Hello, and welcome to our guide on obtaining a residence permit in Turkey. Whether you're planning to study, invest or live in Turkey, understanding the various types of residence permits is crucial. In this video, we'll explore each permit type, work permit, citizenship, application steps, and what you need to know to start your Turkish adventure!

Section 1: Overview of Residence Permit Types

Turkey offers several residence permit types, each catering to different needs:
• Family Residence Permit: For those with family ties in Turkey.
• Student Residence Permit: For international students studying at Turkish universities.
• Short-term Residence Permit: Residence permit for specific purposes, such as touristic, business, medical, student exchange program, Turkish language course, property investment etc.
• Long-term Residence Permit: Granted after 8 years of continuous stay in Turkey.
• Work Permit: For those employed in Turkey.
• Citizenship by investment program: For foreigners investing $400,000 in real estate.
Each has its criteria, benefits, and application process, which we'll delve into.

Section 2: Touristic Residence Permit

Touristic Residence Permits are popular among foreigners who wish to stay longer than their visa allows for travel, exploration, or short-term studies. It's typically valid for one year and can be renewed. Application involves an address in Turkey, which can be a notarized rent contract.
Important note: Since February 2022, there is an immigration policy change in Turkey. The touristic residence applications are evaluated carefully and the government might reject your application stating that your travel purpose is not justified. We don’t advise it to first applicants.

Section 3: Family Residence Permit

Family Residence Permits are for immediate family members of Turkish citizens or foreign work permit holders. It requires proof of relationship, like marriage or birth certificates. Spouse of Turkish citizens and children younger than 18 years old of Turkish citizens can apply for it. There might be an interview at the residence permit appointment. It can be taken for 3 years.

Section 4: Student Residence Permit

Student Residence Permits are for those enrolled in higher education institutions in Turkey. Necessary documents include a student letter from the institution. It needs to show the student is enrolled and active. The residence can be taken up to the duration of education.

Section 5: Turkish Language Course Residence Permit

This permit is for individuals enrolled in recognized Turkish language courses. It requires course enrollment proof and usually grants short-term residency, depending on the course duration. Usually, it is given for 1 year and it can be renewed for 1 more year. To apply for that residence permit, the foreigner needs to get Turkish Language Course Visa from the Turkish Embassy in his country. To get that special visa, you need to provide an invitation letter from the Turkish Language Course in Turkey.
After you come to Turkey with that visa, you can apply to residence permit.

Section 6: Property Investment Residence Permit

Investing in Turkish real estate can grant you a Property Investment Residence Permit. You need to own property in Turkey and provide the deed as proof. It's a pathway to long-term residency and potential citizenship after 5 years of continuous stay. Note that the property needs to be a residential property and its minimum value should be $200,000. The residence permit can be taken for 2 years and it can be renewed as long as you keep the property.

Section 7: Business Residence Permit

Business people who have connection with Turkish companies can apply for a Business Residence Permit. This requires an invitation from the Turkish company, corporate registration documents. The invitation needs to clearly explain that the Turkish company is going to do business with the foreigner in the long-term and request a business residence permit from the immigration office.
Note that, to apply to this residence permit, foreigner needs to enter turkey with a business visa.
In the last years, the government reject many applications or they give it for a short-time, for example for 6 months. Also, the renewal of this residence permit type is not likely based on my experience.

Section 8: Work Permit

A Work Permit also serves as a right to work in turkey and a residence permit. It's employer-sponsored, requiring a job contract, employer’s documents, and often a minimum salary threshold. It is the employer who applies for work permit on behalf of the foreigner. After you find a job in Turkey, you can ask the details to the employer to apply for work permit.

Section 9: Citizenship by Investment Program

Turkey's Citizenship by Investment Program allows you to obtain citizenship by investing in property or depositing a significant amount in Turkish banks. This program includes specific financial thresholds and conditions. For property, it is $400,000 and for bank deposit, it needs to be minimum $500,000. Also foreigners need to keep their investment for 3 years in turkey to be eligible for citizenship.

Section 10: General Rules and Application Steps

Residence permit applications are submitted to the Immigration Office by the foreigner. The work permit application is submitted by the Employer.
- You need to apply for residence permit while your visa is active. You can’t apply after 10 days of your visa expiration.
- I advise working with a professional immigration advisor because the rules change frequently and it is very important to be updated about the latest regulations.

Conclusion

Securing a residence permit in Turkey is your key to embracing the vibrant culture, stunning landscapes, and warm hospitality of this unique country. Each permit type has its pathway and requirements, so careful planning and preparation are vital. Thank you for watching, and don't forget to like, share, and subscribe for more insightful guides on life in Turkey!