What is Turkish Kimlik?

In Turkish, the word “Kimlik” translates to “identity,” and it refers to the Turkish residence card for foreigners who wish to live and stay in Turkey. After verifying and validating the necessary documentation, the immigration agency grants the Kimlik card to eligible foreigners. Having this card also has the added benefit of being recognized as a resident of Turkey.

It’s important to understand that obtaining a Kimlik card doesn’t grant you Turkish citizenship or the right to a passport. Additionally, having this card doesn’t automatically provide you with a work permit in Turkey, although you can apply for one separately if you’re interested.

Turkish Tourist Residence Permit

Obtaining Turkish residency through the option of tourist residency is one possible route. Turkey is situated in a strategic location  and each year it draws many people who come for reasons such as tourism, education, or to establish a residence. For foreigners looking to immigrate to Turkey, one popular approach is to secure a tourist residency. However, this type of residency is subject to specific requirements, and many foreigners have been able to fulfill these requirements and pay the necessary fees in order to obtain Turkish residency.

Turkish tourist visa duration

Usually, visitors can stay in Turkey for up to 90 days or three months without requiring a visa. Tourists can utilize this visa-free entry option to stay in Turkey for a maximum of 90 days within a 6-month period. However, during this period, tourists are not permitted to engage in any commercial or educational activities. For those looking for a more extended stay in Turkey, renting or purchasing a property is a more cost-effective and legitimate choice. This type of extended stay is valid for a year and necessitates a tourist visa.

The risk of tourist accommodation in Turkey through a lease

Earlier, we talked about the short-term accommodation options for tourists in Turkey. Another popular choice, particularly among Iranians, is renting a property. It’s a cost-effective way to obtain a place to live with relatively low commitment and risk. However, there is a possibility that the residency application may be declined even if all of the necessary paperwork is in order. In such a scenario, the individual must exit Turkey within ten days, and it may take up to six months to reapply for residency.

At present, it is feasible to extend a tourist’s stay in Turkey. Although it is challenging to acquire first-year residency through the tourist residency program, there isn’t a particular limit for requesting an extension to your stay. It’s important to keep in mind that the regulations surrounding tourist stays may change in the future. In 2019, a law was passed that forbade the extension of tourist stays, but it wasn’t enforced. In the upcoming sections, we’ll discuss other options and their associated expenses.

Documents required to obtain a one-year residence in Turkey through renting a house

The necessary documents for obtaining a Turkish residence permit include a filled-out application form, a notarized rental agreement signed by the landlord, health insurance, a tax number, a receipt for the payment of ownership rights and the cost of obtaining and printing the Kimlik card, a copy of the title deed (tapu) and registration number, four passport-sized photos with a white background, information regarding individual income and travel plans, and documents verifying the purpose of the tourist stay, such as hotel reservations and an itinerary. Additionally, evidence of financial support from a Turkish bank account is also required.

Note: The Immigration Department may request additional documents on a case-by-case basis.

Procedures for obtaining Turkish residence

Below are the stages of obtaining Turkish residence from zero to hundred:

Filling out the rendezvous form

To complete the appointment form, individuals can visit the website of the Turkish Immigration Department at e-ikamet.goc.gov.tr. It is crucial to fill out all information accurately, as any errors can result in rejection of the application. For instance, selecting “work” as the employment status while applying for a tourist residence is not permitted since it is prohibited for tourists to work in Turkey without a work permit. Upon completing the appointment form, an SMS will be sent to the applicant with the scheduled time for the interview or the visit to the office.

The provided link will guide you through the process step-by-step.

Renewal of residence lease

In Turkey, the offices that deal with official documents are called “Noter.” To verify the rental agreement, individuals need to take the lease document along with their passport to a Noter office. As of 2023, the presence of both the landlord and the tenant with their identification documents is required at the Noter’s office. The cost of each notarized copy of the lease is typically between 400 to 500 Turkish Liras. Additionally, the Immigration Department charges a fee for each family member when submitting rental documents. Therefore, it is important to renew the lease based on the number of family members when applying for an extension.

Buying health insurance

Having health insurance is a requirement for obtaining a tourist stay in Turkey. The insurance should provide coverage for the entire duration of the stay and include any potential medical expenses. Several insurance companies in Turkey offer health insurance packages specifically designed for tourists. It’s crucial to compare the available options and select the plan that best fits one’s needs and budget.

1. Allianz Sigorta
2. Anadolu Sigorta
3. AXA Sigorta
4. Güneş Sigorta
5. HDI Sigorta
6. Mapfre Sigorta
7. QBE Sigorta
8. Swiss Re Turkey
9. Teb Sigorta
10. Turk Sigorta

Get the tax code

Prior to the interview or appointment, it’s necessary to visit the tax office to obtain a Turkish tax identification number. Once the tax identification number is received, it can be used to pay government fees, such as land tax and card fees.

Receive house registration number (numeratage)

In order to obtain a house registration number in Turkey, you must go to the municipality of the area where you reside with a photograph of your house certificate and a brief message that includes your appointment time at the immigration office and your identification documents. It is important to note that each family member must obtain a separate number.

Payment of the land of Turkey

• The fee for obtaining a tourist visa in Turkey is 40 dollars for individuals under 18 years of age and 80 dollars for individuals over 18 years of age.
• The dollar amount is determined based on the Rendvo day rate and is specified on the Rendvo form.
• The fee can be paid at the tax office.

Turkish residency interview

Upon receiving the SMS or email notification, you should go to the immigration office as per the specified time. A case will be opened for you and you will be directed to a specialist in a designated room. It is advisable to bring a recommendation letter from your Turkish bank on the day of document submission. For the year 2023, an estimated amount of 100,000 liras per person is required to demonstrate sufficient financial resources.

The duration of receiving a Turkish residence card

Once you have scheduled an appointment and submitted your application for residence, you will be given a timeframe of approximately 10 to 15 days to submit your documents. After submitting your documents, it takes approximately 10 days for your residence permit card to be issued and sent to you. Therefore, the entire process from the time of submitting your application to receiving your card takes around 30 days, and it is not possible to receive the original card in less time.

Rejection of Turkish residency application

If your application for residence is rejected due to mistakes such as filling out the form incorrectly, providing false rental agreements, invalid insurance, etc., the immigration office will give you a grace period of 10 days to leave Turkey. In addition, you may face a fine at the exit point for overstaying your allowed time in Turkey.

Furthermore, depending on the reason for the rejection of your application, you may be prohibited from applying again for a period of 6 months to 1 year.