Turkey – Visas

Do I need a visa to move to Turkey?

Your nationality is the primary factor in determining whether you need a visa to enter Turkey. Citizens of most EU and EFTA member states may visit Turkey without a visa for up to 90 days within any 180-day period. From January 19, 2024, US citizens holding ordinary passports are also exempt from entry visa requirements for visits of up to 90 days in any 180-day period.

Nationals of countries that do require a visa for short visits can take advantage of Turkey’s user-friendly electronic visa system. The Electronic Visa (e-Visa) Application System was introduced by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Türkiye, enabling travellers to obtain their e-Visas digitally at evisa.gov.tr in as little as three minutes. E-Visas can be granted for stays of up to 90 days with multiple entries within any 180-day period.

It is essential to recognise, however, that neither visa-free access nor an e-Visa entitles a person to live, work, or study in Turkey on a long-term basis. A residence permit is compulsory for any foreigner wishing to remain in Turkey beyond the duration permitted by their visa, visa exemption, or 90-day entitlement — applications must be submitted via the e-residence system while the applicant is inside the country. Because entry rules differ considerably from one nationality to another, individuals should always verify their circumstances with the Republic of Türkiye Ministry of Foreign Affairs or the DGMM.

What types of visa are available for people moving to Turkey?

Turkey’s immigration structure draws a clear distinction between short-stay visas (including e-Visas) and longer-term residence permits. For those intending to relocate, the residence permit framework — governed by Turkey’s Law on Foreigners and International Protection No. 6458 — is the key mechanism. Different permits exist depending on the applicant’s purpose, whether that is tourism, study, employment, or family reunion. The main categories relevant to prospective expats are outlined below.

Short-Term Residence Permit: This is the most widely used permit type. It enables foreign nationals to remain in Turkey for purposes such as tourism, property ownership, or participation in cultural programmes, and is ordinarily valid for up to two years, with the possibility of renewal provided eligibility conditions continue to be met. In practical terms, this permit is the equivalent of a long-stay visitor visa issued in other countries and serves as the standard starting point for most expats settling in Turkey without an employment contract.

Work Permit: Any foreign national wishing to be employed in Turkey must hold a valid work visa and work permit — working without one is not permitted. A Turkish work permit functions simultaneously as a residence permit, granting the holder the right to both work and reside in the country. Unlike the practice in many other nations, it is the employer — not the employee — who must initiate and submit the work permit application.

Family Residence Permit: Foreign nationals wishing to join a family member already residing in Turkey must obtain a family residence permit. This permit is available to the foreign spouses of Turkish citizens, among others, and is sometimes referred to as a spouse visa. The family residence permit carries a validity of three years.

Student Residence Permit: Foreign nationals enrolled in associate, undergraduate, graduate, or postgraduate programmes, or undertaking specialist medical or dental training, are eligible for a student residence permit. Where the duration of study is under one year, the permit will not exceed the length of the academic programme.

Long-Term (Permanent) Residence Permit: Once a foreign national has maintained eight consecutive years of lawful residence in Turkey, they become eligible to apply for a long-term residence permit. This status confers almost all the privileges of citizenship, with the exception of the right to vote, and represents the conclusion of the standard residency pathway for the majority of expats.

Digital Nomad Visa: Launched in 2024, the Digital Nomad Visa is designed for location-independent workers between the ages of 21 and 55 who hold a university degree and earn a minimum of $3,000 USD per month. It permits remote work from Turkey for up to one year, reflecting the country’s growing attractiveness to professionals who work online.

Investor / Property-Based Permits: Foreign nationals who own residential property in Turkey and use it as their place of residence may apply for a short-term residence permit on that basis. Those who make qualifying investments in Turkey — as defined by the Council of Ministers — along with their foreign spouses and minor or dependent children, may be granted a residence permit of up to five years. Turkey also offers a Citizenship by Investment programme; current investment thresholds can be found on the DGMM website.

How do I apply for a visa for Turkey?

The application procedure differs according to whether you are seeking a short-stay e-Visa or a longer-term residence permit. For most people relocating to Turkey, the residence permit process is what matters most, and crucially, it must be completed inside Turkey — not at a consulate or embassy in your home country.

Applying for an e-Visa (short stay)

The e-Visa platform allows eligible travellers to obtain their e-Visas via the internet at evisa.gov.tr, which is accessible around the clock from anywhere with an internet connection. Applicants enter their identity, passport, and travel information and pay the required fee online. For those planning to relocate, an e-Visa or visa-free entry is the typical means of initially entering the country, after which the residence permit application is pursued from within Turkey.

