How do you apply for a residence permit in Turkey?
Fill in the form on e-Ikamet, then bring your documents to the appointment to complete the residence permit application yourself.
Short answer
Go to e-ikamet.goc.gov.tr, pick the permit type that matches your purpose, fill in the form and choose an appointment date. Print and sign the form, pay the fee and card charge, then gather the documents the system lists. Hand the file to the Provincial Directorate of Migration Management on your appointment day; once approved, the card arrives by PTT courier.
What you need
Step by step
Choose the permit type
Open the "I want to apply for a residence permit" section at e-ikamet.goc.gov.tr. Select the option that fits your situation: short term, family, student or work-related. Picking the wrong type means your file can be rejected at the appointment, so match it exactly to your reason for being in Turkey.
Fill in the application form
The system takes you to the foreigner ID number and passport details screen. Type your name, surname, date of birth and passport number letter for letter as they appear in the passport. Then complete the address, contact and passport tabs in order and upload your photo.
Pick an appointment date and print the form
Once the form is approved, the appointment date screen shows the available days. Choose one and finish with "Save and continue". Download and print the PDF that opens; the applicant signature field has to carry your wet signature.
Pay the fee and card charge
The document list on the last page of the form shows the permit fee and the card charge. Pay through a partner bank, the tax office or the online payment link in the system. Add the receipts to your file, because the application will not be finalised without payment.
Assemble the document file
Work through the list the form generated and tick each item as you file it. Make sure the insurance, address and income documents are still valid on the application date. Documents in a foreign language need a sworn translation and notary certification.
Attend the appointment and submit the file
On the day, go in person to the Provincial Directorate of Migration Management in the province where you will live. The officer checks the documents, takes your fingerprints and signature, and gives you an application document. If anything is missing, you get a deadline to supply it.
Track the result and collect the card
Use the "I want to track my application" section on the e-Ikamet site with your application number and passport details. The approved residence permit card is sent by PTT courier to the address you declared on the form. The tracking number comes by SMS.
Tips
Watch out
Apply before your visa or visa-exempt stay expires; applications made after an overstay carry the risk of a fine and an entry ban. A fake lease or a false address declaration leads to rejection and can cancel a permit you already hold.
Frequently asked questions
+Do I have to use an agency or consultancy to apply?
No. The e-Ikamet system is open to individual use and you can fill in the form yourself. If you prefer not to use an intermediary, ask the Provincial Directorate of Migration Management directly.
+Does my family have to come to the appointment too?
A separate application is made for each family member and, as a rule, everyone is expected to attend in person. Young children must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.
+What can I do if my application is refused?
The refusal is served on you and the decision states the authority to appeal to. You also have the right to bring a case before the administrative courts; check the deadlines in the decision text.
+Can I leave Turkey before my card arrives?
Leaving with the application document may be possible, but ask the Provincial Directorate of Migration Management about your situation first to avoid problems on re-entry.
+What should I do if my address changes?
After moving you must report the change of address to both the civil registry office and Migration Management. Failing to report it can lead to sanctions, up to cancellation of the card.
Sources and verification
Last verified: September 15, 2026. tell us. Procedure applies to Turkey; official portal and forms are in Turkish, with an English interface option on e-Ikamet.
This content is for information only; for official procedures the relevant institution’s current announcements take precedence. Details: disclaimer.