Long-Term Residence Permit in Turkey 2025

Status Conversion Strategy

For graduating students, a crucial strategy is to apply immediately for conversion to a Work or Property Residence Permit after finishing their studies and before the expiration of their Student Residence Permit. According to Article 34, this transfer, if done correctly, maintains continuity, and the individual can use their accrued student years (with the 50% coefficient).

Minimum Income and Financial Means Required for Turkey Permanent Residence (2025 Update)

One of the main pillars of Law 6458 for granting a Long-Term Residence Permit is ensuring that the applicant will not impose a financial burden on the Turkish government. In 2025, proving this clause has become one of the most difficult stages due to inflation rates and minimum wage increases.

Analysis of the "Sufficient and Regular Income" Condition

The legislator used the phrase "Sufficient and Regular Financial Means" (Yeterli ve Düzenli Maddi İmkan). This phrase has two components:

1. Sufficiency: The income must cover the living expenses of the individual and their family.

2. Regularity: The income must be continuous. Cash deposited in the bank (whose source is unclear) is usually not accepted as regular income.

Formula for Calculating Required Income (2025)

Based on the Migration Directorate circulars, the formula for calculating financial adequacy is as follows:

• The applicant's income must not be less than the **Net Minimum Wage** (Net Asgari Ücret).

• In addition, the applicant must have surplus income equivalent to **one-third of the minimum wage** for each dependent family member (spouse and children).

2025 Economic Data Analysis: Based on official announcements and trade union forecasts for 2025, the net minimum wage is estimated to be around **22,104 Turkish Lira**. The poverty line for a family of four indicates much higher figures, but the criterion of the Migration Directorate is usually the official minimum wage.

Practical Calculations for Proving Financial Means:

• Single Applicant:

  • Needs to prove a minimum monthly income of: **22,104 Lira**.

• Couple without Children:

  • Applicant's base income: 22,104 Lira

  • Spouse's share (1/3): 7,368 Lira

  • Total required income: **29,472 Lira**.

• Family of 3 (Husband, Wife, One Child):

  • Base income: 22,104 Lira

  • Spouse's share: 7,368 Lira

  • Child's share: 7,368 Lira

  • Total required income: **36,840 Lira**.

• Family of 4:

  • Total required income: **44,208 Lira**.

Accepted Income Sources: The Migration Directorate accepts the following documents as proof of income:

• Official payslip (Bordro) for work permit holders.

• Retirement income certificate (for foreign retirees).

• Official property rental agreement (if the applicant is a lessor and receives rent).

• Bank deposit interest (provided the deposited amount is substantial and the interest is monthly and regular).

• Note: Financial commitment from a third party is **not** accepted for a Long-Term Residence Permit. The individual must be personally capable.

Health Insurance Requirements and the Law of Not Receiving Social Assistance

Condition of Not Receiving Social Assistance

One of the crucial negative conditions is not receiving social assistance from Social Assistance and Solidarity Foundations (Sosyal Yardımlaşma ve Dayanışma Vakıfları) in the **last three years**. The applicant must personally visit the Provincial Governor's Office (Valilik) or District Governor's Office (Kaymakamlık) of their residence and obtain an official letter confirming that they have no record in the integrated social assistance system. This condition is to prove that the individual has been self-sufficient and has not needed government support.

Valid Medical Insurance

Unlike temporary residence permits, which are sometimes issued with inexpensive tourist insurance, the Long-Term Residence Permit requires stronger insurance coverage.

Acceptable options include:

1. SGK General Health Insurance: This is the best option. If you have been in Turkey with a work permit, you are automatically covered by SGK. Providing a "Provizyon Belgesi" from the SGK system is sufficient proof.

2. Private Health Insurance: It must be an insurance policy that includes inpatient and outpatient coverage. Note that travel insurance is strictly rejected for a Long-Term Residence Permit. The insurance must be valid for at least one year and be renewable.

3. Age Exception: For individuals under 18 and over 65, insurance conditions may differ, and in some cases, heavy private insurance may not be required, but providing proof of coverage for potential medical expenses is still necessary.

Obtaining Turkish Permanent Residence by Purchasing Property: The New $200,000 Law

Many applicants for Long-Term Residence have started their journey by purchasing property. Here, a major paradigm shift occurred in 2023 and 2024, the effects of which are fully evident in 2025.

Increase in Investment Threshold

As of October 16, 2023, the Turkish Migration Directorate increased the property value requirement for obtaining a Property Residence Permit (which is convertible to a Long-Term Residence Permit) to **$200,000 USD**. Previously, this amount was $75,000 in large cities and $50,000 in smaller cities.

Impact on Long-Term Residence Applicants:

• Old Buyers: Those who purchased property before the said date and obtained an Immovable Property Residence Permit are generally not subject to the retroactive law and can continue to renew with the same old property until they reach the eighth year (although subject to occasional discretionary procedures of local directorates).

• New Buyers: If you plan to start the 8-year path through property, the property you buy must be valued at a minimum of $200,000 in the appraisal report (Ekspertiz Raporu).

• Risk of Residence Downgrade: If you buy a property valued at less than $200,000, you may be granted a "Tourist Residence Permit" instead of a Property Residence Permit. The Tourist Residence Permit is also included in the 8-year calculation, but its renewal is very difficult and unstable, and it carries the risk of rejection in later years and disruption of the continuity chain.

Guide to Registering a Permanent Residence Application in the e-ikamet System and List of Required Documents

The Long-Term Residence Permit application process is a precise administrative procedure where the slightest flaw leads to rejection. All steps are managed through the **e-ikamet** system (the official website of the Migration Directorate).

Checklist of Required Documents (2025)

The meticulous preparation of these documents before submitting the online application is essential:

1. Residence Permit Application Form (İkamet İzni Başvuru Formu): Completed in the e-ikamet system and signed by the applicant.

