How do you apply for or renew a residence permit in Türkiye in 2026?

Use only e-İkamet, the official online residence-permit application system. Select first application, extension or transfer correctly, complete the form, and save the application document and payment records. File before your visa, visa exemption or current permit expires. An appointment is free, so ignore intermediaries selling a special slot.

The generated instructions control whether you attend an İl Göç İdaresi Müdürlüğü (provincial migration office), submit through another stated route, or provide extra records. Göç İdaresi (the Presidency of Migration Management) can ask for more evidence while deciding the case.

For an extension or transfer, the current official list requires a UETS (national electronic notification address) document. Adults obtain it from a central PTT (Türkiye's national post-office operator) branch with a passport, foreigner identity number, mobile number and email, or online with a qualifying electronic signature. Applicants under 18 use the parent or guardian route stated by the authority.

Expect the passport and copies, biometric photographs, fee proof and a passport validity period long enough for the requested permit. Add evidence for the exact purpose: study records for a student, civil-status and sponsor records for family residence, or the documents specified for the relevant short-term ground.

You must also show the address requested by e-İkamet, such as a signed lease, tapu (official property title record), hotel evidence or a host's notarised undertaking. A noter (notary) is an authorised official who certifies documents and signatures. Check the exact mahalle (neighbourhood) with Göç İdaresi or YİMER 157, the official foreigners communication helpline, before paying a deposit because locations open to new foreign registration can change.

Provide valid health-insurance evidence where your route requires it, a statement and supporting proof of sufficient financial means, and any purpose-specific records. Foreign documents may need the official legalisation or apostille route and a Turkish translation. An apostille is an international certificate confirming the origin of a public document.

Attend at the stated place and time with originals. Biometrics and identity checks may be taken, and the province may verify the address. Fees vary by nationality, permit length and card charges, so use the amount generated by the official system rather than an old fee table.

After approval, register the address when required and report relevant address, passport-name or civil-status changes within the official deadline. A move to another province can require a transfer application, not merely a utility update.

If the governorate rejects, cancels or does not renew the permit, the written notice must explain appeal rights and other obligations. Read its deadline immediately and obtain Turkish immigration advice where the consequences are serious.