Residence permit extension in Turkey: the 60-day rule, documents and process

Residence permit extension: apply within 60 days before expiry

The legal application window opens 60 days before the expiry date and closes on the day of expiry. Applications left to the last days make it harder to get an appointment and to complete missing documents, so applying in the first weeks of the window is safer. The tool above calculates this window from the date on your card.

How do you extend a residence permit?

1. Online form

   The extension form is completed on e-ikamet.

2. Fee and card charge

   The card charge and the residence permit fee, which depends on nationality and duration, are paid.

3. Submitting documents

   The documents are submitted at the appointment or as instructed by the authority.

4. Follow-up

   The status is tracked on e-ikamet; any additional documents requested are provided in time.

5. New card

   After approval, the new residence card is sent to the registered address.

Extension documents by permit type

• All types: application form, valid passport, current residence card, biometric photos, health insurance, fee receipts.
• Property: up-to-date title deed record and, where required, a valuation report.
• Family: marriage or birth certificate and the sponsor's income documents.
• Student: current student certificate.
• Business: documents showing the activity and income.

If the basis of the permit has changed, for example because the home was sold or studies have ended, the permit cannot be extended under the same type. Other types of residence permits then need to be considered. For the value requirement of property-based permits, see residence permit by property.

What happens if the residence permit expires?

• After expiry, an extension application is not accepted and a period of unlawful stay begins.
• An administrative fine is calculated on departure for the period of unlawful stay, and an entry ban may be imposed depending on its length.
• In some cases, a new application from within Turkey may be considered under special conditions.

For details on entry bans, see Turkey entry ban removal.

Refusal of the extension application

If the extension application is refused, the decision is notified and a period to leave the country is given. A lawsuit against the refusal can be filed with the administrative court within 60 days of notification. See residence permit refusal appeal.

Practical tips for a residence permit extension

• Take out health insurance covering the whole period requested.
• If your address has changed, update the address registration before applying.
• Print the e-ikamet application registration document and carry it when travelling.
• Check e-ikamet, text messages and e-mail regularly for requests for additional documents.
• If you plan to leave Turkey while the application is pending, clarify in advance how you can return.

Official sources

• Law on Foreigners and International Protection No. 6458
• e-ikamet
• Presidency of Migration Management