In Turkey, foreigners can enjoy high-quality, affordable holidays and investment opportunities, as well as consider moving or studying there. Residents of most countries can stay in Turkey without a visa for 180 days a year, with a six-month break.
The maximum period of lawful stay in Turkey is:
For Russian citizens — 60 consecutive days, or 60+30 days within 180 days.
For Ukrainian citizens — up to 90 days.
For Belarusian citizens — up to 30 days.
For Kazakhstani citizens — up to 60 days.
However, two documents are important for a lawful stay of more than 90 days: Kimlik (Turkish passport) and İkamet (residence permit).
What is Kimlik?
Kimlik is the domestic identity document of a Turkish citizen. Foreigners can obtain it on the following grounds:
A Turkish passport (Kimlik) can be obtained on the basis of the following criteria:
1. Investment in the Turkish economy, including the purchase of property (minimum investment — $400,000).
2. Marriage to a Turkish citizen.
3. Descent through a mother or father who is a Turkish citizen.
4. Purchasing property and residing in the country for at least 5 years.
5. Obtaining a residence permit in Turkey on the basis of a work visa, followed by regular renewal over 5 years.
What is İkamet?
İkamet is a residence permit for foreign citizens. There are short-term and long-term permits, reflecting different periods of stay.
The grounds for obtaining a residence permit (ikamet) are:
1. Owning property in the country.
2. Tourism purposes.
Studying at universities, learning Turkish, or staying under a student exchange programme.
3. Treatment at medical clinics in the country.
4. Work and business.
5. Family ties.
Differences between Kimlik and İkamet:
– Kimlik is a citizen’s passport with no expiry limit.
– İkamet is a temporary permit with a limited period of validity.
What would you choose: permanent status or flexibility of stay?
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