Western Asia · Immigration

Turkey

43 immigration routes

Turkey sits in Western Asia. Its immigration system runs 43 distinct routes — led by humanitarian protection, study and work, each set out in official law. 40 of them cite an official government source, shown on the route with the date we last read it. Who actually qualifies depends on your full profile.

Immigration routes
43across 14 route categories, each set out in official law
Source-cited routes
40 of 43cite an official government source, with the date we last read it
Largest category
Humanitarian protection9 of the 43 routes — see them under Humanitarian protection below
Region
Western Asia
Capital
Ankara
Population
85,878,556
Official language
Turkish
Currency
TRY
Time zone
UTC+03:00
Source-cited pathways

Immigration routes

All 43 routes, grouped by purpose — 40 of 43 cite an official government source directly. Any route below without one says so on the route.

Work

4 of 5 source-cited
5 routes

For a foreign journalist or media staff member assigned by their employer to work in Turkiye, holding an assignment letter from the media organisation and press accreditation from the Directorate of Communications.

Official government source: mfa.gov.tr · checked 2026-08-03

Investment

1 of 2 says who you can bring
2 routes

For a foreign national who acquires Turkish real estate worth at least USD 400,000 and undertakes not to resell it for three years, subject to attestation by the Ministry of Environment, Urbanisation and Climate Change.

Official government source: invest.gov.tr · checked 2026-08-03

Business & self-employment

3 routes

Talent & merit

1 of 3 says who you can bring
3 routes

Study

1 of 7 says who you can bring
7 routes

Family

3 of 3 say who you can bring
3 routes

Join a Turkish citizen, Article 28 person, qualifying foreign resident, refugee or subsidiary-protection sponsor.

Can bring: spouse, dependants, children
Official government source: en.goc.gov.tr · checked 2026-07-27 · 3 sources

Independent means

1 route

Digital nomad

from USD 3,000/mo
1 route

Residence-based status

2 routes

Obtain indefinite work and residence rights after the qualifying long-term period.

Official government source: csgb.gov.tr · checked 2026-07-27 · 4 sources

Free movement

1 route

Short stay & visit

4 routes

Obtain a sticker visa for tourism where visa exemption or e-Visa is unavailable or inappropriate.

Official government source: mfa.gov.tr · checked 2026-07-27

Humanitarian protection

7 of 9 source-cited
9 routes

Receive case-specific humanitarian residence where removal, child welfare, emergency, national interest or extraordinary circumstances justify it.

Official government source: en.goc.gov.tr · checked 2026-07-27

Receive subsidiary protection where return would expose the person to the qualifying serious-harm risks.

Official government source: en.goc.gov.tr · checked 2026-07-27 · 3 sources

Medical treatment

1 route

Transit

1 route

Official sources

Compiled by António Mira, founder · How we verify our data · Not legal advice — immigration rules and thresholds change; confirm with the official sources above before deciding.

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