What is the "200,000 USD Rule" for residence permits?

As of October 16, 2023, the Presidency of Migration Management updated the regulations for Real Estate Residence Permits. To obtain a residence permit based on property ownership (Taşınmaz Amaçlı İkamet), the sales price indicated on the Title Deed (Tapu) and the valuation report must be at least $200,000 USD across all cities. Properties valued below this threshold or purchased before this date may be subject to different criteria (e.g., Touristic Residence), which are significantly harder to renew.

Can I legally work in Turkey with a Residence Permit?

No. A Short-Term Residence Permit (Kısa Dönem İkamet İzni) only grants you the right to live in Turkey. It does not grant the right to work. To work legally, you must obtain a separate Work Permit (Çalışma İzni) sponsored by your employer. Working without a permit is illegal and is the leading cause of deportation and entry bans.

What should I do if my residence permit application is rejected?

If your application is rejected, you will receive a notification form (Form T-6) requiring you to leave Turkey within 10 days. However, this is not the end. You have the legal right to file a lawsuit in the Administrative Court within 60 days to annul the rejection decision. Do not wait. Contact our litigation team immediately, as filing a lawsuit stops the deportation process in many cases.

Does buying a property guarantee Turkish Citizenship?

Buying a property alone is not enough. The property must be valued at least $400,000 USD, the payment must be made in foreign currency exchanged via the Central Bank (DAB Document), and a "cannot be sold for 3 years" annotation must be registered on the title deed. We manage this entire process to ensure the investment qualifies for the Citizenship by Investment program.

Can I apply for a residence permit with an Airbnb rental?

Generally, no. Migration authorities strictly require a notarized, long-term rental contract (typically 1 year). Airbnb or hotel stays are considered "touristic accommodation" and are insufficient for long-term residence applications. Furthermore, the address must be registered in the National Address Database (Nüfus), which is not possible with temporary rentals.

What happens if I overstay my visa limit?

Overstaying your visa (Vize İhlali) results in monetary fines and, in many cases, a temporary entry ban ranging from 3 months to 5 years. Simply paying the fine at the airport is often not enough to prevent a ban. If you have overstayed, contact us before you go to the airport. We can guide you through the "Conditional Entry" (Şartlı Giriş) procedure to avoid a ban.

What is the '200,000 USD Rule' for residence permits in Turkey?

As of October 16, 2023, for a foreigner to obtain a residence permit based on property ownership (Taşınmaz Amaçlı İkamet), the property's valuation and title deed price must be at least $200,000 USD across all cities. Properties valued below this threshold may only qualify for a Touristic Residence Permit, which is currently difficult to renew.

Can I legally work in Turkey with a Residence Permit?

No. A Residence Permit (İkamet İzni) only grants the right to live in Turkey. To work legally, you must obtain a separate Work Permit (Çalışma İzni) sponsored by your employer. Working without a permit is illegal and is the leading cause of deportation.

What should I do if my residence permit application is rejected?

If your application is rejected, you will receive a Form T-6 requiring you to leave Turkey within 10 days. However, you have the legal right to file a lawsuit in the Administrative Court within 60 days to annul the rejection decision. Filing a lawsuit often stops the deportation process.

Does buying a property guarantee Turkish Citizenship?

Buying a property alone is not enough. The property must be valued at least $400,000 USD, the payment must be made in foreign currency exchanged via the Central Bank (DAB Document), and a 'cannot be sold for 3 years' annotation must be registered on the title deed.

Can I apply for a residence permit with an Airbnb rental?

Generally, no. Migration authorities strictly require a notarized, long-term rental contract (typically 1 year). Airbnb or hotel stays are considered 'touristic accommodation' and are typically insufficient for long-term residence applications.

What happens if I overstay my visa limit in Turkey?

Overstaying your visa results in monetary fines and often a temporary entry ban ranging from 3 months to 5 years. Simply paying the fine at the airport is often not enough to prevent a ban. You may need to utilize the 'Conditional Entry' procedure to re-enter legally.

Residence Permits & Immigration Law in Turkey

Navigating the complexities of Turkish immigration regulations requires more than just filling out forms; it demands strategic legal foresight and up-to-date compliance.

Turkey acts as a global bridge for investors, expatriates, and digital nomads, yet the legal landscape governed by the Law on Foreigners and International Protection (No. 6458) is strict and constantly evolving. As Istanbul Attorneys, we provide end-to-end immigration solutions—from the initial application strategy to obtaining your Turkish ID card (Kimlik). Whether you are investing in property, relocating your family, or establishing a business, our specialized immigration department ensures your transition is seamless, fully compliant, and secure against administrative rejections.

Book a Consultation

Foreign residents enjoying the Bosphorus view in Istanbul representing the expat life in Turkey.

Preparation of 2024 Turkish Residence Permit application form (Ikamet) by an immigration lawyer in Istanbul.

