What is a Short-Term Residence Permit, How to Obtain It? Required Documents, Conditions, and Application Guide (2026)
Foreigners who wish to stay in Turkey longer than the period allowed by a visa or visa exemption (as a rule, 90 days in 180 days) must obtain a short-term residence permit. So, who can apply, what documents are required, can someone arriving with a tourist visa or visa exemption apply, and can one transition to a work permit afterwards?
In this guide, based on the Foreigners and International Protection Law No. 6458 (YUKK), the Implementing Regulation, and the official application document list of the Directorate General of Migration Management; we thoroughly cover all common documents required for a short-term residence permit and additional documents based on the reason for stay (tourism, real estate, medical treatment, education, commercial ties, investment, and others). You can access the official explanations from the Directorate General of Migration Management’s residence permit types page.
Information: Residence permit application procedures, fee amounts, and provincial directorate practices may change from time to time. Before each application, the current version of the legislation and the person-specific document list generated by the e-residence system should be taken as a basis; in case of doubt, support should be sought from an expert lawyer.
What is a Short-Term Residence Permit?
A short-term residence permit is a type of residence permit that foreigners wishing to stay in Turkey longer than their visa or visa exemption period can apply for, based on one of the reasons enumerated in YUKK Art. 31. Its legal basis:
YUKK Art. 31: Foreigners who can apply for a permit (reasons for stay).
YUKK Art. 32: General conditions required for the permit.
LFIP Art. 33: Cases of refusal, cancellation, and non-extension of the permit.
Implementation Regulation Art. 28-29: Procedures and principles.
According to LFIP Art. 31, the following foreigners can primarily apply:
Those who will come for scientific research,
Those who own immovable property in Turkey,
Those who will establish commercial ties or a business,
Those who will participate in an in-service training program,
Those who will come within the scope of agreements or student exchange programs,
Those who will stay for tourism purposes,
Those who will receive medical treatment, provided that they do not carry a disease posing a threat to public health,
Those who are required to stay due to a request or decision of judicial/administrative authorities,
Those who will transition from a family residence permit to a short-term residence permit,
Those who will participate in Turkish language learning courses,
Those who will participate in education, research, internships, and courses through public institutions,
Those who complete their higher education and apply within 6 months,
Those who make investments within the determined scope and amount (and their family members),
Citizens of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus.
Can a Foreigner Who Arrives on a Tourist Visa or with a Visa Exemption for 90 Days Apply?
Short answer: Yes. A foreigner entering with a visa or visa exemption can apply for a short-term residence permit based on a reason appropriate for the purpose of stay (tourism, treatment, real estate, etc.) as stated in the law. Having initially entered as a tourist is not an obstacle.
What is crucial is the procedure and timing:
The application is made through an online pre-application via the e-residence system (https://e-ikamet.goc.gov.tr) and an appointment is taken.
It is essential that the pre-application is made before the visa or visa exemption period expires.
If an appointment is taken within the period, the foreigner can legally stay in the country based on the pre-application form until the appointment date.
Attention: Those who come to Turkey with a visa exemption and apply for a residence permit for the first time within their legal stay period, as well as those who violate their legal stay period, must pay a single-entry visa fee upon application (excluding exempt country groups and exempt foreigners). Therefore, applying before the period expires prevents both violation penalties and unnecessary fee burdens.
COMMON DOCUMENTS Required for Short-Term Residence Permit Applications
The following documents are required for all short-term residence permit applications, regardless of the reason for stay.
1. Residence Permit Application Form
Must be signed by the foreigner and/or their legal representative or a lawyer with a power of attorney.
2. Photocopy of Passport or Document Replacing a Passport and, if applicable, Visa
Photocopy of the page containing identity information and photo, and pages showing visa information, if any. The original document must be present with you on the appointment day.
3. Two (2) Biometric Photographs
Must be taken within the last 6 months, with a white background, biometric, and compliant with ICAO standards.
4. Document/Receipt Showing Payment of Residence Permit Fee and Document Cost
Citizens of countries exempt from residence permit fees do not pay fees; they only pay the document (card) fee.
5. Document/Receipt Showing Payment of Single Entry Visa Fee
It is mandatory for those who come to Turkey with a visa exemption and apply for a residence permit for the first time within their legal stay, as well as for those who violate the legal stay period. Country groups and foreigners exempt from the single entry visa fee are excluded.
6. Valid Health Insurance
The insurance period must cover the requested residence permit duration. One of the following is considered sufficient:
An e-signed/signed and stamped/sealed document obtained from the provincial social security unit, stating that health services are being benefited from in Turkey within the scope of bilateral social security agreements,
Provision document obtained from SGK, e-signed/signed and stamped/sealed,
E-signed/signed and stamped/sealed document regarding the application made to SGK to become a general health insurance policyholder,
Private health insurance policy (the first page containing the policy number must be submitted with the application).
