Quick Answer
How do I book a residence permit appointment in Turkey?
Book your ikamet appointment at e-ikamet.goc.gov.tr — the official Turkish immigration portal. Create an account, fill in your application form, and select an available appointment slot at your provincial migration directorate. Print your confirmation and bring all required documents on the day.
How to Book Your Appointment Online
Go to e-ikamet.goc.gov.tr
The official Turkish immigration online portal. Use Google Chrome with translation enabled if needed.
Create an account or log in
Register with your email address. Keep login credentials safe — you will need them throughout the process.
Select "Residence Permit Application"
Choose the correct permit type — usually "Short Term" (tourist/general) for most expats.
Fill in the application form
Enter personal details, passport number, address in Turkey, and purpose of stay. All fields are mandatory.
Choose your appointment date and time
Select from available slots at your provincial directorate of migration management.
Print or save your appointment confirmation
Bring a printed copy to your appointment — digital copies may not be accepted.
What to Do on Appointment Day
- Arrive 10–15 minutes before your scheduled time — not earlier, as waiting rooms are managed by appointment
- Bring all documents in the order specified on your checklist — organized in a folder
- Bring original documents AND photocopies — originals will be returned
- Bring exact change or card for any additional fees payable on the day
- Translation services: some offices have Turkish-English staff; others do not — bring a translation app
- Your photo must match exactly — some offices reject photos that do not match specifications
- After document review, you will receive a teslim belgesi (receipt document) confirming your application
Migration Offices by City
Istanbul
Busiest — use satellite offices to reduce waitIstanbul Provincial Directorate of Migration Management
Multiple satellite offices in Fatih, Kadikoy, Besiktas
Antalya
Moderate volume; mornings bestAntalya Il Goc Idaresi Mudurlugu
Central Antalya
Izmir
Generally efficientIzmir Il Goc Idaresi Mudurlugu
Konak district
Bodrum
Smaller office; faster outside summerBodrum District Directorate
Bodrum town center
Fethiye
Efficient; most British expat experienceFethiye District Directorate
Fethiye center
Practical Tips
- !Book as soon as appointments open — popular dates fill within hours
- !If no appointments are available, check daily — cancellations open up slots
- !If your permit expires before you can get an appointment, contact the directorate directly
- !Bring a Turkish-speaking friend or fixer if you do not speak Turkish
- !Do not bring children unless necessary — long waits in government offices are difficult
- !Pay the application fee before the appointment — not on the day
- !Some applicants hire an immigration consultant (€100–300) for full document prep and appointment escort