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
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Visa & Entry Rules
How Long Can Foreigners
Stay in Turkey? (2026)
The answer depends on your nationality, your visa type, and whether you have a residence permit. Here's a complete breakdown.
Quick Answer
Most Western nationals can stay in Turkey for up to 90 days in any 180-day rolling window without a visa. To stay longer, you need a residence permit (ikamet). With a permit, there is no day limit — you can stay indefinitely by renewing annually.
By Nationality: Common Allowances
| Nationality | Visa-Free Stay | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| EU nationals | 90 days / 180 | Standard rule applies |
| UK | 90 days / 180 | Post-Brexit — same as before |
| USA | 90 days / 180 | Visa-free |
| Canada | 90 days / 180 | Visa-free |
| Australia | 90 days / 180 | Visa-free |
| Germany | 90 days / 180 | Visa-free |
| Netherlands | 90 days / 180 | Visa-free |
| Georgia | Up to 1 year | Special bilateral agreement |
Always verify current rules via your country's embassy — bilateral agreements do change.
With a Residence Permit: No Day Limit
Once you hold a valid Turkish residence permit, the 90-day tourist rule does not apply to you. You can stay in Turkey for the full validity period of your permit — typically 1 or 2 years. Most expats renew annually without issues, provided they meet the basic requirements (valid rental contract, health insurance, sufficient funds).
Long-Term and Permanent Residency
After 8 consecutive years of legal residence in Turkey, foreigners can apply for long-term (indefinite) residence status. This removes the renewal requirement entirely. Turkish citizenship by residence requires 5 years of legal stay.
What About Work Permits?
A Turkish work permit also grants residency rights for its validity period. Work permit holders are not subject to the 90-day tourist limit. The work permit and residence permit function independently — having one does not automatically grant the other, but both override the tourist day cap.