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
How-To Guide
How to Apply for a Turkish
Residence Permit (Ikamet)
A step-by-step walkthrough of the Turkish ikamet application — from choosing the right permit type to receiving your card. Everything you need to know for a successful application.
Residence Permit Pack
Complete ikamet preparation kit — document checklist, appointment guide, common mistakes to avoid, and renewal timeline.
- Complete document checklist
- Appointment booking walkthrough
- Health insurance comparison guide
- Common rejection reasons & fixes
Types of permit
Which residence permit do you need?
Short-term residence permit
Most common for expats. No job required. Covers tourism, property ownership, language study, medical treatment, and general relocation.
Family residence permit
For spouses and dependent children of Turkish citizens or foreign residents holding a valid permit. Income threshold applies.
Student residence permit
For enrolled students at Turkish universities or official language schools. Requires enrollment letter.
Long-term residence permit
After 8 years of continuous legal residence. No renewal needed. Grants near-permanent residency rights.
Work permit
Issued by Ministry of Labour — separate from ikamet process. Required if employed in Turkey.
Most expats moving to Turkey for lifestyle or remote work apply for the short-term residence permit (highlighted above).
Application process
Step-by-step ikamet application.
Gather all required documents before booking
1–2 weeksThe ikamet application is strictly document-based. Missing even one item can result in rejection. Prepare everything before booking your appointment at the immigration directorate.
Tip: Make multiple colour photocopies of every document. Some requirements change slightly by province — check the official e-ikamet.goc.gov.tr portal for current requirements in your city.
Book your appointment via e-ikamet.goc.gov.tr
30 min onlineCreate an account on Turkey's official immigration appointment portal at e-ikamet.goc.gov.tr, select your province and permit type, and book an available slot. Appointment availability varies by city — Istanbul has long wait times; smaller cities are faster.
Tip: Check the portal daily for cancellations — slots open up frequently. Popular cities like Istanbul may have 4–8 week waits for first appointments.
Complete the online application form
45–60 minFill in your application form fully through the e-ikamet portal. Print and sign the completed form. This signed form must be brought to your appointment along with all other documents.
Tip: Don't rush the online form — errors or missing information can cause delays. Double-check your address matches your rental contract exactly.
Attend your appointment at the İl Göç İdaresi
1–3 hoursArrive early and bring all documents. Staff will review your application, take biometrics (fingerprints and photo), and issue a receipt. You do not receive the ikamet card on the day — it is mailed to your registered address.
Tip: Bring original documents AND photocopies. Staff may keep copies of everything. Dress formally — first impressions matter at government appointments.
Receive your ikamet card by post
4–8 weeksYour ikamet card (residence permit card) is mailed to the address you registered. Processing times vary by province — typically 4–8 weeks from appointment date. You can track status through the e-ikamet portal.
Tip: Make sure someone is available to receive the registered post. If missed, the card may be returned to the directorate and you'll need to collect in person.
Residence Permit Pack
Download the complete ikamet application checklist and document preparation guide.
Document checklist
What to bring to your appointment.
This is the standard checklist for a short-term residence permit. Additional documents may be required for other permit types. Always check the e-ikamet portal for the current, province-specific requirements.
Full documents guideFAQ
Ikamet application questions answered.
Residence Permit Pack
Complete ikamet preparation kit — document checklist, appointment guide, common mistakes to avoid, and renewal timeline.
€19
one-time · no subscription
Complete document checklist
Appointment booking walkthrough
Health insurance comparison guide
Common rejection reasons & fixes
Renewal timeline & reminders
Covers all major permit types
Secure checkout via Stripe. Instant confirmation after payment.
Residence Permit Pack
Complete ikamet preparation kit — document checklist, appointment guide, common mistakes to avoid, and renewal timeline.
Secure checkout · Instant access
Residence permit guides
Residence Permit Guide
Full ikamet overview
Short-Term Residence Permit
The standard permit for expats
Tourist Visa to Residency
How the transition works
Stay While Ikamet Processing
Legal status during the wait
Can You Leave During Processing
Travel risks while applying
Documents Required
Complete documents checklist
Renew Your Permit
Renewal process and timing
Register Your Address
Required before applying
Get Your Tax Number
Required for the application
Healthcare in Turkey
Health insurance for your permit
Ikamet Renewal Timeline
City-by-city processing times
Missing Your Appointment
What to do if you miss it
How Many Times Can You Renew
Short-term permit limits
Temporary Address for Ikamet
All valid address options accepted at the appointment
Document Checklist for Moving to Turkey
Apostilles, translations, scenario-by-scenario prep guide