In this article, we will present the types of residences in Turkey in a comprehensive way, explaining the basic requirements to obtain each type, so that those wishing to settle in Turkey can have a clear understanding.
Have you wondered about the available residency options? Whether you are thinking about a commercial, family, or student residency, this article will provide you with all the details you need.
Continue reading with Turkey in Detail to discover everything you need to know about the types of residences in Turkey, the necessary procedures, and important tips to help you understand the legal steps. We will also discuss the new residency law for 2025 and how it impacts foreigners.
What are the Types of Residences in Turkey?
The types of residences in Turkey are divided into two main categories: long-term residences and short-term residences, each serving the needs of different groups of foreign residents.
First: Long-Term Residency Permits
- Family Residency: Granted to foreigners married to Turkish citizens, it is valid for up to three years and renewable. After three years, they can apply for citizenship.
- Work Residency: Issued for those who have an official work permit, it is renewed every two years, and after five years, they can apply for citizenship.
- Property Residency: Given to foreign investors who own property in Turkey, valid for two years and renewable as long as the property is owned.
- Cypriot Turkish Residency: For citizens of Northern Cyprus, renewable up to a maximum of five years.
- Humanitarian Residency: Provided to those unable to return to their home countries due to security or humanitarian risks.
- Trafficking Victim Residency: Initially granted for 30 days, renewable every 6 months up to a maximum of 3 years.
Second: Short-Term Residency Permits
- Student Residency: For foreign students enrolled in Turkish universities, valid for the duration of their studies.
- Exchange Student Residency: Issued for participants in international exchange programs like Erasmus and Mevlana.
- Graduation Residency: Given to students who have completed their studies and need time to finalize graduation procedures.
- Tourist Residency: For those wishing to reside temporarily for tourism purposes, typically lasting from one to two years.
- Investor Residency: Issued to businessmen for a short period for evaluation or exploration purposes.
- Investment Study Residency: Given to those wishing to study the economic feasibility of their projects.
- Language Study Residency: For those enrolled in Turkish language courses at officially recognized institutions.
- Treatment Residency: Issued to patients coming for medical treatment based on reports from Turkish hospitals.
- Compulsory Residency: Granted under judicial or administrative orders.
These types of residences in Turkey provide great flexibility for foreigners depending on their goals, facilitating their legal and safe integration into Turkish society. Contact us via WhatsApp to obtain the safest and easiest residency, which is the student residency.
Commercial Residence in Turkey:
Commercial residence is one of the most sought-after types of residence permits in Turkey, especially for investors and entrepreneurs looking to expand their businesses in a promising market like Turkey. This residence permit allows individuals to legally establish and manage their commercial activities in Turkey.
Steps to Obtain a Commercial Residence Permit:
- Determine the appropriate type of residence based on your business activity.
- Register online on the e-Residence system for residence permits.
- Prepare the required documents:
- Application form for residence.
- Passport and commercial entry visa.
- Recent biometric photos.
- Health insurance policy.
- Proof of financial capability.
- Rental agreement or proof of residence.
- Payment receipt for the application fees.
- Business activity documents (tax certificate, trade registry, partnership contracts, etc.).
- Application form for residence.
- Attend the interview at the immigration office and submit your application.
Benefits of Commercial Residence:
- The ability to legally manage a business in Turkey.
- Access to numerous economic opportunities in the Turkish market.
- The possibility of applying for Turkish citizenship after meeting investment requirements.
Thanks to the simplified process, commercial residence is becoming one of the most popular types of residence permits in Turkey, especially among investors seeking stability in an active economic environment.
Family Residence in Turkey:
Family residence is another key type among the types of residence permits in Turkey, designed for foreign nationals married to Turkish citizens or those with family members legally residing in Turkey. This type of residence grant allows spouses and children to live legally in Turkey, making it an essential step for family stability within the country.
Who Can Obtain a Family Residence Permit?
- The foreign spouse of a Turkish citizen.
- Minor children of a parent who holds a residence permit in Turkey.
- Foreign family members living with their legally resident family members in Turkey.
Basic Requirements:
- Proof of official marriage or family relation.
- Clean criminal record.
- A suitable place of residence for the family.
- Sufficient income to cover living expenses.
Read Also: A Step-by-Step Guide to Applying for a Family Residence Permit in Turkey
Humanitarian Residence in Turkey:
Humanitarian residence is one of the most significant types of residence permits in Turkey. It is granted for exceptional reasons, typically to protect individuals who are unable to return to their home countries due to humanitarian or security reasons, or those affected by conflicts and wars.
Situations Where Humanitarian Residence is Granted:
- Individuals who cannot return to their home countries for humanitarian or security reasons.
