Short-Term Residence Permit in Türkiye
Official Turkish name: Kısa Dönem İkamet İzni
Short answer
The Short-Term Residence Permit (Turkish: kısa dönem ikamet izni) is for foreigners who want to stay in Türkiye longer than their visa or visa exemption allows, or longer than 90 days, for one of the purposes listed in Article 31 of Law No. 6458.[1] Examples are tourism, owning property, business connections, medical treatment, a Turkish language course and staying on after graduating from a Turkish university.[1] In most cases it can be granted for up to two years at a time; investors and citizens of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus can get up to five years.[1] The provincial migration directorate decides each application, and a permit is never automatic.[1]
Who this permit is for
Article 31(1) of the Law lists the purposes that can lead to a short-term permit. The law uses Turkish alphabet letters, so the list includes letters such as ç, ğ and ı.[1]
| Letter | Purpose (Law No. 6458, Art. 31/1) | Limit per grant |
|---|---|---|
| a | Coming to do scientific research | Up to 2 years each time[1] |
| b | Owning immovable property in Türkiye | Up to 2 years each time[1] |
| c | Setting up business or commercial connections | Up to 2 years each time[1] |
| ç | Taking part in in-service training programmes | Issued for the length of the programme[2], within the 2-year limit[1] |
| d | Education or similar purposes under agreements Türkiye is party to, or under student exchange programmes | Cannot be longer than the programme[2], within the 2-year limit[1] |
| e | Tourism | Up to 2 years each time[1] |
| f | Medical treatment, provided the person does not carry a disease considered a threat to public health | Matched to the treatment period[2], within the 2-year limit[1] |
| g | Having to stay because a judicial or administrative authority requests or decides it | Set with the period in the decision or request in mind[2], within the 2-year limit[1] |
| ğ | Moving from a Family Residence Permit to a short-term permit | Up to 2 years each time[1] |
| h | Attending a Turkish language course | Can be granted at most twice[1]; if the course is shorter than one year, the permit cannot be longer than the course[2] |
| ı | Education, research, internships or courses arranged through public institutions | Set for the programme; ask your provincial migration directorate |
| i | Graduates of a higher education programme in Türkiye who apply within six months of graduation | Once only, for up to 1 year[1] |
| j | People who do not work in Türkiye but invest at a scope and amount set by the President, with their foreign spouse and their own or their spouse’s minor or dependent foreign children | Up to 5 years each time[1] |
| k | Citizens of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus | Up to 5 years each time[1] |
The general two-year limit in Article 31(2) applies to every purpose except (j) and (k).[1] The Regulation adds that if a short-term request does not fit any of the listed purposes, it is assessed as a tourism request.[2]
Notes on some purposes
- Property (b): the property must be a home (konut) and you must use it as a home.[2] The e-İkamet list adds that the home cannot be used to earn rent or similar income.[3] Family members who share ownership of the home can also apply under this purpose.[2] The Law says the Ministry of Interior sets the type and value of property that qualifies.[1] We have not been able to confirm the current value threshold from an official legal text, so we do not state it here. Ask your provincial migration directorate.
- Business connections (c): if you request more than three months, you may be asked for an invitation letter or similar document from the people or companies you will deal with.[2]
- Tourism (e): your statement about your travel plan (where, when and how long you will stay) is assessed. You may be asked for information or documents about the plan or the purpose of your stay.[2]
- Turkish language course (h): the course provider must be authorised by the Ministry of National Education.[2]
- Moving from a family permit (ğ): the Law allows this in three situations. A person who has held a family permit for at least three years and has turned 18 can ask to convert it.[1] After divorce, the foreign spouse of a Turkish citizen can get a short-term permit if they have stayed at least three years with a family permit; the three-year condition does not apply if a court decision shows the spouse was a victim of domestic violence.[1] If the sponsor dies, the family members who depended on them can get a short-term permit with no minimum period.[1]
- Investors (j): the scope and amount of the investment are set by the President.[1] We have not confirmed the current amount from an official text, so we do not state it here.
Requirements
Article 32 of the Law sets five conditions for a short-term permit:[1]
- You apply for one or more of the purposes in Article 31(1) and submit the information and documents for that purpose.
- You are not a person who must be refused entry under Article 7 of the Law (for example, someone with no valid passport or visa, or with documents obtained by fraud).
- You have accommodation that meets general health and safety standards.
- If asked, you submit a criminal record document issued by the country of your citizenship or of your legal residence.
- You give the address where you will stay in Türkiye.
Two more points apply to every residence permit application:
- Your passport (or passport substitute document) must be valid for at least 60 days longer than the permit you request.[1]
- For short-term applications, your own statement is the starting point for checking whether you have enough regular money for your stay. If the statement is not convincing, the directorate can ask for documents.[2]
Documents
The official list comes from the e-İkamet short-term document PDF (version dated 18 March 2025).[3] The directorate may ask for more information or documents during the assessment.[3] Where the Turkish and English versions of the PDF differ, we follow the Turkish version.
