Kymlik and Ikamet: what is the difference

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:

  1. Officially registered marriage with a Turkish citizen.
  2. Residence in an eastern country with a residence permit for 5 years.
  3. If the father or mother of the applicant – citizens of the Republic of Turkey.
  4. Official work for 5 years without interruption.
  5. 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:

  1. Opening your own business and providing Turkish citizens with at least 50 jobs.
  2. Purchase of securities, investment of deposit funds in a bank of an eastern state in the amount of $500,000.
  3. Purchase of real estate (one or more residential, commercial properties, land plots) in the amount of $400,000.
  4. 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.
Kymlik and Ikamet: what is the difference

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.

Examples of real estate in Turkey

137 500

Oba district (Lower part, Obagol). Spacious 2+1 apartment of 100 m², built in 2003, suitable for obtaining a residence permit. 250 m to the sea, 150 m to the center.

room

2+1

area

100 m²

id

9900

A great offer for those who want to live on the first line and enjoy a sea view that will never be blocked.

room

1+0

area

55 m²

id

9899

368 500

room

2+1

area

90 m²

id

9898

Mahmutlar district. Apartment 1+1, 50 m², in a new complex of 2023, with a balcony and a view of the green surroundings, only 450 m to the sea and 100 m to the center, suitable for comfortable living or rent.

room

1+1

area

50 m²

id

9897

190 000

Kargicak area. Duplex 2+1, area 150 m², furnished, with sea view, in a complex from a well-known developer, 300 m to the sea, two floors, two balconies and a terrace, rich infrastructure.

room

2+1, Duplex, Penthouse

area

150 m²

id

9896

181 500

Kargicak area. Detached villa 3+1, area 165 m², year of construction 2008, to the sea 2300 m, to the center 2000 m, fully furnished, sea view, residential area with hotel infrastructure.

room

3+1, Duplex

area

165 m²

id

9895

Urgent sale fire
Furnished 1+1 apartment in a new complex in Gazipasa, near the airport-id-9894-photo-7

64 000

Inexpensive apartments for comfortable living in Turkey

room

1+1

area

48 m²

id

9894

Mahmutlar district. Apartment 1+1, area 50 m², year of construction 2024, to the sea 600 m, to the center 300 m, unfurnished, modern residential complex with infrastructure.

room

1+1

area

50 m²

id

9893

225 500

Mahmutlar district. Apartment 2+1, 135 m², 2008, 0 m to the sea, 100 m to the center, fully furnished, separate kitchen, sea view.

room

2+1

area

135 m²

id

9892

117 500

Mahmutlar district. Apartment 2+1, 130 m², 2008, 250 m to the sea, 150 m to the center, furnished, with a storage room, separate kitchen and two balconies.

room

2+1

area

130 m²

id

9891

143 000

Mahmutlar district. Apartment 2+1, 115 m², 2008, distance to the sea 400 m, to the center 250 m, furnished, with a small sea view.

room

2+1

area

115 m²

id

9890

137 500

Kestel district, apartment 1+1, area 55 m², furnished, built in 2012, 50 m to the sea, 100 m to the center.

room

1+1

area

55 m²

id

9889

118 000

Kestel district, apartment 1+1, area 55 m², year of construction 2012, furnished, 50 m to the sea, 100 m to the center, sea view, developed infrastructure.

room

1+1

area

55 m²

id

9888

236 500

Kestel, Kestel district, duplex 3+1, area 195 m², partially furnished, built in 2016, 350 m to the sea, 350 m to the center. There is a personal utility room.

room

3+1, Duplex, Penthouse

area

195 m²

id

9887

170 500

Güllerpınarı district, 2+1 apartment, area 90 m², year of construction 2021, 650 m to the sea, 500 m to the center, unfurnished, with a separate kitchen and a view of the green area of the complex.

room

2+1

area

90 m²

id

9886

85 000

Kestel district, apartment 1+1, area 54 m², year of construction 2022, to the sea 350 m, to the center - 200 m, unfurnished, partial sea view, cozy complex with a swimming pool.

room

1+1

area

54 m²

id

9885

176 000

Tosmur district, duplex 4+1, area 190 m², year of construction 2011, distance to the sea 300 m, to the center - 200 m, furnished apartment with a view of the sea and the Kale fortress, suitable for a residence permit.

room

4+1, Duplex, Penthouse

area

190 m²

id

9884

Urgent sale fire
Stylish 50 m² apartment with sea view on the first line in Oba (Obagol)-id-9883-photo-18

165 000

Oba area, layout 1+1, area 50 m², year of construction 2013, distance to the sea 0 m, to the center 150 m, furnished, with a sea view.

room

1+1

area

50 m²

id

9883

88 000

Oba district, layout 1+1, area 54 m², year of construction 2023, distance to the sea 1500 m, to the center 1000 m, unfurnished apartment.

room

1+1

area

54 m²

id

9882

Mahmutlar district, layout 1+1, area 58 m², year of construction 2023, distance to the sea 950 m, to the center 500 m, apartment with furniture.

room

1+1

area

58 m²

id

9880

See more

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:

  1. Short-term or temporary residence permit is issued for a period from 6 months to 3 years with the possibility of further extension.
  2. 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.

