Real Estate, Bank Deposits, Capital Investments, and more: A Guide to Obtaining a Investor Residence Permit

Investing in Turkey has become an attractive option for many individuals seeking to expand their financial portfolios and explore new opportunities. With a range of investment options available in Turkey, including real estate, bank deposits, capital investments, and more, Turkey offers a favorable business environment to investors. In this blog post, we will discuss the process of obtaining a Turkish Investor Residence Permit after receiving a certificate of conformity, as well as the requirements for spouses and children to apply for this type of permit.

The Investor Residence Permit:

Once an investor has received a certificate of conformity, they are required to apply for the "investor residence permit" as stated in clause j of article 31 of law no 6458. This permit is mandatory for the investor, although spouses and children may also apply if they wish to do so. However, it is important to note that applying for this permit is not compulsory for the investor's family members.

Changing Residence Permit Type:

Even if an investor already holds a Turkish Residence Permit, it is necessary to convert it to an investor residence permit after receiving the certificate of conformity. For example, an investor with a tourist residence permit must change it to an investor residence permit.

Applying for Residence Permit:

Unlike other types of Turkish Residence Permits, the investor is not required to be present in Turkey during the application process. This exceptional provision allows the investor to apply through their immigration lawyers in Istanbul, who must be registered with the bar association. The attorney acts as a proxy representative for the investor in their absence.

Spouse and Children's Application Requirements:

Spouses and children of the investor may also apply for the Investor Turkish Residence Permit; however, it is not obligatory for them to do so. If they choose to apply, they must prove their relationship to the investor. The investor's spouse must present a certified marriage certificate, while children must provide certified birth certificates.

Age Limit and Student Requirement for Children:

To be eligible for the investor residence permit, children must be under the age of 18. However, if a child is over 18, they must be enrolled as a student. Students over the age of 18 must submit a document from their educational institution that includes the estimated date of graduation and certifies their student status. Children can benefit from this type of residence permit up to the age of 25, even if they are still students.

Validity and Renewal of Residence Permit:

The Investor Turkish Residence Permit can be obtained for a period of up to 5 years at a time and is renewable. Each renewal grants another x-year residency. However, it is generally recommended to opt for a 1-year permit, except for students over 18 years old, as they are likely to become citizens of Turkey in the near future.

Spouse and Children's Application Process:

If the spouse and children of the investor intend to apply for the Investor Turkish Residence Permit, they must be physically present in Turkey and the investor is required to attend the residence permit appointment, together with his/her family. Investor’s family members can apply for the investor residence permit type through their migration lawyers in Turkey, who is registered with the bar association.

Consent Letter and Required Documents:

If the spouse does not request a residence permit but wishes to apply for a child/children, they must provide a consent letter for the child/children.

The residence permit application requires a comprehensive set of documents to be submitted. These include:

1. Application form obtained through an appointment on the Immigration Office website.
2. Passport copy, which will need to be translated and notarized if the applicant is represented by a migration lawyer.
3. Two passport-sized (biometric) photos, with white background, 5*6 cm.
4. Insurance coverage, unless the applicant is over 65 or under 18 years old.
5. Rental contract (notarized) or title deed copy and numarataj document.
6. Copy of the conformity letter issued to the investor.
7. Proof of the last Turkish visa, unless the applicant is from a visa-free country or has never entered Turkey.
8. Residency permit fee payment receipt.
9. Power of attorney, if the applicant is represented by a migration attorney.
10. Marriage certificate, if the applicant is the spouse of the investor. This certificate must be notarized, translated, and certified (Apostilled).
11. Birth certificate, if the applicant is the child of the investor. Like the marriage certificate, this document must also be notarized, translated, and certified (Apostilled).
12. Consent letter/letters, if the non-investor parent does not apply for a residency.
13. Student certificate, if the applicant is a child of the investor and over 18 years old.

Obtaining a Turkish Residence Permit for investors, their spouses, and children is a straightforward process that requires specific documentation. While the investor has the flexibility to apply through immigration lawyers in İstanbul even without being present in Turkey, spouses and children must be physically present, with certain exemptions in place for Istanbul. By following the outlined procedures and fulfilling the necessary requirements, investors can reap the benefits of living and working in Turkey while enjoying the privileges and opportunities that come with a Turkish Residence Permit.