Residence and Work Permits in Turkey for Foreigners
Turkey has become a popular destination for foreign nationals seeking to live, invest, or work thanks to its strategic location, lifestyle, and relatively accessible immigration rules. Many foreigners choose to buy property in Turkey to establish a base here. But what legal rights does owning property give you? Does it grant residency or even a work permit?
In this guide, we’ll cover how foreigners can obtain residence and work permits in Turkey, whether they purchase property or not.
1. Residence Permit vs. Work Permit – What’s the Difference?
- Residence Permit allows a foreigner to live in Turkey legally for a certain period.
- Work Permit allows a foreigner to legally work and earn income in Turkey.
Owning a property in Turkey makes you eligible for a residence permit, but not automatically for a work permit.
2. How to Obtain a Residence Permit by Buying Property in Turkey
Foreigners who purchase real estate in Turkey are eligible to apply for a Short-Term Residence Permit under Article 31/1-e of the Law No. 6458 on Foreigners and International Protection.
✅ Requirements:
- The property must be residential (not land or commercial-only use).
- The title deed (Tapu) must be registered in the applicant’s name.
- The property must be located within municipal boundaries (urban zones).
🗂️ Required Documents:
- Valid passport
- Title deed (Tapu)
- Proof of address in Turkey
- Health insurance valid in Turkey
- Biometric photos
- Tax number from Turkish tax office
- Application form and fee receipts
📅 Duration:
- Typically granted for 1 or 2 years, renewable if you still own the property.
3. Can You Get Residency Without Buying Property?
Yes, foreigners can apply for other types of Short-Term Residence Permits, even if they do not buy real estate.
Common Grounds for Residency Without Property:
- Touristic Residence Permit (Article 31/1-h)
- Based on intention to stay longer than visa period
- Requires a rental contract and proof of financial means
- Family Residence Permit
- For spouses or children of Turkish citizens or legal residents
- Student Residence Permit
- For foreigners studying at Turkish universities
- Long-Term Residence Permit
- For foreigners who have resided in Turkey legally for 8 years continuously
⚠️ Note: As of recent regulations, first-time tourist residence permit applications (without property ownership or other justification) may be more restricted or rejected, especially in densely populated areas.
4. How to Get a Work Permit in Turkey
- Through an Employer
- Most foreigners must be sponsored by a Turkish employer to obtain a work permit.
- The company applies to the Ministry of Labor and Social Security (Çalışma ve Sosyal Güvenlik Bakanlığı).
- The work permit is usually granted for 1 year and renewable.
- Self-Employment Work Permit (rare and limited)
- After 5 years of legal residence, foreigners may apply for an independent work permit.
- Special Cases (e.g. foreign academics, artists, athletes)
- May be granted work permits under exceptional circumstances.
📝 You cannot work legally in Turkey with only a residence permit.
5. Legal References
- Law No. 6458 – Law on Foreigners and International Protection
- Law No. 4817 – Law on Work Permits of Foreigners
- Regulation on the Implementation of the Law on Work Permits for Foreigners
- Governed by Directorate General of Migration Management (Göç İdaresi Genel Müdürlüğü) and Ministry of Labor
6. How to Apply
🛂 For Residence Permits:
- Visit https://e-ikamet.goc.gov.tr to start your online application
- Choose type of residence permit
- Fill in the form and book an appointment at your local Göç İdaresi (Immigration Office)
- Prepare required documents
- Attend interview and submit paperwork
- Wait for residence card (mailed to your address)
💼 For Work Permits:
- Your employer must apply via https://ecalismaizni.ailevecalisma.gov.tr
- Foreigners can also apply through Turkish embassies abroad
Final Notes
- Buying property in Turkey does not give you citizenship or a work permit, but it makes you eligible for a renewable residence permit.
- To work in Turkey, you must apply separately for a work permit.
- If you invest $400,000 USD or more in real estate, you may be eligible for Turkish citizenship under the Citizenship by Investment program.
✅ Summary Table
Permit Type Requires Property? Allows Work? Duration Tourist Residency No No 6-12 months Property Residency Yes No 1-2 years Work Permit No (via employer) Yes 1 year+ Family Residency No No 1-2 years Citizenship (by investment) Yes (min $400k) Yes (after approval) Permanent