Common documents
| # | Document | When it is needed |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Residence Permit Application Form, signed by you, your legal representative or your lawyer with a power of attorney[3] | All applications |
| 2 | Photocopy of the passport (or passport substitute document) pages with your identity details and photo, and of any visa pages; bring the original to the appointment[3] | All applications; visa pages only if you have a visa |
| 3 | Two biometric photos, taken within the last 6 months, white background, ICAO standard[3] | All applications |
| 4 | Receipts showing you paid the residence permit fee and the document fee[3] | All applications; citizens of fee-exempt countries pay only the document fee. See fees |
| 5 | Receipt for the single entry visa fee[3] | If you entered visa-free and apply for the first time within your legal stay, or if you overstayed your legal stay; some country groups and people are exempt |
| 6 | Valid health insurance covering the whole permit period: one of a bilateral social security agreement document from the provincial social security unit, an SGK provision document, an SGK general health insurance application document, or a private health insurance policy (first page with the policy number)[3] | All applications |
| 7 | A document or a statement showing you have enough regular money for your stay[3] | All applications |
| 8.1 | Current “Document of Residence” (Yerleşim Yeri Belgesi) from e-Devlet (turkiye.gov.tr) plus an electricity, water, gas or landline bill, or a new subscription contract[3] | Extension and transfer applications (also when changing province or permit type) |
| 8.2 | A document showing where you will stay (see the next table)[3] | All applications |
| 9 | UETS (National Electronic Notification System) address document from a central PTT branch[3] | Extension and transfer applications; not required under 18 |
Choose one document for item 8.2:[3]
| Where you stay | Document |
|---|---|
| Your own home | Photocopy of the title deed and the house numbering document (numarataj) |
| Rented home | Notarised copy of the rental contract with the landlord’s details |
| Hotel or similar | Proof of your stay and a receipt showing the accommodation is paid for the requested permit period |
| Student dormitory | Signed and stamped (or e-signed) dormitory document |
| With another person | Notarised undertaking by the host (and by the host’s spouse if married), plus a current utility bill or new subscription contract in the host’s name |
After a first application is approved, you must complete address registration within 20 working days.[3]
Extra documents for a child
These apply when the application is made for a child.[3]
| Document | When it is needed |
|---|---|
| Certified birth certificate | If the parents cannot be identified from the passport or national ID |
| Certified custody document, or certified consent from the other parent | After divorce; consent if custody is shared or the other parent has visiting rights |
| Certified death certificate of the parent | If one parent has died |
| Certified decision of absence (gaiplik) | If one parent has been declared absent |
| Single parent certificate | If the child was born outside marriage and the other parent has custody |
| Photocopy of the parent’s residence permit, work permit, work permit exemption card or residence permit application document | If available |
| Certified consent from the parent or legal representative abroad, and a notarised undertaking from a person or organisation in Türkiye named in that consent | If the child is under 18 |
Documents from Turkish authorities must be signed and stamped or e-signed. Documents from abroad need an Apostille and a notarised Turkish translation. If the country is not part of the Apostille Convention, or the document has no Apostille, it needs approval by the relevant country’s authorities (consulate or embassy approval, and approval by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs or other authorised Turkish authorities) and a notarised Turkish translation.[3]
Extra documents for each purpose
| Purpose | Extra documents |
|---|---|
| a. Scientific research | An official, signed and stamped document showing the duration and place of the research.[3] For archaeological excavations and surface research, a visa issued for that purpose by a Turkish mission abroad.[2][3] If the research needs a permit, the permit from the relevant institution; if not, a statement about the research subject.[2] |
| b. Property owner | Title deed photocopy showing the home is yours. If family members share ownership, a document showing the family ties. For a home received by inheritance or donation, a current valuation report. In first applications, a numbering document from the municipality. In extension applications, a title deed continuation certificate (tapu devam belgesi).[3] |
| c. Business connections | A visa for this purpose from a Turkish mission abroad, and notarised copies of the company activity certificate, tax registration certificate, trade registry gazette and signature list of the person or company you will deal with.[3] |
| ç. In-service training | A signed and stamped document from the public institution giving the training, showing its duration and place.[3] |
| d. Agreements and exchange programmes | An education document from the institution where the training takes place. Erasmus, Mevlana and other exchange students: a document from the host institution stating the exchange programme.[3] |
| e. Tourism | Information or documents about your travel plan and accommodation, and one proof of sufficient and regular income (pension card and pension certificate, bank statement for the last three months, stamped and signed company letter, last three months of deposit income, or title deed and rental contract for rental income). If you apply because of family ties: a photocopy of the legal stay document of your parent, spouse or child in Türkiye, and your marriage certificate or civil registry record.[3] |
