Written by Legal Advisor
A long-term residence permit in Turkey is a special type of residence that allows foreigners to live in the country indefinitely without the need for frequent renewals. Unlike short-term or family residence permits, it is designed for individuals who have already established a stable life in Turkey.
This permit is particularly important for foreigners who want to settle permanently, offering stability and the ability to plan long-term, whether for work, education, or family life. While it grants the right to reside in Turkey without time limits, it does not confer Turkish citizenship or voting rights.
By securing a long-term residence permit, residents gain peace of mind and legal security, making it a key step for anyone considering a permanent life in Turkey.
What Is a Long-Term Residence Permit in Turkey?
A Long-Term Residence Permit in Turkey is an indefinite, permanent residency status granted to foreign nationals who have legally and continuously resided in the country for at least eight years. It removes the need for frequent permit renewals, granting rights similar to Turkish citizens regarding work, education, and healthcare, but without voting rights.
This permit is regulated under the Turkish Law on Foreigners and International Protection, ensuring that applicants meet strict requirements related to legal residence, financial stability, and good conduct.
Unlike short-term residence permits, which are typically valid for one year and require renewal, or family residence permits, which are linked to a Turkish spouse or relative, the long-term residence permit provides independent, stable, and long-lasting residency rights.
It is ideal for foreigners seeking a permanent and secure stay in Turkey without the obligations or limitations associated with other permit types.
How to be Eligible for a Long Term Residence Permit in Turkey ?
A long-term residence permit in Turkey requires at least eight years of continuous legal residence, no state aid in the last three years, sufficient income, valid health insurance, and a clean criminal record.
To be eligible for a long-term residence permit in Turkey, you must meet several key requirements:
- Continuous Residency: You must have lived in Turkey for at least eight consecutive years on a valid residence permit. Time spent on a student permit counts as 50% toward this total, while other permits count 100%.
- Travel Restrictions: You cannot have been outside Turkey for more than 365 days in total over the last five years, or more than 180 days in a single year.
- Financial Stability: You must demonstrate a regular and sufficient income to support yourself and any dependents.
- No Social Aid: You must not have received social assistance or aid from government institutions in the past three years.
- Valid Health Insurance: You must hold active and valid health insurance during your stay.
- Address Registration: You must be registered in the Address Registration System (Adres Kayıt Sistemi).
- No Threat to Public Order or Security: Applicants must not pose a threat to public order or national security.
Who Is Not Eligible for a Long-Term Residence Permit in Turkey
Certain foreigners cannot apply for a permanent (long-term) residence permit in Turkey, including:
- Refugees and Conditional Refugees: individuals granted refugee or conditional refugee status.
- Subsidiary Protection and Temporary Protection Holders: such as Syrians under temporary protection.
- Humanitarian Residence Permit Holders: those staying for humanitarian reasons.
- Applicants Failing Continuity or Legal Requirements: anyone who has not completed 8 years of continuous legal residence, has insufficient income, or has spent more than one consecutive year outside Turkey.
- Security Risks: individuals posing a threat to public order or national security.
Requirements for a Long-Term Residence Permit
Applicants must meet the following conditions:
- Duration of Stay: At least eight years of legal, continuous residence in Turkey.
- Passport/Travel Document: Valid passport, preferably with at least 8 months of remaining validity.
- Proof of Income: Evidence of a stable, regular income to support yourself and any dependents.
- Health Insurance: Active comprehensive medical coverage.
- Accommodation: Documentation of legal and suitable housing.
- Security and Integration: No threat to public order; in some cases, language proficiency or integration evidence may be requested.
- Application Materials: Completed application form, photographs, and a criminal record check.
How to Apply Long Term Residence Permit Turkey
- Online Application: Start by submitting your application through the e-İkamet system to schedule an appointment at your Provincial Directorate of Migration Management. Fill out the application, schedule an appointment, pay fees, and submit required documents
- Prepare Documents: Gather all necessary documents.Documents Needed for a Long-Term Residence Permit in Turkey
- Application form.