7. Document/Declaration Regarding Possession of Sufficient and Regular Financial Means During the Stay
8. Document Showing Address Information
8.1. Up-to-Date Residence Document An up-to-date “Residence Document” to be obtained from E-Devlet (www.turkiye.gov.tr) and one of the electricity, water, natural gas or landline phone bills, or a subscription contract for new subscribers. (Address registration is mandatory for those applying for extension and transition; those applying for extension or changing type or province must submit the “Residence Document” to the administration.)
8.2. Document Showing Place of Stay (one of the following):
If you are staying in your own home: a photocopy of the title deed along with a numbering document,
If you are staying by rent: a copy of the notarized rental agreement containing the landlord’s information,
If you are staying in hotels, etc. accommodation places: a document proving your stay and a receipt proving that the accommodation has been paid for the duration of the residence permit application period,
If you are staying in a student dormitory: an e-signed/signed and sealed/stamped document proving your stay in the dormitory,
If you are staying with a third person: the notarized undertaking of the person with whom you are staying (if the person giving the undertaking is married, also the notarized undertaking of their spouse) and a current utility bill/subscription contract in the name of the person giving the undertaking.
9. National Electronic Notification System (UETS) Address
For extension and transition applications, a document showing the UETS address to be obtained from PTT central branches. (A UETS document is not required for those under 18 years of age.)
Additional Documents for Applications Made on Behalf of a Child
If the mother and/or father cannot be identified from the passport/national ID, the child’s certified birth certificate,
In case of divorce, the child’s certified custody document; if custody is shared or if the other parent has visitation rights, the other parent’s certified letter of consent,
In case of the death of one of the parents, a certified death certificate,
If there is a decision of absence concerning a parent, a certified document of absence,
A single parent document showing that the custody of a child born out of wedlock rests with the other parent,
(If applicable) photocopy of the mother’s and/or father’s residence permit, work permit / work permit exemption card, or residence permit application document,
For those under 18 years of age, the certified letter of consent from the mother/father or legal representative abroad, and provided it is stated in this letter of consent, a notarized undertaking to be given by real/legal persons in Turkey.
Approval rule for foreign documents: If these documents are obtained from Turkish authorities, they must be e-signed/signed and stamped/sealed; if obtained from abroad, they must be Apostilled and have a notarized Turkish translation. If the country is not a party to the Apostille Convention (or if there is no apostille), the documents must be approved by the relevant country’s authorities (consular/embassy approval and Ministry of Foreign Affairs/authorized Turkish authorities) and require a notarized Turkish translation.
Additional Documents Based on Reason for Stay (Full List)
In addition to the common documents, the following documents are required based on the reason for stay on which the application is based.
a. Those coming for scientific research purposes:A visa appropriate for the purpose obtained from foreign representations for archaeological excavations and surface research; an official, e-signed/signed and sealed/stamped document showing the duration and location of the research.
b. Those who own immovable property in Turkey:A photocopy of the title deed showing that the residence belongs to the applicant (the value of the residence at the time of acquisition must be the equivalent of at least 200,000 USD in TL). The immovable property must be a residence and used for this purpose; it cannot be used for income-generating purposes such as rent. If family members have shared/joint ownership, the individuals whose information is on the title deed and a document showing family ties; in case of acquisition by inheritance/donation, an up-to-date real estate valuation report; for initial applications, a numbering document from the municipality; for extensions, a title deed continuity document.
c. Those who will establish commercial connections or businesses:A visa appropriate for their purpose from foreign representations; a notarized company activity certificate, tax registration certificate, trade registry gazette, and signature circular from the persons/companies to be contacted.
ç. Those who will participate in in-service training programs: An e-signed/signed and sealed/stamped document from the public institution/organization providing the training, indicating the duration and location of the training.
d. Those who will come within the framework of agreements or student exchange programs: An education certificate from the institution where the education will be received; for Erasmus, Mevlana, etc. programs, an e-signed/signed and stamped/sealed document showing that one is within the scope of an “exchange program”.
e. Those who will stay for tourism purposes: Travel plan and information/document regarding the accommodation place.