| f. Medical treatment | A treatment report from the public or private hospital (a single physician’s report, or a report showing the illness and treatment period approved by the physician and the chief physician or responsible manager). If you come under a bilateral social security agreement, a document from the provincial social security unit confirming this.[3] |
| g. Judicial or administrative request or decision | A signed and stamped document from the authority stating that you must stay in Türkiye and for how long, within the limits of Law No. 6458.[3] |
| ğ. Moving from a family permit | Photocopy of your previous residence permit (the original is handed in at the appointment), and, as applicable, the divorce court decision, a court decision showing you were a victim of domestic violence, or the sponsor’s death certificate.[3] |
| h. Turkish language course | A visa for a Turkish language course from a Turkish mission abroad, and a document from the authorised course provider showing the course length.[3] |
| ı. Programmes through public institutions | A signed and stamped document from the public institution showing the duration and place of the programme.[3] |
| i. Recent graduates | Photocopy of the diploma or temporary graduation certificate, or the document from e-Devlet; bring the original to the appointment.[3] |
| j. Investors | Certificate of suitability; criminal record (from your own country if you have not lived in Türkiye for the last 5 years, from Turkish authorities or e-Devlet if you have); a document showing family ties if family members also apply.[3] |
| k. TRNC citizens | Photocopy of the TRNC identity document; bring the original to the appointment.[3] |
The Regulation says that people who came only for treatment and can show they pay all treatment costs do not need health insurance. If a public institution covers accommodation, food or health costs during treatment or during a programme through public institutions, proof of money and health insurance are not required.[2] For a stay based on a judicial or administrative request or decision, the health insurance and money conditions may not be required.[2]
How to apply
Göç İdaresi currently takes first, extension and transfer applications inside Türkiye through the e-İkamet system. After you fill in the online form, you go to the Provincial Directorate of Migration Management on your appointment date with your documents.[4] If you miss the appointment without a valid excuse, the application is treated as never made.[4] Appointments on e-İkamet are free.[3] See Applying on e-İkamet for the full steps.
A residence permit does not give you the right to work in Türkiye.[3] A valid work permit counts as a residence permit.[1]
Extension
You can apply to extend your permit from 60 days before it expires, and always before it expires.[1][4] Property owners submit a title deed continuation certificate with an extension application; the municipality numbering document is listed for first applications.[3] See Extending a residence permit.
Refusal, cancellation and non-extension
Under Article 33 of the Law, a short-term permit is refused, cancelled if already granted, or not extended in these cases:[1]
| Reason | Source |
|---|---|
| One or more of the Article 32 conditions is not met, or stops being met | Law Art. 33/1(a)[1] |
| The permit is found to be used for a purpose other than the one it was granted for | Law Art. 33/1(b)[1] |
| There is a valid removal (deportation) decision or entry ban against you | Law Art. 33/1(ç)[1] |
| You spent more than 120 days in total outside Türkiye in the last year, unless the reason was compulsory public service, official duty, education or health | Regulation Art. 29/1(c)[2] |
The Law leaves the rules on cancellation for time spent abroad to the Regulation.[1] When the directorate makes a decision, it takes into account matters such as your family ties in Türkiye, how long you have lived here, the situation in your home country and the best interest of the child.[1]
A refusal, cancellation or non-extension decision is notified to you, your legal representative or your lawyer. The notice must explain how you can challenge the decision.[1][2]
If you apply again within six months after a refusal or cancellation, you must give a new reason for your request.[2] This does not apply if your short-term permit was cancelled only because you spent more than 120 days abroad in the last year.[2]
Court cases against short-term refusals and cancellations follow a special procedure added to Article 31 in November 2024. It applies only to cases opened after it entered into force.[1][6] See Refusal and cancellation and Appeals.
Switching to another permit type
If the reason for your permit ends, or a new reason appears, you can apply for a permit that fits your new purpose.[1] The Regulation gives you ten days from the date the old reason ended to apply.[2] See Switching residence permit type.
Sources
- 6458 sayılı Yabancılar ve Uluslararası Koruma Kanunu (consolidated text), Art. 7, 19, 21/2, 24/2, 25/1, 25/2, 27/1, 29, 31, 32, 33, 34/5 to 34/7. mevzuat.gov.tr, accessed .
- Yabancılar ve Uluslararası Koruma Kanununun Uygulanmasına İlişkin Yönetmelik, Art. 21/10, 21/11, 22/6, 26/1, 28/2 to 28/14, 29. mevzuat.gov.tr, accessed .
- Kısa Dönem İkamet İzni Başvurularında İstenen Belgeler (PDF dated 18 March 2025). e-İkamet (Göç İdaresi Başkanlığı), accessed .
- İkamet Genel Bilgiler. Göç İdaresi Başkanlığı, accessed .
- Residence Permit Types. Göç İdaresi Başkanlığı, accessed .
- 7533 sayılı Kanun (Resmî Gazete, 30 November 2024, No. 32738), Art. 35, 38. Resmî Gazete, accessed .