Everything You Need to Know About Turkish Residency Permits in İzmir 🇹🇷
- Angela Reading
- Apr 8
- 5 min read
TL;DR: Your Quick Guide to Getting a Residency Permit in İzmir 🇹🇷
Thinking about moving to Türkiye? If you're planning to stay longer than 90 days, you'll need a residency permit (ikamet)—and İzmir is one of the best cities to settle in.
This blog walks you through everything you need to know:✅ The different types of residency permits✅ Step-by-step instructions for applying online✅ What documents you’ll need✅ How to get your Turkish tax number and health insurance✅ Tips for families, renewals, and common mistakes to avoid
Whether you're a remote worker, retiree, student, or bringing the whole family, this guide makes it easy to understand what’s required—without the confusing legal jargon.
Helpful links included throughout to make your application smoother!
(From Someone Who's Been There, Done That)
For anyone planning to extend their stay in Türkiye—whether for remote work, retirement, family life, or just to enjoy that Aegean sun—a residency permit (ikamet) is essential.
Six years ago, I relocated with my wife and our four kids from Australia to İzmir. From standing in paperwork queues and misreading translations to celebrating with doner and çay—getting our ikamet was a wild ride.
If İzmir is on your radar, here’s everything you need to know. I’ve broken it down into simple steps, added reliable links, and kept the tone real (because we all know how confusing bureaucracy can get).
📌 What Is a Residency Permit (Ikamet)?
A Turkish residency permit allows foreigners to legally stay beyond the 90-day tourist window. It’s issued by the Directorate General of Migration Management (DGMM) and is required if you want to:
Rent a home
Work remotely
Attend school or university
Access Turkish health care
Open a bank account
Izmir is an ideal place to settle: less hectic than Istanbul, more relaxed than Ankara, family-friendly, affordable, and culturally rich.
✈️ Before You Arrive: Tourist Visa vs Residency Permit
Australians can enter Türkiye visa-free for up to 90 days within a 180-day window. Perfect for a holiday—but not enough for those wanting to live here long-term.
If you want to stay beyond that, you’ll need to apply for a residency permit—and do it within 30 days of arrival.
👉 Turkey e-Visa Portal (for short visits only)👉 More on Residence Permit Types (DGMM)
🏡 Types of Residency Permits
Here's a breakdown of the most common permits for expats in İzmir:
1. Short-Term Residence Permit
Ideal for digital nomads, retirees, property owners, and families exploring long-term living.
✅ Valid for up to 2 years✅ Reasons include tourism, property ownership, or Turkish language courses
2. Family Residence Permit
If one spouse gets a residency or work permit, the rest of the family (spouse + kids) can apply under this category.
3. Student Residence Permit
For those enrolled in recognised Turkish universities or language schools.
4. Long-Term Residence Permit
Permanent residency available after 8 years of continuous legal stay.
📝 How to Apply: Step-by-Step Guide
1. Start Your Application Online
Head to the official e-Ikamet portal. Complete your personal details and choose your visa type and reason for staying.
✅ Pick your local immigration office — for İzmir, this is usually the Konak Göç İdaresi✅
2. Prepare Your Required Documents
Here’s what you need:
📄 Valid passport + copy of photo page and entry stamp
🖼️ 4 biometric photos
🏠 Notarised rental contract (proof of address)
❤️ Turkish-based private health insurance (required for applicants under 65)
🖊️ Completed and printed application form
💰 Proof of financial means (bank statement or declaration)
👉 Need insurance? Allianz Turkey worked well for us, but there are other providers.
3. Get a Turkish Tax Number (Vergi Numarası)
You’ll need this number to pay fees, sign rental agreements, open bank accounts, etc.
👉 Apply online👉 Or visit your local Vergi Dairesi (Tax Office) with your passport
It’s free and usually issued on the spot.
4. Pay Your Application Fees
Fees depend on your nationality, length of stay, and fluctuating exchange rates. As of 2025:
🪪 Residence card fee: ~₺350
💳 Visa + processing fees: ₺1,500–₺5,000
Pay at a tax office or approved bank. Keep your payment receipt—you’ll need it at your appointment.
5. Book and Attend Your Appointment (Randevu)
This is your face-to-face session at the Göç İdaresi (immigration office). You’ll:
Submit your documents
Answer questions (usually simple)
Provide fingerprints (for applicants over 6)
✅ Kids must attend
✅ Bring printed copies of everything
6. Wait for Your Ikamet Card
After your appointment, you’ll get a temporary permit on paper. Your official ikamet card should arrive by post in 2–6 weeks.
👉 Track it via PTT Turkey
👨👩👧👦 What About Kids?
Every family member—including babies—needs their own application.
What you'll need for each child:
Biometric photo
Notarised rental agreement listing them
Birth certificate (translated and notarised)
Private health insurance (rates are lower for kids)
🏠 Renting a Home in İzmir
You must have a notarised lease to apply for residency. Short-term rentals count, as long as you can prove address.
Helpful resources:
👉 Sahibinden.com – Turkey’s top property site👉 Local realtors who speak English👉 Facebook expat groups (search “Expats in İzmir”)
📱 After You Get Your Ikamet
You can now:
✅ Open a Turkish bank account
✅ Register your kids for school
✅ Access e-Devlet for healthcare, taxes, services
✅ Set up utilities and get a local SIM card
🧠 Tips We’ve Learned the Hard Way
📸 Always carry extra passport photos
📄 Make multiple copies of every document
🍪 Bring snacks and toys for your kids to appointments
🕰️ Expect delays—stay calm, it’s part of the process
👥 Join local expat communities for support:
📅 Renewing Your Ikamet
Residency is usually granted for 1–2 years. You can renew online via the e-Ikamet portal within 60 days of expiry.
👉 Don’t wait until the last week—start early!
Final Thoughts
Getting your Turkish residency might involve long lines, confusing terms, and a few deep breaths—but it's absolutely worth it.
After six years in İzmir, we wouldn’t trade the life we've built here for anything. From family-friendly neighbourhoods to rich culture and coastlines, the ikamet was the doorway into a beautiful new chapter for our family.
So, take your time, follow the steps and welcome to life in Türkiye. 🇹🇷✨
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