Moving to Turkey
Complete relocation guide
Moving Checklist
Before & after arrival
Relocation Timeline
Week-by-week what to expect
Cost of Living
Budgets across major cities
Healthcare in Turkey
Insurance, SGK, hospitals
From the UK
From Germany
From the Netherlands
From Belgium
From France
From Sweden
From Norway
From Switzerland
From Austria
From the USA
From Canada
From Australia
From the UAE
Residence Permit Guide
Documents Needed for a Turkish
Residence Permit
A complete, up-to-date checklist of every document required for your ikamet application — covering the standard short-term permit and all major permit categories.
Core documents
Required for all permit applications.
These documents are required for every residence permit application regardless of permit type. All documents must be original — bring photocopies of everything as well.
Completed and signed ikamet application form
RequiredGenerated and printed from the e-ikamet.goc.gov.tr portal. Must be signed.
Original passport
RequiredMust be valid for at least 60 days beyond the permit duration you are applying for.
Passport copies
RequiredColour copies of: bio data page, entry stamp page, and any current/previous Turkish visas or permits.
Biometric photos
Required4 passport-style photos, taken within the last 6 months. White background, no glasses.
Turkish tax number
RequiredYour 10-digit vergi numarası, obtainable free from any Vergi Dairesi.
Notarised rental contract
RequiredMust be a noter onaylı (notarised) contract showing your name, address, and contract duration.
Health insurance
RequiredPrivate health insurance valid in Turkey for the full permit duration. Alternatively, SGK enrolment confirmation.
Proof of sufficient funds
RequiredBank statement(s) showing at least €500/month for the permit duration. Turkish or foreign bank accounts accepted.
Permit card fee payment receipt
RequiredPaid online or at PTT (Turkish postal service). Amount varies by nationality — check e-ikamet for current fee.
Additional documents
By permit category.
Property owners
- TAPU (title deed) — original and copy
- Property tax receipts (emlak vergisi)
- Property valuation certificate (if applying based on property ownership)
Students
- University enrollment letter (current academic year)
- Proof of student accommodation
- Proof of funds sufficient for study + living
Family permit applicants
- Marriage certificate (apostilled + official Turkish translation)
- Turkish sponsor's ikamet card or Turkish ID
- Proof of sponsor's sufficient income (≥minimum wage per family member)
Medical treatment
- Letter from Turkish hospital or clinic confirming treatment
- Insurance covering medical treatment in Turkey
- Proof of funds for treatment and stay
Avoid rejection
Common document mistakes — and how to fix them.
Common mistake
Informal rental contract
The fix
Always get a notarised contract (noter onaylı). Ordinary signed contracts are rejected.
Common mistake
Health insurance with gaps
The fix
Ensure coverage is continuous for the full permit period. Day 1 of insurance must match permit application date.
Common mistake
Insufficient bank balance
The fix
Many applications are rejected for failing the funds test. Show a consistent balance over 3–6 months, not just a single day.
Common mistake
Expired passport
The fix
Your passport must be valid for at least 60 days beyond the permit end date you are applying for.
Common mistake
Wrong photo format
The fix
Photos must be biometric: white background, no glasses, face centred. Selfies and casual photos are rejected.
Common mistake
Missing translation
The fix
Any foreign documents (marriage certificates, bank letters) must have an official Turkish translation by a sworn (yeminli) translator.
Bring originals AND copies
Staff may keep photocopies of everything. Always bring a full set of colour copies of every document, plus the originals.
Organise documents in order
Staff process many applications per day. Present your documents in a clear, organised folder in the order listed on the application form.
Translate foreign documents
Any document not in Turkish requires an official translation by a sworn (yeminli) translator. Bank letters, insurance policies, and certificates all need this.
Complete the application
How to Apply for Ikamet
Step-by-step application guide
Renew Your Permit
Renewal process and timing
If Your Permit is Rejected
What to do after rejection
Get Your Tax Number
Required for the application
Register Your Address
Required before applying
Healthcare in Turkey
Insurance for your permit
Certified Translations in Turkey
Which documents need translation and what it costs
Notary Services in Turkey
Notarising documents for official use
Moving to Turkey Document Checklist
Master checklist — apostilles, translations, scenarios