Planning purchase of real estate and moving to the Republic of Turkey, foreigners are faced not only with some features of the housing market, but also with unusual terminology. In particular, these are kimlik and ikamet, which are of paramount importance for the legal residence of foreigners in Turkey.
The topic of our expert article: Kymlik and Ikamet, what kind of documents are they, and how do they differ from each other.
Content of the article:
What is Kimlik in Turkey
Kimlik in Turkey – What is this? This document is an internal biometric passport that every citizen of the Republic of Turkey has. An identity card is a plastic ID card without an expiration date with a person’s photo and personal data. Thus, civil status is maintained throughout life and is passed on to the next generation (children, grandchildren, etc.).
Kimlik in Turkey guarantees its owner all social rights, including:
- legal work;
- appointment to service in government bodies;
- participation in public polls and elections as a voter or candidate;
- free education in public schools, colleges, universities;
- treatment in municipal and private hospitals;
- social assistance;
- obtaining loans from banks for various purposes (buying housing, movable property, starting a business) and much more.
How can a foreign citizen obtain Kimlik in Turkey?
A plastic card is issued to foreigners on the following grounds:
- Officially registered marriage with a Turkish citizen.
- Residence in an eastern country with a residence permit for 5 years.
- If the father or mother of the applicant – citizens of the Republic of Turkey.
- Official work for 5 years without interruption.
- Participation in the Turkish citizenship by investment government program, under which foreigners can apply for investment citizenship.
Citizenship by investment allows non-residents who wish to invest money in the Turkish economy to obtain a second passport in a simplified and expedited manner. The government provides for several types of investment:
- Opening your own business and providing Turkish citizens with at least 50 jobs.
- Purchase of securities, investment of deposit funds in a bank of an eastern state in the amount of $500,000.
- Purchase of real estate (one or more residential, commercial properties, land plots) in the amount of $400,000.
- Purchase of real estate for subsequent receipt of Ikamet – the most popular method among foreigners. Let us remind you that until April 2022, the volume of investments was only $250,000. But even after amendments to the law came into force to increase the minimum threshold for the value of real estate, the Turkish passport for investment has not lost its relevance. Buyers should be aware that payment must be made in Turkish Lira in order to enter into a valid sales transaction. That is, foreign currency (dollars, euros, rubles, pounds sterling) must be exchanged at a bank.
After receiving the TAPU, the foreigner can fill out an application on the official web portal of the Migration Service and begin collecting the package of papers.
List of required documents for Turkish citizenship:
- Completed and printed application.
- Foreign passport (copy and original).
- Residence permit issued for the purpose of applying for Kymlicka.
- Documents on current civil status and family composition.
- Metric certificates, if there are minor children.
- Certificate of no criminal record.
- Health insurance policy and a certificate confirming the absence of dangerous diseases.
- 4 recent photos 35x45 mm.
- Receipt for payment of state duty.
- TAPU.
- Certificate of Conformity.
- Bank cash receipt confirming the exchange of foreign funds into lira.
After filling out the online application, the system will issue a date for an in-person meeting at the Migration Department (İl Göç idaresi Müdürlüğü), where you will need to come with a package of documents.
A Turkish ID number takes on average from several months to six months. Payment for an application on Kimlik is individual, the amount is displayed on the screen immediately after filling out the online application on the site and, as a rule, is about $500.
2+1 apartment, 98 m², in Mahmutlar district, 2018 building, furnished, two bedrooms, 0 m to the sea and 200 m to the center.
2+1
98 m²
10358
Apartment 2+1, 120 m², in Mahmutlar district, 2005 building, furnished, two bedrooms, 300 m to the sea and 100 m to the center.
2+1
120 m²
10357
This 70 sq m one-bedroom apartment in a prestigious Mahmutlar complex, built in 2024, is unfurnished. It is 500 m from the sea and 1,500 m from the district center. It features a balcony and bathroom.
1+1
70 m²
10356
Detached villa 3+1, 250 m², in the Kargicak area, built in 2025, unfurnished, three bedrooms, 3 km from the sea and 1500 m from the center.
3+1, Duplex, Penthouse
250 m²
10355
This 60 sq m one-bedroom apartment in Mahmutlar, built in 2014, is fully furnished. The sea is 400 m away, and the district center is within walking distance.
1+1
60 m²
10354
In the heart of Alanya, next to Cleopatra Beach, lies a cozy 1+1 apartment measuring 55 m². This area is one of the most attractive places for vacation and residence: cafes, shops, a promenade, and the famous sandy beach are nearby. The apartment is located on the second floor of a building built in 2017. The living room and open-plan kitchen feature a corner unit with appliances, a dining area, and a sitting area. The bedroom is cozy and bright. The apartment features porcelain tile floors and air conditioning. The bathroom is fully equipped with modern fixtures. The balcony overlooks the surrounding area and features a small tea area. The apartment is furnished and eligible for a residence permit. The complex's amenities include an outdoor pool, parking, a barbecue area, a concierge, a generator, Wi-Fi, and 24-hour video surveillance. Distance to the sea: 150 m, to the city center: 50 m. For more information and to schedule a viewing, please contact Point Property managers at +90 537 313 79 33
1+1
55 m²
10353
A modern one-room apartment 1+1 with an area of 55 m² in a new complex built in 2024 - just 150 meters from the sea and 250 meters from the center of Tosmur.
