Long Term Stays

Planning to stay for a while?

Procedures for obtaining Turkish work, study and residency permits can be arduous. U.S. citizens are advised to carefully review the following information.

What visa is right for me?

U.S. citizens who wish to visit Turkey for less than 90 days may obtain a tourist visa by presenting a valid U.S. passport at any of Turkey's official ports of entry. A $20 visa fee, payable in cash only, is the only requirement. 

All other U.S. citizens who plan to stay in Turkey for more than 90 days must first obtain a special visa from a Turkish embassy or consulate prior to arrival. Residency permits, are obtained after the visa holder has arrived in Turkey. This includes residency permits for U.S. citizens who plan to work, study, research or remain in Turkey for reasons unrelated to tourism. 

Work, study and research visas are only available through Turkish Embassies and Consulates outside of the Republic of Turkey and must be obtained before the traveler plans to arrive. American Citizens currently residing in or traveling through Turkey without a work, student or research visa are not eligible for employment or school enrollment in Turkey. 

Detailed qualifications, lists of instructions and visa applications are available through the Republic of Turkey Embassy website at http://www.turkey.org/consularservices/forms/.

Requirements for Turkish Work Visas

Companies seeking to employ U.S. citizens in Turkey must first obtain approval from the Turkish Ministry of Labor and Social Security to hire foreign citizen employees. Prospective Turkish employers may obtain application forms for work permits at: www.csgb.gov.tr. Completed applications should be returned to the Ministry of Labor and Social Security at Inonu Boulevard No. 42, Eskisehir Yolu Uzeri, Emek, Ankara, tel. (0312) 212-9700-01-02 or (0312) 223-6737. 

Upon approval from the Ministry of Labor and Social Security, a U.S. citizen employment candidate must next apply for a Turkish work visa. Work visa requirements, instructions, and application forms are available through the Embassy of the Republic of Turkey website at: http://www.turkey.org/consularservices/forms/

Requirements for Student Visas 

In comparison to employment visas, education visas for study or research in Turkey are comparably easier to obtain. Along with the application available through the Embassy of the Republic of Turkey website at: http://www.turkey.org/consularservices/forms/, a letter of acceptance from an accredited Turkish institution of education is all that is required. Simply follow the instructions included in the education visa kit.

I've got my visa. What do I do now? 

In addition to a work or education visa, U.S. citizens planning to remain in Turkey for more than 90 days must also obtain a residency permit. Permits are a matter of formality and are available through the Foreigners Department of the Provincial Security Directorate General located at Migros Yani, Hipodrom, Konya Yolu, Ankara, tel. (0312) 303-5466 or 303-5470, or at local Security Directorate throughout Turkey. Applications are available on the Turkish Security Directorate's Turkish language website at http://www.iem.gov.tr/iem/?m=2&s=47. Please note: this form is not available through the English language mirror page.

Applications for residence permits, which are usually based on work or student visas, should be made within 30 days of arrival in Turkey. Documentary requirements include relevant work or study visas, a cover letter describing the applicant's circumstances (i.e. employment, education, marriage to Turkish citizen), seven 2.5"x 1.75"photographs, a U.S. passport with valid Turkish visa, application forms in duplicate (available at
http://www.iem.gov.tr/iem/?m=2&s=47 ), and, if applicable, employment contracts (for work visa holders), school registration documents (for students). 

The following fees for residence permits apply:

Up to 6 months YTL 260
Up to 12 months YTL 460
Up to 24 months YTL 800

Monthly fines for overstaying Turkish visas or residency permits add up quickly. Travelers are encouraged to check with local authorities to ensure compliance with all Turkish immigration regulations. 

Up to 6 months YTL 460
6-12 months YTL 820