Residence Permit Fees in Turkey 2026: Residence Card Cost and Exempt Nationalities

Introduction

Residence permit fees in Turkey for 2026 are among the essential items every foreigner should understand before applying for or renewing a residence permit. This matter is important for residents, students, investors, and property owners who wish to remain in Turkey legally.

The total cost is not based on a single figure. There is a difference between the residence permit document fee, meaning the cost of the residence card, and the residence permit fees, which vary according to nationality and the requested duration of stay.

In this article, we review the official fees for 2026, the calculation method, the exempt nationalities, and the payment steps in a practical way that helps a foreigner or investor estimate the cost before starting the application.

What are residence permit fees in Turkey and which authority determines them?

Residence permit fees are the amounts paid when submitting a residence permit application or when renewing it.

They are usually divided into:

• Residence permit document fee, or the residence card fee.
• Residence permit fees, which are calculated according to duration and nationality.

According to the official page of the Presidency of Migration Management in Turkey, the residence permit document is subject to an official document fee that is determined annually, and there is no exemption from this fee for any nationality. Residence permit fees are also determined with consideration of the reciprocity principle, and the Ministry of Treasury and Finance is the competent authority for determining these fees.

For a foreign investor, residence permit fees should not be viewed as a separate procedure. They should be included in the overall cost of relocation or investment, alongside health insurance, housing, legal fees, and obligations related to the type of residence permit.

Residence Permit Document Fee in Turkey for 2026 and the Cost of the Residence Card

The residence permit document fee in Turkey for 2026 is:

TRY 964

This is the official residence card fee as of January 1, 2026. The Migration Management explains that this fee is not covered by any nationality-based exemption.

This means that all foreigners pay the residence card fee, even in cases where certain nationalities are exempt from the residence permit fee itself.

Therefore, it is important to distinguish between:

• Residence permit document fee: the card fee, which is TRY 964 for 2026.
• Residence permit fees: an amount that varies according to nationality and duration.

The common mistake here is for applicants to assume that exemption from residence permit fees means they will pay nothing. In reality, the exemption may apply to the residence permit fee, but it does not apply to the document fee.

How to Calculate Residence Permit Fees in Turkey According to Duration

Residence permit fees are calculated based on the requested duration and the applicant’s nationality.

The Turkish Migration Management explains that the general fee amounts for 2026 apply to citizens of countries that are not included in special lists or groups. Therefore, the fee should be confirmed according to the applicant’s nationality before payment.

For those to whom these fees apply, the 2026 amounts are as follows:

• Up to one month: TRY 348.10 per day.
• The first-month fee cannot be less than TRY 653.70.
• The first-month fee cannot exceed TRY 3,359.90.
• After the first month: TRY 2,232.30 for each additional month.

Simplified example:

If a foreigner is applying for a one-year residence permit, it is not enough to calculate only the residence card fee. It is necessary to know:

• The applicant’s nationality.
• The requested duration of stay.
• Whether any exemption applies.
• The value of the document fee.
• The monthly residence permit fees, if any.

For investors, these figures should be included in the residence budget in Turkey, especially if they plan to purchase property, manage an investment, or reside with their family.

Nationalities Exempt from Residence Permit Fees in Turkey under the Reciprocity Principle

Some nationalities are exempt from residence permit fees under the reciprocity principle.

According to the Turkish Migration Management, the list of exempt nationalities for 2026 includes:

• Czechia.
• Denmark.
• Ireland.
• Kosovo.
• Nepal.
• Sri Lanka.
• Syria.
• Turkmenistan.
• Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus.
• Palestine.

But it is important to note one key point:

The exemption here relates to residence permit fees, not the residence permit document fee. In other words, citizens of these countries do not pay residence permit fees when the exemption applies, but they still pay the residence card document fee of TRY 964 for 2026.

This is especially important for Syrians and Palestinians, because the final cost may be lower than for other nationalities, but it is not zero.

The Difference between the Residence Permit Document Fee and Annual Residence Permit Fees

The basic difference between them is as follows:

Therefore, when asking about residence permit fees in Turkey for 2026, it is not enough to ask: How much is the card fee?

The more accurate questions are:

• What is the applicant’s nationality?
• What is the requested residence duration?
• Is the nationality exempt from residence permit fees?
• Is the application a first-time application or a renewal?
• What type of residence permit is being requested?

This level of detail helps a resident or investor calculate a cost that is closer to reality, instead of relying on a general figure that may not apply to their case.

How to Pay Residence Permit Fees in Turkey When Applying or Renewing

Residence permit applications and renewals are submitted through the official İkamet-e system of the Turkish Migration Management. The system includes options such as first-time application, residence extension, transition from one residence type to another, and application result tracking.

Payment is made through official channels, including the Residence Permit Fee Payment service of the Migration Management on the Turkish Digital Tax Office, where the applicant can inquire using the application number or the accrual/settlement number.

