There are several ways to obtain a residence permit in Turkey, but the simplest and most common is to buy real estate. Especially now, when the conditions for foreign citizens have become more stringent and a residence permit for rent is becoming increasingly difficult to obtain. In addition, a tourist Ikamet cannot be extended for the same reasons and cannot be used to apply for citizenship in the future. And since it is important for foreign immigrants to stay legally in the country for a long time, a surefire reason for this is the right to own a real estate property.
We will tell you about all the nuances of legalization in the Turkish Republic, the necessary documents for filing for Ikamet, innovations and advantages in our expert review.
What Foreign Property Buyers in Turkey Need to Know in 2023
According to the amendments to the Turkish Immigration Law No. 6458, foreigners cannot apply for a Turkish residence permit in closed areas, regardless of the grounds provided. In places where the number of foreign immigrants has reached 20% of the total population, the issuance of Ikamet has been suspended. Therefore, when choosing real estate for a residence permit, it is necessary to make sure that the property is located in an area open to this. A full list of areas where these restrictions have been introduced can be found on the official website.
If a foreigner purchases an object with the aim of obtaining Turkish citizenship in the future, it is important that the cadastral value of the purchased apartment reaches $75,000 for large cities, and no less than $50,000 for small settlements.
If the cadastral value of real estate reaches the declared minimum for participation in the investment program for obtaining Turkish citizenship - $400,000 - a foreign investor can obtain a Turkish passport literally within six months. And even in areas closed for issuing Ikamet.
As you can see, the rules of residence permit in Turkey apply to all types of Ikamet: short-term, long-term. Therefore, when buying real estate, be sure to consider the fact where it is located and whether registration is available in this place.
What is needed to obtain a residence permit when purchasing real estate in Turkey
The application for Ikamet is made directly on the official website. The list of documents for a residence permit in Turkey based on TAPU - a certificate of ownership - is usually standard:
- completed questionnaire;
- biometric photographs;
- applicant's personal passport;
- original and copy of TAPU;
- Turkish Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN) obtained from the Turkish Tax Authority website;
- medical insurance.
If your immediate family members are applying for a residence permit, you must attach documents confirming your relationship. Documentation of foreign origin must be apostilled and translated into Turkish.
The system should automatically assign you a rendezvous date - the day of the meeting with an employee of the Turkish Migration Service, where you must go at the appointed time with an already prepared package of documents.
When applying for a residence permit, a foreigner will need to allocate a certain amount of money. The expense item includes:
- Ikamet plastic card - ₺356;
- registration of an address certificate, which is called a numerate - ₺1,000;
- tax duty for the initial receipt of a residence permit in Turkey - ₺2,304 (provided for all foreigners, with the exception of Russians, Armenians, Tajiks, Kazakhs, and Azerbaijanis);
- expert appraisal of apartments — ₺6,000;
- emlak beyan değeri certificate: ₺150 - in case of purchasing real estate from a Turkish citizen, ₺1,000 - when purchasing an object from a foreigner;
- Notification to the Municipality of change of ownership - ₺890;
- translation and notarization of birth/marriage certificate - ₺890.
What privileges does a Turkish residence permit give to a foreigner?
Foreign citizens can legally stay in Turkey for as long as their visa-free regime allows. If a foreigner plans to stay longer in the Turkish Republic or even move permanently, he will need to obtain a residence permit. A residence permit is issued for a period of 1-2 years and must be renewed in a timely manner. After 8 years of residence in the country, a short-term Ikamet becomes a long-term or permanent one. And if the value of the property reaches a conditional minimum, you can apply for Turkish citizenship in just 5 years, having thoroughly prepared for passing the Turkish language exam.
Having a Turkish residence permit gives a foreigner a number of undeniable advantages:
- buying a car and obtaining a driver's license on simplified terms;
- the opportunity to legally do business in Turkey;
- the right to receive quality medical care under insurance;
- access for children to free kindergarten and school education;
- opening a bank account.
How to check the status of your submitted application for Turkish residence permit
An application for Ikamet is usually processed within 90 days, but the Migration Service often gives an answer earlier - within a month. You can check your Turkish residence permit in several ways:
- Periodically monitor the situation on the official website of the Turkish department. You will need to enter the application number, indicate your phone with a Turkish SIM card, email, and passport details.
- Check the status of your application by calling Turkish number 157. This is the hotline of the Turkish Migration Service, which is available 24 hours a day. Information can be provided in Russian.
- Wait for the official notification from the Turkish Migration Service. As soon as the Ikamet is ready, a notification will be sent to your Turkish number, which will contain a postal tracking number for tracking the route of your ID card. Usually, the plastic card is delivered by courier to your place of residence, which was indicated in the application form. If the applicant is not at home, the Ikamet will wait for its owner at the nearest post office.
When purchasing real estate with the help of Armoni Homes, each of our clients can be sure that our specialists will provide comprehensive assistance related to the purchase of apartments and the execution of documents, including Ikamet. With us, the procedure for purchasing housing in Turkey and the process of legalization in the country will be easy, reliable and legally competent.
