🇹🇷 Turkey Residency 2025 – Short-Term & Long-Term Residence Guide

Planning to live in Turkey in 2025? Discover how to apply for short-term or long-term residency, including eligibility, documents, best cities to live in, and what expats love about Turkey.

A Culturally Rich and Convenient Gateway Between Europe and Asia

🔍 Why Choose Turkey for Residency in 2025?

Turkey has long been a favorite for expats, digital nomads, retirees, and investors thanks to its affordable cost of living, vibrant cities, and a relatively easy residency process. From coastal towns like Antalya to bustling Istanbul, the country offers a welcoming lifestyle with modern infrastructure and deep cultural roots.

Whether you’re staying for 6 months or building a life over several years, Turkey’s short-term and long-term residency permits provide accessible and renewable pathways to legal living.

🏷️ Residency Types

1. Short-Term Residence Permit (Ikamet)

Initially issued for up to 1 year
Renewable annually
Common reasons: tourism, property ownership, remote work, education, medical treatment, language learning

2. Long-Term Residence Permit

Issued after 8 years of continuous legal residency
No renewal needed once granted
Requires no major criminal violations and proof of financial self-sufficiency

💼 Who is Eligible?

Foreign nationals with valid passports
People renting or owning property in Turkey
Digital nomads, retirees, students, and investors

💡 Turkish citizenship is also available after 5 years (with continuous residency and Turkish language knowledge).

💵 Financial Requirements (2025)

Monthly income or savings of approx. $500 USD/person
Proof via:
- Bank statements (local or foreign)
- Pension or salary documentation
- Rental income or investments

📋 Required Documents (for Short-Term)

Valid passport with Turkish translation
4 biometric photos
Turkish tax number (Vergi Numarası)
Proof of residence (rental contract or title deed)
Valid health insurance (Turkish or international)
Proof of financial means

📌 Applications must be submitted via the e-ikamet system (https://e-ikamet.goc.gov.tr)

📆 Application Process

Apply online at e-ikamet system
Choose an appointment date at the local Göç İdaresi (Immigration Office)
Attend interview and submit original documents
Receive residence card via PTT (postal service) within 2–6 weeks

🏙️ Best Places to Live in Turkey as a Resident

1. Istanbul – Cosmopolitan, historic, with endless amenities
2. Antalya – Mediterranean coast, warm winters, expat-friendly
3. Izmir – Relaxed coastal city with European flair
4. Fethiye / Bodrum – Resort towns ideal for retirees and remote workers
5. Ankara – Affordable, central location for students and professionals

✅ Benefits of Residency in Turkey

Affordable healthcare and insurance options
Excellent domestic and international travel connections
Family members can be added to permit
Turkish ID card eases daily tasks (banking, SIM cards, rentals)
Opportunity to later apply for work permit or citizenship

🧳 Expat Experiences

Linda, 60, UK:
"I live in Antalya with a one-year residence permit. Rent is half of what I paid back home, and I feel safe, welcomed, and comfortable."

Jonas, 35, Germany:
"As a remote worker, Istanbul gives me culture, co-working spaces, and a central location. The online system made things surprisingly easy."

Dina & Ahmed, 42 & 45, Egypt:
"We moved our family to Izmir and enrolled the kids in an international school. Turkish bureaucracy was manageable with a little patience."

⚠️ Considerations & Challenges

Rules and processing times can vary by city
Health insurance is mandatory but must meet Turkish standards
Permits may not be issued for repeat tourist visa stays
Changes in policy may affect renewals (check latest updates via Göç İdaresi)

🚀 Final Thoughts: Is Turkish Residency Right for You?

If you’re looking for a dynamic country that blends East and West, ancient and modern, Turkey offers both flexibility and opportunity. With a modest financial threshold and simple online application, it’s an excellent base for short or long stays.