Introduction
Are you a French citizen considering moving to Turkey? Whether it’s for retirement, a professional project, to join your spouse, or simply to discover a new way of life, Turkey attracts thousands of French expatriates every year. Straddling Europe and Asia, the country offers an appealing lifestyle, affordable cost of living, and a pleasant Mediterranean climate.
However, settling in Turkey requires a solid understanding of the Turkish legal framework, which differs significantly from the French system.
This guide, prepared by the French-speaking lawyers of Inlawco, provides you with the essential legal insights and procedures to ensure a successful relocation to Turkey.
In this guide, we explore key legal issues related to residence permits (İkamet İzni) and property acquisition.
In another forthcoming guide, Inlawco | French-Speaking Legal Expertise in Istanbul will cover:
Business creation and professional activity
Marriage and family law
Health system and insurance
Taxation for French residents
Turkish labor law
Common disputes and litigation
Inheritance and succession law
Practical advice and common pitfalls
1. Residence Permit in Turkey (İkamet İzni)
What is an İkamet?
The Residence Permit (İkamet İzni in Turkish) is a mandatory document for any foreigner wishing to stay in Turkey for more than 90 days.
Issued by the Directorate General of Migration Management (Göç İdaresi Genel Müdürlüğü), it legally authorizes your stay in Turkey.
Types of Residence Permits
Tourist Residence Permit (Turist İkamet İzni)
Duration: Up to 1 year (renewable)
Requirements: Proof of sufficient financial means (approx. €500/month)
Benefits: Allows living in Turkey without working
Ideal for: Retirees, individuals with passive income, non-working residents
Family Residence Permit (Aile İkamet İzni)
Duration: Up to 2 years (aligned with spouse’s permit)
Requirements: Marriage to a Turkish citizen or to a foreigner holding a valid permit
Advantages: Easier process, fewer financial documents
Documents: Apostilled and translated marriage certificate
Student Residence Permit (Öğrenci İkamet İzni)
Duration: Length of studies + 3 months
Requirements: Enrollment in a recognized Turkish institution
Special feature: Allows part-time work (up to 24 hours per week)
Work Residence Permit (Çalışma İzni)
Duration: 1 to 3 years depending on employment contract
Requirements: Sponsorship by a Turkish employer
Procedure: Employer submits the application
Processing time: 2–4 months
Long-Term Residence Permit (Uzun Dönem İkamet İzni)
Duration: Permanent (renewable every 10 years)
Requirements: 8 consecutive years of legal residence in Turkey
Advantages: Nearly equivalent to permanent residency
Residence Permit Application Procedure
Step 1: Prepare your file (2–3 weeks)
Required documents:
Valid passport (minimum 60 days beyond application date)
4 biometric ID photos
Proof of address in Turkey (rental contract or title deed “Tapu”)
Turkish private health insurance (minimum 1 year)
Proof of sufficient financial resources (bank statements from the last 6 months)
Address registration certificate (Adres Kayıt Belgesi) from the local Mukhtar
Completed application form
Application fee (approx. €110 depending on the type)
⚠️ Note: All foreign documents must be translated into Turkish by a sworn translator and apostilled.
Step 2: Book an appointment online
Mandatory appointment on e-ikamet.goc.gov.tr
Common issue: Appointment slots often full, especially in Istanbul
Tip: Book within the first 30 days after arrival
Alternative: Our law firm can handle the appointment and application follow-up
Step 3: Submit the file at the Göç İdaresi
Personal presence required
Short interview (in Turkish)
Photo and fingerprint capture
Document verification
Payment of fees
Step 4: Wait for decision (4–8 weeks)
You’ll receive an SMS when the decision is made
If approved: Residence card issued
If refused: You may file an appeal within 10 days
Residence Permit Renewal
Renewal must be applied for at least 60 days before expiration.
The procedure is similar but usually faster (2–4 weeks).
⚠️ Warning: If your permit expires and you remain in Turkey, you become an illegal resident, subject to:
Fines (€50–€500 per month)
Travel bans (6 months to 5 years)
Administrative deportation
Common Issues & Legal Assistance
Frequent reasons for rejection:
Insufficient financial means
Incomplete or non-compliant documents
Invalid health insurance
Criminal background
Suspicion of undeclared work
Our legal services:
Complete file preparation
Document compliance check
Priority appointment booking
Translation and apostille services
Attendance with interpreter if needed
Appeal in case of rejection
2. Property Purchase in Turkey for French Nationals
Legal Framework for Property Acquisition
Since 2012, foreigners can freely purchase real estate in Turkey, with a few geographical restrictions (military or protected zones).
French citizens benefit from reciprocity rights with Turkey.
The Turkish Title Deed: TAPU
The Tapu is the Turkish equivalent of a title deed. Issued by the Land Registry and Cadastre Directorate (Tapu ve Kadastro Genel Müdürlüğü), it is the only official proof of ownership in Turkey.