- Unaccompanied children.
- Victims of violence, natural disasters, or human rights violations.
Humanitarian residence permits do not require complex conditions like other types. They are typically granted for one year, renewable depending on the individual’s situation. This type of residence is an integral part of Turkey’s policy for hosting refugees and those in need of protection.
It is important to note that humanitarian residence is one of the key types of residence permits in Turkey designed to ensure the protection of foreign nationals’ human rights.
What is Tourist Residency in Turkey?
Tourist residency is the best option for those wishing to stay in Turkey for an extended period without engaging in work or study. It is one of the most popular types of residences in Turkey for those coming for leisure, visiting relatives, or exploring the country.
When is Tourist Residency Granted?
- For those entering Turkey with a tourist visa and wishing to stay for more than 90 days.
- For individuals wanting to explore investment or future study opportunities without immediate commitments.
Required Documents:
- A valid passport.
- Health insurance covering the duration of the stay.
- Proof of accommodation (rental contract or invitation from a host).
- Online application form.
- Recent passport-sized photos.
- Payment of residency fees.
This residency is usually granted for one to two years at most. Despite being easy to obtain, it is important to comply with legal conditions to avoid rejection of renewal.
Tourist residency is one of the most requested types of residency in Turkey, especially among newcomers planning to explore the country before making a permanent decision.
What is Student Residency in Turkey?
Student residency is one of the most sought-after types of residences in Turkey, especially for young foreign nationals. It allows them to stay throughout their studies at accredited Turkish universities. It is a vital step for any international student looking for a rich educational experience in Turkey.
Who Can Apply?
- Students accepted into Turkish universities.
- Participants in academic exchange programs like Erasmus and Mevlana.
- Graduate students.
Benefits of Student Residency:
- Legal residency for the duration of studies.
- Ability to work part-time in certain fields.
- Discounts on public transportation and government services.
- Ability to apply for work residency after graduation.
Required Documents:
- Acceptance letter from the university.
- Proof of university enrollment.
- Health insurance.
- Valid passport.
- Passport-sized photos.
- Proof of accommodation.
- Payment of application fees.
Read Also: A Comprehensive Guide to Obtaining a Student Residence Permit in Turkey
Conditions for Obtaining Residency in Turkey
The requirements vary based on the type of residency in Turkey, but there are general requirements that must be met when applying for any type of residency permit, whether tourist, student, family, or other.
Common Basic Requirements:
- A valid passport for at least six months from the application date.
- Recent biometric photos.
- Health insurance covering the full duration of the stay.
- Proof of accommodation (notarized rental agreement or property deed).
- Proof of financial resources (e.g., bank statement or salary certificate).
- Completion of the residency application form via the e-ikamet system.
- Appointment for an interview at the Turkish immigration office.
In addition to these requirements, additional documents may be requested depending on the type of residency you are applying for. For example, the documents required for tourist residency differ from those for student residency. Therefore, it’s essential to understand the details of the types of residences in Turkey to ensure a smooth application process.
Reasons for Residency Rejection in Turkey
Despite the variety of residency options in Turkey, there are instances where residency applications are rejected. These are often due to failure to meet legal requirements or providing false information.
Common Reasons for Rejection:
- Providing fraudulent documents or false information.
- Lack of valid health insurance.
- Exceeding the legal duration of a previous stay.
- Failure to provide proof of income or accommodation.
- Previous deportation orders or entry bans into Turkey.
- Applying after the visa has expired without a legal justification.
- Applying for a residency type that does not align with the actual purpose of stay.
Understanding the reasons for rejection helps applicants avoid mistakes and ensures a successful residency application. Whether you are interested in student, tourist, or even property residency, it’s essential to carefully review the requirements for types of residences in Turkey to ensure acceptance of your application.
Read Also: Reasons for Rejection of Residence Permit Applications in Turkey
Cost of Residency in Turkey
The cost of residency varies depending on the type of residency in Turkey, as factors such as the duration of stay, nationality, and the nature of the required health insurance play a key role in determining the total cost.
Basic Costs:
- Residency application fees: Vary by nationality, usually ranging between $80 to $150 USD.
- Health insurance costs: Starting at $30 annually for students, and can reach $300 or more for adults.
- Residency card fee (residence permit card): Approximately 250 Turkish Lira.
- Document translation and notarization fees: If the documents are not in Turkish, they must be translated and notarized.
Read Also: The Cost of Residence Permits in Turkey – Everything You Need to Know
Countries You Can Enter with Turkish Residency
Turkish residency does not automatically grant entry to European Union countries, but it does offer some advantages for foreign residents in Turkey when applying for European visas or entering certain countries without a prior visa.
