Buying Property to Obtain a Residence Permit in Turkey: Key Points to Consider
Turkey has become one of the most popular destinations for foreigners seeking a second home or a new life abroad. With its unique location, pleasant climate, and affordable property market, buying real estate in Turkey offers both comfort and opportunity.
Among the available options, purchasing property to obtain a residence permit is one of the most preferred — but the process involves several important details that investors should know before making a commitment.
🏠 1. Property Ownership Doesn’t Automatically Grant Residence
Owning property in Turkey gives foreigners the right to apply for a residence permit, but not the right itself. The residence permit is issued by the Directorate General of Migration Management (Göç İdaresi) after a formal application process.
To qualify, the property must be residential and habitable, and its type must be correctly stated on the title deed (tapu). Properties registered as commercial or agricultural do not meet the criteria.
💡 Tip: Always confirm that the property’s official purpose in the title deed is “residential.”
💰 2. Property Value Requirements
As of November 16, 2023, foreigners who purchase a residential property in Turkey valued at a minimum of 200,000 USD — regardless of whether it is located in a major city or a smaller town — are eligible to apply for a residence permit based on property ownership.
📜 3. Verify Your Title Deed and Legal Status
Before transferring any money, work with an independent lawyer (not the seller’s agent) to confirm that:
The property has no mortgage or legal restriction,
It is registered properly in the Land Registry,
It complies with zoning and building codes.
Once the transaction is registered, you’ll receive the tapu (title deed), the most critical document for your residence permit application.
🧾 4. Required Documents and Application Steps
After the title deed is issued, the residence permit process includes:
Completing the online application
Scheduling an appointment at your local Migration Directorate,
Submitting your documents.
🕓 Prepare your documents carefully — incomplete submissions are a common reason for rejection.
Our team of attorneys provides professional assistance to ensure your online application is completed accurately and smoothly. See the details of our services here.
👨👩👧 5. Family Residence Permits
Once you obtain your residence permit, your spouse and children under 18 can also apply for family residence permits. You’ll need to submit translated and notarized marriage and birth certificates to prove the relationship.
🔁 6. Renewing Your Residence Permit
Residence permits based on property ownership are typically issued for one or two years and are renewable as long as:
You still own the property, and
You actually reside at the registered address.
Renewal applications must be filed within 60 days before the current permit expires.
⚠️ 7. Common Mistakes to Avoid
Foreign buyers often face unnecessary problems due to avoidable mistakes. Avoid the following:
Purchasing off-plan or unregistered property,
Not updating your address registration,
Submitting incomplete documentation.
✅ Engaging an independent Turkish lawyer experienced in real estate and immigration law can prevent nearly all of these issues.
🌍 8. Long-Term Vision: From Residency to Citizenship
A residence permit allows you to stay in Turkey legally, but it is not citizenship. However, maintaining legal residence for five consecutive years may make you eligible to apply for Turkish citizenship by naturalization. In that sense, buying property can be a long-term investment in both your lifestyle and legal future.
🧠 Final Thoughts
Buying property in Turkey for residence purposes can be a rewarding and secure path — when handled properly. Think of it as both a legal process and a personal investment. With the right preparation, guidance, and verification, you can enjoy your new home while confidently building your future in Turkey.
⚖️ Professional Assistance
The residence permit process in Türkiye can be complex. Our law office provides professional legal support to help you complete your online application accurately and in full compliance with all legal requirements.
If you are applying for a residence permit, contact us for personalized guidance and support.
Learn more about our services here.
