Türkiye — a hospitable, economically developed resort country that is loved and known by tourists from all over the world. Not only recreation, but also long-term residence here attracts many foreigners, including Russian-speaking citizens. You can settle in the Republic of Turkey without violating the “letter of the law” if you have a residence permit (ikameta). Validity period of the primary ikamet card — one year. After which the residence permit will need to be extended.
How to extend your stay in Turkey in 2023, how much does registration cost and what are the reasons for refusing a residence permit — answers to the main questions in a new publication from Point Property.
Content of the article:
- What is ikamet
- How to extend your stay in Turkey: step-by-step instructions
- What documents are needed to renew a residence permit in Turkey
- Costs for extending a residence permit in Turkey
- Reasons for refusal to renew a residence permit
- FAQ
- Is it possible to extend a residence permit in Turkey?
- When do you need to apply for renewal of a residence permit in Turkey?
- How many times can a residence permit be extended in Turkey?
- How long can you stay in Turkey after the expiration of the residence permit?
- Is it possible to extend a tourist residence permit in Turkey?
What is ikamet
Citizens from abroad can stay in Turkey for a certain period of time, provided for by the terms of the visa or visa-free regime. Typically, the period of stay without a visa does not exceed 90 days. And if you want to spend a longer period of time in the Republic of Turkey, you will have to worry about getting ikamet.
Ikamet— This is a residence permit that is issued to foreign citizens for long-term and legal residence in Turkey.
The permit is issued in the form of a plastic ID card with personal information and a photograph entered into it.
To submit documents for the first time or renew a residence permit, you should prepare compelling reasons for this. Guaranteed approval for issuing a permit is received by:
- real estate owners in Turkey;
- immediate relatives of foreigners already living in the eastern country;
- foreigners invited to officially work in Turkey;
- students of Turkish universities;
- patients of medical centers who came to receive long-term medical care in Turkey and some other categories of foreign citizens (victims of violence, refugees.
Detailed information about ikamet in Turkey — via link.
How to extend your stay in Turkey: step-by-step instructions
Apply for a primary residence permit — This is only the initial stage for foreigners who plan to live permanently in Turkey. Due to the fact that as soon as the current ikamet card expires, you will need to ensure that there are grounds for its renewal.
Turkish legislation allows unlimited extension of a residence permit. The procedure for extending a residence permit in Turkey in 2023 is similar to the procedure during the initial registration of ikamet.
But before you take any action, carefully read the step-by-step instructions prepared by Point Property agency specialists:
1. Submitting an application to the Migration Service.
You should not delay filling out an application for a residence permit extension. It is better to do this no later than two months before the expiration of the current Ikamet. Go to the official website of the Migration Service and enter the data according to the proposed standard forms. Once the online form is completed, you will be able to select a rendezvous date from those proposed by the system. At the appointed time, you will need to appear for an interview with a package of documents.
2. Collection of documents.
The list of documents completely coincides with the list prepared during the initial registration of the Turkish Ikamet. The only difference: you will need to supplement the package of documents with a copy of the current valid residence permit and show the original ID card at the interview.
3. Rendezvous and waiting for the residence permit to be issued.
You must appear at the appointed time for an interview at the Migration Service. At rendevu all immediate family members who were included in the electronic questionnaire must be present. An appropriate package of documents must be prepared for each applicant.
The service employee will ask a few simple questions and if everything is in order with the documents, you will only have to wait for the application to be approved within one and a half to two months.
What documents are needed to renew a residence permit in Turkey
List of documents for renewal of residence permit in Turkey in 2023:
- Health insurance policy. The insurance is either renewed or new coverage is issued. Important condition — The validity period cannot be less than the requested period of residence permit.
- Valid residence permit card — original and copy.
- Documents that confirm the existence of grounds for extending the residence permit: certificate of ownership (TAPU), notarized long-term rental agreement, certificate of study at a Turkish university, etc.
Please note! Those who are looking for a guaranteed way to extend a residence permit should pay attention to purchasing property in Turkey.
- Valid passport — original+copy.
- Receipts for payment of government fees for the provision of services.
- Filled out and printed application form, which was filled out earlier when submitting an application on the web portal of the Migration Department.
- Biometric photos — 4 pieces
- Turkish Individual Taxpayer Number.
- Data on financial solvency (certificate from the bank or salary statement from the place of work).
- Children’s birth and marriage certificates, if available.
