What are the advantages of real estate residency in Turkey? This is an essential question for every expatriate living in Turkey who wishes to achieve secure long-term stability. At Skyline Real Estate, we have dedicated this article to answering this question, providing key information about real estate residency, how to obtain it, the conditions for eligibility, and other valuable details. Follow along with us.

What are the Advantages of Real Estate Residency in Turkey?

Before discussing the benefits and advantages that come with real estate residency, it is important to provide a brief overview of this residency type. Granted by the Directorate of Migration Management in all Turkish provinces without exception, it is one of the most important ways to legalize individuals' stay in the country and enjoy full rights, provided they own property that meets all the stipulated conditions. The key advantages of real estate residency include:

• Legal Residency: The property owner and their family members under 18 years old can legally reside in Turkey, move between provinces, and enter the country at any time without visas or complicated procedures.
• Eligibility for Turkish Citizenship: Holders can apply for Turkish citizenship if the property value reaches $400,000 under specific regulations.
• Permanent Residency: It can be converted to permanent residency after 8 years under certain conditions.
• Vehicle Ownership and Turkish Driver’s License: Right to own a private car and obtain a Turkish driver’s license.
• Access to Services: Access to all educational and health services provided by the Turkish government, either free or at nominal fees.
• Banking Services: Ability to open a bank account in Turkish banks and freely transfer and receive funds.
• Longer Renewal Period: Unlike other types of residencies that require renewal every 6 months, real estate residency offers a maximum renewal period of two years.
• Business Facilitation: Numerous facilities for business people regarding commercial and investment activities.

Turkish Real Estate Residency Law

According to Turkish law, specifically articles 31, 32, and 33 of the Foreigners and International Protection Law No. 6458, there are conditions for real estate residency for foreigners residing in Turkey. Additionally, articles 28 and 29 of the implementing regulation related to the execution of the Foreigners and International Protection Law are relevant. These stipulations are under the short-term renewable residency for those wishing to obtain it and include the category of property owners in the country.

Read More: List of Restricted Areas for Residence Permits in Istanbul

Conditions for Obtaining Real Estate Residency in Turkey

Alongside the question "What are the advantages of real estate residency?" there is always the query "What are the conditions for obtaining this residency?" The conditions are very straightforward and available in most properties that investors and foreigners wish to purchase. These conditions are as follows:

• Purchasing Residential Property Worth Over $200,000: This condition includes several aspects, primarily that the property must be residential. Real estate residency cannot be obtained for agricultural or commercial land. The property’s value must be at least $25,000, as stipulated since early 2022.
• Location of the Property: The property must be in areas where real estate residency is permitted. Recently, the Turkish government has stopped issuing real estate residencies in several provinces due to high population density, including the Fatih and Esenyurt areas. Therefore, ensure to check the status of the area with the Immigration Administration.
• Registering the Property with the Land Registry: No verbal or unregistered sales are considered valid. The property must be registered with the Directorate of Land Registry, and all official documents and translated and certified proof must be provided.

Read Also: How to Obtain a Title Deed in Turkey

Required Documents for Real Estate Residency in Turkey

To obtain real estate residency, a set of essential documents is needed. It is best to prepare these documents before starting the process. They include:

• A copy of the original title deed.
• Property number document obtained from the municipality of the property’s area ("NUMARATAŞ").
• Property status statement obtained from the Directorate of Land Registry in the same area ("AKTİF TAPU").
• A copy of the property’s earthquake insurance ("DASK").
• Civil registry extract, also known as address registration, which can be obtained from the e-government portal or from the local mukhtar.
• Receipts for the fees associated with issuing the real estate residency.
• Health insurance copies for each family member.
• Five recent passport-sized photos.
• A passport valid for at least six months.
• For children under 18, a birth certificate or family statement translated into Turkish and certified by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, consulate, and governor's office in Turkey.

Read More: Required Documents to Buy Property in Turkey

Steps to Apply for Turkish Real Estate Residency

We summarize the process of obtaining real estate residency in several steps as follows:

1. Prepare All Required Documents: As mentioned in the previous section.
2. Obtain the Application Form: From the Directorate of Migration Management’s website.
3. Submit the Online Application: After filling out the electronic form, an interview appointment will be automatically scheduled. The screen will display the interview location and detailed date.
4. Save as PDF: Click the "Save as PDF" button to generate a file that needs to be printed.
5. Contact the Immigration Department: Request a free interpreter a few days before the interview.
6. Attend the Interview: Submit the document file to the responsible employee, who will direct you to the finance office to pay part of the fees.
7. Payment and Submission: After payment, take the receipt to the employee who will provide you with a document confirming the application to settle your legal status until the official issuance of the real estate residency.

Read Also: New Amendments to Turkish Citizenship Law by Real Estate Investment

Fees for Real Estate Residency for Foreigners in Turkey

When discussing the comprehensive answer to the question "What are the advantages of real estate residency?", we must mention the costs of obtaining it, which concern many people. Here are the details:

• Real Estate Purchase Fees: Payable upon purchasing the property, these fees vary according to the total value of the property and are approximately 7.9% of the property’s value. For example, for a property worth 10,000 Turkish Lira, the property purchase fees would be 10,000 × 9.7% = 970 Turkish Lira. This rate applies to the total property price.
• Additional Costs: Other costs include:
  • Health Insurance Fees: These fees increase with the number of family members and the coverage period. They range approximately between 100-500 Turkish Lira per year and 200-1000 Turkish Lira for two-year coverage.
  • Residence Card Fee: The cost of the residence card (plastic ID) required for all types of residency in Turkey is approximately 160 Turkish Lira, equivalent to about $12.
  • Visa Fee: A visa fee is required for citizens of some countries who can enter Turkey without a visa, such as Jordan, Lebanon, Tunisia, and Morocco. This fee is payable at the official tax office in Turkey and amounts to 850 Turkish Lira, approximately $115. This does not apply to individuals entering the country with a visa.
  • Additional Fees: Other fees for foreigners range from $11 to $80, depending on the applicant's nationality. Additional costs may include property insurance against earthquakes, title deed document fees, and obtaining some documents from the municipality and the Land Registry Directorate.

In total, the costs range from approximately $100 to $1800.

Duration of Real Estate Residency in Turkey

Typically, real estate residency is granted for two years. In some cases, it is valid for only one year due to specific factors, such as if the health insurance covers only one year or if the passport's validity is nearing expiration. Ultimately, the decision is made by the responsible administrative authority.

In conclusion, we have answered the common question, "What are the advantages of real estate residency in Turkey?" and provided comprehensive information about this type of residency as per Turkish law. If you have any further inquiries, you can contact Skyline Real Estate, where we will gladly answer all your questions.

Read Also:

• Where Do Arabs Live in Turkey?
• The Difference Between Tourist and Real Estate Residency in Turkey