Turkey's Short-Term Residence Permit for Tourism Purposes (Turizm Amaçlı Kısa Dönem İkamet İzni) is the standard pathway for retirees, pensioners, and financially independent people to live in Turkey without working. Turkey has no dedicated retirement or passive income visa, so persons of independent means apply under this tourism category by proving sufficient and regular income to support themselves. Issued under Article 31(1)(f) of Law No. 6458 on Foreigners and International Protection, it is administered by the Presidency of Migration Management (Göç İdaresi) through its Provincial Directorates. It is the most commonly issued permit category in Turkey, serving as a catch-all for non-work, non-study residence.
The permit is issued for up to 2 years, though first-time applicants are often granted only 6 to 12 months. Renewals must be filed via the e-ikamet portal within 60 days before the current permit expires, with updated income documentation required for every renewal regardless of nationality. A notarised passport photocopy and the updated documents must be sent by post to the Provincial Directorate within 5 working days of the online renewal application.
Applicants must prove suitable housing that meets general health and safety standards. Critically, since 1 July 2022 the Presidency of Migration Management operates a closed-neighbourhood (kapalı mahalle) policy: residence-permit applications are not accepted when the applicant's Turkish address falls within a designated neighbourhood where the share of foreign residents has reached a set threshold. Over 1,000 neighbourhoods across various provinces are closed, and the list is published and updated by Göç İdaresi. The restriction blocks new registrations and inter-province transfers, with narrow exceptions for newborns and nuclear-family reunification. Applicants must therefore secure accommodation in an open neighbourhood before applying.
Dependants (spouse and children) may apply for their own short-term residence permits under the same tourism category, or for family residence permits. Each additional family member must show income of at least 1 times the net minimum wage (approximately 28,075 TL/month for 2026) — so a couple needs roughly 70,188 TL/month and a family of three roughly 98,263 TL/month. Children under 18 holding valid permits and attending Turkish public schools are exempt from the health insurance requirement. Dependant applications are submitted separately through the e-ikamet portal with their own appointments.
Foreigners present in Turkey for more than 183 days in a calendar year are considered tax residents and pay progressive income tax (15% to 40%) on worldwide income; those present for fewer than 183 days are taxed only on Turkey-sourced income. Turkey has double taxation treaties with over 85 countries. Holders who become tax residents must file annual income tax returns.
For 2026, fees include a card fee (belge bedeli) of 964 TL for all nationalities, plus a residence permit tax (harç) calculated per day for the first month and per additional month thereafter (some nationalities are exempt under reciprocity). Foreigners who miss their appointment without a valid reason are deemed not to have applied, and paying the fee does not guarantee approval.
The permit may not be renewed, or may be cancelled, if the holder spends more than a cumulative 120 days outside Turkey in the preceding year. Absences for mandatory military service or documented health reasons are excluded. After 8 years of continuous legal residence (with excess absences deducted), holders may apply for a long-term (indefinite) residence permit.