- Valid passport (original and copy).
- 4-6 Biometric photos.
- Proof of Address (e.g., notarized rental agreement or tapu/deed).
- Document showing no social assistance received in the last 3 years.
- Proof of sufficient, regular financial means (bank statements/pay slips).
- Valid Health Insurance.
- Criminal Record Check (from Turkish authorities)
Most documents must be submitted in person during the appointment, not just uploaded online. While scanned copies may be provided in advance for some items (like photos or forms), the originals are always checked physically.
- Attend Appointment: Visit the directorate on your scheduled date to submit your documents and complete the application process. At the appointment, officials verify all original documents against the digital copies, complete the application process, and provide a confirmation or tracking number until your residence card is issued.
- Await Decision: The authorities will review your application and notify you of the approval or rejection.
- Receive Residence Permit: If approved, you will be issued your long-term residence permit card.
How Long Does it Take to Get a Long Term Residence Permit in Turkey?
A long-term residence permit in Turkey generally takes 30 to 90 days for processing and approval after submitting the application and required documents at the migration office. While the legal evaluation period is up to 90 days, the physical card may take several weeks to arrive by mail.
Rights of Long-Term Residence Permit Holders
- Indefinite Right to Stay
The Long-Term Residence Permit is granted without a time limit. The holder can live in Turkey permanently without renewing the permit annually, ensuring long-term stability and legal security.
- Rights Similar to Turkish Citizens
Permit holders benefit from nearly equal rights in daily life and legal matters, except for political rights and certain public-sector positions.
- Access to Healthcare and Social Security
Long-term residents can access public healthcare services and may benefit from the social security system under applicable regulations. Their children have the right to attend schools and universities in Turkey.
- Right to Work and Conduct Business
Holders are allowed to work and engage in commercial activities in Turkey within the framework of Turkish labor and commercial laws.
- Property and Investment Rights
They may purchase, own, sell, and manage real estate and investments in Turkey under the general rules applicable to foreign nationals.
- Freedom of Travel
Long-term residents can freely enter and leave Turkey without renewing their permit, provided they do not remain outside the country for more than one consecutive year without a valid legal reason.
Limitations of long term residence permit turkey
- No right to vote, stand for election, or hold public office.
- No obligation to serve in the Turkish military.
- No exemption from taxes on imported vehicles.
- The permit may be revoked if the holder stays outside Turkey for more than one consecutive year, except for health, education, or compulsory public service reasons.
- Address Reporting: Continued obligation to register changes of address.
Can a Long-Term Residence Permit in Turkey Be Revoked or Cancelled?
Yes, a Long-Term Residence Permit (permanent residency) in Turkey can be revoked or cancelled under specific legal circumstances.
Key Reasons for Revocation or Cancellation:
- Prolonged Absence: Staying outside Turkey for more than one consecutive year, except for valid reasons such as health, education, or mandatory public service.
- Security Threats: Involvement in activities that seriously threaten public order or national security.
- Failure to Meet Requirements: Using fraudulent documents to obtain the permit or no longer fulfilling ongoing eligibility conditions.
If a permit is revoked due to prolonged absence, you may be able to reapply. In some cases, authorities may waive the requirement to restart the full 8-year residency period, depending on the circumstances and approval by the Presidency of Migration Management (PMM).
FAQ Long Term Residence Permit Turkey
What are the new residence permit rules in Turkey 2026?
In 2026, Turkey updated residence permits to simplify digital applications, extend maximum validity periods, and tighten eligibility for long-term and family permits.
How long is a residence permit valid in Turkey?
Short-term residence permits are usually 1 year, while long-term permits can be indefinite once eligibility requirements are met.
Can foreigners stay in Turkey for more than 90 days?
Yes. Tourists can stay up to 90 days in 180 days, but residence permits allow extended or indefinite stays depending on the type.
How much money is required to get residency in Turkey?
Applicants must show a stable, sufficient income—typically around 8,000–10,000 TRY per year for short-term permits, with higher amounts for long-term residency depending on family size.