Payment steps in brief:

1. Submit the residence permit or renewal application through İkamet-e.
2. Obtain the application number or accrual number.
3. Access the Residence Permit Fee Payment service.
4. Enter the application number or accrual number.
5. Pay the required fees.
6. Keep the payment receipt.

For extension applications, the İkamet-e instructions state that fees can be paid through the system, tax offices, or approved channels, and that receipts for the residence permit fees and document fee should be attached to the application file when required.

Important Notes for Foreigners before Paying Residence Permit Fees in Turkey

Before paying the fees, it is better to confirm the following points:

• Do not pay before making sure the application type is correct.
• Do not rely on a general estimate of the fees without knowing your nationality and residence duration.
• Keep the payment receipt.
• Make sure the payment is made through an official channel.
• Do not consider payment of the fees as a guarantee that the application will be accepted.
• Prepare the documents before the appointment or submission date.
• Make sure the reason for stay is appropriate for the application type.

The İkamet-e instructions indicate that residence appointments are made free of charge through the official website, and that external parties requesting fees for the appointment itself should not be trusted. They also confirm that missing documents or failure to justify the reason for stay may negatively affect the assessment of the application.

For investors, residence permit fees should be linked to the overall plan:

• Is the objective residence only?
• Is the property suitable for real estate residence?
• Is the property eligible for Turkish citizenship?
• Are there additional family costs?
• Can the investment be resold later?

Practical note: If you are not sure which fees apply to your case or which residence type is best for you, you can request an initial assessment before starting the application to avoid incorrect payment or choosing an unsuitable residence type.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Confusing the residence permit document fee with residence permit fees.
• Assuming that exemption from fees means not paying the card fee.
• Paying fees through an unofficial party.
• Ignoring fee differences by nationality.
• Choosing a residence type that does not match the real objective.
• Relying on outdated information or unofficial posts.
• Failing to keep the payment receipt.
• Linking property purchase to residence without checking the property’s legal status.

The Role of Al Hafez Company

Al Hafez Company helps foreign investors understand the cost of residence within the broader picture of investing in Turkey.

This is not limited to knowing the residence permit fees. It also includes:

• Determining the most suitable residence type.
• Studying the cost of relocation or investment.
• Checking whether the property is eligible for residence or citizenship.
• Comparing projects by location and return.
• Estimating the total cost of ownership.
• Supporting the investor in understanding the legal steps before purchase.

The goal is not merely to pay the fees, but to build a clear decision: legal residence, a suitable property, and a calculated cost before starting procedures.

Conclusion:

Residence permit fees in Turkey for 2026 consist of more than one item. The residence card fee for 2026 is TRY 964, while residence permit fees vary depending on the application duration and the applicant’s nationality.

Some nationalities, such as Syria and Palestine, are exempt from residence permit fees, but this does not cancel the payment of the residence permit document fee.

The right decision begins with knowing the case accurately: nationality, residence duration, application type, and the objective of staying in Turkey. For investors, residence permit fees should be included in the overall investment cost, not treated as a separate administrative amount.

Next Step

If you are planning to reside or invest in Turkey, you can start with one of two steps:

• Request an initial assessment based on your nationality, budget, and residence objective by contacting us directly.
• Browse the available projects in Istanbul and major cities, then compare them in terms of location, legal eligibility, return, and resale potential.

Choosing the right path from the beginning helps you reduce mistakes and build a clearer decision.

Frequently Asked Questions:

How much is the residence card fee in Turkey for 2026?

The residence card fee in Turkey for 2026 is TRY 964. This amount is the residence permit document fee, not the full residence permit fee in all cases.

Is the residence permit document fee mandatory for all foreigners?

Yes. The Turkish Migration Management explains that there is no exemption from the residence permit document fee for any nationality.

How are residence permit fees calculated if the duration is less than one month?

They are calculated at TRY 348.10 per day up to one month, with a minimum and maximum limit for the first month according to the official 2026 table.

What is the difference between residence permit fees and the residence permit document fee?

The residence permit document fee is the card fee. Residence permit fees, however, are linked to the duration of residence and the applicant’s nationality, and may differ from one person to another.

Are Syrians exempt from residence permit fees in Turkey?

Yes. The Turkish Migration Management states that Syrians are among the nationalities exempt from residence permit fees under the reciprocity principle. However, they still pay the residence permit document fee.

Which authority determines residence permit fees for foreigners in Turkey?

The Migration Management explains that the Ministry of Treasury and Finance is the competent authority for determining the fees, while taking the reciprocity principle into account for residence permit fees.

Official Sources

Presidency of Migration Management of Turkey: Document fee and fee amounts

Official İkamet-e system for applications and follow-up

Turkish Digital Tax Office: Residence permit fee payment