Short-Term Residence Permit in Turkish Law is the main route for foreigners who want to stay in Türkiye longer than their visa allows, without immediately applying for a long-term or work-based status. This permit is based on the Turkish Law on Foreigners and International Protection and is issued for a limited time, usually up to one year, for specific purposes of stay.
1. Deciding the Legal Ground Before Applying
Before starting the application, the foreigner must decide which ground they will rely on:
- Touristic stay – extended stay for travel and exploring Türkiye.
- Renting or owning a home – residence in a specific flat or house.
- Student-related stay – attending courses or programs that may not fall fully under the separate “student residence permit” regime.
- Health purposes – medical treatment, rehabilitation, or long-term follow-up in Turkish healthcare institutions.
The purpose chosen must match the supporting documents; migration authorities are very sensitive to inconsistencies.
2. Online Application: e-İkamet System
Applications are made online through the official e-İkamet system while the foreigner is still legally in Türkiye (valid visa, visa exemption or current residence permit):
- Go to the official residence application website.
- Choose “first application” or “extension” (renewal) as appropriate.
- Select short-term residence permit and then choose the correct sub-category (tourism, property, etc.).
- Fill in personal details, passport information, contact information and Turkish address.
- Upload or enter basic data about your supporting documents (for example, rental contract, school letter, hospital invitation).
At the end of the online form, the system creates:
- An application form (to be printed and signed).
- An appointment slip showing the date, time and address of the migration office.
These documents must be printed and kept carefully; they prove that the foreigner has applied on time.
3. Required Documents by Type of Stay
Although each province can ask for additional papers, in practice the following are usually requested:
For all applicants:
- Valid passport (with copies of the ID page and last entry stamp).
- Biometric photos.
- Private health insurance covering the full residence period.
- Proof of sufficient financial means (bank statements, salary slips, sponsor declaration).
For renting a house :
- Notarised rental agreement showing the address and the parties.
- Land registry (tapu) copy or information about the property, if requested.
- Later, address registration at the population directorate may also be required.
For touristic stay :
- Explanation of your travel plan and reason for longer stay.
- Proof of funds and sometimes hotel reservations or other accommodation evidence.
For student-related stay :
- Acceptance letter or student certificate from the school, university or language course.
- Information about the duration of the program and tuition payment.
For health purposes :
- Medical reports, appointment letters or treatment plan from a Turkish clinic or hospital.
- Proof that the applicant can cover medical and living expenses.
All originals and photocopies must be brought to the appointment.
4. Appointment Day and Evaluation of the File
On the appointment date, the foreigner personally appears at the Provincial Directorate of Migration Management:
- The officer checks identity, collects fingerprints and scans documents.
- The application form is signed; missing documents may be requested with an additional time limit.
- Residence fee and card fee must be paid (usually at tax offices or via banks) and receipts submitted.
After the appointment, the file is examined by the authorities. During this period, the applicant may stay in Türkiye using the application form attached to the passport as proof of lawful status.
If the application is accepted, the residence card is printed and sent by PTT to the registered address.
5. Duration, Renewal and Common Pitfalls
Short-term residence permits are usually granted for up to one year and can be renewed if the conditions continue. Renewal applications must be made before the old card expires, typically within the last 60 days.
Common reasons for refusal, cancellation or non-renewal include:
- Using touristic ground while actually working or living permanently.
- Insufficient financial means or lack of valid health insurance.
- Fake, incomplete or inconsistent documents (especially rental contracts).
- Criminal records or behavior considered contrary to public order or security.
In case of a negative decision, the foreigner has the right to appeal before the administrative courts within the legal time limit.
6. Why Legal Guidance Matters?
Although the process looks simple online, practice shows that small mistakes in documents, dates or purpose of stay can have serious consequences such as refusal, short-term grants or future entry bans. For that reason, foreigners who plan to rent a home, study, stay for tourism or come for health treatment in Türkiye should approach the process with a clear legal strategy and, when necessary, professional support from an attorney experienced in Turkish immigration law.
Lawyer Ferhat Küle provides legal consultancy about this subject. Contact us to benefit from our services.
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