What Is the Long-Term Residence Permit?
The long-term residence permit (uzun dönem ikamet izni) is Turkey's equivalent of permanent residency for foreign nationals. It has no expiry date — once granted, it remains valid indefinitely as long as the holder continues to meet the conditions. It is regulated under Article 42 of the Law on Foreigners and International Protection (Law No. 6458).
This permit represents the highest level of residence security available to foreigners in Turkey short of citizenship. Holders enjoy most of the rights of Turkish citizens in everyday civil and economic life, with a small number of exceptions.
Eligibility: The 8-Year Requirement
To qualify for a long-term residence permit, a foreign national must have:
- Resided continuously and lawfully in Turkey for at least 8 years immediately before the application. The eight years must be uninterrupted — periods spent outside Turkey for more than 6 consecutive months in any single calendar year will reset the clock.
- Not received social assistance from Turkish state institutions at any point during the 8-year period. This includes means-tested housing, income support, and food aid. Standard insurance entitlements and contributory benefits are not counted as social assistance.
- Sufficient and sustainable income to support themselves (and any dependants) without relying on state support going forward.
- Valid health insurance that covers Turkey.
- No threat to public order or public security. A serious criminal record in Turkey or abroad may disqualify the applicant.
What Counts Toward the 8 Years?
All types of lawful residence count, including:
- Short-term residence permits
- Family residence permits
- Student residence permits
- Humanitarian residence permits
- Work permits (which also function as residence permits)
Periods spent in Turkey on a tourist visa or visa-free stay do not count, as these do not constitute a formal residence permit.
What Resets the Clock?
- Spending more than 6 consecutive months outside Turkey in a single year interrupts continuity.
- Spending more than 12 months in total outside Turkey over the full 8-year period also interrupts continuity.
- An expired or revoked residence permit that was not promptly renewed.
Required Documents
| Document | Notes |
|---|---|
| Completed application form | Generated via the appointment portal |
| Valid passport | Full notarised Turkish translation |
| 4 biometric photographs | White background, taken within last 6 months |
| Evidence of 8 years' lawful residence | Copies of all previous residence and work permits |
| Income / financial means evidence | Payslips, bank statements, or tax returns for last 3 years |
| Health insurance policy | Valid throughout Turkey |
| Criminal record certificate (Turkey) | Obtained from e-Government or courthouse |
| Criminal record certificate (home country) | Apostilled and translated into Turkish |
| Social assistance non-receipt declaration | Confirmed by the relevant social services directorate |
| Residence card fee | 964 TRY |
Social Assistance Restriction in Detail
The prohibition on having received social assistance is one of the most frequently misunderstood conditions. It applies to means-tested Turkish state programmes, such as:
- SYDV (Social Solidarity and Support Foundation) grants
- Municipal food and fuel aid
- Free housing provided by the state
It does not include:
- SGK (Social Security Institution) health coverage when contributions have been paid
- SGK retirement pension when earned through contributions
- Child allowances paid by an employer
- Compensation received as a legal right (e.g. workplace accident insurance)
If you are unsure whether a benefit you received qualifies as social assistance, check with the relevant directorate before applying.
Rights Granted by the Long-Term Permit
Holders of the long-term residence permit enjoy the following rights in Turkey:
- The right to reside indefinitely without periodic renewals
- Property ownership on the same terms as Turkish citizens
- Access to education and health services on equal terms
- The right to work without a separate work permit (subject to sector-specific restrictions that apply to all foreigners)
- The right to travel outside Turkey and return without a visa (subject to normal re-entry rules)
Rights Not Granted
Even with a long-term permit, foreign nationals cannot:
- Vote in Turkish elections or referenda
- Stand for public office
- Perform compulsory military service (this is an obligation, not a right, but it is reserved for citizens)
- Hold certain civil service positions that are reserved for Turkish citizens by law
How to Apply
Applications are submitted through the appointment portal at randevu.goc.gov.tr. Select "Long-Term Residence Permit" and choose the Provincial Directorate of Migration Management in your province of residence.
Processing times vary by province but typically range from 60 to 120 days for complete applications. During this period, the applicant's existing permit is considered valid.
Can a Long-Term Permit Be Revoked?
Yes. The permit can be revoked if:
- The holder spends more than 12 consecutive months outside Turkey without prior approval
- The holder is convicted of a serious offence in Turkey
- It is later discovered that the permit was obtained by fraud or misrepresentation
Approaching 8 years of residence in Turkey? Deniz Kurumsal Danışmanlık can review your residence history, prepare your documents and manage your long-term permit application from start to finish.
Contact: denizkurumsal.com | +90 533 319 74 90
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