Residence Permit via Property Purchase in Turkey

A residence permit via property purchase is a short-term permit that allows foreigners to live in Turkey after purchasing residential real estate. This type of permit is generally granted for one year and can be renewed indefinitely as long as the property remains owned.

Who Is Eligible?

To qualify:

• The property must be purchased and intended for residential use.

• It must be worth at least USD 200,000.

• Family members who share ownership, such as a spouse, minor children, or a dependent adult child, can apply under the same residence permit.

What Are the Requirements?

Applicants must also meet general conditions:

• Not to be under any entry ban.

• Provide proof of suitable accommodation and medical insurance.

• If requested, present a clean criminal record from their home country.

• Register the property’s address with Turkish authorities.

• Use the property exclusively as a residence.

Minimum Property Value

As of October 16, 2023, the threshold was uniformized at USD 200,000 across all Turkish cities. This may be adjusted in the future.

Required Documents

Applicants typically need to submit:

1. Residence permit applicationform, signed.

2. Passport copy (includes biographical, entry, and visa pages).

3. Four recent biometric photos.

4. Proof of financial means.

5. Receipts for residence permit and card fees.

6. Valid health insurance.

7. Proof of address registration.

8. Document confirming property ownership (e.g., title deed).

Special Case: What If Only One Spouse Is the Property Owner?

If the foreigner applying for residence is married but the spouse is not listed as a co-owner on the property title deed, the non-owner spouse cannot apply for a residence permit based on property ownership. Instead, they must apply for a touristic residence permit. In this case, a petition must be included in the application clearly explaining that the applicant’s spouse is the legal owner of real estate in Türkiye. This detail is essential for transparency and eligibility assessment during the review process.

How Does the Application Process Work?

• Property must be residential and valued at least USD 200,000.

• Applications and appointments are made via the official e-ikametportal.

• Each permit is issued for one year and must be renewed every year. To keep renewing it, the property must still be owned.

According to the law (Article 31 of the Foreigners and International Protection Act, Law No. 6458), permits can be granted for up to two years, but in practice, administrative authorities typically limit them to one-year terms.

Also Read; Real estate purchase procedures for foreigners in Turkiye

Can a Non-Residential or Commercial Property Qualify?

No. Only properties that are meant for residential use are eligible. Commercial properties, empty plots, or land without a residential building do not qualify.

Key Tips and Considerations

• Ensure the property is correctly classified as residential in the title deed.

• Value verification and compliance will be strictly checked.

• Always follow the renewal and usage rules to avoid permit cancellation.

Final Note

Buying a suitable residential property in Türkiye, starting from 200,000 US dollars, gives foreigners and their immediate family a practical way to apply for a renewable residence permit.

However, proper legal planning is very important, especially for married couples when only one spouse is listed as the property owner. In these situations, different types of permits and additional documents must be carefully prepared.

As legal practitioners, we guide you through each step: selecting the right property, preparing a compliant application, and ensuring a smooth permit renewal process.

If you want personalized assistance with paperwork, legal compliance, or more complex scenarios, feel free to contact us. We'd be glad to prepare your official legal service proposal and support your journey to living in Türkiye.