This furnished 1+1 apartment, 60 m², is located in the Tosmur district of Alanya. It is located on the first floor, which is the same height as the second floor. The apartment has one bedroom, a living room, one bathroom, and one balcony. Construction of the complex was completed in November 2024. The sea is 700 m away, and the city center is 500 m away.
1+1
60 m²
11044
This 65 sq m two-bedroom apartment in central Alanya is located on the second floor of a building built in 2021 and is delivered furnished. The layout includes a living room, two bedrooms, one bathroom, and one balcony. The sea is 500 m away, and the city center is 250 m away. The property is suitable for residency and citizenship applications.
2+1
65 m²
11043
This 110 sq m two-bedroom apartment in Mahmutlar is located on the eighth floor of a building built in 2018 and is being delivered furnished. The layout includes two bedrooms, a living room, two bathrooms, and two balconies. The sea is 350 m away, and the city center is 250 m away.
2+1
110 m²
11042
This 109 m², 2+1 apartment in the Hasbahçe district of Alanya is located on the ground floor of a building built in 2007 and is delivered unfurnished. The layout includes two bedrooms, a living room, two bathrooms, and two balconies. The distance to the sea is 1,300 m, and to the city center is 300 m.
2+1
109 m²
11041
This 110 sq m 2+1 apartment in the Mahmutlar district of Alanya is located on the second floor of a building built in 2009. The apartment is delivered furnished and includes two bedrooms, a living room, two bathrooms, and two balconies. The property is eligible for a residence permit. The distance to the sea is 150 m, and to the city center is 300 m.
2+1
110 m²
11040
This 75 sq m 1+1 apartment is located on the second floor of a building built in 2022 in central Alanya, near Cleopatra Beach. The apartment is suitable for a residence permit and will be delivered furnished. The layout includes a living room, bedroom, one bathroom, and one balcony. The distance to the sea is 650 m, and to the city center is 450 m.
1+1
75 m²
11039
This 125 sq m, two-bedroom apartment in Mahmutlar is located on the second floor and is delivered furnished. The layout includes a living room, two bedrooms, two bathrooms, and two balconies. The sea is 600 m away, and the city center is 400 m away. The property is suitable for residency and citizenship applications.
2+1
125 m²
11038
This 115 sq m two-bedroom apartment in Mahmutlar, Alanya, is located on the second floor of a building built in 2007. The layout includes a living room, two bedrooms, two bathrooms, and two balconies. The apartment is unfurnished, has sea views, and is suitable for residency. The distance to the sea is 50 m, and to the city center is 300 m.
2+1
115 m²
11037
This 47 sq m one-bedroom apartment in Mahmutlar is located on the sixth floor of a building built in 2024 and is being delivered unfurnished. The layout includes a living room, one bedroom, one bathroom, and one balcony. The distance to the sea is 650 m, and to the city center is 300 m.
1+1
47 m²
11036
This 65 sq m one-bedroom apartment in the Mahmutlar district of Alanya is suitable for residency. It is located on the second floor of a building built in 2014 and is delivered furnished. It has one bedroom, a living room, one bathroom, and one balcony. The distance to the sea is 400 m, and to the city center is 200 m.
1+1
65 m²
11035
This 2+1 duplex apartment, measuring 147 sq m, is located on the fourth and fifth floors in Nizhnyaya Oba. It has two bathrooms and two balconies, and is unfurnished. The building was built in 2023. It is 550 m from the sea and 300 m from the city center. The property is suitable for citizenship applications.
2+1, Duplex
147 m²
11034
This furnished, two-story, 3+1 villa, 170 m² in size, is located in the Kargicak district on a 290 m² plot. The villa features three bathrooms and two glassed-in balconies, sea views, and a private pool. The property is suitable for citizenship applications. Built in 2008, the villa is 2,300 m from the sea and 2,000 m from the city center.
3+1
170 m²
11033
This 1+1 apartment, 55 m², in the Avsallar district is located on the fourth floor of a building built in June 2024. It has one bathroom and one balcony and is unfurnished. The distance to the sea is 950 m, and the district center is 750 m.
1+1
55 m²
11032
This 110 sq m two-bedroom apartment is located in the Tosmur district, on the third floor of a nine-story building built in 2008. It is furnished and features two bathrooms and three balconies. It is 300 m from the sea and 150 m from the city center. Citizenship and residency are available.