For applications within the scope of family ties; a photocopy of the legal residence document of a first-degree relative (mother, father, spouse, child) who has a residence/work permit (or exemption) in Turkey, a marriage certificate or Full Civil Registry Record. Also, a document showing sufficient and regular income (pensioner card + monthly allocation document, last 3 months’ bank account statements, stamped-signed company letter, bank deposit income certificate, title deed + rental agreement for rental income). Sufficient income: for individual applications, at least 1.5 times the net minimum wage; for family applications, income at least at the level of the minimum wage for each family member (e.g., 4 minimum wages for a family of 4). Regular income: documentation that this amount has been obtained for at least the last 3 months.
f. Those who will receive medical treatment: Provided they do not carry a disease that poses a threat to public health; a single physician’s report stating the condition (verifiable from the e-report system) obtained from a public or private hospital where treatment will be received, or a report approved by the physician and chief physician/responsible director, indicating the illness and treatment period. For those coming for treatment under bilateral social security agreements, an approved document from the provincial social security unit stating that they are covered by the agreement. (Health insurance is not additionally required from those who document that they have paid all treatment expenses; the permit is arranged in accordance with the treatment period.)
g.1 Request of administrative authorities / g.2 Decision of administrative authorities: An e-signed/signed and stamped/sealed document obtained from administrative authorities, stating that the person must stay in Turkey (the duration of stay, not exceeding the periods specified in Law No. 6458, must be indicated).
g.3 Request of judicial authorities / g.4 Decision of judicial authorities: An e-signed/signed and stamped/sealed document obtained from judicial authorities, stating that the person must stay in Turkey (the duration of stay must be indicated).
ğ. Those transitioning from family residence permit to short-term residence permit: Photocopy of the previous residence permit document (the original is submitted to the administration on the appointment day); court decision regarding divorce (divorce from a Turkish citizen after a period of 3 years or more; the 3-year requirement is not sought in a court decision indicating that the person is a victim of domestic violence); death certificate of the sponsor (endorsement/Apostille rules apply).
h. Those who will attend Turkish language courses: Visa for a Turkish language course from foreign representations; e-signed/signed and sealed/stamped document from the authorized institution/organization showing the duration of education.
ı. Those who will attend education, research, internships, and courses through public institutions: E-signed/signed and sealed/stamped document from the relevant public institution/organization showing the duration and location of the program.
i. Those who complete their higher education and apply within 6 months: Photocopy of diploma or temporary graduation certificate or document obtained from e-Devlet (original must be with you at the appointment).
j. Investors:Certificate of Eligibility; criminal record certificate (from their own country’s authorities if not resided in Turkey for the last 5 years — it is recommended to request at least 3 months before the application as the procurement period can be long; from Turkish judicial authorities/e-Devlet if resided in Turkey for the last 5 years); if family members also apply, a document showing family ties (certification/Apostille rules apply).
k. Citizens of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus: Photocopy of TRNC identity document (original must be with you at the appointment).
Application Checklist
To see the documents required for the initial application at a glance:
Common documents (for every reason of stay)
Residence Permit Application Form (signed)
Passport/document + visa photocopy if applicable (original at the appointment)
2 biometric photographs (last 6 months, white background, ICAO)
Residence permit fee + document fee payment receipt (citizens of exempt countries only pay document fee)
Single entry visa fee receipt if required (for first application with visa exemption / in case of violation)
Valid health insurance (must cover the permit duration)
Document/declaration of sufficient and regular financial means
Residence Certificate + invoice/subscription
Document showing place of stay (title deed+address numbering / notarized rental agreement / hotel receipt / dormitory document / notary undertaking)
(For extension-transition) UETS address document — except for those under 18
Additional document based on reason for stay
Additional document related to your application reason (from the a–k list above: tourism, real estate, medical treatment, education, commercial, investment, etc.)
(If child application) consent/custody/birth, etc. additional documents
Double verification note: The common and additional documents based on the reason for stay mentioned above have been confirmed with the official “Documents Required for Short-Term Residence Permit Applications” list and “Types of Residence Permits” explanation from the Presidency of Migration Management.
Can a Residence Permit Be Converted to a Work Permit?
This is one of the issues that most often leads to loss of rights in practice.
1) A residence permit alone does not grant the right to work. As explicitly stated in the official information from the Directorate General of Migration Management, a residence permit does not provide the right to work in Turkey. Foreigners who will work must also apply for a work permit (or a work permit exemption for those covered by the exemption) under the scope of Law No. 6735 on International Workforce. Being in the country with a residence permit and actually working leads to the cancellation of the permit due to its misuse and an administrative fine for the employer.
2) Transition to a work permit from within the country is possible — but there is a 6-month condition. Work permit applications are generally made by the employer through the Ministry of Labor and Social Security’s e-Permit system. For domestic applications, the foreigner must have, at the time of application, a residence permit that is still valid and has a duration of at least 6 months.
