Introduction
Owning property in Turkey isn’t just about investment — it can also open the door to residency rights. Whether you're looking to retire under the sun, manage your business remotely, or relocate your family, the Turkish residence permit (ikamet) offers a flexible and affordable path.
At RT-Union – Russian-Turkish Law & Consulting Firm, we guide foreign property owners through the full legal process — from real estate acquisition to approved residence card. Here’s what you need to know in 2025.
At RT-Union – Russian-Turkish Law & Consulting Firm, we guide foreign property owners through the full legal process — from real estate acquisition to approved residence card. Here’s what you need to know in 2025.
Who Can Apply for a Property-Based Residence Permit?
Foreign nationals from most countries — including EU states, the UK, CIS, Middle East, and Asia — are eligible to apply if they legally own qualifying property in Turkey.
✔️ Minimum property value: $200,000 USD (as of 2023 regulations)
✔️ Property must be residential, not agricultural or undeveloped land
✔️ Property must be located outside of quota-restricted districts
✔️ Ownership must be registered under the applicant’s name in the Tapu (title deed)
Important: Real estate purchased below the threshold will not support a residence permit, even if it is legally owned.
✔️ Minimum property value: $200,000 USD (as of 2023 regulations)
✔️ Property must be residential, not agricultural or undeveloped land
✔️ Property must be located outside of quota-restricted districts
✔️ Ownership must be registered under the applicant’s name in the Tapu (title deed)
Important: Real estate purchased below the threshold will not support a residence permit, even if it is legally owned.
Why Choose the Property Route?
- No need for work or study sponsor
- No language or integration exams
- Family members (spouse and minor children) can apply together
- Renewable annually or biennially
- Option to progress toward long-term residency or citizenship
Step-by-Step: How to Obtain a Turkish Residence Permit via Property Ownership
1.Purchase a qualifying property
2.Obtain key documents
3.Prepare application dossier
4.Submit online application via e-ikamet portal
5.Attend immigration appointment
- Use full legal due diligence to ensure eligibility (see our real estate guide)
2.Obtain key documents
- Tapu (title deed), DASK insurance, SPK-certified valuation report
3.Prepare application dossier
- Passport, tax number, proof of address, health insurance, biometric photos
4.Submit online application via e-ikamet portal
- Choose appropriate type: “Short-term residence for property owners”
5.Attend immigration appointment
- Submit biometric data; your lawyer can attend by POA
- Processing typically takes 4–6 weeks after appointment
Critical Legal Requirements in 2025
Requirement:
- Property value
- Ownership
- Usage
- Region
- Insurance
Description:
- At least $200,000 (confirmed by licensed valuation expert)
- Applicant must be named on the title deed
- Property must be zoned for residential use and suitable for habitation
- Cannot be located in closed or quota-restricted zones
- Mandatory DASK (earthquake) and health insurance coverage
RT-Union handles all compliance steps to ensure no rejection or delay.
Common Reasons for Rejection (And How to Avoid Them)
Reason for Rejection:
- Property below legal threshold
- Missing or inconsistent documents
- Region quota is closed
- Foreign currency not declared properly
RT-Union Solution:
- We verify all pricing and valuation compliance before purchase
- We prepare the full application packet and translations
- We pre-screen locations and provide alternatives
- We manage currency transfer and bank compliance
Can This Lead to Turkish Citizenship?
Yes — but not automatically.
To qualify for citizenship by investment, you must:
At RT-Union, we assist with both residence permits and citizenship strategy planning, depending on your goals.
To qualify for citizenship by investment, you must:
- Purchase real estate valued over $400,000
- Hold it for at least 3 years without resale
- Go through a separate citizenship application process
At RT-Union, we assist with both residence permits and citizenship strategy planning, depending on your goals.
Case Study: Family Residence Permit via Real Estate
A Kazakh client purchased a $215,000 apartment in Ankara. RT-Union:
The family is now planning to upgrade to a citizenship-eligible property — also with our legal support.
- Handled full due diligence and secure purchase
- Organized valuation and title deed transfer
- Prepared all immigration documents
- Represented the family of four at immigration office
- Secured 2-year residence permits for all applicants
The family is now planning to upgrade to a citizenship-eligible property — also with our legal support.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I apply for residence permit remotely?
Yes — with a notarized power of attorney, RT-Union can represent you fully.
Is the $200,000 value based on market price or Tapu?
Valuation must be done by an SPK-licensed expert and submitted with the application. RT-Union arranges this.
What if I want to rent out the property?
It’s permitted, but we advise structuring ownership properly for tax and immigration compliance.
Can I apply if I bought property years ago?
Only if current market value still exceeds $200,000 and region is not restricted.
Yes — with a notarized power of attorney, RT-Union can represent you fully.
Is the $200,000 value based on market price or Tapu?
Valuation must be done by an SPK-licensed expert and submitted with the application. RT-Union arranges this.
What if I want to rent out the property?
It’s permitted, but we advise structuring ownership properly for tax and immigration compliance.
Can I apply if I bought property years ago?
Only if current market value still exceeds $200,000 and region is not restricted.
Why Work with RT-Union – Russian-Turkish Law & Consulting Firm
Our international team specializes in real estate, immigration, and compliance law. We offer:
With RT-Union, you don’t just apply — you apply with confidence.
- ✅ Property eligibility review
- ✅ Immigration document preparation
- ✅ POA-based representation
- ✅ Renewal and appeal support
- ✅ English, Russian, and Turkish communication
With RT-Union, you don’t just apply — you apply with confidence.
Start Your Residence Permit Application
🕊️ Own property in Turkey or planning to buy?
RT-Union will guide you from Tapu to residence card — securely and legally.
📞 Free initial consultation with an immigration lawyer.
👉 Start Your Application with RT-Union
RT-Union will guide you from Tapu to residence card — securely and legally.
📞 Free initial consultation with an immigration lawyer.
👉 Start Your Application with RT-Union
