Long-term residence permit in Turkey is the indefinite residence permit granted by provincial governorships under Article 42 of Law No. 6458 on Foreigners and International Protection (YUKK) to foreign nationals who have stayed in Turkey on residence permits for at least eight uninterrupted years. A holder of this permit enjoys most of the rights granted to Turkish citizens, with exceptions such as military service, the right to vote and stand for election, and entry into public service.
Author: Av. Egemen Yasin Şahalioğlu · Istanbul Bar Registration No. 66465 · Last updated: 24.10.2026
Table of contents
- Requirements for a long-term residence permit
- Which permits count towards the eight years?
- Required documents
- Application process
- Rights granted by long-term residence
- Loss and cancellation of the permit
- Long-term residence and citizenship
- Frequently asked questions
- Official sources
Requirements for a long-term residence permit
Under YUKK Article 42, the applicant must meet the following conditions:
- Having stayed in Turkey on residence permits for at least 8 uninterrupted years,
- Not having received social assistance in the last 3 years,
- Having sufficient and regular income to support themselves and, if applicable, their family,
- Having valid health insurance,
- Not posing a threat to public order or public security.
The law also provides that this permit may be granted to foreigners who meet the conditions set by the Migration Policies Board.
Which permits count towards the eight years?
- Periods spent on short-term, family and work permits and other permits that replace a residence permit count in full.
- Half of the time spent on a student residence permit is counted. See student residence permit.
- Periods on a humanitarian residence permit, a residence permit for victims of human trafficking, and periods of international protection do not count.
- There must be no gaps between permits; this is why extension applications must be filed before expiry (residence permit extension).
- Long periods spent abroad may break continuity; check your entry and exit records before applying.
Required documents
The current list is shown in the e-ikamet system during the application. Usually requested:
- Application form and biometric photograph,
- Passport and valid residence permit card,
- Documents showing sufficient and regular income (payslips, bank records, rental or pension income),
- Valid health insurance document,
- Record showing that no social assistance was received in the last 3 years,
- Address registration document and, if required, criminal record certificate.
Application process
- A pre-application is made and an appointment obtained through the e-ikamet system.
- On the appointment day, the applicant attends the provincial migration directorate with the documents.
- The file is reviewed and the decision is made by the governorship.
- With a positive decision, the indefinite residence permit card is sent to the applicant’s address.
A refusal can be challenged before the administrative court; for details, see our page on residence permit refusal appeal.
Rights granted by long-term residence
Under YUKK Article 44, a long-term residence permit holder benefits from the rights granted to Turkish citizens. The following are exceptions:
- Military service obligation,
- The right to vote and stand for election,
- Entry into public service,
- Duty-free import of vehicles.
Social security rights are determined under the relevant legislation. In practice, the main advantage is that the permit is indefinite and does not require regular extension applications.
Loss and cancellation of the permit
Under YUKK Article 45, a long-term residence permit may be cancelled in the following cases:
- Posing a serious threat to public order or public security,
- Staying outside Turkey for more than 1 uninterrupted year for reasons other than health, education or compulsory public service in the home country.
A foreigner whose permit is cancelled may apply for another type of residence permit for which they meet the conditions.
Long-term residence and citizenship
A long-term residence permit is not citizenship. Citizenship through the general route depends on separate conditions under Article 11 of Law No. 5901 (five years of uninterrupted residence, Turkish language, means of subsistence and other conditions). For those looking for a shorter route, the options are Turkish citizenship by investment and Turkish citizenship by marriage.
Frequently asked questions
How many years does it take to get a long-term residence permit?
As a rule, at least 8 uninterrupted years on residence permits are required. Half of the time spent on a student residence permit is counted.
Do periods on a residence permit obtained through property ownership count?
Yes. Periods on a short-term residence permit based on property ownership count in full. See residence permit by property.
Is the long-term residence permit indefinite?
Yes, it is granted indefinitely; however, the card may need to be renewed or the details updated.
Will my permit be cancelled if I stay abroad for more than a year?
Staying abroad for more than 1 uninterrupted year for reasons other than health, education or compulsory public service is a ground for cancellation.
Can a long-term residence permit holder work?
Long-term residence permit holders may benefit from a work permit exemption under International Labour Force Law No. 6735; the application is made to the Ministry of Labour and Social Security.
Official sources
- Law No. 6458 on Foreigners and International Protection, Articles 42–45
- e-Ikamet application system
- Presidency of Migration Management
Av. Egemen Yasin Şahalioğlu — attorney registered with the Istanbul Bar (No. 66465), practising since 2019. Egemen Global Law Office, Skyland Istanbul, Sarıyer. Consultations in Turkish, English, Arabic and Persian. Phone/WhatsApp: +90 532 276 80 85 · lawyer@egemenyasinsahalioglu.av.tr
This article is for general information only and does not replace legal advice on the specific facts of your case. No particular outcome is promised for any application.