Applying for a residence permit (long stay) — step by step

1. Enter Turkey by lawful means. Travel to Turkey on a valid visa, e-Visa, or under visa-free arrangements. Your residence permit application must be submitted before your authorised entry period comes to an end.
2. Create an account on the e-İkamet portal. Go to the official DGMM portal at e-ikamet.goc.gov.tr and fill in the residence permit application form with your personal and travel information.
3. Schedule an appointment. The centralised booking system will arrange your biometric data submission at your nearest DGMM office.
4. Compile your supporting documents. Assemble all documentation required for your particular permit category (see the documents section below). Where necessary, ensure that translations have been completed by a Turkish sworn translator.
5. Attend your appointment in person. You must appear at the provincial or district migration management directorate serving the area where you intend to live on your designated appointment date. Failing to attend without a justified reason is treated as if no application was submitted.
6. Pay all applicable fees. Settle the required fees at the appointment or as instructed by the DGMM, and retain all proof of payment.
7. Wait for a decision. Under Turkish law, residence permit applications must be concluded within 90 days of the completed appointment.
8. Collect your residence permit card. If your application is successful, your ikamet card will be delivered by post to your registered address. Make sure your address information is correct and kept up to date.

For those requiring a work visa, the initial application is submitted at the Turkish embassy or consulate serving the applicant’s country of residence. Applicants based in the United States should contact the Turkish Embassy in Washington, D.C., or one of Turkey’s consulates in cities such as New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, or Houston. Those residing in the United Kingdom should approach the Turkish Embassy in London. Applicants in other countries should reach out to the nearest Turkish diplomatic mission — a complete directory is available through the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs website.

What documents do I need to apply for a visa for Turkey?

Required documentation varies according to the type of permit being sought, but the items listed below are typically needed for most residence permit applications. Always refer to the DGMM website for a definitive and up-to-date checklist tailored to your specific permit category.

• Valid passport: Your passport must remain valid for the entirety of your intended stay. For short visits, Turkey generally requires at least six months of remaining validity from the date of entry, and specific rules also apply to residence permit holders.
• Completed residence permit application form: Submitted through the e-İkamet online portal.
• Proof of accommodation: A rental agreement or property title deed, supported by an income certificate, is required. Applicants must provide details of their residential address in Turkey, which may be a permanent address or an accommodation facility.
• Evidence of adequate financial resources: Bank statements or a certificate of income demonstrating your means of support. As a general guideline, a regular income of at least $850 per person per month is typically expected, with a minimum account balance of approximately $10,000 for a one-year permit. These are indicative figures subject to change; confirm current thresholds with the DGMM.
• Valid health insurance: Your policy must cover the entire duration of the permit you are applying for. Acceptable coverage includes access to Turkish health services through bilateral agreements, Social Security Institution enrolment, or a qualifying private health insurance policy.
• Biometric photographs: Recent passport-style photos complying with Turkish immigration requirements.
• Criminal record certificate: When requested, applicants must provide a criminal record document issued by the competent authorities in their country of citizenship or habitual residence.
• For family permits: A valid marriage certificate or birth certificate, translated and apostilled as appropriate, along with evidence of suitable housing in Turkey.
• For property-based permits: Title deeds or other documentation confirming ownership of property in Turkey.

Documents issued in languages other than Turkish must generally be translated by a sworn translator (yeminli tercüman) operating in Turkey, or accompanied by a certified translation. For family-related documents such as birth or marriage certificates, notarised translation is typically required. Always confirm the precise translation and apostille requirements with the DGMM or your local provincial Migration Directorate ahead of your appointment.

How long does a visa application for Turkey take to process?

Processing times differ considerably depending on the type of application involved. For eligible nationalities, the e-Visa system completes applications in roughly three minutes, making it one of the most efficient short-stay visa mechanisms in existence — comparable in speed to systems like Australia’s Electronic Travel Authority (ETA).

For residence permits, the timeline is necessarily longer. Turkish law stipulates that residence permit applications must be resolved within a maximum of 90 days from the date of the completed in-person appointment. In practice, many applicants receive a decision well before this deadline, though 90 days remains the legal upper limit.

Work visa applications involve multiple stages. Processing a reference number at the embassy typically takes around four working days, though this can vary depending on application volumes and the completeness of submitted documents. Once the reference number is issued, the employer in Turkey must submit an application to the Ministry of Labour and Social Security (MLSS) within ten days, and confirmation from the MLSS may take up to 30 days to arrive — making early submission strongly advisable.

All processing times are subject to fluctuation and may be influenced by local demand, peak seasons, and administrative variables. Always check the DGMM website for the most current estimates and aim to submit your application well in advance of your planned move — ideally at least three months ahead for residence permits, and considerably earlier for work permits that require employer involvement.

How much does it cost to apply for a visa for Turkey?

