Natalie Turkey is a country full of history, culture, and natural beauty. With its affordability and warm weather, it’s a popular place for British people living abroad. But as Turkey is out of the EU, there are some extra rules and information British people need to know before moving and living in Turkey. So here is a guide on how to get a Turkey residence permit post Brexit.
What Is It Like To Live In Turkey?
Although Turkey is considered to be a blend of Islamic and European culture, it doesn’t command the same price of living as most European countries do. Living in Turkey is relatively affordable compared to many other European countries. Most aspects of living in Turkey are low cost, from accommodation to food and groceries, from transport to fun and travel.
How Much Does It Cost To Live In Turkey?
Places in Turkey on the Agean and Mediterranean coast are typically more expensive, as well as the bigger cities like Istanbul, Ankara, and Izmir. However, you can live comfortably on £800 a month, with just £500 needed to cover your bills and rent.
That is around 9,000₺ (Turkish Lira), which is a lot compared to the average salary in Turkey of 3,390.35₺. But, for context, the average UK salary in Turkish Lira is 43,000₺.
How Can I Get Permanent Residence In Turkey?
If you are a British citizen you can travel to Turkey as a tourist or for business for up to 90 days in a 180 day period. For stays less than this you will not need a visa but your British passport will need to be valid for at least another 6 months beyond your stay.
If you want to stay for more than 90 days or move to live in Turkey permanently, then you will need to apply for a residence permit at the Turkish Consulate in London. You will need to do this before the 90 days’ time limit ends.
It is important to know that you will be required to hold a valid Residence Permit in order to import your personal belongings and vehicles into Turkey.
Residence Permit In Turkey
To be granted residency via a Turkish Residence Permit, you will need to prove that you meet 4 criteria:
- Own a property in Turkey
- Run a business
- Have sufficient financial means
- No criminal record
If you meet these criteria you will be granted a Residence Permit for 2 years initially. After these 2 years, you can apply for an additional 5 years of citizenship. For this, you must meet an additional set of criteria:
- Proven ties to the country
- Clean criminal record
- Good health with no disease
- Adequate income
- Language test
The language test is an interview to prove that you can speak Turkish, but may only be applicable to some people in certain jobs.
The Types Of Turkish Residency Permit
There are 5 main types of Turkish Residency Permit depending on your circumstances. You should try to apply for the most applicable one at the time.
Family Residence Permit
A family residence permit is granted to the spouse and children of a Turkish national when the choose to permanently reside in Turkey.
Student Residence Permit
A student residence permit is granted to an individual who is moving to Turkey temporarily in order to study at school or university.
Short-term Residence Permit
A short term residence permit is granted to most people who are moving to Turkey. It lasts for 2 years.
Long-term Residence Permit
A long term residence permit is granted when you have already been living in Turkey unders another permit for 8 years or more.
Humanitarian Residence Permit
A humanitarian residence permit is grante to an individual when they are unable to return to your country for any reason.
How Much Does A Turkish Residency Permit Cost?
The cost of a Turkish Residence Permit depends on the type of permit you are applying for and what country you are a citizen of.
If you are applying for a Residence Permit in Turkey, you may choose to use a service provider. However, if you choose to apply for the permit yourself you should expect to pay:
Residence Fee – 484₺
Book Cost – 110₺
Visa Fee – 568₺
So you should budget for a visa costing between £100 and £150.
How To Apply For A Family Residence Permit In Turkey?
Turkish Law 6458 on Foreigners and International Protection gives non-citizen family individuals a right to citizenship after 3 years. So if you are married to a Turkish citizen and have been living with them in Turkey for 3 years you will automatically be eligible for a:
- Passport
- Citizenship
- National ID
Turkish family residence permit is eligible to:
- Foreign children or minor children of spouses
- Foreign spouse
- Dependent foreign children or dependent foreign children of their spouse
Can I Work In Turkey On A Residence Permit?
If you have a valid Turkish Residence Permit then you are able to live and work in Turkey without issues. However, if you are moving to Turkey to work for more than 90 days in 6 months without a Residence Permit, then you will need to obtain a work permit before your employment in Turkey begins.
Once you understand the process of obtaining a Turkish visa, you can start your search for a property in Turkey.