Some countries that Turkish residents may travel to easily:
- Ukraine (Some nationalities with Turkish residency can enter without a visa).
- Georgia (Entry without a visa for some nationalities with Turkish residency).
- Serbia and Bosnia (Some nationalities may receive facilitation when applying).
- Gulf Countries (Turkish residency added to the travel record enhances acceptance chances).
New Residency Law in Turkey 2025
The residency law in Turkey has undergone some significant changes in 2025, affecting various types of residences. These amendments aim to regulate the presence of foreigners in the country and ensure compliance with Turkish laws.
Key Amendments:
- Tighter control on tourist residency: It is now necessary to provide a clear and convincing reason for staying, such as exploring the country before investing or studying.
- Limit on repeated short-term residency applications: Tourist residency can no longer be renewed multiple times consecutively without changing its type or providing a valid reason.
- Electronic linkage between government bodies: The application process has become more transparent and integrated between the immigration office and other departments, such as the Ministry of Labor and Education.
- Strict measures in specific areas: Some neighborhoods have been closed to new residencies due to the high foreign population density.
Read Also: The New Rules for Residence Permits in Turkey for Foreigners 2025
Easiest Ways to Obtain Residency in Turkey
Many people wonder about the quickest and safest way to obtain legal residency in Turkey. Although there are various types of residencies in Turkey, some options remain easier than others.
Easiest Residencies to Obtain:
- Student Residency: Considered one of the easiest types of residency to obtain, especially if you are enrolled in an accredited Turkish university.
- Tourist Residency: Despite recent amendments, it is still possible to obtain it if the required documents are provided and the intention is for temporary stay.
- Property Residency: Purchasing a reasonably priced property allows you to obtain residency relatively easily.
- Family Residency: If a family member is a Turkish citizen or resident, residency can be obtained quickly.
Read Also: Residence Permit Fees in Turkey 2025 | Comprehensive Information on Costs and Procedures
What Are the Benefits of Student Residency in Turkey?
Among the types of residences in Turkey, student residency is highly popular due to the numerous advantages it provides for international students. This residency not only allows you to study but also offers a legal and stable living environment in Turkey.
Main Benefits:
- Easy Renewal as long as the studies continue.
- Eligibility for discounted transportation cards.
- The right to work part-time after the first year of university study.
- Access to low-cost healthcare and educational services.
- Easy transition to other types of residency, such as family residency or work residency after graduation.
If you are considering studying in Turkey, student residency is the best option. Although it is just one of the types of residences in Turkey, it offers great flexibility and numerous future opportunities.
Read Also: Everything You Need to Know About Student Residence in Turkey: Conditions, Costs, and Steps 2025
How Turkey in Detail Can Help You Obtain Student Residency?
At Turkey in Detail, we offer full support in obtaining student residency in a quick and secure way by:
- Assisting with your enrollment in accredited Turkish universities.
- Preparing and thoroughly reviewing all required residency documents.
- Scheduling your interview appointment and submitting the application through the official system.
- Providing free legal consultation about the best residency options in Turkey for your situation.
- Following up on your application until the residency card is issued.
With us, you don’t need to worry about the complexities or paperwork, as we simplify each step of the application process to ensure you have a comfortable legal residency that allows you to focus on your studies and future.
Our office is centrally located and designed to offer the best support to migrants and students. You can easily find us by searching for Turkey in Detail on Google Maps.
FAQs
What Are the Requirements for Student Residency in Turkey?
- Enrollment in an accredited Turkish educational institution.
- A letter of acceptance from the university.
- A valid passport.
- Health insurance covering the study period.
- Proof of sufficient financial resources for your stay.
- Recent passport-sized photos.
Completing the online residency application form.
Who is Eligible for Humanitarian Residency in Turkey?
Humanitarian residency is granted to foreigners who cannot return to their home countries due to wars, persecution, or natural disasters. This also includes victims of armed conflicts and individuals whose human rights have been severely violated
How Long Can I Stay in Turkey Without Residency?
Foreigners can stay in Turkey without residency for up to 90 days within a 180-day period, according to the visa policy between Turkey and the person’s country
What Are the Benefits of Residency in Turkey?
- Free movement within the country.
- Access to healthcare and educational services.
- Ability to open bank accounts.
- Opportunity to apply for Turkish citizenship after meeting certain conditions.
- The right to work and study (for certain types of residency).
What Are the Available Types of Residencies in Turkey?
- Tourist Residency.
- Student Residency.
- Family Residency.
- Humanitarian Residency.
- Property Residency.
- Work Residency.
- Long-Term Residency.