1+1
55 m²
10352
A modern three-room apartment 2+1 with an area of 90 m² in a complex built in 2015 - just 300 meters from the sea and 200 meters from the center of Oba
2+1
90 m²
10351
Modern furnished 1+1 apartment with an area of 58 m² in a complex built in 2024, just 500 meters from the sea and 300 meters from the center of Mahmutlar.
1+1
58 m²
10350
Apartment 1+1 with an area of 57 m² in the Mahmutlar area, building 2023, 800 m to the sea and 500 m to the center of the area
1+1
57 m²
10349
Spacious 1+1 apartment with an area of 55 m² in a modern complex built in 2023, just 500 meters from the sea and 300 meters from the center of Mahmutlar.
1+1
55 m²
10348
Villa 3+1 with furniture and appliances, 180 m2, 600 m to the sea, Konakli district, residence permit possible
3+1, Duplex
180 m²
10347
An elegant two-room apartment of 70 m² in a modern complex built in 2022, just 650 meters from the sea and 450 meters from the center of Alanya.
2+1
70 m²
10346
1+1 apartment, 50 m², in the Obagol district, built in 2023, furnished, 450 m to the sea and 150 m to the center.
1+1
50 m²
10345
Modern 1+1 apartment of 60 m² with furniture and appliances, with a balcony and one bathroom, located in a new complex just 400 meters from the sea and 200 meters from the center of Mahmutlar.
1+1
60 m²
10344
An elegant 2+1 apartment of 125 m² with two balconies and two bathrooms, fully furnished and equipped with modern appliances, located directly on the coastline with panoramic sea views.
2+1
125 m²
10343
A bright 2+1 apartment of 115 m² with two balconies, two bathrooms, furnished and equipped with all necessary appliances, in the very center of Mahmutlar, just 200 meters from the sea.
2+1
115 m²
10342
Spacious 1+1 apartment of 55 m² with furniture and appliances, just 250 meters from the sea and within walking distance of the center of Mahmutlar.
1+1
55 m²
10341
2+1 apartment of 120 m² with furniture, appliances and sea view, located within walking distance from the sea and the center of Mahmutlar.
2+1
120 m²
10340
2+1 apartment, 85 m², in the Oba area, built in 2022, two bedrooms, 0 m to the sea and 200 m to the center, furnished, suitable for a residence permit.
2+1
85 m²
10339
What is Ikamet in Turkey
«Ikamet in Turkey – what is this?” – another common question from citizens from abroad who want to buy real estate on the Mediterranean coast. Foreigners are allowed to legally reside in the country for no more than the period provided for by the visa-free or visa regime. As a rule, the visa-free period does not exceed 90 days. For a long-term legal stay in Turkey, you need to apply for a special Ikamet permit, which is a plastic card with a photo and data of a foreigner.
The validity period of Ikamet depends on the type of document:
- Short-term or temporary residence permit is issued for a period from 6 months to 3 years with the possibility of further extension.
- A long-term or indefinite residence permit guarantees the foreigner's presence in Turkey without any time restrictions.
The grounds for obtaining a Turkish residence permit and its extension are:
- purchase of real estate;
- reunion with immediate family;
- long-term recreation and tourism;
- official employment under contract;
- long therapeutic procedures in municipal and private hospitals;
- in-patient training in Turkish educational institutions;
- language courses;
- refugee status or victim of violence.
Before you receive Ikamet in Turkey on the basis of a certificate of ownership, it is important to study the conditions of registration. So, A residence permit for the purchase of real estate is available to foreigners if the cadastral value of the property is at least $200,000 in lire equivalent at the time of its registration (these changes came into force on October 16, 2023). If the price threshold is lower, buyers of Turkish apartments can count on tourist ikamet.
A residence permit guarantees foreigners all the benefits of living in Turkey, with the exception of official employment. In addition, Ikamet card holders have access to:
- completing driving courses and obtaining a driving license;
- medical care in public and private hospitals in the country;
- education of children in municipal kindergartens and schools;
- simple opening of a commercial activity.
The application for Ikamet is filled out online on the website of the Turkish Migration Service. Digital scanned copies of the following documents are attached to the application form:
- Application for a residence permit with reference to the basis.
- Rental contract or TAPU.
- Copies of all pages of the foreign passport.
- Turkish TIN.
- Medical insurance for the entire period of validity of ikamet.
- Photo on a white background, 45x34 mm.