Critical point: Some short-term permits (for example, a treatment-purpose permit is issued “in accordance with the treatment period”) may be for a short duration. If the permit is shorter than 6 months, a work permit application cannot be made from within the country; in this case, the application must be made from abroad (consulate). If there is a permit valid for at least 6 months, the employer can apply from within the country.
When the work permit is approved, this document replaces the residence permit; a new residence permit is not additionally required. For domestic approvals, obligations such as submitting the insured employee entry declaration must be followed within 30 days from the permit approval date.
Application channel: Residence permit appointments are taken free of charge only from the official address https://e-ikamet.goc.gov.tr. Third-party institutions/individuals requesting a fee should not be trusted.
Communication and document integrity: Contact information must be provided completely and accurately; application documents must be submitted completely on the appointment day and time.
Purpose of stay: Foreigners who will stay longer than their visa/exemption period or extend their permit must apply for one of the residence permits listed in FFL Art. 30. Applications of those who cannot justify their purpose of stay will be evaluated negatively.
Authority to request additional documents: Provincial Directorate of Migration Management may request additional information/documents during the evaluation.
False statement: Sanctions will be applied to those who provide false information/statements within the scope of relevant legislation.
Address registration: In extension and transition applications, the registration of the address declaration is mandatory; in initial applications, address registration must be completed within 20 business days following the approval of the permit.
Reasons for Refusal, Cancellation, and Non-Extension (FFL Art. 33)
Failure to meet one or more of the required conditions or the disappearance of such conditions,
Detection that the permit is used outside its intended purpose (e.g., actually working with a tourism/treatment permit),
Having a valid deportation or entry ban decision against them,
Falling into violation regarding the duration of stay abroad.
I entered as a tourist, and I will stay for more than 90 days. Do I need to get a new visa? No. Before your visa/exemption period expires, you can apply via e-residency for a purpose of stay (tourism, treatment, real estate, etc.) that suits your needs. The determining factor is that you make the application within your legal period of stay.
For how many years is a short-term residence permit granted? Except for investment and TRNC citizen clauses, it can be granted for a maximum of two years at a time. Treatment-purpose permits are arranged in accordance with the treatment duration.
I am paying all my treatment expenses myself. Is health insurance mandatory? For treatment-purpose applications, health insurance is not additionally required from those who document that they pay all their treatment expenses.
Can I work while I have a residence permit? No. A residence permit does not grant the right to work. A separate work permit is required to work; otherwise, your permit may be canceled due to misuse of purpose.
How do I switch from a residence permit to a work permit? Your employer makes the application. For domestic applications, your permit must be valid for at least 6 months at the time of application and not expired; if shorter than 6 months, the application is made through the consulate.
Do I need to pay a fee for an appointment? No. Residence permit appointments via e-ikamet.goc.gov.tr are free of charge; those who demand a fee should not be trusted.
Can my lawyer make the application? Yes. The application can be made by the foreigner themselves, their legal representative, or a lawyer with a power of attorney.
Why is Expert Legal Support Necessary?
Although short-term residence permit applications may seem simple at first glance, they entail many technical risks: making the application through the correct channel before the legal period expires, ensuring that the additional document (tourism income, property value, hospital report, invitation letter, etc.) suitable for the reason for stay fully meets the content required by the legislation, correctly applying Apostille/translation rules for foreign documents, planning the permit to be valid for at least 6 months if a work permit is aimed for in the future, and establishing a strategy for an objection/annulment lawsuit within the period in case of rejection. A procedural error at these stages can lead to the rejection of the application and irretrievable loss of rights.
2M Law Office, established by Lawyer Meryem Günay; from its office in Tuzla, primarily in the Pendik, Kartal, Maltepe and Gebze/Kocaeli regions, provides consultancy and legal representation services in foreigners’ law, residence and work permit applications, and administrative lawsuits filed against these processes. You can reach our team and contact information via this link.
2M Law Office; in addition to foreigners’ law, also provides services with an experienced team of lawyers in condominium and site/apartment management disputes, including Istanbul site apartment consultancy, condominium law lawyer services, preparation of site meeting invitations and minutes, Istanbul condominium law lawyer and Tuzla condominium lawyer services.
Conclusion
A short-term residence permit is a type of permit granted under YUKK Article 31 for foreigners who will stay longer than the duration of their visa or visa exemption, encompassing many reasons for stay, from tourism to medical treatment, from real estate to investment. Those arriving with a tourist visa or visa exemption can also apply before their legal stay expires. The permit does not grant the right to work; transition to a work permit requires a residence permit valid for at least 6 months. Thoroughly preparing the application with common and stay-specific documents both reduces the risk of rejection and paves the way for subsequent steps.
This article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For current legislation, fee amounts, and provincial directorate practices, it is recommended to get confirmation from official sources of the Directorate General of Migration Management.