Biometric fingerprint scanning procedure at Turkish Migration Authority with Ministry of Justice file for legal processing.

Approved Turkish Residence Permit card (Kimlik) and international passports regarding Citizenship by Investment in Turkey.

Istanbul Attorneys meeting room with Galata Tower view and prepared immigration application files ready for submission.

Comprehensive Immigration Services Tailored to Your Needs

Every applicant’s situation is unique. A strategy that works for a property investor may not apply to a digital nomad. We categorize our services to provide bespoke legal advice, ensuring you apply for the correct permit type to minimize the risk of rejection.

Short-Term Residence Permits (Touristic & Investment)

The most common route for foreigners is the Short-Term Residence Permit (Kısa Dönem İkamet İzni). However, regulations have tightened significantly in 2024. Mere "touristic intent" is often no longer sufficient for renewals without a concrete travel plan or income proof.

Property Ownership (Immovable Property): For investors buying real estate. Note that as of late 2023, the minimum valuation requirement for residence permits is $200,000 USD in designated areas. Properties valued below this threshold may not qualify for a residence permit, even if you own the deed (Tapu).
High-Income Earners: Providing proof of sustainable income or savings to support your stay without being a burden on the state.

Confused about the new valuation rules? Read our detailed guide on the "Obtaining a Residence Permit in Turkey: Types, Requirements, and 2026 Updates" or contact us for a property assessment.

Family Residence Permits

Bringing your loved ones to Turkey is a priority. We assist the foreign spouses and children of Turkish citizens or valid permit holders in obtaining Family Residence Permits. The bureaucratic burden here is high; we ensure all apostilled documents (marriage certificates, birth certificates) meet the strict requirements of the Directorate General of Migration Management (Göç İdaresi).

If you are sponsoring your family, you must prove adequate income and health insurance coverage. Our team reviews your sponsor eligibility before the application is filed.

Work Permits (Çalışma İzni)

A common misconception is that a residence permit allows you to work. It does not. Working illegally can lead to fines and immediate deportation. We assist Turkish companies and foreign employees in obtaining Work Permits from the Ministry of Labor and Social Security.

Since a Work Permit also functions as a Residence Permit, we help you transition from a touristic status to a working status legally. For detailed procedures on hiring foreign talent, please visit our "Employer's Guide to Work Permits in Turkey".

Turkish Citizenship by Investment (CBI)

For investors seeking a permanent tie to Turkey and a powerful passport, the Citizenship by Investment program is the fastest route. As of current regulations, you can acquire citizenship by purchasing real estate worth at least $400,000 USD or depositing $500,000 USD in a Turkish bank for 3 years.

Buying any property is not enough. The property must be eligible for citizenship (no previous foreign ownership, correct valuation report). Our team conducts thorough Due Diligence on the title deed before you sign any contract, ensuring your investment qualifies for the program.

Thinking of investing? Don't risk your capital. Review our "Turkish Citizenship by Investment Lawyer in Istanbul, Turkey (2026 Updated Guide)" or schedule a consultation with our experts.

Long-Term (Permanent) Residence Permit

If you have legally resided in Turkey for at least 8 uninterrupted years, you may be eligible for a Long-Term Residence Permit (Uzun Dönem İkamet İzni). This permit grants you indefinite residency rights without the need for annual renewals.

The application process is rigorous and requires approval from the Ministry of Interior. We help you calculate your "uninterrupted" days correctly (deducting time spent abroad) to prevent a premature application rejection.

Student Residence Permits

Turkey is a hub for international education. We assist university students in obtaining their residence permits based on their acceptance letters. We also guide graduates on how to transition from a Student Permit to a Work Permit or Job Seeker's Visa after graduation.

Protecting Your Status: Why Do Applications Fail?

The rejection rate for first-time residence applications has increased significantly in recent years. The Directorate General of Migration Management (Göç İdaresi) now scrutinizes every file with higher standards. We don't just submit forms; we build a legal defense for your stay.

Digital visualization of de-listed zones (kapalı mahalleler) in Istanbul restricted for foreign residence permit application.

1. Strategic Documentation & The "Story"

A pile of documents is not an application. We curate your file to tell a consistent story regarding your financial stability and intent to stay. We review your bank statements and insurance policies to preemptively answer any questions an immigration officer might raise.

2. Zone Compliance Checks (The "Closed Neighborhood" Trap)

Did you know that over 1,000 neighborhoods in Istanbul (including parts of Fatih, Esenyurt, and Beyoğlu) are closed to new foreign residents? Renting a home in these "de-listed" zones leads to automatic rejection. We verify the address status before you sign any lease.

Turkish immigration lawyer pointing at a zone map during a client consultation regarding residence permit strategy in Istanbul.

