How to stay in Turkey for more than 90 days: residence permit for Ukrainians

Published November 25, 2025|author: Andrii Vovk|Reading time: 9 min

What is a Residence Permit (İkamet İzni)?

A residence permit in Turkey (İkamet İzni) is an official document that confirms a foreigner's right to stay in the country beyond the permitted visa-free period.

For Ukrainians planning to stay in Turkey for longer than 90 days, the İkamet İzni is a necessary document, as without it, the stay becomes illegal and may result in fines or a ban on re-entry.

This temporary residence permit in Turkey allows you to legally live, work, study and rent accommodation. İkamet İzni holders can also open bank accounts, receive medical care and complete other official documents.

The registration procedure includes submitting an application to the local migration service and providing a package of necessary documents, which makes this document key for those planning a long stay in Turkey.

Definition and legal significance of a residence permit in Turkey

Legally, the İkamet İzni gives a foreigner the right not only to stay in the country, but also to perform certain actions: rent housing, work under a contract, study at educational institutions, open bank accounts, and receive medical services.

The holder of the permit is obliged to comply with the laws of Turkey and to renew the document in a timely manner if necessary. Thus, the residence permit in Turkey becomes a key tool for the legal and safe stay of Ukrainians in the country.

Types of permits: tourist, student, work, investment, family

Residence permits in Turkey are divided into several main types, each of which has its own characteristics and purpose for different categories of foreigners, including Ukrainians.

A tourist visa is suitable for those who plan to stay in Turkey for more than 90 days for leisure purposes. It allows you to stay legally in the country for a specified period of time, but does not grant you the right to work.
A student permit is issued for studying at Turkish educational institutions. Holders of such a temporary residence permit in Turkey can combine their studies with limited work, if the rules of the educational institution and the migration service allow it.
The work permit is intended for Ukrainians who have official employment in Turkey. It allows them to work legally and pay taxes, providing full legal protection.
An investment visa is suitable for those who are starting a business or investing in the Turkish economy. This residence permit in Turkey can also be the first step towards obtaining a permanent residence permit in the future.
A family permit is issued to family members of a foreigner who already has legal status in the country, such as a wife, husband or children. It allows them to live and study in Turkey together with the main applicant, providing full legal status for the entire family.

Many travelers are concerned about the question: do Ukrainians need a visa to Turkey, and the answer is simple - it is not required for short-term trips of up to 90 days, but for a longer stay, a residence permit is required.

Thus, a visa to Turkey is not required for a short-term stay, but for legal long-term residence, Ukrainians must obtain one of these residence permits.

The difference between a temporary and permanent permit

There are two main types of İkamet İzni in Turkey: temporary and permanent residence permits. A temporary permit allows you to stay legally in the country for a certain period, usually from a few months to one year, with the possibility of extension. It gives you the right to study, work with a permit, rent housing and use social infrastructure, but does not guarantee permanent status.

A permanent residence permit in Turkey is issued after several years of legal residence with a temporary residence permit in Turkey and in compliance with all legal requirements. The holder of a permanent residence permit has broader rights: unlimited stay, simplified receipt of documents, the ability to conduct business and greater stability in legal status.

The transition from a temporary to a permanent residence permit is possible provided that the document holder complied with the laws of Turkey, did not violate the terms of stay and had a stable income or other confirmed sources of funding. For Ukrainians planning a long-term stay, a residence permit in Turkey becomes a key tool for legal and safe stay.

Grounds for obtaining a temporary residence permit

A temporary residence permit in Turkey is issued to Ukrainians who have legal grounds to stay in the country for more than 90 days. The main categories of applicants include:

Students studying in Turkish educational institutions.
Workers who have an official employment contract in Turkey.
Investors and businessmen who invest in the country's economy or open their own business.
Tenants who can confirm long-term lease and financial capacity.
Family members of foreigners who already have legal status in Turkey.

Obtaining a Residence Permit based on these grounds allows Ukrainians to legally reside in Turkey, use social services, study, work, and avoid problems with border and migration authorities.

Procedure for applying for a temporary permit

Applying for a temporary residence permit in Turkey (İkamet İzni) involves a clear sequence of actions to ensure a legal and safe stay process.

Step 1: Online appointment. First, you need to register on the official portal of the Turkish Migration Service and select the date and time of your visit. This allows you to avoid queues and ensures that your application will be accepted without delay.

Step 2: Collecting documents. Before submitting, you need to prepare a full package of documents, which includes: a passport, photos, confirmation of the purpose of your stay (study, work, investment, rental housing), an insurance policy and financial guarantees. It is important to check the current list of documents on the official website, as requirements may change.

Step 3: Submitting documents to the migration service. On the appointed day, you must personally submit all documents to the migration office. After verification and approval, the applicant is issued a residence permit in Turkey. This document legalizes a stay of more than 90 days and allows you to exercise the rights provided for by law: study, work with a permit, rent housing, open a bank account and receive medical services.

Proper compliance with this procedure minimizes the risk of refusal and ensures Ukrainians a peaceful and legal stay in Turkey.

Rights and obligations of the holder of a temporary permit

The holder of a temporary residence permit in Turkey is granted the right to stay legally in the country for more than 90 days and enjoy a number of social and legal guarantees. Such a document allows you to live, study, work with a permit, rent housing and open bank accounts.