As a rule, no more than 6-8 weeks pass from the moment you apply for a residence permit until you receive the card. The cost of obtaining a residence permit in Turkey, including payment of state fees, preparation and translation of documents, – from $50 per person. The application surcharge for immediate relatives (children, spouses) is approximately $35 per person.
Summary
Point Property specialists will select suitable property for you in Turkish resorts to obtain Ikamet or citizenship. They will advise you on the conditions for processing documents for residence and will accompany you when submitting an application as part of the after-sales service.
2+1 apartment, 98 m², in Mahmutlar district, 2018 building, furnished, two bedrooms, 0 m to the sea and 200 m to the center.
2+1
98 m²
10358
Apartment 2+1, 120 m², in Mahmutlar district, 2005 building, furnished, two bedrooms, 300 m to the sea and 100 m to the center.
2+1
120 m²
10357
This 70 sq m one-bedroom apartment in a prestigious Mahmutlar complex, built in 2024, is unfurnished. It is 500 m from the sea and 1,500 m from the district center. It features a balcony and bathroom.
1+1
70 m²
10356
Detached villa 3+1, 250 m², in the Kargicak area, built in 2025, unfurnished, three bedrooms, 3 km from the sea and 1500 m from the center.
3+1, Duplex, Penthouse
250 m²
10355
This 60 sq m one-bedroom apartment in Mahmutlar, built in 2014, is fully furnished. The sea is 400 m away, and the district center is within walking distance.
1+1
60 m²
10354
In the heart of Alanya, next to Cleopatra Beach, lies a cozy 1+1 apartment measuring 55 m². This area is one of the most attractive places for vacation and residence: cafes, shops, a promenade, and the famous sandy beach are nearby. The apartment is located on the second floor of a building built in 2017. The living room and open-plan kitchen feature a corner unit with appliances, a dining area, and a sitting area. The bedroom is cozy and bright. The apartment features porcelain tile floors and air conditioning. The bathroom is fully equipped with modern fixtures. The balcony overlooks the surrounding area and features a small tea area. The apartment is furnished and eligible for a residence permit. The complex's amenities include an outdoor pool, parking, a barbecue area, a concierge, a generator, Wi-Fi, and 24-hour video surveillance. Distance to the sea: 150 m, to the city center: 50 m. For more information and to schedule a viewing, please contact Point Property managers at +90 537 313 79 33
1+1
55 m²
10353
A modern one-room apartment 1+1 with an area of 55 m² in a new complex built in 2024 - just 150 meters from the sea and 250 meters from the center of Tosmur.
1+1
55 m²
10352
A modern three-room apartment 2+1 with an area of 90 m² in a complex built in 2015 - just 300 meters from the sea and 200 meters from the center of Oba
2+1
90 m²
10351
Modern furnished 1+1 apartment with an area of 58 m² in a complex built in 2024, just 500 meters from the sea and 300 meters from the center of Mahmutlar.
1+1
58 m²
10350
Apartment 1+1 with an area of 57 m² in the Mahmutlar area, building 2023, 800 m to the sea and 500 m to the center of the area
1+1
57 m²
10349
Spacious 1+1 apartment with an area of 55 m² in a modern complex built in 2023, just 500 meters from the sea and 300 meters from the center of Mahmutlar.
1+1
55 m²
10348
Villa 3+1 with furniture and appliances, 180 m2, 600 m to the sea, Konakli district, residence permit possible
3+1, Duplex
180 m²
10347
An elegant two-room apartment of 70 m² in a modern complex built in 2022, just 650 meters from the sea and 450 meters from the center of Alanya.
2+1
70 m²
10346
1+1 apartment, 50 m², in the Obagol district, built in 2023, furnished, 450 m to the sea and 150 m to the center.
1+1
50 m²
10345
Modern 1+1 apartment of 60 m² with furniture and appliances, with a balcony and one bathroom, located in a new complex just 400 meters from the sea and 200 meters from the center of Mahmutlar.
1+1
60 m²
10344
An elegant 2+1 apartment of 125 m² with two balconies and two bathrooms, fully furnished and equipped with modern appliances, located directly on the coastline with panoramic sea views.
2+1
125 m²
10343
A bright 2+1 apartment of 115 m² with two balconies, two bathrooms, furnished and equipped with all necessary appliances, in the very center of Mahmutlar, just 200 meters from the sea.
2+1
115 m²
10342
Spacious 1+1 apartment of 55 m² with furniture and appliances, just 250 meters from the sea and within walking distance of the center of Mahmutlar.
1+1
55 m²
10341
2+1 apartment of 120 m² with furniture, appliances and sea view, located within walking distance from the sea and the center of Mahmutlar.
2+1
120 m²
10340
2+1 apartment, 85 m², in the Oba area, built in 2022, two bedrooms, 0 m to the sea and 200 m to the center, furnished, suitable for a residence permit.
2+1
85 m²
10339
These materials have been prepared for informational purposes and are not of a commercial nature.
Point Property – is a certified real estate agency that 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 their legal purity, support during the re-registration of ownership.
