Short-Term Residence Permit (Tourism Purpose)

Turkey's Short-Term Residence Permit for Tourism Purposes is the standard pathway for retirees, pensioners, and financially independent persons to reside in Turkey without working. Established under Article 31(1)(f) of the Foreigners and International Protection Law (No. 6458), the permit is administered by the Presidency of Migration Management through Provincial Directorates. Turkey does not have a dedicated retirement or passive income visa; instead, retirees and persons of independent means apply under this tourism category by demonstrating sufficient and regular income to support themselves during their stay.

• Sufficient and regular income of at least 1.5 times the net minimum wage per month (approximately 42,113 TL/month or USD 1,200 for a single applicant in 2026)
• Valid passport with at least 60 days remaining validity beyond the requested permit period
• Health insurance covering the full duration of the permit (Turkish private insurance, SGK coverage, or foreign insurance valid in Turkey from a company with a licensed Turkish office)
• Proof of address in Turkey (rental contract, property deed, or notarised accommodation commitment)
• Legal entry into Turkey on a valid visa or under a visa exemption agreement
• No specific educational or professional qualifications required

• Completed application form generated via e-ikamet.goc.gov.tr
• Valid passport
• 4 biometric photographs (white background, taken within the last 6 months)
• Bank statements from the last 3 months showing regular income at or above the threshold
• Health insurance policy valid for the permit duration
• Proof of address (rental contract, property deed, or notarised commitment from a Turkish host)
• Supporting statement on travel or tourism plans
• Criminal record certificate (may be requested by the Provincial Directorate)
• All foreign documents must have Turkish translation, apostille certification, and notarisation

The permit is issued for up to 2 years, though first-time applicants are often granted 6 to 12 months. Renewal applications must be filed via e-ikamet.goc.gov.tr within 60 days before the current permit expires. Updated income documentation is always required for renewals regardless of nationality. A notarised passport photocopy and updated documents must be sent by post to the Provincial Directorate within 5 working days of the online renewal application.

Dependants (spouse and children) may apply for their own short-term residence permits under the same tourism category or for family residence permits. Each additional family member must demonstrate income of at least 1 times the net minimum wage (28,075 TL/month for 2026). For example, a couple needs approximately 70,188 TL/month and a family of three approximately 98,263 TL/month. Children under 18 with valid permits attending Turkish public schools are exempt from the health insurance requirement. Dependant applications are submitted separately through e-ikamet.goc.gov.tr.

Foreigners present in Turkey for more than 183 days in a calendar year are considered tax residents and are subject to progressive income tax (15% to 40%) on worldwide income. Those present for fewer than 183 days are taxed only on Turkey-sourced income. Turkey has double taxation treaties with over 85 countries. Holders who become tax residents must file annual income tax returns.

1. Online application -- Complete the application form at e-ikamet.goc.gov.tr, which generates an appointment date at the local Provincial Directorate of Migration Management.
2. In-person appointment -- Attend the appointment with all original documents and photocopies. Biometric data (photograph and fingerprints) may be collected.
3. Processing -- The application is reviewed and typically finalised within 30 to 90 days.
4. Card delivery -- Upon approval, the residence permit card is delivered to the applicant's registered Turkish address.

Foreigners who fail to attend their appointment without a valid reason are deemed not to have applied. Paying the application fee does not guarantee approval.

The permit may not be renewed, or may be cancelled, if the holder resides outside Turkey for a cumulative total exceeding 120 days in the preceding year. Absences for mandatory military service or documented health reasons are excluded from this calculation. After 8 years of continuous legal residence (with absences deducted), holders may apply for a long-term (indefinite) residence permit.

• The permit does not authorise any form of employment; a separate work permit from the Ministry of Labour and Social Security is required
• Since 2022, tourism permits have been issued more restrictively, and applicants without clear justification for long-term tourism may face rejection
• First-time applicants from EU/Schengen countries, the US, UK, and Canada may not be required to submit bank statements for initial applications, though renewals always require income documentation
• Provincial Directorates have discretion in evaluating applications, and requirements may vary slightly between provinces
• Address changes must be reported to the Provincial Directorate within 20 working days