The Costs Of Migration to Turkey

Turkey serves as a unique bridge connecting the continents of Asia and Europe, offering foreigners a captivating blend of Eastern and Western civilizations. Cities like Istanbul and Ankara have become top choices for expatriates seeking residence and employment opportunities. People choose to immigrate for various reasons, such as education, citizenship, retirement, or an improved quality of life. If you're reading this blog, chances are you're considering a move to Turkey and have numerous questions. This post aims to provide comprehensive information about immigrating to Turkey, including details about residence permits and associated fees.

The cost of applying for a visa

The Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs has introduced the eVisa system, a convenient solution for both tourism and business purposes, enabling visitors to apply for and obtain a visa online. The fees vary from USD 78.50 to USD 61.50, contingent upon your nationality. The total fee includes the Government Fee and the Processing Fee, with additional options like Rush Processing and Super Rush Processing available. Should you require urgent processing, the fee will be higher, depending on your desired processing speed. By prioritizing your application, you can select the necessary processing time according to your urgency for the visa, streamlining the application process for those in need of swift approvals.

Note:

• Cash payments are not accepted.
• The payment for visa service can be done by a debit or credit card or via PayPal or UnionPay.
• The fee has to be paid before submitting the visa application form.
• The fee will be non-refundable regardless your visa gets approval from the Turkish government or not.

Obtaining Turkish residence through investment

Obtaining Turkish citizenship through investment has become the quickest and most favored pathway. By investing a minimum of $400,000 in real estate, applicants can secure Turkish citizenship, receiving their passport in less than four months from the application date. This program offers a range of benefits, making it an attractive choice for those seeking swift and advantageous Turkish citizenship. Some of them are:

• Reside, work, and study in Turkey

• Streamlined citizenship process

• Option for family relocation

• Simplified Schengen visa application

• Accessible E2 Visa pathway

• Opportunity for dual citizenship

• Lucrative long-term investment prospects

• Visa-free travel to 110 countries

To qualify for Turkey citizenship by investment program, the applicant:

• Minimum age requirement of 18 years

• No previous illegal stay in Turkey

• Fulfill all tax and process-related expenses

Turkey Citizenship by Investment Options:

• Purchase real estate

• Generate employment opportunities in Turkey

• Capital transfer of at least $500,000 into a Turkish bank, bonds, or shares

What are the procedures for obtaining Turkish residence?

Foreign entrepreneurs looking to initiate a business venture in Turkey for a brief period are required to obtain a short-term residence permit, valid for a maximum of one year. Upon its expiration, they must either renew the permit or secure a long-term residence permit to extend their stay in the country.

Short-term residence permit

It is issued for foreigners who own property in Turkey or who run a business in this country. They are required to send some documents to the Provincial Directorate of Immigration Administration and comply with the business regulations:

1.  Completed application form
2. Original and copy of the passport
3. Four passport-size photos
4. A declaration confirming sufficient financial resources for a one-year stay in Turkey, along with additional documents if necessary
5. Proof of property ownership in Turkey (if applicable)
6. Valid medical insurance documentation.

Long-term residence permit 

To secure a long-term residence permit and extend their stay in Turkey, foreign citizens must submit the following documents to Turkish authorities:

1.    Completed application form

2.    Original and copy of the passport

3.    Two passport-size photos

4.    Document confirming no receipt of social aid from Turkish authorities

5.    Declaration of sufficient financial resources for a maximum one-year stay, with additional documents if needed

6.    Proof of property ownership in Turkey (if applicable)

7.    Previous residence permit

8.    Valid medical insurance

9.    Police record.

Applications for residence permits can be submitted directly online to the Directorate General of Migration Management. First-time applicants, however, are required to visit the Migration Office in person and present the necessary documents. A residence permit is mandatory for stays lasting more than 90 days and can be obtained for individuals, families, students, philanthropic purposes, and various other categories.

Read in detail about citizenship by Property Investment here.

Residence permit fees (2022) 

Turkey, with its warm hospitality, scenic coastlines, and vibrant atmosphere, attracts numerous foreigners longing for extended stays. In 2022, new legislation allowed foreigners to stay in Turkey for 30 to 90 days, contingent upon their home country. Typically, residents of most nations are granted a standard stay of 90 days. Many individuals, captivated by the country's charm or enticed by its thriving business opportunities, opt for a residence permit. This permit offers the flexibility of extension as required, even for an indefinite period, making it an appealing option for those wanting to call Turkey their home.

How much does it cost to get a Turkish residence permit (İkamet) in 2022? 

• A fixed price for the İkamet card is about 160 TL in 2022.
• The annual amount payable for Turkey’s residence permit currently ranges between 326 and 7,280 TL but may increase due to a large influx of immigrants. 
• Health Insurance fees range between 500 TL – 1800 TL depending on the age of the foreigner.
• Notary and Translation fees will be at least 450 TL (Maximum) and the Apostille certification fees will go around 89,23 TL per page (if required)

The cost of private health insurance

Turkey's healthcare system stands apart from those in Europe or the United States. Instead of general practitioners, any citizen or legal resident can directly consult the relevant medical specialist as needed. What sets Turkey apart is the availability of highly skilled English-speaking doctors, often with international education and years of practice abroad, in private clinics across cities like Istanbul and Ankara.

Healthcare in Turkey is notably more affordable than in Europe. After residing in Turkey for a year, you become eligible to apply for Universal Health Insurance. This allows you to access comprehensive medical care for a monthly fee (around 850 TL), which is subject to yearly changes. Alternatively, you can opt for private health insurance by paying a monthly fee to an insurance company, providing flexibility and choice in your healthcare options.

Health insurance is mandatory for all adult foreigners under 65 years of age. There is no standard cost of health coverage in Turkey and can vary from 500 to 1,800 TL. The cheapest insurance provided is for children of school and preschool age.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs approval costs

Apostille serves as the international legal process to authenticate documents issued by foreign official institutions. Only after Apostille approval, the document is legalized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The Ministry's fee is approximately 60 TL per document, though fees vary by country and document type. For instance, the legalization of diplomas is more affordable compared to corporate documents, and each country has its specific fee structure for this legalization process.

How to pay the Turkish residence permit fees at the immigration office?

To process residence permit applications, the Directorate of Migration Management requires a fee of 125 TL, payable through various methods: online, at the tax office, or at Ziraat bank. When paying at the tax office or the bank, you'll need your tax number, which can be obtained using your residence card or a copy of your passport. If paid online, ensure you have a printed receipt. If paid at the tax office, retain the original payment receipt, and if paid at the bank, request a signed and stamped receipt for future reference.

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