8 Reasons To Obtain A Residence Permission (IKAMET) For Foreigners In TURKEY
Turkey is one of the few countries in the world where it is relatively easy to obtain a residence permition for the purchase of real estate. From May 2022, this amount is $50,000 for small cities and $75,000 for big cities like Antalya, Mersin, Izmir, Istanbul. This amount is not cadastral or market, this is the amount of the assessment of a licensed real estate expert, which he indicates in his report.
What types of short-term residence permition are possible in Turkey:
1. By owning real estate (issued for a period of 1 or 2 years)
2. For long-term rent (issued for a period of 6 months to 2 years)
3. Medical (during treatment or surgery for the entire stay)
4. For studying not only in higher educational institutions but also language courses (for the entire period of study)
5. Family for family reunification (issued for a period of 3 years)
6. Working (issued on the basis of a work permit)
1st REASON
Banking services. For residents of the country a more complete list of banks for opening an account is available. An account can be opened on easier terms, for example, without a deposit of 2500-3000 lira or without commission, with a minimum set of documents.
2d REASON
Affordable education. For citizens and residents of the country there is free admission to public schools and kindergartens. Admission to the institute is possible under a preferential program and scholarships.
3d REASON
Medical. Residents can make tests for free at the district polyclinic and visit a local therapist. A particularly large difference is felt when paying for medical services in private clinics. A blood test, for example, can cost 50 liras for residents and 50 euros for tourists, the same goes for surgeries and medical treatment. Residents may be provided with payment by installments.
4th REASON
Mobile communications and the Internet. For residents, a contract payment plan is provided. It can be concluded for 1 or 2 years. This means that you first use and then pay. More interesting traffic packages for less money.
5th REASON
Discounts on payment for services in organizations, museums and theaters. If a foreigner takes a deposit of 2500 liras for opening a subscription agreement for water then a resident will pay 250-500 liras. Entrance tickets to museums, theaters, cable cars upon presentation of a residence permit or a museum card are much cheaper.
6th REASON
Force majeure. During the period of closed borders during the COVID 19 lockdown time, only citizens and residents of Turkey could fly to Turkey from abroad. For tourists it was prohibitted.
7th REASON
Obtaining visas to other countries. Due to the closure of consular centers and the restriction of the issuance of visas to Europe, the UK and the USA in Consulates located in Russia, lucky holders of a residence permit in Turkey can apply for visas at the visa centers or Consulates of these countries whithin territory of Turkey. The visa review process is much easier and faster in terms of time. For example, a Schengen visa to Greece is processed in about 10 business days.
8th REASON
Insurance. To obtain a residence permit, it is mandatory to take out insurance for the entire duration of your stay. Only children under 18 and people over 65 are exempted from compulsory insurance. The insurance partially covers a visit to the doctor, some diagnostic, operations. The best insurance is the state-owned company SGK. In some cases, it covers the costs by 50%, or even 100%. It can be issued from the second year of your stay in Turkey on the basis of a residence permit. It costs 3,000 liras per month in 2023 but this cost can include all family members, including people over 65, which other private insurance companies do not. This insurance can be issued by both apartment tenants and owners, those who work on a work visa and those who have a family residence permit.
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