For foreigners who have lived in Türkiye for many years and built their life here, the Long-Term Residence Permit is the most prestigious permit type, granting an 'indefinite' right of settlement.
Subject to specific conditions, this permit lets holders enjoy many of the rights granted to Turkish citizens (with exceptions such as the right to vote and stand for office, and military service).
What is a long-term residence permit?
It is an indefinite right of residence granted to foreigners who have lived in Türkiye uninterruptedly with a residence permit for at least 8 years, subject to the conditions set by the Migration Policies Board. Unlike other permit types, it does not require periodic renewal.
Core eligibility requirements
The criteria sought by the authorities are:
- 8 years of uninterrupted residence — Having lived in Türkiye on legal permits for an uninterrupted total of 8 years (with student residence counting at half).
- No social assistance — Having received no social assistance from the state in the last 3 years.
- Regular and sufficient income — Having a regular income sufficient to support yourself and any dependants.
- Valid health insurance — Holding a comprehensive private health insurance policy.
- Public order and security — Having no criminal record posing a threat to public security.
Rights granted by the permit
Holders of the long-term permit:
- Military service exemption — Are exempt from compulsory military service in Türkiye.
- Social security rights — Can benefit from social security rights, except for the right to vote and stand for office.
- Equal rights to citizens — Enjoy similar rights to Turkish citizens regarding residence, travel, work, and investment.
How Antalya Easy Consulting helps you through the process
The long-term application reviews 8 years of history with no margin for error. We provide the following professional support during this important transition:
- Day count and continuity check — We run a detailed entry/exit analysis to make sure time spent abroad has not breached the limits when calculating the 8-year period.
- Income and insurance advisory — We prepare the 'sufficient income' statement — the most critical part of the application — to a standard the authorities will accept.
- Liaison with the authorities — We manage the entire operational process needed to bring your file fully in line with the Provincial Directorate of Migration Management standards.
- Complete file management — We guide you through collecting technical documents such as social-assistance records and criminal-record certificates.
Required documents (2026)
- Residence permit application form
- Passport original and copy
- Copies of previous residence permit documents
- 4 biometric photos
- Official proof of no social assistance received in the last 3 years
- Statement of sufficient and regular income
- Criminal record certificate and proof of address