2+1
110 m²
11031
This 1+1 apartment is 50 m² in the Mahmutlar district. This furnished apartment features one bathroom and a glassed-in balcony. It is located on the second floor of a four-story building built in 2022. The sea is 350 m away, and the city center is 100 m away.
1+1
50 m²
11030
This 1+1 apartment is 50 sq m and is located on the sixth floor and features one bathroom and a balcony. It is offered unfurnished. The building was built in 2023.
1+1
50 m²
11029
This 1+1 apartment, 55 m², is located on the seventh floor of Block B in Mahmutlar. The building was built in 2021. The apartment is delivered furnished and features one bathroom and a glassed-in balcony. It is 550 m from the sea and 350 m from the city center.
1+1
55 m²
11028
This 110 sq m apartment in the Oba district is located on the third floor of a building built in 2010. It has one bathroom and two balconies and is delivered furnished. It is 250 m from the sea and 100 m from the city center. Citizenship is available.
2+1
110 m²
11027
This 115 sq m two-bedroom apartment is located on the first floor, which is considered the second floor in height, and is offered unfurnished. The apartment has two bathrooms and two balconies. The building was built in 2017; it is 200 m from the sea and 300 m from the city center. The property will be eligible for citizenship in six months.
2+1
115 m²
11026
This 104 sq m, 2+1 apartment in the Oba district features two bedrooms and a living room, two bathrooms, and two balconies. The apartment is located on the third floor of a four-story building built in 2025 and is being delivered unfurnished. Citizenship and short-term rental options are available.
2+1, Duplex
104 m²
11025
Let's clarify a few important points:
- Before renewing your Ikamet in Turkey, documents issued in your home country must be translated into Turkish. The translation is certified by a notary office.
- The following are subject to notarization: lease contract (this action is carried out only by the lessor), copies of international passports, birth and marriage certificates.
- Birth certificates are not only translated into Turkish and certified by a notary, but also apostilized.
- In addition to the standard package of papers when applying for a tourist residence permit, we recommend attaching paid bills for utilities.< /li>
- For students and foreigners officially employed in Turkey, it is important not to forget to prepare documents from the educational institution, from the employing company.
Insert the collected documents into a folder labeled “Dossier”. Such special folders are sold in literally every stationery store in Turkey.
Costs for extending a residence permit in Turkey
And now we propose to discuss another important issue regarding the monetary costs associated with the extension of the Ikamet.
So, you will need to pay:
- Photocopies of the international passport (first page with photo, double-page spread with a stamp about the last entry into the country) — 3 TL
- Biometric photographs (4 pieces) — about 50 TL. Any photo salon provides such services.
- Health insurance — from 200 TL. The cost of the policy depends on the range of services and the age of the applicant.
- State fee for issuing an ikamet card — 400 TL
- Service tax — the amount is determined by the nationality of the applicant for a residence permit. For example, for Russians the fee is approximately $25.
- Mail services — approximately 70 TL.
This is an estimated cost. The cost varies, since foreign citizens often require translation, certification and apostille services for documents.
Reasons for refusal to extend a residence permit
At the beginning of 2023, many foreign citizens were concerned about the question: will residence permits in Turkey be extended for tourism purposes? The reason for this was massive refusals to issue tourist documents to Russians.
Today, it is impossible to extend a tourist residence permit in Turkey on the same grounds. However, Ukrainians, Belarusians, Kazakhstanis and citizens of other countries of the former CIS have other accessible and proven ways to legally extend their residence in the territory of the Turkish Republic.
Note that receiving refusals to renew ikamet in Turkey, according to statistics, — not a common occurrence.
The most common reasons for rejection of an application are: submission of an incomplete package of documents, errors in filling out papers, and if it is revealed that the stated goals do not correspond to the actual ones. In addition, refusals were also received in cases of failure to confirm their financial solvency (in particular, this affected foreigners working online as freelancers).
Now let’s figure out what reasons for refusal, cancellation or non-renewal of a Turkish residence permit are indicated in Article No. 32 of the Civil Code of the Republic of Turkey:
- Lack of the entire package of documents required by law.
- Incorrect filling and execution of documents.
- Submission of false information about the applicant.
- Concealment of criminal records.
- If violations of entry into Turkey were identified, visa conditions for residence.
- Inconsistency between the goals of the residence permit and the real ones.
- There is no stable income or the source of funds is questionable.
