Bayraktar Attorneys helps foreign nationals obtain and renew Turkish residence permits. We advise on the right permit type, prepare your file, book the appointment through the e-ikamet system and follow your application with the Presidency of Migration Management until your card is in hand, all in English.
A residence permit is what lets you live in Turkey legally beyond a short visit. It gives you access to healthcare, education and, with the right permit, work, and it is also the first step for many people on the path to citizenship. We handle first applications, renewals and difficult files, including cases where an earlier application was refused.
Talk to an English-speaking immigration lawyer today. The first consultation is free and there is no obligation.
Dealing with the migration authorities in a language and system that are new to you is stressful, and small mistakes can cost you an appointment or the whole application. Our immigration team works with foreign clients every day and manages the process from your first question to the day your card arrives.
We take care of the full process, so nothing is missed:
Turkish law provides several residence permit types. The right one depends on why you are in Turkey and how long you plan to stay. We advise on the strongest basis for your case.
The most common permit for foreigners. It covers grounds such as owning property in Turkey, staying for tourism, business ties, or learning Turkish. It is generally granted for up to two years at a time and can be renewed. Many people begin here before moving to another permit or to citizenship.
For the spouse and dependent children of a Turkish citizen, or of a foreigner who already holds a valid permit. Time spent on a family permit can count towards a long-term permit, and in the case of marriage to a Turkish citizen it can also support a citizenship application.
For foreign nationals enrolled in a Turkish school or university. It runs with your studies and, where the rules allow, can give limited access to part-time work. We help students apply on time and renew each year.
Available to foreigners who have lived in Turkey legally and continuously for at least eight years. It is issued for an indefinite period and gives you almost the same rights as a citizen, apart from voting, certain public posts and military service. Time spent on a student permit is counted differently, and we check your history before applying.
The exact paperwork depends on the permit type and your nationality, but most applications need the same core set. In general you will need:
Three practical points decide whether an application is accepted smoothly, and we handle each one for you.
Applicants under 65 generally need valid health insurance covering the whole permit period. This can be private travel or health insurance that meets the requirements, or public social security (SGK) cover if you are eligible. We make sure the policy is accepted by the migration office.
You must show a registered address in Turkey. This is usually a rental contract, often notarised, or a title deed if you own the property. Please note that some districts are closed to new foreign registrations once a local limit is reached, so the choice of address matters. We check this before you commit.
The state charges a permit fee and a card fee, and the amounts are set by the authorities and reviewed each year. As a rough guide, applicants have historically paid in the region of a few hundred US dollars in total, but the exact figure depends on your nationality and permit length. We give you a clear breakdown before you apply.
A permit must be renewed before it expires, and a renewal is not automatic. Applying late, letting your insurance lapse or spending too long outside Turkey can all break the continuity you need for a long-term permit or citizenship. We track your dates and prepare renewals in good time.
If an application is refused, or you receive a removal or entry-ban decision, you usually have a limited window to respond or appeal. Do not wait. We defend these cases and, where needed, handle deportation and administrative appeals to protect your right to stay.
For many clients a residence permit is the first step towards a Turkish passport. Continuous legal residence can build the basis for a long-term permit and, in time, for Turkish citizenship. If you already plan to invest, buy property or work here, we coordinate your permit with those goals, including work permits for employees and property purchases and title deed transfers.
We learn your situation, confirm which permit type fits, and set out the documents, costs and timeline.
We prepare and review your file, arrange certified translations, and put valid health insurance and your address registration in place.
We complete the online application on the e-ikamet system and book your appointment with the migration office.
We attend with you, submit the file and biometrics to the Presidency of Migration Management, and deal with any questions from the officer.
We follow the application, respond to any further requests, and confirm your residence card is issued and delivered.
We work daily with foreign nationals from every background, entirely in English.
From insurance and address to the appointment, we handle every step so nothing is refused on a technicality.
We keep your permits current and defend refusals, removals and entry bans.
Property, work permits and citizenship, all coordinated from a single office.
Atty. Nevzat Oğulcan Bayraktar
Confidential, English-speaking immigration support from application to renewal.
This page provides general information about Turkish residence permits in Turkey and does not constitute legal advice. For guidance on your specific situation, please contact Bayraktar Attorneys for a consultation.
