Passport Validity
To stay in Turkey for six months as a tourist, you can apply for a short-term residence visa in the district where you plan to stay. However, before you do so, ensure your passport has at least 240 days of validity beyond the scheduled expiry date of the visa. This is due to the requirement that foreigners have at least 60 days of validity beyond the visa’s expiration date. There are some exceptions to this rule for citizens of certain countries, including Germany, Belgium, France, Georgia, The Netherlands, Spain, Switzerland, Italy, the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Malta, Portugal, and Greece. These nationalities are exempt from this rule according to the “European Agreement on Regulations governing the Movement of Persons between the Member States of the Council of Europe.”
Proof of Where You Will Stay in Turkey
When applying for a short-term residence visa in Turkey, you must provide evidence of your accommodation during your stay. This can include:
- A copy of your title deeds if you own property in Turkey, and you may be eligible for longer permits.
- A copy of your rental contract if you will be renting a property
- Confirmation of hotel bookings if you will be staying in a hotel
- Notarized confirmation from friends or family members you will be staying with, along with confirmation from their spouses if you will be staying with them.
Financial Support
To be eligible for a short-term residence visa in Turkey, you must demonstrate that you have the financial means to support yourself during your six-month stay. This can be done by providing evidence of an income at least 1.5 times the Turkish minimum wage or proof of a pension that has been apostilled, translated, and notarized.
In addition to the proof of accommodation and financial support, there are other requirements for obtaining a short-term residence visa in Turkey. These include:
- Photocopies of your passport, which you will need to present the original at your appointment.
- Four biometric photos were taken within the last six months against a white background.
- Health insurance if you are under 65, and most private policies are accepted. If you plan to travel around Turkey for those six months, you may be asked to show your travel plans and confirm all hotel bookings. Additionally, if you are coming in to attend a Turkish language course, you may be asked to show confirmation from the school. Please note that as of the time of publishing, residency applications in 1169 provinces were halted due to the density of foreigners. So it’s a good idea to check beforehand.
To apply for Turkish residency;
Visit the E-Ikamet Goc website of the Turkish government and complete the application form. After paying the required taxes at the tax office, bring the proof of payment to an appointment at a local Migration office. Once your application is approved, you will receive the permit through PTT Post Office. Note that you must schedule an appointment, and failure to attend will cancel your application. The process and costs may vary by region.
Can I Work in Turkey on a Short-Term Residence?
Working in Turkey on a short-term residence permit is not allowed, and doing so can result in serious consequences such as cancellation of your visa, deportation, fines, and a ban on re-entering the country. It is important to follow the terms and conditions of your residence permit to avoid any issues.