Tourist residence permit in Turkey: how to obtain and extend in 2023?

In 2022, Turkey became a popular destination for long-term holidays among foreigners. 450 thousand people came to the country as tourists and applied for a residence permit, seeking to stay in Turkey for more than two months.

However, since 2023, the rules for obtaining a tourist residence permit have become stricter, and the process has become more complicated. We tell you how to get and extend a tourist residence permit in Turkey, what documents are required, and what conditions must be met.

Before you figure out how to get a residence permit, it is important to know how long you can stay in Turkey without one.

Visa: If your country does not have a visa-free regime with Turkey, you need a tourist visa.

Visa-free entry: If your country has concluded an agreement with Turkey on visa-free entry, you can stay in the country without a visa. The length of stay depends on the country of your citizenship. For example, citizens of Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Lithuania, Moldova, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Ukraine, Estonia can stay in Turkey for 90 days within six months.

Why do I need a residence permit?

If you want to stay in Turkey for more than 60 consecutive days, you need to apply for a short-term residence permit, called ikamet.

Tourist Residence Permit: Everything You Need to Know

A tourist residence permit is a short-term residence permit that is issued in Turkey only for tourism.

Important Points:
Validity: A short-term residence permit can be issued for a period of six months to two years.

Changes: Until February 2022, a residence permit was issued for up to one year. Since February, the rules have changed and now a residence permit is issued for only six months.

Extension: You can extend your six-month residence permit two more times.

Restrictions: A tourist residence permit does not grant the right to work or do business in Turkey.

To obtain a tourist residence permit, you need to:

1. Collect a package of documents:

• A passport valid for at least 6 months after the expiration of the residence permit. 
• Application form for a residence permit. 
• 3x4 cm photographs.
• A document confirming financial solvency (for example, a bank statement). 
• Medical insurance. 
• A document confirming accommodation in Turkey. 
• Tickets to Turkey (return ticket). 
• Proof that you are going to travel as a tourist (for example, a tour reservation, an invitation from a relative).

2. Submit documents to the Migration and Citizenship Directorate (UMC) in Turkey.

3. Pay the fee.

4. Go through an interview.

5. Receive a residence permit.

Renewal of a tourist residence permit

To renew your residence permit, you need to:

1. Collect documents:

• A valid passport. 
• A valid residence permit. 
• Proof of financial solvency. 
• Health insurance. 
• Proof that you are still traveling as a tourist.

2. Submit documents to the UMC.

3. Pay the fee.

4. Receive an extended residence permit.

Recommendations:

Submit documents in advance. The residence permit application process can take several weeks.

Comply with all requirements. Failure to provide the necessary documents may result in a refusal.

Consult a lawyer. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Mercury Group specialists for advice.

Be prepared for refusals. Even though you may meet all the requirements, you may be denied a residence permit.