- The validity period of the medical insurance policy does not coincide with the desired validity period of the residence permit.
How to minimize the risks of refusal to renew a residence permit in Turkey?
We advise you to adhere to the following rules:
- Regardless of the type of residence permit being issued, we recommend attaching to the package of documents a bank statement indicating sufficient funds in the account. It is better if the amount is at least $1,000 per person per month.
- Do not delay until the last few days to submit an application for renewal of a residence permit in Turkey. Best time — two months before the expiration date of the current residence permit card. This way, in case of refusal, you will have time to use another scheme for obtaining permission. For example, as the owner of real estate or on the basis of a student card. In addition, foreign citizens have the opportunity, if their application is rejected, to file an appeal to the courts.
How to legalize residence in Turkey as simply and quickly as possible based on the purchase of real estate? You will receive comprehensive answers to these and other questions from Point Property managers. We will advise you on all topics of interest, and also help you choose and buy apartments by the sea.
These materials have been prepared for informational purposes and are not of a commercial nature.
Point Property specializes in providing a full range of real estate services for residential and commercial real estate transactions in Turkey. Our company takes care of all the organizational aspects of a real estate transaction: searching for an object, organizing a sightseeing tour, assistance in collecting documents and checking the legal purity of documentation, support in re-registration of ownership. In addition, we provide our customers with a wide range of after-sales services.
This furnished 1+1 apartment, 60 m², is located in the Tosmur district of Alanya. It is located on the first floor, which is the same height as the second floor. The apartment has one bedroom, a living room, one bathroom, and one balcony. Construction of the complex was completed in November 2024. The sea is 700 m away, and the city center is 500 m away.
1+1
60 m²
11044
This 65 sq m two-bedroom apartment in central Alanya is located on the second floor of a building built in 2021 and is delivered furnished. The layout includes a living room, two bedrooms, one bathroom, and one balcony. The sea is 500 m away, and the city center is 250 m away. The property is suitable for residency and citizenship applications.
2+1
65 m²
11043
This 110 sq m two-bedroom apartment in Mahmutlar is located on the eighth floor of a building built in 2018 and is being delivered furnished. The layout includes two bedrooms, a living room, two bathrooms, and two balconies. The sea is 350 m away, and the city center is 250 m away.
2+1
110 m²
11042
This 109 m², 2+1 apartment in the Hasbahçe district of Alanya is located on the ground floor of a building built in 2007 and is delivered unfurnished. The layout includes two bedrooms, a living room, two bathrooms, and two balconies. The distance to the sea is 1,300 m, and to the city center is 300 m.
2+1
109 m²
11041
This 110 sq m 2+1 apartment in the Mahmutlar district of Alanya is located on the second floor of a building built in 2009. The apartment is delivered furnished and includes two bedrooms, a living room, two bathrooms, and two balconies. The property is eligible for a residence permit. The distance to the sea is 150 m, and to the city center is 300 m.
2+1
110 m²
11040
This 75 sq m 1+1 apartment is located on the second floor of a building built in 2022 in central Alanya, near Cleopatra Beach. The apartment is suitable for a residence permit and will be delivered furnished. The layout includes a living room, bedroom, one bathroom, and one balcony. The distance to the sea is 650 m, and to the city center is 450 m.
1+1
75 m²
11039
This 125 sq m, two-bedroom apartment in Mahmutlar is located on the second floor and is delivered furnished. The layout includes a living room, two bedrooms, two bathrooms, and two balconies. The sea is 600 m away, and the city center is 400 m away. The property is suitable for residency and citizenship applications.
2+1
125 m²
11038
This 115 sq m two-bedroom apartment in Mahmutlar, Alanya, is located on the second floor of a building built in 2007. The layout includes a living room, two bedrooms, two bathrooms, and two balconies. The apartment is unfurnished, has sea views, and is suitable for residency. The distance to the sea is 50 m, and to the city center is 300 m.
2+1
115 m²
11037
This 47 sq m one-bedroom apartment in Mahmutlar is located on the sixth floor of a building built in 2024 and is being delivered unfurnished. The layout includes a living room, one bedroom, one bathroom, and one balcony. The distance to the sea is 650 m, and to the city center is 300 m.
1+1
47 m²
11036
This 65 sq m one-bedroom apartment in the Mahmutlar district of Alanya is suitable for residency. It is located on the second floor of a building built in 2014 and is delivered furnished. It has one bedroom, a living room, one bathroom, and one balcony. The distance to the sea is 400 m, and to the city center is 200 m.
