Turkish Residence Permit by Property (USD 200,000)
Property buyers who want legal residence in Istanbul
Short answer
Foreigners who own residential property in Istanbul worth at least USD 200,000 (recorded on the title deed) can apply for a renewable short-term residence permit, usually issued for 1 to 2 years by the Presidency of Migration Management.
Owning a home in Türkiye gives you a straightforward basis for a short-term residence permit (ikamet). It is not citizenship and it is not a visa; it lets you live in the country legally, open services and, with your family, build a base in Istanbul without needing a work permit.
How much must the property be worth?
In metropolitan provinces such as Istanbul the commonly cited threshold is at least USD 200,000, while USD 75,000 is the commonly cited figure elsewhere. The value recorded on the title deed is what counts, and the property must be for residential use. Because thresholds can change, we confirm the current figure before you buy.
Which neighbourhoods can I buy in?
Some neighbourhoods have been closed to new foreign residence registrations, and the status changed during 2026. A beautiful flat in a closed area will not support a permit, so we check the current closed-neighbourhood list before you buy.
Our Istanbul real-estate desk shortlists qualifying properties in open neighbourhoods, checks the deed and takes you through the title-deed day.
Who can be included?
- The owner, as the main applicant.
- The spouse and dependent children, who apply on the basis of the owner's permit.
- Co-owners, each on their own share, depending on the value recorded for them.
How long is the permit valid?
The Presidency of Migration Management (Göç İdaresi) usually issues the permit for 1 to 2 years, and it is renewable while you keep the qualifying property. Applications and renewals go through the e-Ikamet system and a local migration office appointment.
What does it cost?
Besides the property price, expect the title-deed fee (commonly cited as 4% of declared value, usually split by agreement), appraisal, translator and notary costs, and DASK earthquake insurance. The permit has its own government fee and card charge, which change; we give you the current figures in writing during consultation.
Can the permit lead to citizenship?
A permit alone does not lead to citizenship. If you want a passport, the citizenship route requires property worth at least USD 400,000 held for 3 years, and we can compare both options for you.
How does DXB.IST help?
We begin with a free consultation and eligibility check, prepare the document checklist and translations, shortlist property outside closed areas, arrange the title-deed appointment, book the migration office appointment and follow the application until the card is issued. We work with licensed lawyers and approved translation centres, we are not a government body and we cannot guarantee approval. Afterwards our travel desk can assist with renewals, schooling, banking, hotels and airport transfers.
Who qualifies
- Foreign national owning residential property in Türkiye
- Declared value on the deed meets the provincial threshold
- Property is not in a neighbourhood closed to foreign registration
- Valid passport and no entry ban
- Health insurance valid in Türkiye, where required
- Accommodation address matches the property
Documents you'll need
- Valid passport and its translation
- Title deed (tapu) and value record
- Application form from the e-Ikamet system
- Biometric photographs
- Proof of health insurance, where required
- Address registration or a utility record for the property
- Marriage and birth certificates for family members
- Power of attorney, if a representative acts for you
How it works, step by step
- 1
Consultation and budget
We confirm the threshold, your budget and which neighbourhoods are open.
- 2
Property shortlist
Qualifying homes are checked for title, use and closed-area status.
- 3
Purchase and title deed
The deed is signed with the recorded value, and your tax number and bank are set up.
- 4
Residence application
We prepare the e-Ikamet application and book the migration office appointment.
- 5
Biometrics and approval
You attend the appointment; the authority decides.
- 6
Card and renewal
You collect the card, and we remind you before renewal.
City by city
Frequently asked questions
Commonly at least USD 200,000 recorded on the title deed in metropolitan provinces; we confirm the current figure before you buy.