Along with the rights, the holder of a residence permit in Turkey is obliged to comply with the laws of the country, to renew the permit in a timely manner and not to exceed the period of stay specified in the document. Violation of these rules may result in fines, cancellation of the İkamet İzni and a ban on re-entry.

Thus, a temporary permit ensures the legal and safe stay of Ukrainians in Turkey, while at the same time imposing responsibility for compliance with local rules and laws.

How to get a permanent residence permit?

A permanent residence permit in Turkey is issued after several years of legal residence with a temporary İkamet İzni. Ukrainians can apply for it provided that they comply with all Turkish laws, have a stable source of income, and have housing to live in.

Obtaining a permanent residence permit gives broader rights than a temporary one: unlimited stay, the ability to conduct business, use medical and social services without additional restrictions. To obtain it, you must submit an appropriate application to the migration service and confirm compliance with all the criteria specified in Turkish legislation.

Thus, a permanent residence permit in Turkey becomes a key document for Ukrainians who plan a long-term or permanent stay in the country.

Special conditions for Ukrainians to obtain a residence permit

For Ukrainians who are in Turkey during the war, simplified conditions for obtaining a residence permit in Turkey apply. The Turkish authorities provide the opportunity to obtain a temporary residence permit in Turkey more quickly without the obligation to provide some documents that are usually required for other foreigners, such as a certificate from the place of work or a detailed financial plan.

Ukrainians are also provided with the possibility of extending their stay and obtaining student, work or family permits more easily. This allows them to remain legally in the country even if circumstances change due to the military situation, and ensures the protection of the rights of Ukrainians during long stays.

Thanks to such special conditions, Turkey becomes a safe place for Ukrainians to live, work, and study, allowing them to avoid violations of migration legislation.

Common mistakes when applying for a residence permit in Turkey

When applying for a temporary residence permit in Turkey (İkamet İzni), Ukrainians often encounter typical mistakes that can lead to refusal or delay in issuing the document. The most common of them are:

Incomplete package of documents. Lack of a passport, insurance or proof of financial capacity;
Expired certificates. Medical certificates, education or work documents that have expired;
Incorrect document translations. Documents translated unofficially or without notarization may be rejected by the migration service;
Inconsistency of the purpose of stay with the documents. For example, a student provides documents about work, not about studies.

Such errors complicate the process of obtaining a residence permit in Turkey and may lead to additional checks or even a temporary ban on entry.

Recommendations for avoiding these mistakes

To successfully obtain a temporary residence permit in Turkey (İkamet İzni) and avoid refusal, Ukrainians should follow a few simple recommendations:

Check the current list of documents on the official website of the Turkish Migration Service in advance so as not to miss anything.
Use official sources and instructions, as information from private websites or social networks may be outdated.
If necessary, contact lawyers or consultants specializing in migration issues, especially when it comes to work, investment, or family permits.

Following these recommendations will help avoid typical mistakes, reduce the time required to obtain a residence permit in Turkey, and ensure the legal and safe stay of Ukrainians in the country.

Conclusion

A Residence Permit in Turkey (İkamet İzni) is a key document for Ukrainians planning to stay in the country for more than 90 days. It allows them to legally live, study, work, and use the social and medical infrastructure, opening up new opportunities for living, working, or studying.

Compliance with the rules for issuing and using a temporary residence permit in Turkey ensures a safe stay and legal protection, making Turkey a comfortable country for long-term residence.

Author:

Andrii Vovk

Travel expert

Visited 20+ countries, speaks 5 languages, knows where to find the cheapest tickets and how to cross half of Europe with one backpack.

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Hand luggage (HL)	The linear dimensions of the HL should not exceed 100 cm (height + width + length). Maximum weight - 5 kg. HL is located under the passenger seat or on the luggage rack. It is forbidden to place the HL in the aisle of the bus.
Standard Baggage(SB)	The linear dimensions of the SB should not exceed 160 cm (height + width + length), including wheels, pockets and handles. Maximum weight - 23 kg
Baby carriage	For transportation of a child under 3 years old who is a passenger of this bus on the selected flight. Counts as 1 piece of baggage and is transported in the baggage compartment folded and with wheels securely packed (you can use a cover, plastic wrap and other dense material as packaging)
Wheelchair	For a passenger who is a person with a disability. Counts as 1 piece of baggage and is transported in the baggage compartment folded and with wheels securely packed (you can use a cover, plastic wrap and other dense material as packaging).

Standard Baggage(SB) (150.00 грн)	The linear dimensions of the SB should not exceed 160 cm (height + width + length) including wheels, pockets. Maximum weight - 23 kg. It is possible to purchase 1 additional piece of baggage per passenger.
Animals (with provision of a separate seat) (100% of the cost of an adult ticket)	If you want to take an animal with you, it must be placed in a cage with a solid bottom, the linear dimensions of which will not exceed 110 cm. Familiarize yourself with the rules for crossing the state border for animals, the necessary certificates and documents are indicated there. You must have them when you board and on the way. Your animal should be placed by the window, your place is closer to the aisle. A full ticket is purchased per animal.
Bicycle (300.00 UAH)	Bicycles are accepted folded and with securely packed wheels (you can use a cover, plastic wrap and other dense material as packaging).
Oversized(%)	Transportation of oversized baggage is carried out only in agreement with the carrier. The price is negotiated upon coordination of transportation (if there is free space in the luggage compartment).