1+1
65 m²
11035
This 2+1 duplex apartment, measuring 147 sq m, is located on the fourth and fifth floors in Nizhnyaya Oba. It has two bathrooms and two balconies, and is unfurnished. The building was built in 2023. It is 550 m from the sea and 300 m from the city center. The property is suitable for citizenship applications.
2+1, Duplex
147 m²
11034
This furnished, two-story, 3+1 villa, 170 m² in size, is located in the Kargicak district on a 290 m² plot. The villa features three bathrooms and two glassed-in balconies, sea views, and a private pool. The property is suitable for citizenship applications. Built in 2008, the villa is 2,300 m from the sea and 2,000 m from the city center.
3+1
170 m²
11033
This 1+1 apartment, 55 m², in the Avsallar district is located on the fourth floor of a building built in June 2024. It has one bathroom and one balcony and is unfurnished. The distance to the sea is 950 m, and the district center is 750 m.
1+1
55 m²
11032
This 110 sq m two-bedroom apartment is located in the Tosmur district, on the third floor of a nine-story building built in 2008. It is furnished and features two bathrooms and three balconies. It is 300 m from the sea and 150 m from the city center. Citizenship and residency are available.
2+1
110 m²
11031
This 1+1 apartment is 50 m² in the Mahmutlar district. This furnished apartment features one bathroom and a glassed-in balcony. It is located on the second floor of a four-story building built in 2022. The sea is 350 m away, and the city center is 100 m away.
1+1
50 m²
11030
This 1+1 apartment is 50 sq m and is located on the sixth floor and features one bathroom and a balcony. It is offered unfurnished. The building was built in 2023.
1+1
50 m²
11029
This 1+1 apartment, 55 m², is located on the seventh floor of Block B in Mahmutlar. The building was built in 2021. The apartment is delivered furnished and features one bathroom and a glassed-in balcony. It is 550 m from the sea and 350 m from the city center.
1+1
55 m²
11028
This 110 sq m apartment in the Oba district is located on the third floor of a building built in 2010. It has one bathroom and two balconies and is delivered furnished. It is 250 m from the sea and 100 m from the city center. Citizenship is available.
2+1
110 m²
11027
This 115 sq m two-bedroom apartment is located on the first floor, which is considered the second floor in height, and is offered unfurnished. The apartment has two bathrooms and two balconies. The building was built in 2017; it is 200 m from the sea and 300 m from the city center. The property will be eligible for citizenship in six months.
2+1
115 m²
11026
This 104 sq m, 2+1 apartment in the Oba district features two bedrooms and a living room, two bathrooms, and two balconies. The apartment is located on the third floor of a four-story building built in 2025 and is being delivered unfurnished. Citizenship and short-term rental options are available.
2+1, Duplex
104 m²
11025
FAQ
Is it possible to extend a residence permit in Turkey?
Yes. However, the extension of a residence permit in Turkey is possible if the foreign citizen takes care of compelling reasons. For example, successful renewal of the ikamet card is guaranteed to apartment owners in Turkey. Turkish university students, hospital patients, employees officially employed in Turkey, as well as foreigners who are married to a Turkish citizen can also count on approval of their application. Tourism is not a compelling argument for extending a residence permit.
When do you need to apply for renewal of a residence permit in Turkey?
It is better to submit documents for renewal of residence permit in advance — no later than 60 days before the end of the validity period of the current Ikamet card.
How many times can a residence permit be extended in Turkey?
As many as you like. Turkish laws do not provide for any quantitative restrictions on the extension of a residence permit. After 5 years of continuous extension of the residence permit, a foreign citizen has the opportunity to apply for Turkish citizenship. If a foreigner does not have such a need, after 8 years of continuous residence in Turkey he has the right to apply for a long-term residence permit.
How long can you stay in Turkey after the expiration of the residence permit?
After the expiration of the ikamet, a foreign citizen is required to leave Turkey within 10 days. Further entry into the state is carried out under the conditions of a visa-free regime common to all foreigners.
Is it possible to extend a tourist residence permit in Turkey?
No. In 2020, the Turkish government voted to introduce new amendments to the Immigration Law. They say that it is impossible to extend a tourist residence permit for the purposes of recreation and travel. The amendments do not officially apply to citizens of the European Union, China, Slovenia, and the Russian Federation.
