Conditions for obtaining permanent residence permit in Turkey-lifetime residency

Regardless of its type, obtaining a residence permit in Turkey necessitates the assistance of an expert or a consultant to guide you through the procedures and conditions that must be met in order to obtain the permit. However, a permanent residence permit is distinct from all other residence permits in Turkey for a variety of reasons, the most common of which is that permanent residency grants its holder complete access to all of the rights that a Turkish citizen enjoys, with the exception of the ability to run for elections, vote, and apply for public office.

Before explaining how to acquire a permanent residency in Turkey, let us first provide a quick overview of the various types of residencies in Turkey, and then focus on permanent residency in particular, as well as the requirements and paperwork necessary to obtain it, including the cost, as well as the benefits enjoyed by the permanent residency holder.

Types of residencies in Turkey?

• Tourist residence permit

it is a temporary (short-term) residence permit that is renewed every year or two, depending on the length of time it has been issued.

• Real estate residence permit

it is a residency issued to anybody who wants to purchase property in Turkey . The best part about this type of permits is that Turkish citizenship can be earned after five consecutive years of renewal.

• Work residence permit

it is issued to plants and business owners or workers, and Turkish citizenship can be obtained based on it after five consecutive years of renewal.

• Student residence permit

it is granted to students in Turkish schools and colleges. It can be renewed every year or two, depending on the permitted time.

• Humanitarian residence permit

it issued to those who are unable to remain in their home country owing to security concerns, deportation, or other considerations.

• Family residence permit

it is granted through Turkish nationals to their foreign spouses of other nationalities, and it is possible to petition for Turkish citizenship through it after three continuous years of marriage.

• Investment residence permit

it is a temporary residency awarded to anybody who purchases a property worth $400,000 or deposits $500,000 in a bank account. It is valid until the individual asking for it receives a naturalization decision.

• Permanent residence permit

it is awarded to people who want to live in Turkey for a long time and have been there for at least 8 years, making it one of the greatest forms of residence in Turkey for long-term residents.

Permanent residence permit in Turkey

According to a decision released by the Turkish government in early 2017, permanent residency in Turkey began to be given, which has facilitated the affairs of many foreigners who have lived on Turkish land for a long time, especially in light of various obstacles that needed official documents such as Turkish identification.

Conditions for permanent residence permit in Turkey

• The applicant must stay for a total of eight years in a row, and "residency for eight years without a legal residence permit is not authorized to earn this permanent residency," according to the law.
• The applicant must not have received any form of social assistance in the previous three years of applying.
• The applicant must, at least, have a middle income that is sufficient to meet the demands of the family on a regular basis.
• The applicant must have been covered by health insurance for at least eight years.
• The applicant must not be a nuisance or security danger to the community.
• The applicant must already be a holder of one of the other residencies when applying for the permanent residency.
• If the applicant has a student residence permit, only four years are required.
• Refugees and those with humanitarian residencies are not eligible to apply for a permanent residence permit.
• Children under the age of eighteen must have a guardian's permission to apply.

Application for permanent residence permit in Turkey: documents required

1. A valid passport photocopy.
2. A photocopy of the applicant's residency permit.
3. Four biometric photographs of the applicant.
4. A valid health insurance for the applicant.
5. Any documentation that proves that the applicant has not received any type of social aid from NGOs or similar entities.
6. A financial document demonstrating the applicant's capacity to provide for himself and his family.
7. A non-judgmental document generated by the online portal.
8. A notary-certified rental contract or a paper from the Registry office verifying the applicant's address.
9. An appointment generated by the portal of the General Immigration Department.

Cost of permanent residence permit in Turkey

There are no set costs for permanent residence permits in Turkey, as dues fluctuate at the start of each new year due to rate changes and tax numbers in general based on inflation rates in Turkey.

However, as of now, the expenses by the beginning of 2022 are as follows:

• Health insurance, which is provided by private insurance firms, costs between 500 and 2000 lira depending on the age of the applicant.
• A fixed tax of 160 Turkish lira, which is the fee for obtaining a residency card.
• Other variable taxes that may emerge from a permanent stay in Turkey, such as "Visa allowance," are recognized when applying.

Advantages of permanent residence permit in Turkey

1. A person with a permanent residence permit benefits from receiving a residence permit that does not expire and is valid for an infinite amount of time.
2. The bearer of a permanent residence permit can own real estate in Turkey just like Turkish citizens can.
3. The holder of a permanent residence permit in Turkey is eligible to apply for Turkish citizenship.
4. Military duty is not required of those who have permanent residency in Turkey.
5. With the exception of the right to vote, run for elections, or apply for public posts, the holder of a permanent residence permit enjoys most of the rights that a Turkish citizen does. However, the holder of a permanent residence permit cannot import automobiles from outside Turkey.
6. A person with a permanent residence permit in Turkey can benefit from health insurance at Turkish hospitals.
7. A person with a permanent residence permit in Turkey may form a personal or joint stock corporation.
8. In Turkey, children with permanent residence permits are eligible to enroll in public schools for free.

Note: The permit is revoked if the bearer of a permanent residence permit in Turkey has spent more than one year outside of Turkey without interruption, with the exception of specific health conditions, education, and mandatory public duty in the resident's country of origin.

Cancellation or refusal of permanent residence permits in Turkey

There are various reasons that may result in the rejection of permanent residency in Turkey or invalidate it once it is obtained, which mainly include but not limited to:

• If the applicant poses a threat to Turkey's national security.
• If the applicant has a criminal record or is subject to trials in the Turkish state.
• As previously stated, if the applicant leaves Turkey for more than a year and a half, his or her permanent residence permit would be terminated.

Permanent residence permit in Turkey: time frame

Permanent residence permit in Turkey takes about the same amount of time as other residence permits. The Immigration Department transfers the file to the Evaluation Department in Ankara, where it is analyzed and the requisite paperwork and the applicant's record are checked for a period of at least one month and up to ninety days. The outcome will thereafter be either rejection or approval.

No-cost services with DAMAS TÜRK Realty

damasturk Realty offers you its extensive experience in all sorts of Turkish residences, as well as legal advice, and we are delighted to offer free consultations about living in Turkey. Furthermore, as a consequence of our involvement in the real estate market, we can provide you with any real estate-related services in Turkey.