Why Turkey?
First of all, there's its convenient position between Asia and Europe and strong economic ties with the whole world. Add to that a relatively low cost of living compared with European capitals, a visa-free regime with Russia, and a familiar time zone.
Add to that the option to obtain citizenship and a passport for the country within just a few months, and it becomes clear why Turkey is currently at the peak of its popularity.
What are the key advantages of a Turkish residence permit for Russians?
Russians can stay in the country for 90 days within a six-month period, but no more than 60 days per single visit. To stay in the country longer, you need to obtain a residence permit.
A Turkish residence permit is also called "ikamet".
By obtaining it, a person becomes a full member of society, except for the right to vote and run for office.
What a Turkish residence permit gives you:
- opening bank accounts, getting cards that work for payments worldwide, and access to the global economy;
- treatment at state and private medical institutions under an insurance policy (mandatory when obtaining a residence permit);
- buying a car or other vehicle, and getting a local driver's license;
- lending on favorable terms and mortgage financing;
- the option to educate your child for free at state schools;
- access to museums and attractions at the same prices as Turkish citizens;
- free English/Turkish language classes at municipal institutions;
- fast processing of Schengen, US, and UK visas.
Not every route to a Turkish residence permit grants the right to formal employment.
After obtaining a standard residence permit (which comes with a residency obligation), the holder becomes a tax resident of the country and is required to pay taxes.
The exception is the investment residence permit, which does not require you to live in the country or become a tax resident.
Let's break down the residence permit options available to Russians in Turkey in 2023:
Short-term residence permit
Issued for a period of one to two years.
Available to owners of property worth less than $400,000.
Long-term residence permit (or permanent residency)
Available to foreigners who have legally resided in Turkey for 8 years, subject to certain conditions. This residence permit is also available to refugees.
If the holder does not live in the country for more than a year, permanent residency can be revoked.
Family residence permit
Issued for up to three years to spouses, children, and dependent adults.
Student residence permit
For children and teenagers receiving primary and secondary education at Turkish schools; for students at secondary and higher education institutions; and for those studying the Turkish language.
This residence permit's validity period matches the length of study.
Residence permit through renting property
Legally renting residential property for a period of 1 year or more allows the tenant and their family to obtain a residence permit.
The initial ikamet is issued for 6 months. Once it expires, it can be renewed.
After five years of residence under this type of residence permit, you can apply for citizenship.
Be careful when choosing a district, signing a lease agreement, or preparing residence permit documents!
As of July 1, 2022, more than a thousand districts of Turkey no longer qualify for a residence permit obtained through a lease.
These are "closed" areas that are already overpopulated with foreigners (more than 20% of the total resident population).
There have been cases of fraud by Turkish landlords and their intermediaries.
There are also many other important factors to consider when choosing this type of residence permit.
For your own safety, and to avoid losing money and time, it's best to work with experienced lawyers who can support you at every stage of renting property and obtaining this status.
Turkish residence permit through a property purchase
Foreigners are officially entitled to obtain a residence permit when buying property of any value. But since spring 2022, new rules and restrictions have come into force, designed to regulate and control the granting of residence permits and citizenship in light of high demand.
When buying property worth less than $75,000, you can only qualify for a tourist-type residence permit.
In this case, time spent in the country does not count toward the period required for citizenship.
If the property costs more than $75,000 in large cities, or more than $50,000 in smaller towns, you can obtain a residence permit with the right to citizenship down the line.
Time spent on this residence permit counts toward the required 5 years, after which you can apply for a passport.
There is also an option that allows you to obtain Turkish citizenship in as little as 5-6 months when buying property, under the country's current citizenship-by-investment program.
For this, the property being purchased must cost at least $400,000 (the new threshold in effect since June 13, 2022).
You can invest in any type of property in any region.
Important: the property must be purchased from a Turkish legal entity or from an individual who is a Turkish citizen.
A passport for the country is granted, along with the applicant, to their spouse and children under 18.
You can obtain the ikamet within a month, and citizenship within 5-6 months.
After three years, the property can be sold while keeping the citizenship you obtained.
To later sell the property for maximum profit, it's important to carefully choose the city and district when buying.
Our experts at MIRBEZVIZ will help you decide and walk you through all the nuances.
What documents are needed for a Turkish residence permit:
- a residence permit (ikamet) application at https://e-ikamet.goc.gov.tr/;
- an international passport (original and copy);
- the original health insurance policy (sigorta);
- a marriage certificate or the birth certificate of minor children, apostilled (an international round seal confirming the document's authenticity);
- a housing lease agreement for a term of at least 6 months (notarization has been required since February);
- a copy of the "TAPU" (title deed) of the owner with whom the lease is signed;
- 4 biometric photos;
- a Turkish SIM card.
A residence permit must be renewed 60 days before the current one expires.
Obtaining citizenship opens up freedom of movement, independence, and new business opportunities:
- visa-free travel to 110 countries around the world;
- the option to obtain a 10-year Schengen visa without needing to travel to Russia;
- the option to obtain a 10-year US tourist visa while in the country itself;
- relocating and doing business in the US on an E-2 visa.
Turkish citizenship by investment can be obtained not only through a property purchase.
This option is available when making a significant contribution to the country's economy:
- investments of $500,000 or more in production facilities in Turkey;
- a deposit of $500,000 or more at a Turkish bank, or the purchase of government bonds for the same amount (with an obligation to hold the assets for three years);
- starting a business and creating at least 50 jobs in the country (there is no minimum investment threshold).
A property purchase is the most reliable option for answering the question of how to get Turkish citizenship.
We provide comprehensive services for fast and secure processing of a residence permit and full-service citizenship: from finding suitable investment properties and carrying out legal due diligence on them, to preparing residence permit documents and obtaining the passport.
Take the first step toward a new home confidently and without unnecessary risk, together with MIRBEZVIZ!
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