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 spacious, furnished 1+1 apartment, 65 m², is located on the 5th floor of a residential complex built in 2018 in the Tosmur district, just 650 m from the sea and 200 m from the district center. The apartment offers sea views and is suitable for Turkish residency and citizenship.
1+1
65 m²
10951
This 45 m² one-bedroom apartment is located on the second floor of a residential complex in the Oba district, just 1,800 meters from the sea. The apartment is offered furnished (without appliances), has a partial sea view, and is located in a complex with extensive amenities.
1+1
45 m²
10950
1+1 apartment with an area of 75 m² without furniture is located on the high 1st floor of a residential complex built in 2019 in the Mahmutlar area, just 350 m from the sea and 250 m from the center of the area.
1+1
75 m²
10949
This furnished 2+1 apartment, 120 m², is located on the 3rd floor of a residential complex built in 2018 in the Kargicak district, just 50 m from the sea and 500 m from the district center. The apartment offers unobstructed views of the sea, mountains, and picturesque surroundings.
2+1
120 m²
10948
A comfortable furnished 1+1 apartment with an area of 45 m² is located on the 1st floor of a residential complex built in 2020 in the Mahmutlar area, just 500 m from the sea and 300 m from the center of the area, next to the Naula Museum.
1+1
45 m²
10947
A new 2+1 apartment of 90 m² without furniture is located in the green area of Verkhnyaya Oba, in a modern complex built in 2025, 2300 m from the sea and 1900 m from the center of the area.
2+1
90 m²
10945
A 71 sq m unfurnished one-bedroom apartment with a view is located on the 8th floor of a modern complex built in 2026 in the Kestel district. Panoramic windows offer views of the sea, mountains, and picturesque surroundings. The sea is 2,300 m away, and the district center is 1,500 m away.
1+1
71 m²
10944
This bright, partially furnished 1+1 apartment with an area of 56 m² is located on the 3rd floor of a residential complex built in 2023 in the Kestel district, just 300 m from the sea and 150 m from the district center.
1+1
56 m²
10943
This two-story, 180 m², modern 3+1 villa is located in the Kargicak district within a residential complex. Built in 2025, the villa is offered partially furnished and features a private pool, a closed garage, and panoramic views of the sea, mountains, and picturesque surroundings.
3+1, Duplex
180 m²
10942
In the Tosmur district, this furnished two-bedroom apartment measures 115 m² and features a separate kitchen. It's located just 300 m from the sea and 150 m from the district center. The apartment is eligible for a residence permit and is fully occupied.
2+1
115 m²
10941
In the Mahmutlar area, a new 1+1 apartment with an area of 50 m² is presented in a modern residential complex built in 2024, located 600 m from the sea and 350 m from the center of the area.
1+1
50 m²
10940
Mahmutlar: a furnished 1+1 apartment of 45 m², located just 500 m from the sea and 300 m from the district center. This modern residential complex offers all the necessary amenities and is fully occupied.
1+1
45 m²
10939
Hasbahçe, a furnished 2+1 apartment of 85 m² with two balconies and private garden access. This modern residential complex, built in 2018, is located just 1 km from Alanya city center.
2+1
85 m²
10938
In the Mahmutlar area, furnished 1+1 apartments of 55 m² in a new residential complex built in 2026 on the first coastline, with panoramic sea views, south exposure and premium infrastructure.
1+1
55 m²
10937
In the Mahmutlar area, furnished 1+0 apartments with an area of 55 m² in a complex built in 2010, located just 400 m from the sea and 100 m from the center of the area, with a modern layout and developed infrastructure.
1+0
55 m²
10935
In the Bektash area, a spacious furnished 4+1 duplex with an area of 160 m², located in a complex of townhouses, with panoramic views of the sea and mountains, three bathrooms, two balconies and a terrace.
4+1, Duplex, Penthouse
160 m²
10934
Obagol furnished 2+1 apartments with an area of 90 m² in a complex built in 2010, located 300 m from the sea and 100 m from the center of the district, with the possibility of obtaining a residence permit and a convenient family layout.
2+1
90 m²
10933
In the Kargicak area, a 3+1 duplex apartment with an area of 110 m² in a complex built in 2025, located 2000 m from the sea, with an American kitchen, a ready-made TAPU received by Iskan and a panoramic view.
3+1, Duplex
110 m²
10932
In the Mahmutlar area, furnished 3+1 apartments with an area of 130 m² in a complex built in 2009, located 400 m from the sea, with two bathrooms, two balconies and a view of the pool and the complex grounds.
3+1
130 m²
10931
Konakli furnished villa 3+1 with an area of 200 m², built in 2010, is located only 300 m from the sea and 500 m from the center of the area, with the possibility of obtaining a residence permit, sea views, two bathrooms and a spacious area.
