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Residence Permit in Turkey for Property Owners: Full Legal Guide (2025 Update)

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.

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.

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

  • 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
6.Receive residence card

  • 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:

  • 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:

  • 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.

Why Work with RT-Union – Russian-Turkish Law & Consulting Firm

Our international team specializes in real estate, immigration, and compliance law. We offer:

  • ✅ 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