Residence Permit in Turkey Short-Term & Investment Property Routes

1. Introduction

At IGA Law Firm, we offer specialist legal guidance for obtaining a short-term residence permit in Turkey, whether you seek stay for tourism, personal reasons or via property investment. Our Istanbul-based team ensures that foreign nationals and investors navigate the process correctly, in compliance with Turkish law and regulation.

2. What is a Short-Term Residence Permit in Turkey?

Under Law on Foreigners and International Protection No. 6458 (Articles 31-33) a short-term residence permit in Turkey allows a foreign national to stay legally for up to two years (typically granted for one year and renewable) for various non-work purposes.

3. Investment-Based Residence Permit via Property Purchase

Foreign nationals who purchase a qualifying residential property in Turkey may apply for a short-term residence permit on that basis.

Key Requirements:

The property must be a residential immovable (not commercial or land) and must meet minimum value criteria.
As of 16 October 2023, the minimum value threshold for properties purchased after that date is USD 200,000 (or equivalent in Turkish Lira), regardless of city category.
For properties purchased prior to that date, earlier thresholds of USD 75,000 in metropolitan cities and USD 50,000 in other cities may still apply.
The applicant must submit a valid title deed in their name, address registration at the property, and comply with housing, health insurance and other general conditions in Article 32 of Law 6458.

Duration & Renewal:

The short-term residence permit granted via property investment is typically issued for up to two years, but in practice often one year initially. It is renewable if conditions continue to be met.
Selling the property, failing to reside at the address, or using it in a way inconsistent with the permit basis may jeopardize renewal.

4. Short-Term Residence Permit for Tourism / Personal Stay

Besides investment, foreigners may apply for a short-term residence permit for purposes such as tourism, property ownership, family visits, or other personal stay reasons.

Key conditions include:

A valid travel document and residence in suitable accommodation.
Proof of sufficient and regular financial means.
Valid health insurance.
Not falling under exclusion (e.g., entry ban) and address registration.

The permit is typically for up to 2 years, renewable.

5. Application Procedure & Required Documents

To apply for a short-term residence permit (investment-based or other reasons) you need:

Completed residence permit application form via the electronic system (e-ikamet).
Passport or valid travel document.
Biometric photographs.
Proof of financial means and health insurance.
For investment route: title deed showing ownership, property meeting minimum value, and address registration, earthquake insurance policy
For tourism/personal stay: reason for stay, accommodation proof, and address registration.

6. Why Choose IGA Law Firm?

Deep expertise in residence permits in Turkey — especially short-term residence permits based on property investment.
Up-to-date on regulatory changes, including the new USD 200,000 minimum threshold.
Full service: property qualification review, document preparation, application submission, renewal monitoring.
Bilingual (English & Turkish) legal team familiar with foreign investor and individual client needs.
Personalized guidance to match your profile: whether investment-based stay or tourism/personal stay.

7. Start Your Short-Term Residence Permit Process Today

If you are planning to stay in Turkey via property investment or tourism/personal reasons and wish to obtain a short-term residence permit, contact our Istanbul office today. We’ll assess whether your property purchase meets the USD 200,000 threshold (or prior-purchase threshold), or your stay reason qualifies, and map out the next steps for your application.