The fees associated with obtaining a visa or residence permit in Turkey depend on the permit category, the applicant’s nationality, and the length of the permit requested. All fees are set by the Turkish government and are liable to change; always confirm current figures on the DGMM fee schedule page.

Residence permit fees (as of 2025): A document fee (belge bedeli) of 810 TRY, fixed by the Ministry of Finance, applies to all Turkish residence permits. A separate residence permit tax (harç) is charged based on the length of the permit requested. The total cost of obtaining a residence permit begins at approximately $200 USD, with the precise figure depending on the duration of the permit, the applicant’s nationality, and their age.

Nationality-based tax exemptions (as of 2025): Citizens of certain countries are exempt from the residence permit tax (harç) under reciprocity arrangements, including nationals of the Czech Republic, Denmark, Ireland, Kosovo, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Syria, and Turkmenistan.

Additional expenses to factor in: Beyond official permit fees, foreign nationals typically need to budget for state duties, medical insurance, notary charges, and interpreter or translation costs. Indicative additional expenses (as of 2024/2025, subject to change) may include:

• Private health insurance: from approximately $50 per year, depending on the level of coverage
• Notarised translation of a bank statement: approximately $50 per page
• Notarisation of a rental agreement: approximately $100
• Notarised translation of birth or marriage certificates: approximately $100
• Professional immigration or legal assistance (optional but advisable for complex cases)

In addition to the fees listed above, applicants may choose to engage professional legal or agency support, which is entirely optional but may help minimise the risk of errors and rejections. The cost of such services will vary depending on the permit type and the extent of assistance required.

E-Visa fees vary by nationality, and some passport holders receive e-Visas at no charge under reciprocity arrangements. Consult the official e-Visa portal at evisa.gov.tr to find out the fee applicable to your passport.

Can my family members join me in Turkey on a visa?

Turkey provides a route for family members to join a primary permit holder through the family residence permit system. This permit may be granted to a foreign spouse, foreign children, or the foreign minor children of a spouse, as well as to other dependent foreign children.

Foreign minors wishing to enter Turkey to be reunited with their family must also hold a valid family residence permit. In cases where one parent holds sole custody, the written consent of the non-custodial parent is required before the child can be reunited with family in Turkey.

The family residence permit guarantees access to education in Turkey up to the age of 18, at which point the holder must obtain an appropriate replacement document. The permit has a validity of three years, and conditions will apply upon any subsequent renewal.

Every family member must hold their own individual permit. Accompanying status is no longer recognised, and residence permit documents must be issued separately for each foreign national following their respective applications. This requirement extends to young children, who must each possess their own ikamet card.

Family members holding a family residence permit are generally entitled to enrol in education in Turkey but do not automatically acquire the right to work — a separate work permit would be needed for that purpose. The primary applicant sponsoring family members is ordinarily expected to demonstrate sufficient financial resources to support all dependants. Please consult the DGMM residence permit types page for the current sponsor income requirements applicable to your circumstances.

Can I extend my visa or apply for permanent residence in Turkey?

Turkey provides a clear and structured path from initial entry through to long-term residence and, ultimately, citizenship. The majority of expats begin with a short-term residence permit, which may be renewed for as long as the applicable eligibility conditions are satisfied.

Renewing a residence permit: Renewal applications are submitted online 60 days before the current permit’s expiry date, with supporting documents provided and an in-person appointment attended. The principles governing renewal applications are the same as those for first-time applications. It is important to begin the renewal process well ahead of your permit’s expiry to avoid any lapse into unlawful residence, which can attract fines and create complications for future permit applications.

Long-term (permanent) residence: After maintaining eight consecutive years of lawful residence in Turkey, a foreign national becomes eligible to apply for a long-term residence permit. This status confers nearly all the rights enjoyed by citizens, with the exception of the right to vote. It is broadly analogous to indefinite leave to remain (ILR) in the United Kingdom or permanent residency status in many comparable immigration systems.

Path to citizenship: Having maintained continuous legal residence for five years may render a person eligible to apply for Turkish citizenship. An accelerated route is also available through investment. Applicants who have obtained a residence permit and met the relevant investment requirements may apply for citizenship accordingly. Those making qualifying real estate or business investments may additionally be eligible under Turkey’s Citizenship by Investment programme.

Overstaying a Turkish residence permit carries serious consequences, including financial penalties, deportation, and bans on future re-entry. Always renew your permit before it expires, and refer to the DGMM for current eligibility criteria and any recent updates to residency or citizenship rules.

What are the most common reasons visa applications for Turkey are refused?