3+1, Duplex
200 m²
10930
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 spacious, furnished 1+1 apartment, 65 m², is located on the 5th floor of a residential complex built in 2018 in the Tosmur district, just 650 m from the sea and 200 m from the district center. The apartment offers sea views and is suitable for Turkish residency and citizenship.
1+1
65 m²
10951
This 45 m² one-bedroom apartment is located on the second floor of a residential complex in the Oba district, just 1,800 meters from the sea. The apartment is offered furnished (without appliances), has a partial sea view, and is located in a complex with extensive amenities.
1+1
45 m²
10950
1+1 apartment with an area of 75 m² without furniture is located on the high 1st floor of a residential complex built in 2019 in the Mahmutlar area, just 350 m from the sea and 250 m from the center of the area.
1+1
75 m²
10949
This furnished 2+1 apartment, 120 m², is located on the 3rd floor of a residential complex built in 2018 in the Kargicak district, just 50 m from the sea and 500 m from the district center. The apartment offers unobstructed views of the sea, mountains, and picturesque surroundings.
2+1
120 m²
10948
A comfortable furnished 1+1 apartment with an area of 45 m² is located on the 1st floor of a residential complex built in 2020 in the Mahmutlar area, just 500 m from the sea and 300 m from the center of the area, next to the Naula Museum.
1+1
45 m²
10947
A new 2+1 apartment of 90 m² without furniture is located in the green area of Verkhnyaya Oba, in a modern complex built in 2025, 2300 m from the sea and 1900 m from the center of the area.
2+1
90 m²
10945
A 71 sq m unfurnished one-bedroom apartment with a view is located on the 8th floor of a modern complex built in 2026 in the Kestel district. Panoramic windows offer views of the sea, mountains, and picturesque surroundings. The sea is 2,300 m away, and the district center is 1,500 m away.
1+1
71 m²
10944
This bright, partially furnished 1+1 apartment with an area of 56 m² is located on the 3rd floor of a residential complex built in 2023 in the Kestel district, just 300 m from the sea and 150 m from the district center.
1+1
56 m²
10943
This two-story, 180 m², modern 3+1 villa is located in the Kargicak district within a residential complex. Built in 2025, the villa is offered partially furnished and features a private pool, a closed garage, and panoramic views of the sea, mountains, and picturesque surroundings.
3+1, Duplex
180 m²
10942
In the Tosmur district, this furnished two-bedroom apartment measures 115 m² and features a separate kitchen. It's located just 300 m from the sea and 150 m from the district center. The apartment is eligible for a residence permit and is fully occupied.
2+1
115 m²
10941
In the Mahmutlar area, a new 1+1 apartment with an area of 50 m² is presented in a modern residential complex built in 2024, located 600 m from the sea and 350 m from the center of the area.
1+1
50 m²
10940
Mahmutlar: a furnished 1+1 apartment of 45 m², located just 500 m from the sea and 300 m from the district center. This modern residential complex offers all the necessary amenities and is fully occupied.
1+1
45 m²
10939
Hasbahçe, a furnished 2+1 apartment of 85 m² with two balconies and private garden access. This modern residential complex, built in 2018, is located just 1 km from Alanya city center.
2+1
85 m²
10938
In the Mahmutlar area, furnished 1+1 apartments of 55 m² in a new residential complex built in 2026 on the first coastline, with panoramic sea views, south exposure and premium infrastructure.
1+1
55 m²
10937
In the Mahmutlar area, furnished 1+0 apartments with an area of 55 m² in a complex built in 2010, located just 400 m from the sea and 100 m from the center of the area, with a modern layout and developed infrastructure.
1+0
55 m²
10935
In the Bektash area, a spacious furnished 4+1 duplex with an area of 160 m², located in a complex of townhouses, with panoramic views of the sea and mountains, three bathrooms, two balconies and a terrace.
4+1, Duplex, Penthouse
160 m²
10934
Obagol furnished 2+1 apartments with an area of 90 m² in a complex built in 2010, located 300 m from the sea and 100 m from the center of the district, with the possibility of obtaining a residence permit and a convenient family layout.
2+1
90 m²
10933
In the Kargicak area, a 3+1 duplex apartment with an area of 110 m² in a complex built in 2025, located 2000 m from the sea, with an American kitchen, a ready-made TAPU received by Iskan and a panoramic view.
3+1, Duplex
110 m²
10932
In the Mahmutlar area, furnished 3+1 apartments with an area of 130 m² in a complex built in 2009, located 400 m from the sea, with two bathrooms, two balconies and a view of the pool and the complex grounds.
3+1
130 m²
10931
Konakli furnished villa 3+1 with an area of 200 m², built in 2010, is located only 300 m from the sea and 500 m from the center of the area, with the possibility of obtaining a residence permit, sea views, two bathrooms and a spacious area.
3+1, Duplex
200 m²
10930
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.