3. Administrative Litigation Defense

If your application is rejected or you face a deportation order (Deport Kararı), agencies cannot help you—only lawyers can. You typically have 60 days to file a lawsuit against the administrative decision. Our litigation team aggressively defends your rights in Administrative Courts to halt deportation and reverse rejections.

4. Health Insurance & UETS Compliance

Simple errors, like insufficient health insurance coverage or failure to register for the National Electronic Notification System (UETS), can derail a renewal. We ensure your technical compliance is flawless, safeguarding your continuous residency streak for future citizenship eligibility.

Uncertainty regarding your eligibility? Don't risk a rejection.

Turkish immigration laws change frequently. Get a clear assessment of your status before you apply.

Get a Legal Roadmap

The Legal Framework: Governing Laws & Authorities

Immigration procedures in Turkey are not merely administrative formalities; they are strictly governed by primary legislation. We base every petition on the specific articles of the following laws to ensure your rights are protected under the constitution.

Law on Foreigners and International Protection (LFIP) No. 6458

This is the primary statute regulating the entry, stay, and exit of foreigners in Turkey. It defines the types of residence permits and the deportation process. You can review the official legislation on the "Law on Foreigners and International Protection (LFIP) No. 6458 (YABANCILAR VE ULUSLARARASI KORUMA KANUNU)" website.

International Labor Force Law No. 6735

For clients seeking employment or establishing a business, this law regulates work permits and the criteria for foreign direct investment. Compliance with the Ministry of Labor and Social Security is mandatory for all work-related applications.

Legal Source: Access the official text of Law No. 6735 here: ULUSLARARASI İŞGÜCÜ KANUNU

Turkish Citizenship Law No. 5901

This law outlines the principles for acquiring Turkish citizenship, including the specific provisions for Exceptional Citizenship via investment ($400,000 Real Estate or $500,000 Bank Deposit).

Legal Source: Access the official text of Law No. 5901 here: TÜRK VATANDAŞLIĞI KANUNU

Why Expatriates Trust Istanbul Attorneys?

We are not just document filers; we are your legal guardians in a foreign land. While consultants can only fill forms, we can represent you in court.

Zero-Error Policy

Immigration applications allow no room for mistakes. A single missing document or wrong tick-box can lead to rejection and a waiting period of 6 months. We apply a double-verification system to every file before submission to the Directorate.

Multilingual Legal Support

The law is Turkish, but we speak your language. We translate complex legal jargon into clear English, ensuring you understand every step of the process—from Notary Public approvals to the final interview—without language barriers.

Litigation Power

If your application is rejected, a "consultant" cannot help you. We can. As a full-service law firm, we have the authority to file lawsuits against administrative decisions and halt deportation orders immediately.

Your Dedicated Immigration Counsel in Turkey

Immigration law in Turkey is unforgiving of errors. Led by senior partners with deep expertise in the Law on Foreigners (No. 6458), our practice group resolves complex residency issues that general practitioners cannot handle. We provide the security of a full-service law firm for your life in Turkey.

Att. Onur Çalışıcı - Turkish Citizenship by Investment Lawyer specializing in real estate due diligence for foreign investors.

Att. Onur ÇALIŞICI

Head of Investment Migration & Citizenship

As a Founding Partner, Att. Onur specializes in the intersection of Real Estate and Immigration Law. He advises high-net-worth individuals on obtaining Turkish Citizenship via Investment, ensuring all property acquisitions meet the strict $400,000 threshold and valuation regulations. He manages the entire "Golden Visa" process, from the initial due diligence to the final receipt of passports for the investor's family.

Att. Oruç AYGÜN

Lead Counsel for Immigration Litigation

When administrative hurdles arise, Att. Oruç takes charge. He specializes in contentious immigration cases, including challenging residence permit rejections and handling deportation defense (Deport Kararı). He aggressively represents foreign clients in Administrative Courts to lift restriction codes (such as G-87 or Ç-114) and protect their right to stay in Turkey.

Widget Didn’t Load

Check your internet and refresh this page.

If that doesn’t work, contact us.

Trusted by Global Citizens Relocating to Turkey

Sarah M. (UK) 🇬🇧

Relocating to Istanbul was daunting with the new post-Brexit rules. Istanbul Attorneys handled my residence permit application flawlessly. They knew exactly which neighborhoods were 'open' for registration and saved me from renting in a restricted zone. Truly a peace of mind.

Ahmed Al-R. (Qatar) 🇶🇦

I applied for Turkish Citizenship by Investment for my entire family. Att. Onur managed the property purchase and the citizenship application simultaneously. Professional, transparent, and very fast. We received our passports in under 6 months without any hidden costs.

Dmitry V. (Russia) 🇷🇺

My tech company needed to transfer key staff to Turkey urgently. The team at Istanbul Attorneys obtained Work Permits for our engineers when other agencies failed. Their knowledge of corporate immigration law and the Ministry of Labor is top-tier.