Turkish Residence Permit Through Property: A Practical Guide

Many people who buy a home in Turkey want to stay longer than a tourist visit allows. The usual answer is a short-term residence permit, in Turkish kısa dönem ikamet izni. Property ownership is one of several legal grounds for it.

Who can apply

Foreign nationals from outside Europe, for example from the USA, Canada, the Gulf states, Asia, Latin America, Africa or Australia, can apply if they meet the conditions. The permit is personal: each family member needs their own application, although spouses and children can often be linked to the main applicant.

Grounds for a short-term permit

• Owning residential property in Turkey
• Tourism or longer stays for personal reasons
• Establishing business connections or investment
• Taking part in a course or research
• Medical treatment

Property ownership is attractive because the ground is easy to prove with the title deed. However, the authorities may set minimum property values and close certain neighbourhoods to new residence permits. These lists change, so check the location before you buy if residence is your goal.

The process step by step

First, you fill in the online application on the e-ikamet system of the Presidency of Migration Management (Göç İdaresi). The first application is usually made while you are legally in Turkey.

Second, you receive an appointment at the provincial migration office. You bring the printed form and the originals of your documents.

Third, after approval, the residence permit card is sent by post to your registered address in Turkey.

Typical documents

• Valid passport and copies
• Biometric photographs
• Title deed (Tapu) of your property
• Health insurance valid in Turkey for the whole permit period
• Proof of address and, where requested, proof of sufficient funds
• Payment receipts for the card fee and permit fee

Health insurance is a frequent stumbling block: the policy must cover the full period and meet the authority's criteria.

Renewal and long-term stay

The renewal must be filed before the current permit expires. Time spent on some permit types can later count toward a long-term permit or citizenship, but not all permit types count equally.

Rules as of 2026 – always check the current requirements before applying. This article is general information, not legal advice, and no result can be promised.

How Turkeyy App helps: book a Turkish lawyer in the app for a video call from anywhere in the world to check your file before the appointment, or ask the AI assistant about the documents you need.