Short-Term Residence Permit in Turkey (2026) – Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

A short-term residence permit in Turkey is one of the most commonly requested permits by foreigners who wish to stay in Türkiye legally for a limited period of time. Whether your purpose is tourism, property ownership, business activities, or exploring life in Türkiye, this residence permit offers a flexible solution.

Below, we answer the most frequently asked questions about short-term residence permits in a clear and up-to-date way.

❓ What Is a Short-Term Residence Permit in Turkey?

A short-term residence permit allows foreigners to legally reside in Türkiye for temporary and specific purposes. It is usually granted for up to 1 year, depending on the applicant’s reason for stay and the discretion of the immigration authorities.

👤 Who Can Apply for a Short-Term Residence Permit?

Foreigners may apply for a short-term residence permit if they intend to stay in Türkiye for reasons such as:

• Tourism or long-term travel

• Owning residential property in Türkiye

• Business meetings or commercial connections

• Attending Turkish language courses

• Exploring life in Türkiye before long-term settlement

⚠️ Important note: Applications based solely on tourism are subject to stricter evaluation and may require additional explanations or documents.

⏳ How Long Is a Short-Term Residence Permit Valid?

In practice, short-term residence permits are most commonly issued for up to 1 year. However:

• Touristic residence permits may be issued for a shorter period

• Property owners are often granted up to 1 year

• Extensions are evaluated individually

There is no automatic right to extension.

📄 What Documents Are Required?

While required documents may vary depending on the purpose of stay, the most common documents include:

• Valid passport

• Online residence permit application form

• 4 biometric photographs

• Valid health insurance

• Proof of address in Türkiye

• Rental agreement or title deed

• Declaration of sufficient financial means

Incomplete or inconsistent documentation is one of the most common reasons for rejection.

📝 How Does the Application Process Work?

The short-term residence permit application process generally follows these steps:

1. Online application submission

2. Appointment scheduling

3. Submission of documents at the Immigration Office

4. Evaluation of the application

5. Delivery of residence card to the declared address

⚖️Our team of attorneys provides professional assistance to ensure your online application is completed accurately and smoothly. See the details of our services here.

🌍 Can I Apply While Outside of Türkiye?

No. Short-term residence permit applications must be made from within Türkiye. The applicant must be legally present in the country at the time of application.

🔄 Can a Short-Term Residence Permit Be Extended?

Yes, but extensions are not guaranteed. Immigration authorities consider:

• Whether the original purpose of stay still exists

• Compliance with previous residence conditions

• Actual time spent in Türkiye

Each extension request is evaluated on a case-by-case basis.

❌ What Are the Most Common Reasons for Rejection?

The most frequent reasons for rejection include:

• Insufficient explanation of touristic purpose

• Missing or incorrect documents

• Problems related to address registration

• Previous immigration violations

A properly prepared application significantly reduces the risk of refusal.

⚖️ 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.