2. Passport: Original and copy of the identity pages and entry/exit stamps. The passport must be valid for at least 60 days longer than the desired validity date (a passport with high validity is recommended for permanent residence).

3. 4 Biometric Photos: White background, new (taken within the last 6 months).

4. Electronic Notification National Code (UETS): All applicants must visit the Post Office (PTT) and obtain a UETS address for government notifications to be sent to it.

5. Criminal Record Certificate (Adli Sicil Kaydı): Both from Turkish judicial authorities (obtainable from e-Devlet) and from the applicant's country of origin (translated and confirmed by the consulate or Apostille). This document is vital for proving the condition of "public order."

6. Financial Means Documents: Payslips, bank statements, property documents (according to the formula in Section 4).

7. Certificate of No Social Assistance Received: From the Provincial Governor's Office or SYDV Foundation.

8. Residence Document (Yerleşim Yeri Belgesi): Population record showing the exact address of residence.

9. Valid Health Insurance: SGK or private insurance policy with full coverage.

10. Receipt for Fee Payment: Card fee (Kart Bedeli). The Long-Term Residence Permit is usually exempt from paying the "Harç" (fee), but this may change depending on nationality and current procedures.

Registration Steps

1. Access e-ikamet: Select the option "Long Term Residence Permit Application."

2. Fill in Information: Enter identity information, passport details, and residence history precisely.

3. Schedule an Appointment (Randevu): Select a date and time for an in-person visit to the Provincial Migration Directorate (İl Göç İdaresi).

4. In-Person Visit: Submit the physical file to the specialist.

5. File Review: According to the law, the Migration Directorate has up to 90 days to announce the result. During this period, you will be given a temporary document that guarantees your legal residence.

Advantages of Turkish Permanent Residence: The Difference with Citizenship and Your Legal Rights

Upon receiving the Long-Term Residence Card, your legal status changes dramatically. According to Article 44 of the law, the holder of this residence enjoys rights **similar to Turkish citizens**, but with a few important exceptions.

Table 2: Comparative Rights

Analysis of Privileges:

• Psychological Security: The biggest advantage is freedom from the stress of annual renewal and changing laws.

• Military Exemption: For young foreign men who grew up in Turkey, this is a major advantage over citizenship, as Turkish citizens are required to perform military service, but permanent residents are exempt.

• Social Rights: Equal access to the education and university system (similar tuition fees to citizens in some universities) and social services.

Do We Have the Right to Work with a Turkish Permanent Residence Permit? (Obtaining an Indefinite Work Permit)

One of the most common ambiguities is: "Can I work without a permit after obtaining a Long-Term Residence Permit?" The precise legal answer is nuanced.

Long-Term Residence $\ne$ Work Permit

The Long-Term Residence Card itself is not a work permit. However, possessing this residence paves the way for obtaining an **"Indefinite Work Permit" (Süresiz Çalışma İzni)** or **"Work Permit Exemption."**

Indefinite Work Permit (Independent Work Permit)

Individuals with a Long-Term Residence Permit are eligible for an Indefinite Work Permit, according to the International Labor Force Law (No. 6735).

• Features: This work permit is no longer dependent on the employer. This means you can change your job, choose a new employer, or start your own business without worrying about the cancellation of your work visa.

• Process: A separate application must be submitted to the Ministry of Labor and Social Security (CSGB). This permit is usually updated documentarily every 5 years, but the right to work is permanent.

Reasons for Revocation of Permanent Residence: The One-Year Absence Rule and Prohibited Cases

Obtaining a Long-Term Residence Permit is not the end of the road. Maintaining it requires adherence to specific regulations. Article 45 of the law specifies the conditions for revocation.

The One-Year Rule

The most significant threat to the Long-Term Residence Permit is prolonged absence. If the holder of this residence is outside Turkey for **more than one consecutive year (without interruption)**, their residence will be revoked.

• Example: If you leave Turkey and return 14 months later, your residence will be deemed revoked at the border.

• Crucial Exceptions: The residence will not be revoked if the absence is due to the following reasons:

  • Continuing education.

  • Medical treatment and health.

  • Compulsory Public Service in the home country.

Threat to Public Order

Committing serious crimes, involvement in terrorist activities, or any act that the Migration Directorate determines poses a threat to national security or public order will lead to the immediate revocation of residence and deportation.

Possibility of Reapplication

The good news is that if the Long-Term Residence Permit is revoked solely due to absence (and not security issues), the individual can reapply. In this reapplication, the 8-year continuous residence condition is not re-examined (as it was previously fulfilled), and the process will be easier.

Summary: Key Points and Success Strategy for Obtaining Residence in Turkey

The Long-Term Residence Permit in Turkey in 2025 is a gateway to stability in a volatile region. This legal document creates a balance between "citizenship" and "temporary residence," a balance in which the individual enjoys full civil and economic rights without bearing the political or military obligations of citizenship.

Summary of Key Recommendations for Success:

1. Time Management: Obsessively record your days of absence over the 8 years. Even one extra day can prevent approval.

2. Financial Strategy: At least 6 months before applying, regulate your income stream to be transparent, banked, and compliant with 2025 formulas (a minimum of 22 thousand net Lira).

3. Insurance Selection: Avoid cheap insurance policies. A valid private insurance or SGK coverage is an investment for file approval.

4. Professional Consultation: Given the continuous changes in the interpretation of the law (especially regarding the calculation of days and the definition of income), consulting with specialized immigration lawyers who are proficient in practical procedures is strongly recommended.

Although this path is long and challenging, the reward is a life free from the worry of visa renewal and the enjoyment of all the benefits of life in Turkey.