Short-Term Residency Permit

The short-term residence permit is governed by Articles 31 through 33 of the Law on Foreigners and International Protection (Law No. 6458). The procedural rules and implementation principles are further elaborated in Articles 28 and 29 of the Regulation on the Implementation of the same Law.

What Is the Short-Term Residence Permit?

The short-term residence permit is the most broadly applicable residence permit category in Turkey's legal framework for foreign nationals. Rather than being tied to a single purpose, it covers a wide range of situations — from scientific research and tourism to property ownership and medical treatment. Article 31(1) of the Law sets out an exhaustive list of eligible categories.

Who Is Eligible?

Article 31(1) of the Law provides that a short-term residence permit may be granted to the following categories of foreign nationals:

a) Scientific Researchers

Foreign nationals coming to Turkey for scientific research purposes. Where the research is subject to authorization, a permit from the relevant public body (Ministry of Culture and Tourism, Ministry of Energy, universities, etc.) is required; where it is not subject to authorization, a declaration regarding the subject of the research suffices. Applicants must have obtained a scientific research visa from Turkish representations abroad prior to arrival.

b) Property Owners

Foreign nationals who own immovable property in Turkey. The property must be used as a residence for this purpose. Family members — defined as the applicant's spouse, minor children, and dependent adult children — may also apply for a residence permit under this category, provided the property owner holds joint ownership or a right of residence over the property.

c) Business and Commercial Connections

Foreign nationals intending to establish business connections or set up a business in Turkey. Where the intended stay exceeds three months, an invitation letter or equivalent documentation from the relevant individuals or companies may be requested.

d) In-Service Training Programs

Foreign nationals who will participate in in-service training programs. The permit is issued for the duration of the program, based on documentation from the institution providing the training regarding its content, duration, and location.

e) Exchange Programs and Treaty-Based Education

Foreign nationals coming to Turkey within the framework of agreements to which Turkey is a party, or student exchange programs (such as Erasmus, Mevlana, or Farabi), for educational or similar purposes. The permit duration may not exceed the duration of the education or similar purpose. Students arriving through exchange programs who apply for general health insurance within three months of initial enrollment are not required to obtain separate private health insurance.

f) Tourism

Foreign nationals intending to stay in Turkey for tourism purposes. The applicant's declared travel plans — including where, when, and for how long they intend to stay — are assessed. Additional documents may be requested where deemed necessary.

g) Medical Treatment

Foreign nationals coming to Turkey for medical treatment, provided they do not carry a disease classified as a public health threat. Hospital admission records are required. Those who document that all treatment expenses are covered are exempt from the health insurance requirement. The permit is issued in accordance with the duration of the treatment.

h) Judicial or Administrative Requirements

Foreign nationals who are required to remain in Turkey by a judicial or administrative authority. The permit duration is determined with reference to the period specified in the relevant decision or request.

i) Transition from Family Residence Permit

Foreign nationals transitioning from a family residence permit to a short-term residence permit — including those who have turned eighteen after at least three years on a family residence permit, foreign nationals divorced from a Turkish citizen after at least three years of family residence, and those whose sponsor has died.

j) Turkish Language Courses

Foreign nationals who will attend Turkish language courses at institutions authorized by the Ministry of National Education. This permit may be granted a maximum of two times. The permit duration may not exceed the duration of the course.

k) Education, Research, Internship and Courses Through Public Institutions

Foreign nationals participating in education, research, internship, or courses in Turkey through public institutions. The permit duration may not exceed one year. Those whose accommodation, food, and health expenses are covered by the relevant public institutions are exempt from the health insurance requirement.

l) Graduates of Turkish Higher Education Institutions

Foreign nationals who have completed higher education in Turkey and apply within six months of their graduation date. This permit is granted once only, for a maximum of one year.

m) Investors

Foreign nationals who do not work in Turkey but intend to make investments within the scope and amount determined by the President, along with their foreign spouses and their own or their spouse's minor or dependent foreign children. This permit may be granted for periods of up to five years at a time.

n) Citizens of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus

Citizens of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus may be granted a short-term residence permit for periods of up to five years at a time.

Duration of the Permit

The standard maximum duration of a short-term residence permit is two years per application. However, two categories are subject to different rules:

• Investors and TRNC citizens (categories m and n above): up to five years per application.

• Turkish language course participants: a maximum of two grants in total.

• Post-graduation permit: granted once only, for a maximum of one year.

Eligibility Conditions

Article 32 of the Law sets out the conditions applicable to all short-term residence permit applications:

"a) To apply on the basis of one or more of the grounds listed in Article 31(1) and to submit the relevant information and documents, b) To not fall within the scope of Article 7, c) To have accommodation meeting general health and safety standards, ç) To submit, where requested, a criminal record document issued by the competent authorities of the country of citizenship or legal residence, d) To provide address information for the place of stay in Turkey."

The requirement not to fall within the scope of Article 7 means the applicant must not constitute a threat to public order or public security.

Refusal, Cancellation and Non-Renewal

Article 33 of the Law sets out the circumstances under which a short-term residence permit shall not be granted, shall be cancelled, or shall not be renewed:

"a) Where one or more of the conditions required under Article 32 are not met or cease to exist, b) Where it is established that the residence permit is being used for purposes other than those for which it was granted, ç) Where a valid deportation order or entry ban into Turkey has been issued against the applicant."

Pursuant to Article 33(2), the procedures and principles governing cancellation on grounds of extended absence from Turkey are regulated by secondary legislation.

Judicial Review

Article 31(7) of the Law — introduced by Law No. 7533 in November 2024 — provides an explicit judicial review mechanism for refused or cancelled short-term residence permits:

Where an application for judicial review is filed by the foreign national, their legal representative, or their attorney against a refusal or cancellation decision, the case file is considered complete upon the submission of the defense or the expiry of the defense period. Where notification cannot be effected at the declared address, the two-month period under Article 26(3) of the Administrative Procedure Law applies. Whether a hearing is held is at the discretion of the court.

Conclusion

The short-term residence permit is the most versatile instrument within Turkey's residence framework, accommodating an exceptionally broad range of purposes and personal circumstances. While the general eligibility conditions are relatively uniform across categories, each specific ground carries its own documentation requirements and procedural nuances.

Applicants are strongly advised to seek qualified legal counsel to identify the most appropriate category for their circumstances and to ensure the application is prepared correctly. Detailed guidance on individual categories and required documents is available in our dedicated articles.