Turkey offers a short-term residence permit system, one of the most commonly used residence categories for foreigners who wish to stay in the country for various temporary purposes. This permit is regulated under Articles 31–33 of the Law on Foreigners and International Protection No. 6458, as well as Articles 28 and 29 of its Implementing Regulation.
What exactly is a short-term residence permit? Who may apply for it, and what are the applicable conditions and limitations? Let’s reply all these questions.
Who Can Obtain a Short-Term Residence Permit?
Under the legislation, the following categories of foreigners may apply for a short-term residence permit:
1. Foreigners coming to Turkey for scientific research
Applicants must obtain a permit from the relevant authority (such as the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, Ministry of Energy, or universities) if the research requires prior authorization. If authorization is not required, a statement regarding the subject of research is sufficient.
A “Scientific Research” visa obtained from Turkish consulates abroad is mandatory for this category.
2. Foreigners who own immovable property in Turkey
The property must be a residential unit and used for residential purposes. Family members may also apply if they hold joint ownership or co-ownership rights on the property.
Family members include the spouse, minor children, and dependent adult children.
3. Foreigners intending to establish commercial connections or start a business
If the applicant requests a residence permit for more than three months, an invitation letter or similar documentation from the person or company with whom they will establish contact may be required.
4. Foreigners participating in in-service training programs
The permit is issued based on the information and documents provided by the institution organizing the training, covering details such as the content, duration, and place of training.
5. Foreigners coming for education or similar purposes under agreements to which Turkey is a party or within student exchange programs
Applicants must present the relevant documentation from the institution concerned.
The permit cannot exceed the duration of the education program.
Students arriving under programs such as Erasmus, Mevlana, or Farabi are exempt from submitting health insurance if they apply to become general health insurance holders within three months from their initial registration date. Otherwise, private health insurance becomes mandatory.
6. Foreigners who wish to stay in Turkey for tourism purposes
The applicant’s travel plans (where, when, and how long they will stay) are evaluated. Additional documents may be requested if deemed necessary.
7. Foreigners receiving medical treatment, provided they do not carry diseases considered a threat to public health
Admission to a public or private hospital is required. Those who can document that they cover all treatment expenses are exempt from the health insurance requirement.
Permits are issued in accordance with the treatment period.
Foreigners whose treatment costs are covered by public institutions are not required to prove financial capability or health insurance.
Hospitals or relevant institutions may be asked to provide documents relating to treatment when necessary.
Companions of foreigners arriving under bilateral health agreements are processed according to general provisions unless otherwise stated in the agreement.
Companions (up to two persons) of foreigners arriving under Article 14 of Law No. 3359 are exempt from the health insurance requirement.
8. Foreigners who must remain in Turkey based on judicial or administrative decisions
The duration of the permit is determined according to the time stated in the decision or order.
9. Foreigners who will transition to a short-term residence permit after losing eligibility for a family residence permit
These include foreigners who have:
• resided for at least three years on a family residence permit and reached adulthood,
• divorced a Turkish spouse after three years on a family residence permit (three-year condition not required in cases of documented domestic violence),
• lost their sponsor due to the sponsor’s death.
10. Foreigners attending Turkish language courses
The course must be offered by an institution authorized by the Ministry of National Education.
The permit may be issued twice at most.
If the course duration is less than one year, the residence permit cannot exceed the course duration.
The institution must notify the provincial directorate of the student’s attendance status.
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