Türkiye Family Visa 2026: How to Apply For Family Residence Permit

Last updated: May 5, 2026

Türkiye’s family residence permit (aile ikamet izni) lets the foreign spouse, children, and dependants of a Turkish citizen or resident live legally in the country for up to three years.

If you’re planning to relocate to Türkiye to join family, this permit is the document you need.

Table of Contents

Who Can Apply for a Family Residence Permit?

According to Türkiye’s Presidency of Migration Management, the following family members may apply:

Spouse — must hold an officially registered marriage. In polygamous marriages recognised by the home country, only one spouse may receive the permit, though children from all spouses remain eligible.
Minor children — the sponsor’s own children or stepchildren under 18. If one parent lives abroad and shares custody, their written consent is required.
Dependent adult children — children over 18 who are still financially dependent on the sponsor.

Children under 18 who hold this permit can attend primary and secondary school in Türkiye without needing a separate student residence permit.

The person you’re joining — known officially as the “sponsor” — must already be living in Türkiye legally.

Sponsor Requirements

The sponsor — the person already in Türkiye — must meet several conditions before their family members can apply. These are set out in Article 35 of Türkiye’s Law on Foreigners and International Protection (No. 6458).

Here’s what the sponsor needs:

Valid residence in Türkiye — if the sponsor is a foreigner, they must have been living in Türkiye on a residence permit for at least one year and be registered in the address-based registration system (Adres Kayıt Sistemi).
Minimum income — total household income must be at least the monthly minimum wage, with no less than one-third of the minimum wage per family member. As of 2026, Türkiye’s gross monthly minimum wage is ₺33,030.
Health insurance — valid insurance covering every family member for the full duration of the requested permit.
Clean criminal record — no convictions for crimes against the family in the five years before the application.

If the sponsor is a Turkish citizen, the one-year prior residence requirement does not appy.

Required Documents and How to Apply

All family residence permit applications are submitted online through e-İkamet, Türkiye’s official residence permit portal.

After completing the form, you’ll receive an appointment date at your local Provincial Directorate of Migration Management.

Here’s the step-by-step process:

Step 1: Go to e-ikamet.goc.gov.tr and fill in the application form with your personal details, passport information, and proposed Turkish address.
Step 2: Prepare the supporting documents listed below.
Step 3: The system assigns you an appointment date at the nearest Provincial Directorate of Migration Management. Attend in person with original documents.
Step 4: Pay the residence permit tax (harç) and card fee before your appointment date.
Step 5: After approval, your residence permit card (ikamet kartı) is mailed to your registered address.

For extension applications, you must submit your documents by post to the Provincial Directorate within five working days of completing your online application, according to Türkiye’s Migration Management guidelines.

The documents you’ll need include:

Valid passport — must be valid for at least 60 days beyond the end date of the residence permit you’re requesting.
Marriage certificate — officially translated and apostilled (for spouses). For children, birth certificates and custody documents.
Sponsor’s ID — Turkish ID card (for Turkish citizen sponsors) or passport and current residence permit (for foreign sponsors).
Proof of income — payslips, bank statements, or tax returns showing the sponsor meets the income threshold.
Health insurance policy — covering all applicants for the full permit duration. Private insurance or SGK (Social Security Institution) enrolment are both accepted.
Proof of accommodation — a current İkametgah (certificate of residence) from the e-Devlet system, plus a utility bill (electricity, water, or gas) or rental contract in the sponsor’s name.
Biometric photos — recent passport-sized photos meeting Turkish standards.
Fee payment receipts — showing both the harç (permit tax) and belge bedeli (card fee) have been paid.

The complete and most current document checklist is available on the e-İkamet portal’s family permit page.

Requirements can vary by province, so always check the latest version before gathering your paperwork.

Fees and Processing Time

The main costs are the residence permit tax (harç) and the card fee (belge bedeli), both of which are paid per person.

Even children in a family application each need their own card and pay their own fees.

Here’s what to expect as of 2026:

Card fee (belge bedeli): ₺964 per person — this is a flat fee set by law, the same for everyone regardless of nationality.
Residence permit tax (harç): varies by nationality and permit duration. For nationalities not listed in a country group, the 2026 fee is ₺348.10 per day for up to one month, subject to a minimum of ₺653.70 and a maximum of ₺3,359.90 for the first month, plus ₺2,232.30 for each following month.
Health insurance: costs vary depending on provider, age, and coverage period.

Residence permit applications must be finalized no later than 90 days from the date the information and documents are fully submitted to the competent authority, according to Türkiye’s Migration Management guidelines.

Getting an appointment itself can vary depending on demand in your city.

Visiting Family in Türkiye for a Short Stay

If you just want to visit family in Türkiye rather than live there, you don’t need a residence permit; a tourist visa or e-Visa is enough for stays up to 90 days.

Türkiye e-Visa 2026: How to Apply For Tourist Visa to Türkiye

If your visit extends beyond what your visa allows, you can apply for a short-term residence permit for tourism purposes while in Türkiye.

But for genuine family reunification and long-term living, the family residence permit covered above is the right path.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I work in Türkiye on a family residence permit?

Not automatically. A family residence permit does not include work rights — you’ll need to apply separately for a work permit through Türkiye’s Ministry of Labour and Social Security.

What happens if my spouse and I divorce?

You may switch to a short-term residence permit. If you were married to a Turkish citizen and lived on a family permit for at least three years, you can apply for a short-term permit in your own right. If domestic violence is established by a court, the three-year requirement is waived.

How long can the family residence permit last?

Up to three years at a time. However, it cannot exceed the duration of the sponsor’s own residence permit. Turkish citizen sponsors don’t have this limitation.

Can I apply from outside Türkiye?

You need to be in Türkiye to apply. The e-İkamet application and in-person appointment both require you to be in the country. Most people enter on a tourist visa or e-Visa first, then apply for the family residence permit after arrival.

Do I need to speak Turkish to get the permit?

No language requirement exists for the family residence permit. However, the e-İkamet system and most provincial offices operate primarily in Turkish, so having a Turkish-speaking friend or professional help with the application can save time.