Kymlik and Ikamet: what is the difference

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:

  1. Application for a residence permit with reference to the basis.
  2. Rental contract or TAPU.
  3. Copies of all pages of the foreign passport.
  4. Turkish TIN.
  5. Medical insurance for the entire period of validity of ikamet.
  6. 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.

Examples of real estate in Turkey

137 500

Oba district (Lower part, Obagol). Spacious 2+1 apartment of 100 m², built in 2003, suitable for obtaining a residence permit. 250 m to the sea, 150 m to the center.

room

2+1

area

100 m²

id

9900

A great offer for those who want to live on the first line and enjoy a sea view that will never be blocked.

room

1+0

area

55 m²

id

9899

368 500

room

2+1

area

90 m²

id

9898

Mahmutlar district. Apartment 1+1, 50 m², in a new complex of 2023, with a balcony and a view of the green surroundings, only 450 m to the sea and 100 m to the center, suitable for comfortable living or rent.

room

1+1

area

50 m²

id

9897

190 000

Kargicak area. Duplex 2+1, area 150 m², furnished, with sea view, in a complex from a well-known developer, 300 m to the sea, two floors, two balconies and a terrace, rich infrastructure.

room

2+1, Duplex, Penthouse

area

150 m²

id

9896

181 500

Kargicak area. Detached villa 3+1, area 165 m², year of construction 2008, to the sea 2300 m, to the center 2000 m, fully furnished, sea view, residential area with hotel infrastructure.

room

3+1, Duplex

area

165 m²

id

9895

Urgent sale fire
Furnished 1+1 apartment in a new complex in Gazipasa, near the airport-id-9894-photo-7

64 000

Inexpensive apartments for comfortable living in Turkey

room

1+1

area

48 m²

id

9894

Mahmutlar district. Apartment 1+1, area 50 m², year of construction 2024, to the sea 600 m, to the center 300 m, unfurnished, modern residential complex with infrastructure.

room

1+1

area

50 m²

id

9893

225 500

Mahmutlar district. Apartment 2+1, 135 m², 2008, 0 m to the sea, 100 m to the center, fully furnished, separate kitchen, sea view.

room

2+1

area

135 m²

id

9892

117 500

Mahmutlar district. Apartment 2+1, 130 m², 2008, 250 m to the sea, 150 m to the center, furnished, with a storage room, separate kitchen and two balconies.

room

2+1

area

130 m²

id

9891

143 000

Mahmutlar district. Apartment 2+1, 115 m², 2008, distance to the sea 400 m, to the center 250 m, furnished, with a small sea view.

room

2+1

area

115 m²

id

9890

137 500

Kestel district, apartment 1+1, area 55 m², furnished, built in 2012, 50 m to the sea, 100 m to the center.

room

1+1

area

55 m²

id

9889

118 000

Kestel district, apartment 1+1, area 55 m², year of construction 2012, furnished, 50 m to the sea, 100 m to the center, sea view, developed infrastructure.

room

1+1

area

55 m²

id

9888

236 500

Kestel, Kestel district, duplex 3+1, area 195 m², partially furnished, built in 2016, 350 m to the sea, 350 m to the center. There is a personal utility room.

room

3+1, Duplex, Penthouse

area

195 m²

id

9887

170 500

Güllerpınarı district, 2+1 apartment, area 90 m², year of construction 2021, 650 m to the sea, 500 m to the center, unfurnished, with a separate kitchen and a view of the green area of the complex.

room

2+1

area

90 m²

id

9886

85 000

Kestel district, apartment 1+1, area 54 m², year of construction 2022, to the sea 350 m, to the center - 200 m, unfurnished, partial sea view, cozy complex with a swimming pool.

room

1+1

area

54 m²

id

9885

176 000

Tosmur district, duplex 4+1, area 190 m², year of construction 2011, distance to the sea 300 m, to the center - 200 m, furnished apartment with a view of the sea and the Kale fortress, suitable for a residence permit.

room

4+1, Duplex, Penthouse

area

190 m²

id

9884

Urgent sale fire
Stylish 50 m² apartment with sea view on the first line in Oba (Obagol)-id-9883-photo-18

165 000

Oba area, layout 1+1, area 50 m², year of construction 2013, distance to the sea 0 m, to the center 150 m, furnished, with a sea view.

room

1+1

area

50 m²

id

9883

88 000

Oba district, layout 1+1, area 54 m², year of construction 2023, distance to the sea 1500 m, to the center 1000 m, unfurnished apartment.

room

1+1

area

54 m²

id

9882

Mahmutlar district, layout 1+1, area 58 m², year of construction 2023, distance to the sea 950 m, to the center 500 m, apartment with furniture.

room

1+1

area

58 m²

id

9880

See more

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.

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