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
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.