Familiarising yourself with the most frequent grounds for refusal can significantly improve your chances of a successful application. A large proportion of rejected applications result from missing documentation or forms that have been filled in incorrectly. The following are among the most commonly cited causes of problems:

• Incomplete or inaccurate documentation: Omitting a required document, presenting an expired document, or failing to have foreign-language materials properly translated and notarised is one of the leading causes of refusal or delay.
• Insufficient evidence of financial means: Not being able to demonstrate a regular, adequate income or savings to cover your own living costs and those of any dependants during your stay.
• Inadequate health insurance: Providing a policy that does not cover the entire duration of the permit requested, or one that fails to meet Turkish immigration requirements.
• Criminal record concerns: Applicants may be asked to provide a criminal record certificate from the competent authorities in their country of citizenship or habitual residence. A significant criminal history may lead to a refusal.
• Existing entry ban or removal order: Applicants who have previously overstayed a visa, been deported, or are subject to a current entry prohibition cannot be granted a permit until those matters have been resolved.
• Non-attendance at the appointment: Applicants who fail to appear at the relevant provincial or district migration management directorate on their appointment date without a valid justification are considered to have made no application at all.
• Accommodation not meeting legal standards: The address registered with the DGMM must satisfy the general health and safety requirements prescribed by law.

What to do if refused: A refusal does not necessarily mark the end of the process. You have the right to challenge the decision through Turkey’s administrative court system. It may also be possible to reapply once the reason for refusal has been addressed — for instance, by obtaining missing documents or correcting an error in the original submission. In the event of a refusal, consulting a qualified Turkish immigration lawyer is strongly recommended. Thoroughly checking your documentation before submission is essential, as paperwork deficiencies account for the overwhelming majority of delays, and retaining multiple copies of all documents can help avoid problems at the appointment stage.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I apply for a Turkish residence permit before I arrive in Turkey?

Residence permit applications can only be lodged from within Turkey — they cannot be submitted at a Turkish embassy or consulate abroad, or from your country of citizenship or habitual residence. You must first enter Turkey through lawful means and then apply for your residence permit before your entry authorisation expires. It is advisable to plan ahead and submit your application promptly after arrival.

Do US citizens still need an e-Visa to visit Turkey?

From January 19, 2024, US citizens holding ordinary passports no longer need an entry visa to travel to Turkey for stays of up to 90 days within any 180-day period. For stays exceeding 90 days, or for purposes including employment or long-term residence, a residence permit or work visa is required. Always check the most current entry requirements with the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

What is an ikamet and do I need one?

An ikamet is the Turkish term for a residence permit. It is issued to foreign nationals who wish to remain in Turkey and is compulsory for anyone intending to stay beyond the duration allowed by their visa, visa exemption, or 90-day entry entitlement — applications are submitted via the e-residence system. If you are planning to make Turkey your long-term home, you will almost certainly need one.

Is Istanbul closed to new residence permit applications?

Various districts and neighbourhoods in Istanbul and other densely populated areas have been subject to restrictions on new residence permit applications due to high concentrations of foreign residents. Istanbul was closed to new residence permits as of July 2023. Since these restrictions can be revised over time, it is essential to verify the current position with the DGMM before applying, as some areas may have different rules or may have reopened by the time you submit your application.

Can I work in Turkey on a short-term residence permit?

A valid work visa and work permit are required before any foreign national may undertake paid employment in Turkey — working without these authorisations is prohibited. A short-term residence permit obtained for purposes such as tourism or property ownership does not confer the right to work. If you secure a job offer, it is your employer’s responsibility to initiate and submit the work permit application on your behalf through the Ministry of Labour and Social Security.

How long do I have to live in Turkey before I can apply for citizenship?

Maintaining continuous legal residence for five years may qualify a foreign national to apply for Turkish citizenship. An accelerated route is available through the Citizenship by Investment programme, which requires a qualifying real estate or capital investment — consult the DGMM for current investment thresholds, as these have been revised in recent years. Citizenship applications must satisfy a range of additional criteria, and professional legal guidance is recommended throughout the process.

What happens if I overstay my visa or residence permit in Turkey?

Remaining in Turkey beyond the expiry of your visa or residence permit can result in fines, deportation, and prohibitions on future re-entry. From April 2024, the overstay fine rose to $54 USD per day. Always ensure your permit is renewed before it lapses, and contact the DGMM without delay if you experience any difficulties in meeting a renewal deadline.

Do I need health insurance to get a residence permit in Turkey?

Yes, valid health insurance is a mandatory requirement for most residence permit categories. Your insurance coverage must span the full duration of the permit you are applying for. Acceptable forms of coverage include private health insurance, entitlement under a bilateral social security agreement, or registration with Turkey’s General Health Insurance scheme. Refer to the DGMM general information page for a comprehensive list of accepted insurance types relevant to your situation.