Turkey offers 7 visa and residency pathways for foreign nationals. This page compares all available routes side by side with current requirements.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Visa Programme | Min. Income | Savings | Processing | Difficulty | Family |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Work Permit (Çalışma İzni) | — | — | 28-56d | 4.7/10 | Yes |
| Turquoise Card (Turkuaz Kart) | — | — | 90-180d | 4.5/10 | Yes |
| Short-Term Residence Permit | €553/mo | €1,250 | 30-90d | 4.5/10 | Yes |
| Investment Citizenship (CBI) | — | €400,000 | 90-180d | 8.0/10 | Yes |
| Digital Nomad Residence Permit | €3,000/mo | — | 30-60d | 4.0/10 | Yes |
| Retirement Residence Permit | €553/mo | — | 30-90d | 3.7/10 | Yes |
| Family Residence Permit | — | — | 30-60d | 3.5/10 | Yes |
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many visa pathways does Turkey offer?
Turkey offers 7 distinct visa and residency pathways for foreign nationals, including skilled worker, family, investor, and other categories.
What is the easiest visa to get for Turkey?
The easiest pathway depends on your profile. Working holiday visas (if available) have the lowest barriers. For professionals, employer-sponsored visas are the most common route.
How long does it take to get permanent residency in Turkey?
The path to permanent residency in Turkey typically takes 2-5 years depending on the visa category. Some skilled worker pathways offer faster PR routes.
Can I bring my family to Turkey?
Most long-term visa categories in Turkey allow family reunification for spouses and dependent children, though specific requirements vary by pathway.
Do I need a job offer to move to Turkey?
Not all pathways require a job offer. Turkey may offer self-employment, investment, digital nomad, or points-based pathways that don't require employer sponsorship.
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