A recent roundtable discussion with legal experts highlighted significant changes in residence permits, citizenship processes, and business regulations in Turkey. Here is an overview of the key updates for those interested in acquiring Turkish residency or citizenship, as well as information on work visas and business rules.
Residence Permits and Citizenship
1. Extended Residence Permits for Family Members:
Family members of property owners who hold a residence permit through real estate (по тапу) can now receive residence permits for up to 2 years (previously, the permit was only valid for 6 months).
2. New Opportunities for Low-Value Property Owners:
Property owners in open regions with a cadastral value of less than $200,000 are now eligible for a 1-year tourist residence permit, with the option to renew it (effective from November 1). This represents an increase from the current 6-month duration.
3. Reinstatement of Tourist Residence Permits:
— Retirees who can demonstrate an income of at least 1.5 times the Turkish minimum wage can now apply for a 1-year tourist residence permit when renting property. Proof of pension income and an apostilled pension certificate are required.
— Russian citizens can apply for a 1-year tourist residence permit, while European nationals may be eligible for a 2-year permit. Applicants must provide a travel document, proof of accommodation, and a paid hotel receipt for the entire stay.
— Tourist residence permits can be extended for an additional 6 months after the initial period, or up to 2 years if the applicant is a family member of a property owner.
— Applications submitted through a notary receive same-day consideration. Following approval, applicants must visit the immigration office (геч) to provide fingerprint scans. Additional costs for translation, notary, and legal services may apply.
4. Updates on Citizenship through Property Investment:
If you have purchased property for the purpose of obtaining Turkish citizenship, and the appraised value falls below $400,000, regional cadastral authorities can increase the value by up to 15%, allowing you to still qualify for the citizenship program.
Work Visas and Business Updates
1. Three-Year Residency Benefits:
For foreign residents who have legally lived in Turkey for 3 out of the last 5 years, the requirement to employ 5 Turkish citizens for every 3 employees is waived. However, the total number of foreign employees must not exceed that of Turkish employees.
2. Special Conditions for IT Professionals:
Companies in the IT sector are allowed to hire the first 2 foreign employees without meeting the requirement to employ Turkish workers or to pass financial checks.
3. Equal Pay for Foreign Workers:
In certain sectors, the minimum wage for foreign employees has been aligned with that of Turkish citizens. Previously, foreign employees were required to be paid 1.5 times the local minimum wage, making their employment less advantageous for companies.
4. Simplified Process for Family Members of Turkish Citizens:
If your parents or children are Turkish citizens, the process of obtaining a work permit is simplified, with no additional requirements.
5. Direct Work Visa for Business Owners:
Foreign nationals who establish a company with a minimum capital of $100,000 can immediately receive a work permit without the need to employ Turkish citizens. After 6 months, the standard rule of employing 5 Turkish workers per foreign employee applies.
6. Residence Permits for Business Owners’ Families:
If you hold a work permit as a business owner, your family members may qualify for residence permits under family reunification. Even if the company’s capital is less than $100,000, the business must be active, taxes must be paid, and an accountant must be on staff. The company will be subject to inspection when renewing the work permit.
These changes reflect Turkey’s commitment to making residency and work visa processes more accessible, particularly for investors and foreign workers in key sectors like IT. For more details or assistance with your residence and work permits, visit us at TheSaleHome.com.
