Tourist Residence Permit in Türkiye: Your Comprehensive Guide for 2025

Türkiye is a favorite destination for many, not just for short-term tourism, but also for long-term stays.

The tourist residence permit allows foreigners to stay in Türkiye legally for a period exceeding the duration specified in their visa or visa exemption period.

With continuous changes and updates in laws, it's essential to stay informed about the latest requirements and procedures.

1. What is a Tourist Residence Permit?

It's a legal permit issued by the Turkish Directorate General of Migration Management (Göç İdaresi Genel Müdürlüğü), granting foreigners the right to reside in Türkiye for tourist purposes or similar (such as learning Turkish, conducting short-term research, or simply enjoying the country). This permit is often granted for a maximum of one year for the first application, and the duration may be shorter in some cases or depending on the applicant's nationality.

2. Who is Eligible to Apply?

Any foreigner who enters Türkiye legally (with a valid visa or within the visa-exemption period) and intends to reside for tourist purposes is eligible to apply. However, there are some important criteria:

• Legal Entry: Entry into Türkiye must have been legal.

• Purpose of Stay: The purpose must be tourist-related or any other purpose accepted by the Directorate General of Migration Management.

• Sufficient Financial Resources: Proof of sufficient financial means to cover living expenses in Türkiye must be provided.

• No Criminal Record: Absence of any criminal record in Türkiye or the country of origin may impede obtaining the permit.

3. Required Documents:

Requirements change periodically, but these are the basic documents currently needed:

• Residence Permit Application Form: Filled out online on the Directorate General of Migration Management's website.

• Passport: Original and photocopy of all passport pages (information page, visa pages, and the last entry stamp). It must be valid for at least 60 days beyond the requested residence permit's expiry date.

• Biometric Photographs: 4 recent photos (white background, 5x6 cm size).

• Valid Health Insurance: Must obtain health insurance covering the requested duration of stay in Türkiye. (Required for individuals under 65 and over 18 years of age).

• Proof of Address:

• Notarized Rental Agreement (Noter Onaylı Kira Sözleşmesi): If you're renting a home.

• Hotel Accommodation Proof: If you're staying in a hotel for a long period.

• Host Declaration: If you're staying with a Turkish citizen or foreign resident, the host must provide a notarized declaration of hospitality, along with a copy of their ID/residence permit.

• Proof of Sufficient Financial Resources:

• Bank Statement: Showing sufficient balance to cover living expenses (typically equivalent to $500 USD per month or more is required).

• Other documents supporting financial capability.

• Document Proving the Purpose of Tourist Stay:

• Travel Plan Letter: Outlining the places you will visit or activities you will undertake.

• Hotel bookings (if for long-term tourist stay).

• Fee Payment Receipt: Residence permit card fee and the residence fee itself (varies by nationality).

4. Application Steps (Online Procedures and Appointment):

• Initial Online Application:
  
  

• Access the official website of the Turkish Directorate General of Migration Management (e-ikamet.goc.gov.tr).

• Select the "First Application" (İlk Başvuru) option.

• Fill out the application form completely and accurately, ensuring all entered information is correct.

• Upload biometric photos and required documents (usually in PDF format).

• After filling out the form, you'll be assigned an appointment (Randevu) at the nearest Directorate General of Migration Management office or the responsible office in your city.

• Print the completed online application form.

• Payment:
  
  

• After booking the appointment, the amount of the payable fees (residence card fee and residence fee) will be displayed.

• Fees can be paid at any bank contracted with the Directorate General of Migration Management or at tax offices.

• Interview at the Directorate General of Migration Management:
  
  

• At the scheduled appointment, bring all original and required copies of documents (organized and arranged).

• The officer will review the documents and may ask some questions to confirm the purpose of stay.

• If the documents are complete and correct, you'll be asked to wait for a decision to be issued.

5. Important Points and Updates to Note (2024-2025):

Obtaining a tourist residence permit in Türkiye is still possible, but it requires meticulous preparation of documents and an understanding of the evolving procedures. It is always advisable to check the latest requirements on the official website of the Turkish Directorate General of Migration Management or consult with a specialized immigration lawyer to ensure a proper application and avoid any complications.

Therefore, please consider several important matters:

• Stricter Procedures: Türkiye has been tightening its procedures for granting tourist residence permits in recent years, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic and the increase in the number of migrants.

• Restricted Areas: Some neighborhoods in major cities (especially Istanbul, Ankara, and Izmir) have been designated as prohibited for new foreign residence registrations, to reduce population density in those areas. You should check these lists before signing a rental agreement.

• Difficulty in Renewal: Renewing a tourist residence permit has become much more difficult than before. Tourist residence permit renewal applications are often rejected, and the Directorate General of Migration Management encourages applicants to seek other types of permits (such as work permits, family permits, or student permits) if they wish to stay longer. It's advisable to consult with a Turkish lawyer or immigration consultant to understand available options before your current permit expires.

• Initial Residence Duration: The initial permit may not always be granted for a full year; it might be granted for six months or less, depending on the assessment.

• Importance of Bank Statement: This document has become more crucial for proving financial capability.

• Language: Communication in Turkish can be helpful, but in major cities, English-speaking staff are available.

• Application Before Visa Expiry: The residence permit application must be submitted before your visa or visa exemption period expires. If your current stay expires while awaiting the application decision, your stay will be considered legal.

6. After Application Submission and Decision:

• Waiting Period: Reviewing applications and issuing decisions usually takes a few weeks to two months or more, depending on the workload at the Directorate General of Migration Management.

• Decision Notification: The residence permit card will be sent to the registered address via express mail (PTT). In case of rejection, the rejection decision will also be sent by mail.
• Appealing the Decision: In case of rejection, the applicant has the right to appeal the decision before the administrative court within a specified timeframe.