Emigrating to Turkey: A Guide for Entrepreneurs 2026
Residence permits, process and tax questions for entrepreneurs relocating their life and company to Turkey.
Which residence permit fits you?
The five most important permits for entrepreneurs, families and investors, compared.
| Permit | For whom | Validity | Renewal |
|---|---|---|---|
| Short-term residence permit (Kısa Dönem) | Entrepreneurs, company shareholders, property owners, extended stays | up to 2 years | renewable as long as the basis (e.g. shareholder status) continues |
| Family residence permit | Spouses and children of permit holders | up to 3 years | renewable |
| Student residence permit | enrolled students | duration of studies | tied to enrollment |
| Long-term residence permit | after 8 years of continuous, lawful residence | indefinite | no renewal needed |
| Turquoise Card | investors, executives, sought-after specialists | indefinite, after a 3-year transition period | transition card reviewed annually |
How your move works
Eight steps from entry to ongoing renewal.
Visa-free entry
German, Austrian and Swiss nationals can enter visa-free for 90 days, ideal for checking the first steps on the ground.
Form a company or buy property
Being a shareholder in a Turkish company is the most common basis for entrepreneurs, alternatively a property purchase. Details in our company formation guide.
Apply via e-İkamet
The residence permit application runs online through the e-İkamet portal of the migration authority.
Appointment at the migration office
A personal appointment at the responsible İl Göç İdaresi (provincial migration office) with original documents.
Prove health insurance
Valid health or travel insurance is mandatory for most residence permits.
Check tax residency
Whether and how you become tax liable in Turkey depends on the duration and center of your residence, see our tax overview, including the new 20-year rule for newcomers.
SGK registration if employed
Anyone employed by their own company is registered with the SGK social security system.
Renew in time
Renewal applications should be filed a few weeks before expiry at the latest, your partner keeps track of the deadlines.
Frequently asked questions about emigrating
Do I need a visa to enter Turkey?
Not for tourist stays up to 90 days, German, Austrian and Swiss nationals enter visa-free. For a longer stay you need a residence permit.
How do I get a residence permit through my company?
As a shareholder of a Turkish company you can apply for a short-term residence permit, usually the most direct route for entrepreneurs. More in our company formation guide.
Do I have to pay tax in Turkey if I live there?
That depends on your tax residency, not just the residence permit. There's also a new 20-year exemption on foreign income for newcomers, see our tax overview.
How long does the whole process take?
From company formation to the issued residence permit you should realistically plan for several weeks, depending on appointment availability at the migration office.
Can I also work with a residence permit?
A residence permit alone doesn't automatically allow employment, that usually requires an additional work permit, which as a shareholder is often applied for alongside the residence permit.
What is the Turquoise Card?
The Turquoise Card is a privileged, indefinite residence and work status for investors, executives and sought-after specialists, after a three-year transition period.
Keep reading
Ready for the next step?
Start with the free assessment, we'll show you which path (company, property, Turquoise Card) fits your situation.