Thinking about moving to Turkey in 2026? Whether you’re drawn to Istanbul’s vibrant city life, the coastal charm of Antalya, or the relaxed atmosphere of Cappadocia, Turkey offers diverse visa options for expats, students, retirees, and digital nomads.

Guide: What You’ll Learn in This Article

1. Visa requirements for short stays

2. Visa options for long-term stays

3. Required documentation for Turkish visas

4. Visa and residence costs in Turkey (2026 estimates)

5. Permanent residence and citizenship options

Visa requirements for short stays

Visa-free access: Citizens of the EU (except a few countries), the U.K., the U.S., Canada, Australia, and many Asian and Latin American countries can enter Turkey for short stays without applying in advance.

Duration: Usually 30 to 90 days within a 180-day period, depending on your nationality.

e-Visa: For eligible countries, you can apply online in minutes via www.evisa.gov.tr and receive approval electronically.

Note: Short-stay visitors are not permitted to work in Turkey without a separate work visa

Visa options for long-term stays 

If you’re planning to stay longer, work, study, or even retire in Turkey, you’ll need one of the following visa types and residence permits. Each option has its own process, benefits, and renewal rules.

1. Tourist (Short-Term) Residence Permit

Who it’s for: Foreigners who wish to stay beyond their visa-free or e-Visa period, typically for leisure, exploration, or property ownership.

Requirements:

• Valid passport and proof of legal entry into Turkey

• Proof of accommodation (rental agreement or title deed)

• Health insurance valid in Turkey

• Proof of sufficient financial means (around $500 per month of stay)

Duration: Valid for 6 months to 1 year, renewable.

Practical tip: If you own property in Turkey, renewal is usually easier. Apply online via the official migration website within the last 60 days of your stay.

2. Work Visa and Work Permit

Who it’s for: Foreigners offered employment by a Turkish company.

Application process:

1. Employer application: The Turkish employer must submit a work permit request to the Ministry of Labor and Social Security.

2. Consulate application: You apply for a work visa at a Turkish consulate in your home country within 10 days after the employer’s submission.

3. Approval and entry: Once approved, you can enter Turkey and obtain your residence/work card.

Requirements:

• Employment contract and job offer letter

• Passport and proof of qualifications

• Residence address in Turkey

Duration:

• Initial permit: 1 year

• Renewable for 2–3 years, and later for indefinite periods

Note: Self-employment is not allowed under this visa, you must be hired by a Turkish-registered company.

3. Digital Nomad Visa (coming in 2026)

Who it’s for: Remote workers or freelancers with clients abroad.

Expected requirements:

• Proof of remote employment or freelance contracts

• Minimum monthly income ($3,000–$3,500 expected)

• Health insurance valid in Turkey

• Proof of accommodation

Duration: 1 year, renewable.

Turkey is introducing this visa to attract digital professionals to cities like Istanbul, Izmir, Bodrum, and Antalya, offering co-living spaces, strong internet infrastructure, and networking opportunities.
Applicants are expected to submit documents via a new digital portal launching in mid-2026.

4. Student Visa and Residence Permit

Who it’s for: Students enrolled in a Turkish university, college, or language program.

Requirements:

• Official acceptance letter

• Proof of sufficient funds for living expenses

• Valid passport and health insurance

Duration: Matches your study program (renewable yearly).

Advantages: Students may work part-time (up to 24 hours per week) after their first academic year. You also gain access to public transportation discounts and student housing benefits.

5. Family Residence Permit

Who it’s for: Spouses and dependents of Turkish citizens or legal residents.

Requirements:

• Proof of relationship (marriage or birth certificate)

• Health insurance for all family members

• Proof of income (around ₺10,000 per dependent)

• Clean criminal record

Duration: Up to 3 years, renewable.

Note: Family permit holders can later apply for long-term residency after 8 years of continuous stay.

6. Long-Term Residence Permit

Who it’s for: Foreign nationals who’ve legally lived in Turkey for at least 8 consecutive years.

Requirements:

• Stable income and valid health insurance

• No record of receiving state financial aid

• Clean legal record

Benefits:

• Indefinite residence rights

• Exemption from yearly renewals

• Similar rights to Turkish citizens (except voting and military service)

Tip: Applicants must show consistent address registration and tax compliance.

7. Investor or Real Estate Residence Visa

Who it’s for: Foreigners investing in property or business.

Options:

• Real Estate Residence Permit: For property purchases of $200,000 USD or more.

• Citizenship by Investment: Available for property purchases of $400,000 USD+, held for 3 years.

Advantages:

• Fast-track residence for you and your family

• Access to Turkish healthcare and education systems

• Potential citizenship within 3–5 years

Tip: Always verify property ownership documents through a Turkish notary before purchase.

Required documentation for Turkish visas

Most long-term visa and residence applications require:

• Completed application form

• Valid passport (6+ months beyond stay)

• Four biometric passport photos

• Proof of address (rental, property, or invitation)

• Proof of sufficient funds (bank statements)

• Health insurance (local or international coverage)

• Clean criminal record

• Purpose-specific documents (job offer, enrollment, or investment proof)

Visa and residence costs in Turkey (2026 estimates)

Note: Fees are non-refundable and may vary by nationality and exchange rates.

Permanent residence and citizenship

• Permanent Residence: Available after 8 years of legal residence.

• Citizenship by Naturalization: After 5 years of uninterrupted residence with proof of integration and language skills.

• Citizenship by Investment: Possible through qualifying property or capital investment.

• Dual Citizenship: Turkey allows dual nationality, so you don’t have to give up your existing citizenship.

Final notes on Turkish visas

Turkey bridges Europe and Asia, offering a mix of history, modern living, and affordable cost of life. Whether you’re working remotely from a seaside café, studying in Istanbul, or investing in property, Turkey’s visa and residence programs in 2026 provide multiple routes to make your stay long-term.

Start early, prepare your documentation carefully, and check the latest requirements from the Directorate General of Migration Management (Göç İdaresi Başkanlığı) or your local consulate.

Your Turkish adventure is waiting.  Is you want to know more take a look at Mastering Taxes in Turkey.