Residence Permit in Turkey

A residence permit application looks like an online form, but most delays come from the documents behind it. Understanding the process, and which papers have to come from abroad, lets you prepare the slow parts first.

How the application works

Applications are made through the e-İkamet system of the Presidency of Migration Management. After you complete the online form, the system gives you an appointment at the Provincial Directorate of Migration Management, where you submit your documents in person. If the application is approved, the residence permit card is sent to your registered address in Turkey.

The authorities change forms, fees and requirements from time to time, so always check the official Migration Management website for the current list before you start.

Main permit types

The documents behind the form

The exact list depends on the permit type, but most applications include the signed application form from e-İkamet, your passport, biometric photos and the fee receipt, plus documents specific to your permit type. Some of those are issued in Turkey, and some come from abroad.

Where foreign documents need preparation

Supporting documents issued abroad, such as marriage or birth certificates that prove a family relationship, or a criminal record certificate, may need to be certified in the issuing country and translated into Turkish before the Migration office will accept them. What exactly is required depends on the permit type and on the office, so confirm it before you order anything. For the certification part, see Foreign Documents for Use in Turkey, and for criminal records see Criminal Record Certificates.

Citizenship applications

Citizenship applications have their own document lists, which are different from residence permit requirements and depend on the route you apply under. Ask the authority which documents it wants, and tell us what has to be certified, translated or notarized.

Mistakes that cost time

• Starting with the online form and leaving the documents for later. Documents from abroad take the longest, so start there.
• Using an old checklist. Requirements change. Check the official list for your permit type.
• Name mismatches. Names on certificates, translations and your passport should agree. See Names in Translation.
• Getting an apostille for a non-member country. Those countries need legalization instead. See Apostille or Consular Legalization?
• Assuming a short-term permit allows work. It does not.

How we help

Tell us your permit type and which documents you have. We will confirm which of them need certification, sworn translation or notarization, and handle those steps. We also help with residence permits and with the tax number that notary transactions sometimes need. See Tax Number in Turkey for Foreigners.