Middle East
Turkey immigration and visa guide
Turkey offers the Digital Nomad Certificate & Visa (launched 2024), the Turquoise Card (Turkuaz Kart) for high-caliber professionals, and Short-Term Residence Permits (İkamet).
Presidency of Migration Management (PMM - Göç İdaresi Başkanlığı) & Ministry of Labour (ÇSGB)
- Processing time
- 3 – 8 weeks
- Passport validity
- 6+ months
- Points-based system
- No
- Digital nomad friendly
- Yes
Visa options in Turkey
Key requirements
- For Digital Nomad Visa: university degree, proof of remote employment or service contracts with companies outside Turkey, and monthly income ≥ $3,000 USD (or $36,000 USD/year)
- For Residence Permit (İkamet): notarized Turkish rental contract and registered UETS national electronic notification address
- Valid private health insurance covering Turkey
How to apply for a Turkey visa: step by step
- 1
GoTürkiye Digital Nomad Certificate Portal
Submit degree, remote contract, and bank statements on digitalnomads.goturkiye.com to receive the Digital Nomad Identification Certificate.
1 - 2 weeks
- 2
Consular Visa / In-Country e-İkamet Filing
Use certificate to obtain nomad visa at Turkish Consulate or file for e-İkamet on e-ikamet.goc.gov.tr.
2 - 4 weeks
- 3
Göç İdaresi Interview & Residence Card (İkamet)
Attend fingerprinting appointment at Provincial Directorate of Migration Management in Istanbul, Antalya, or Izmir.
2 - 3 weeks
Official government links
Frequently asked questions
What is the Turquoise Card in Turkey?
The Turquoise Card gives highly qualified foreign professionals and investors indefinite right to work and reside in Turkey, alongside granting residence rights to their spouse and children, functioning similarly to an EU Blue Card or US Green Card.
Find a licensed adviser
For advice on your own case, use a licensed immigration lawyer or adviser. Always check they are registered before you pay anyone. Imiatlas does not refer or review cases.
Look for a lawyer registered with the national bar association or law society in Turkey. The official immigration website explains any rules on who may represent applicants.
Presidency of Migration Management (PMM - Göç İdaresi Başkanlığı) & Ministry of Labour (ÇSGB)General information to help you research, not legal advice. Rules change often: always confirm with Presidency of Migration Management (PMM - Göç İdaresi Başkanlığı) & Ministry of Labour (ÇSGB) on the official website before applying.