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Residence Application In Turkey

In this article, we will discuss how to apply for residence in Turkey, what is required, ways to obtain a residence permit, and what different processes are to get a work permit for individuals and shareholders.

Residence Application In Turkey

Is It Possible To Obtain Residency Through Real Estate Purchase?

One of the easiest ways to get a residence permit is to purchase real estate in that country. It is not required to find a job, register for school. People can have residency by making an investment in real estate. Also, some countries have a project that they called an investment program. Turkey is one of the countries that have an investment program. The content of the investment program that Turkey created is based on $250,000. The real estate investment program has been launched in Turkey in 2018 and those who would like to get a second residency in Turkey, need to buy real estate by investing a minimum of 250 thousand Turkish liras and they need to live at least 6 months there. Investors allowed to sell the property after 3 years. Investment programs can provide Turkey citizenship to investors. The processing time is generally 2-3 months

So far we have assisted over 400 companies.

How’s The Process Of Getting A Residence Permit Through Real Estate Purchase?

Firstly short-term residence permit application is submitted through the e-residence system then investors who own real estate in Turkey or who would like to establish a business in Turkey must submit documents to the relevant Provincial Directorate of Immigration Administration. The documents are; residence permit application form, passport and travel documents, (original and copy both biometric photographs (four), proof of sufficient and sustainable financial resources for the duration of the stay, applicant’s residence ownership deed, an invitation letter prepared by person or business to be contacted and lastly valid medical insurance.

Short term real estate residence permit ID card is obtained after entered by tourist visa and requires to buy property in Turkey any value and next obtain short-term real estate residence permit ID card for real estate ownership purpose in Turkey will guarantee residence permit renewal for next period and does not require a continued stay in Turkey.

Please check our article on  Buying Property in Turkey

How To Get a Work Permit In Turkey?

In the existence of a residence permit valid for at least 6 months, foreigners residing in Turkey can make their applications directly to the Ministry of Labor and Social Security.

The process is different for individuals and shareholders:

  • Individual applicants need to submit; passport, work visa application, 1 photo, and 1 copy of the work contract to the Turkish Embassy/Consulate.
  • Company applicants need to submit their application to the Turkish Ministry of Labor and Social Security. 

Applicants need to file an online application in 6 days, direct application to the Ministry should be filed in 10 days. Generally, the processing time is 30 days.

For individual applicants, there is important information that they need to be careful. “As per the new legislation the work permit shall be considered as residence permit, and holders of a “valid work permit” or “Work Permit Exemp­tion Confirmation Document” do not need a residence permit. Pursuant to the Law on Fees, № 492 of 02/07/1964, a residence permit fee equivalent to the duration of their work permit shall be collected from foreigners granted a work permit or Work Permit Ex­emption Confirmation Document.”

For company applicants, their documents are different than the individual applicants, and documents to be submitted by the employer. Documents are; work permit application form addressed to the Ministry of Labor and Social Security, a balance sheet and a profit & loss statement for the past year certified by tax authorities, The Turkish Trade Registry Gazette indicating the most recent capital and shareholding structure of the organization. For the online application, needed notarized power of attorney for the authorized person and the employee’s work contract with the applicant company. A last general document is a contract between the foreign expert and the employer. Especially as for corporate bodies that intend to employ foreign experts in the fields of engineering, construction, contractors, and consultancy services, payslips of Turkish citizens working in the same positions. Other documents need to be submitted regarding specific sectors.

What Are The Eligibility Criteria For A Shareholder’s Work Permit Application?

Turkish foreign labor quota system prescribes that, for every individual work permit request, a company should have at least 5 full-time Turkish employees within its workplace. In foreign shareholder work permit application, the foreign labor quota system will be applied in the last six months of the granted one-year work permit. And the last one is, not being less than 20 percent of total capital, required to be at least 40.000 Turkish Lira.