longer than your tourist visa allows? A short-term residence permit (ikamet izni) is the legal solution for foreigners who want to live in Turkey beyond 90 days. In this 2025 guide, you’ll learn everything you need to know: requirements, documents, costs, new rules, and step-by-step application tips.
Turkey has become one of the most popular destinations for expats, digital nomads, retirees, and investors. With its unique culture, affordable lifestyle, and strategic location, many foreigners prefer to live here rather than just visit for a short holiday. However, to stay legally, obtaining a residence permit is essential.
In recent years, the Turkish government has updated regulations, making the process stricter in some areas, especially regarding financial proof and housing requirements. This guide is designed to give you clear, up-to-date, and practical advice so that your residence permit application in 2025 goes smoothly without unnecessary stress.
A short-term residence permit is the most common type of residence permit issued in Turkey. It is ideal for foreigners who want to stay longer than their visa allows but are not applying for long-term or family permits.
Not every foreigner is eligible for this permit. Turkish law outlines several specific conditions under which you can apply. The most frequent cases include property ownership, extended tourism stays, and education.
You may apply if you:
Applying for a residence permit in Turkey requires preparation and accurate paperwork. The migration authorities are very strict about documents, and incomplete files often cause delays or even rejections. Below is the updated 2025 list:
Completed residence permit application form (from the e-ikamet system).
Valid passport (must be valid at least 60 days beyond the requested permit period).
2 biometric photos (white background, less than 6 months old).
Proof of financial means (bank statements from the last 3 months; minimum ~$500–$1000 per month of stay).
Health insurance valid in Turkey for the full duration.
Proof of address: rental contract, property deed, or notarized commitment (taahhütname).
Residence permit card fee & application fee receipts.
Address Registration Certificate – (required for renewals). (Yerleşim Yeri Belgesi)
The residence permit application is straightforward if you follow each step carefully. Missing an appointment or forgetting a document may cause serious delays, so preparation is key:
Before applying, it’s important to know the financial side of the process. The costs vary depending on nationality, duration of stay, and insurance type.
When applying for a residence permit in Turkey, you must pay the official application and card fees. These payments can be made in two different ways:
Having valid health insurance is one of the mandatory requirements for a residence permit. The insurance must fully cover the duration of your stay.
Example: If you request a residence permit from November 18, 2024 to November 18, 2025, you must provide an insurance policy valid for this exact period.
💡 You can arrange insurance through Turkish insurance agencies or directly online by searching for “yabancı sağlık sigortası” (foreigner health insurance).
When applying for the first time, you must show where you will stay in Turkey. There are several ways to prove accommodation, depending on your situation:
✅ New Rule (2025): Rental contracts signed via e-Devlet (Turkey’s e-Government system) are now accepted.
In 2025, the Ministry of Interior announced restrictions on certain districts and neighborhoods where foreigners can no longer register their addresses for residence permits. This rule was introduced due to overpopulation of migrants in specific areas.
❌ Districts in Istanbul closed to new residence permit applications:
If your address is in one of these closed districts, your residence permit application will be automatically rejected. Make sure you choose a valid address before applying.
Don’t panic if you attend your appointment and realize you forgot a document. The Migration Office does not immediately reject your application.
Residence permits are not indefinite. To continue living in Turkey legally, you need to renew your permit before it expires. Renewal applications are usually easier than the first application, but they still require updated documents.
If you fail to renew before your permit expires, you will be considered to have overstayed. Overstaying can result in administrative fines and sometimes an entry ban for a certain period. In such cases, you must leave Turkey and apply for a new residence permit from your home country or consulate.
Read: How to Revoke Entry Ban to Turkey through here: https://erdalnuhbasa.com/ban-on-entry-into-turkey-a-guidebook-for-how-to-revoke/
When applying as a family, extra documents may be required for children:
The Turkish government has introduced several new rules for residence permits in 2025. These changes mainly focus on income proof and housing conditions.
Applying for a residence permit can feel overwhelming, but following these practical tips can help you avoid mistakes and increase your chances of approval.
A short-term residence permit (ikamet izni) allows foreigners to stay in Turkey legally for more than 90 days, usually between 6 months and 2 years.
Foreigners who own property, attend language courses, stay for tourism, receive medical treatment, or conduct research can apply.
Applications are made online through the e-ikamet system
followed by an appointment at the Provincial Migration Office.
You need a valid passport, application form, biometric photos, proof of income, health insurance, proof of address, and payment receipts.
Costs vary depending on nationality, but in 2025 the residence card fee is around ₺810, plus permit fees ranging from ₺800 to ₺3,500, and health insurance.
You can pay online during application (print the receipt) or at the tax office (keep the stamped receipt). Both are valid.
Yes, health insurance covering the full duration of your permit is mandatory. Without it, your application will be rejected.
No. Rental contracts must be notarized or signed via e-Devlet. Regular contracts not approved by a notary are not accepted.
Applications from addresses in Avcılar, Bahçelievler, Bağcılar, Başakşehir, Esenler, Esenyurt, Fatih, Küçükçekmece, Sultangazi, and Zeytinburnu are rejected.
The Migration Office gives you 30 days to submit missing documents. If you don’t, your application will be withdrawn.
You should apply for renewal at least 60 days before your permit expires.
Yes, but they need additional documents such as a birth certificate, custody papers, or notarized parental consent if one parent is absent.
Not necessarily. Many foreigners apply on their own, but immigration lawyers or consultants can help if your case is complex.
Yes. Common reasons include insufficient income proof, invalid insurance, incomplete documents, or living in a closed neighborhood.
On average, it takes 4–8 weeks after your appointment for the residence card to be delivered to your registered address.
Getting a short-term residence permit in Turkey (ikamet izni) in 2025 is easier if you know the updated rules and prepare your documents carefully. With the right preparation, you can legally enjoy living in Turkey for up to two years — whether for tourism, retirement, investment, or study.
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