Republic of Türkiye visas
Türkiye administers foreigner migration through two authorities: the Presidency of Migration Management (Göç İdaresi Başkanlığı), under the Ministry of Interior, which issues residence permits via the e-ikamet system, and the Ministry of Labour and Social Security, whose Directorate General of International Labour Force grants work permits via the e-permit system. Headline routes are the employer-sponsored work permit, the short-term residence permit, and the Turquoise Card (an indefinite work right for highly qualified applicants).
8 routes · 6 without a sponsor · 6 lead to settlement
Official portal
Primary source
Presidency of Migration Management ↗ · Presidency of Migration Management (Türkiye)
Link last verified:
Regulators of immigration advice
- Union of Turkish Bar Associations (TBB) — Public professional body uniting Türkiye's provincial bar associations; lawyers admitted through these bars are the regulated providers of legal representation, including immigration matters.
Visa routes (8)
Turkey Work Permit (employer-sponsored)
Employer-sponsored permit issued by the Ministry of Labour and Social Security that grants both the right to work and to reside in Türkiye for its validity period.
Sponsor required · Leads to settlement · Last reviewed 1 June 2026
Turkey Short-Term Residence Permit
Flexible residence permit covering property owners, business connections, tourism, study programmes, medical treatment and investment, issued by the Presidency of Migration Management.
No sponsor needed · Leads to settlement · Last reviewed 1 June 2026
Turkey Turquoise Card
Special status conferring the rights of an indefinite work permit on highly qualified professionals, investors, researchers, and cultural figures, after a three-year transition period.
No sponsor needed · Leads to settlement · Last reviewed 1 June 2026
Turkey Digital Nomad Visa
Route for remote workers employed by, or contracting with, non-Turkish companies, built around an official Digital Nomad Identification Certificate issued via the goturkiye portal.
No sponsor needed · Non-settlement · Last reviewed 1 June 2026
Turkey Family Residence Permit
Residence permit for the foreign spouse, children, and dependent family members of a Turkish citizen or of a residence-permit holder, issued by the Presidency of Migration Management.
Sponsor required · Leads to settlement · Last reviewed 1 June 2026
Turkey Student Residence Permit
Residence permit for foreigners enrolled in primary, secondary, or higher education in Türkiye, issued by the Presidency of Migration Management.
No sponsor needed · Non-settlement · Last reviewed 1 June 2026
Turkey Citizenship by Investment
Exceptional acquisition of Turkish citizenship for foreigners making a qualifying investment, including real estate of at least USD 400,000 with a three-year no-sale restriction.
No sponsor needed · Leads to settlement · Last reviewed 1 June 2026
Turkey Long-Term Residence Permit
Indefinite residence permit for foreigners who have lived continuously in Türkiye for at least eight years on valid residence permits.
No sponsor needed · Leads to settlement · Last reviewed 1 June 2026
Frequently asked questions
How many visa routes does Republic of Türkiye have?+
We cover 8 Republic of Türkiye visa routes across the work, study, family, business, and residence categories. Each one links to its primary government source and carries a last-reviewed date.
Which Republic of Türkiye visas do not need an employer sponsor?+
6 of the 8 Republic of Türkiye routes we cover can be pursued without an employer sponsor, which helps if you do not have a job offer yet. The remaining 2 are employer-sponsored.
Which Republic of Türkiye visas lead to permanent residence?+
6 of the 8 routes can lead to settlement or permanent residence; the others are temporary. Open each route for its settlement detail and qualifying period.
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