Since January 1, 2020, new amendments to the Law «On Immigration» No. 6458, article No.: 31-1(e) are in force in Turkey. According to the new rules, foreigners who have received a residence permit (ikamet) on the basis of rest and recreation (or for another purpose), they cannot extend a residence permit for the same purpose as originally. To do this, you will have to specify another reason for obtaining a residence permit, or look for other legal ways to stay in the country for a long time. These amendments apply to EU citizens, including Russians, residents of Slovenia and China.
The source – https://turk.estate/en/ – gave us the information about the ways and requirements for obtaining a residence permit in Turkey for foreigners in 2022.
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Ways to get a residence permit in 2022
For foreign citizens wishing to visit the Republic of Turkey for a short period of time, there is a visa-free regime in the country, allowing them to stay on its territory for a period of 30 to 90 days. For example, Russians can rest in Turkey without a visa or residence permit for 60 days, and citizens of Moldova, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan – 90 days.
For those who are looking for an opportunity to stay in the country for several years, there are various types of residence permits. This permit is issued for a long period, after which it is easily extended.
Types of residence permit in Turkey
To live in the country legally, a foreigner needs to issue one of the types of residence permit:
- short-term up to 1 year;
- the purchase of real estate with the possibility of subsequent application for citizenship. The minimum cost of the property is USD 400,000;
- investments;
- tourist residence permit;
- family – up to two years;
- student;
- long-term residence permit.
We propose to consider each of the proposed options in more detail.
Short-term residence permit
In 2022, get a short-term residence permit. Any foreigner can have a duration of up to 12 months if the following requirements are met:
- age of the applicant – from 18 years;
- availability of medical insurance;
- filling out a residence application form.
There are required documents:
- a lease agreement or TAPU confirming the ownership of Turkish real estate;
- bank statement on the availability of at least USD 500 on the account (based on 1 month of stay);
- applicant’s passport (original and copy);
- 4 photos.
Depending on the type of residence permit issued, the requirements for the applicant may differ.
For buying real estate and investing in the economy
One of the most common options for obtaining a residence permit in Turkey is buying real estate. It does not matter what kind of real estate this property will be residential or commercial. In this case, a foreigner can apply not only for a residence permit, but also for residency in the country, the main thing is to comply with the main condition, namely, to buy real estate in the amount of UAS 400,000. Previously, the minimum threshold was USD 250,000, but due to the sharp increase in migrants from Russia and Ukraine, it was decided to raise the threshold.
What requirements should the applicant meet:
- investments in the country’s economy through bonds and trusts – from USD 500,000 for three years;
- purchase of real estate, the cost of which is USD 400,000 and more. At the same time, there is a ban on the resale of housing for three years;
- establish a company and create at least 50 jobs with full social security for at least three years.
If at least one of the conditions described above is met, a foreign citizen can apply to the Consulate and apply for a residence permit.
What is needed to confirm the investment:
- TAPU ownership;
- a document from the Turkish Ministry of Labor on the investment of at least USD 500,000;
- a document from the Turkish Ministry of Labor and Social Security on the creation of at least 50 jobs.
Tourist residence permit
Citizens interested in a long vacation in Turkey can apply for a tourist residence permit for up to 1 year. You can issue a permit yourself or through an intermediary by contacting the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Consulate. The extension of the document is made remotely on the official website of Ikamet.
Family residence permit
According to Articles 34 and 37 of the Law «On Foreigners and International Protection» No. 6458, get the right to obtain a long-term residence permit (up to two years) maybe the spouse of a Turkish citizen and his children.
It is important! A child whose parent is a Turkish citizen receives a free education in a public school until he or she comes of age.
Student residence permit
Persons who can apply for a student residence permit in Turkey in 2022:
- foreign citizens who plan to study at one of the universities of Turkey under the bachelor’s and postgraduate programs receive a renewable residence permit for 2 years;
- students enrolled in primary or secondary education programs – a residence permit for 1 year.
Note! The student’s parents cannot apply for a residence permit; the student residence permit ends after the student have fully mastered the program of the educational institution.
After receiving their education in Turkey, students can look for work and find a job in the country.
Long-term residence permit
A long-term residence permit, as the name implies, gives foreigners the right to reside and work in the Republic of Turkey legally for a long period of time. What requirements must be met:
- stay in the country for at least 8 years;
- 3 years before applying for a long-term residence permit from a foreigner, there were no applications for financial support from the state;
- stable earnings, confirmed by a bank statement;
- availability of medical insurance;
- no criminal record.
How much does a residence permit cost
The cost of ikamet registration is formed on the basis of several items of expenses, which include:
• fixed cost of the administrative fee for the registration of ikamet – 160 liras ($8.91);
• annual fee for FNJ – from 326 to 7280 liras ($18.15 – $405.28) (depending on the native country of residence);
• medical insurance is mandatory for all foreigners from 18 to 65 years old. The cost varies from 500 to 1800 liras ($27.84 – $100.2);
• services of a professional translator and notary, which you will need to collect and prepare mandatory documents – 400 – 700 liras ($22.27 – $38.97).
Requirements for foreigners
The main requirement for foreigners wishing to move to sunny Turkey is the availability of a stable income and livelihood. It is worth focusing on the minimum cost of living in the country. There are the following conditions:
- stable and official employment;
- knowledge of Turkish;
- medical insurance;
- absence of offenses at home;
- availability of a place of residence – rented or owned;
- accommodation without state subsidies for 3 years prior to application;
- applicant is not a threat to the national security of the Republic of Turkey.
Professional assistance with moving to Turkey
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