Recent Residence Permit Applications in Turkey

Similar to practices in other countries, Turkey has made the conditions for obtaining a residence permit more stringent in recent years.

Following the directives of the Ministry of Interior, Provincial Migration Administrations have become extremely cautious about issuing tourist residence permits. A few years ago, many foreigners could stay in Turkey for extended periods solely on a tourist residence permit. However, now, only six months are granted for the initial application, and the likelihood of renewing such permits is extremely low. Even in accepted applications, supporting documents such as reservation confirmations are mandatory to substantiate the travel plan.

Currently, it seems that foreigners who wish to reside in Turkey have little choice but to purchase property to apply for a residence permit.

Now, let’s move on to the main issue:

The Provincial Migration Administrations require that foreigners applying for residence permits in cities like Izmir, Ankara, Istanbul, and other major cities purchase a property worth at least 200,000 USD. This practice is clearly against the regulations. This has been repeatedly confirmed in annulment lawsuits filed by our firm and other law offices in the Administrative Courts. The Administrative Courts have consistently stated that the main criterion for this type of residence permit application should be the adequacy of the dwelling for the foreigner and their family’s needs.

As Payas & Payas Law Firm, we offer legal consultancy services, especially for foreigners who wish to live in Izmir and its surroundings and do not want to spend 200,000 USD or more just to obtain a residence permit. In cases where the Provincial Migration Administrations continue with their unfair practices and reject the application, we can file a lawsuit to rectify the injustice. We believe that this is the only way to prevent the unfair practices of the Provincial Migration Administrations.