Family Residence Permit in Turkey 2026: Costs, Requirements & Application Steps

A family residence permit in Turkey is granted to spouses and minor children of Turkish citizens or legal foreign residents, allowing them to live in the country for up to three years, or until the sponsor's permit expires. Applicants must prove financial stability, typically at least the minimum wage per family member, and provide valid health insurance covering all applicants.

At AloIkametSigorta, we provide reliable online health insurance for family residence permits, helping families meet legal requirements smoothly while focusing on settling into life in Turkey.

What is a Family Residence Permit in Turkey (Aile İkamet İzni)?

A Family Residence Permit (Aile İkamet İzni) in Turkey is a legal document, regulated by Law No. 6458, allowing foreign spouses and dependent children of Turkish citizens or qualified foreign residents (sponsors) to live in Turkey. It protects family unity, can be granted for up to three years (not exceeding the sponsor's permit), and allows children to attend school. 

Who Can Apply for a Family Residence Permit in Turkey?

In Turkey, a Family Residence Permit is applied for by both the sponsor (support person) and the applicant (dependent). The sponsor, or primary resident, is the person living in Turkey who assumes financial and housing responsibility for their foreign spouse, children, or both.

Eligible Applicants 

• Foreign Spouses: The spouse of a Turkish citizen or a foreign resident holding a valid residence or work permit. In cases of polygamous marriages, only one spouse is eligible.
• Minor Children: Children under 18 years old of the sponsor or their spouse.
• Dependent Children: Dependent children over 18 years old of the sponsor or their spouse who are financially dependent or have a disability.

Eligible Sponsors 

• Turkish Citizens
  Turkish citizens can sponsor their foreign family members for a family residence permit regardless of the relatives’ current residency or work status.
• Blue Card Holders
  Blue Card (Mavi Kart) holders are foreigners with rights similar to Turkish citizens and can sponsor their foreign family members for residence permits.
• Individuals with a Valid Work Permit
  Foreigners holding a valid work permit in Turkey can sponsor their close family members, provided their residence status is valid and linked to their employment.
• Foreigners with a Valid, Long-Term Residence Permit
  Foreigners holding a long-term residence permit can sponsor family members.

Requirements for a Family Residence Permit in Turkey

To obtain a family residence permit in Turkey, applicants must meet several legal requirements. These include proof of a genuine family relationship, sufficient and regular income to support family members (generally at least one-third of the minimum wage per family member), valid health insurance covering all applicants, and registered accommodation that meets official housing standards.

What are the Sponsor Condition Requirements for a Family Residence Permit in Turkey?

• Legal Status: The sponsor must be a Turkish citizen or a foreigner holding a valid residence or work permit, usually for at least one year.
• Income Requirement: The sponsor must demonstrate a stable monthly income sufficient to support the family without social assistance, generally at least equal to the minimum wage. In some cases, authorities may require 1.5 times the minimum wage.
• Accommodation: Proof of housing that meets health and safety standards, such as a rental contract or property deed.
• Criminal Record: A clean criminal record certificate from Turkish authorities, confirming no offenses affecting family integrity in the last five years.
• Registration: The sponsor must be registered in the Address Registration System (AKS).
• Health Insurance: Comprehensive health insurance covering all family members applying for the permit.

What are the Applicant Requirements for a Family Residence Permit in Turkey?

• Eligible Family Relationship: The applicant must be the legally married spouse of the sponsor or a child under 18. Adult children qualify only if disabled and financially dependent. Polygamous marriages are not recognized.
• Legal Age: Both the applicant spouse and the sponsor must meet the legal age requirements under Turkish law.
• Legal Entry: The applicant must have entered Turkey legally with a valid visa or visa-free entry and apply before the legal stay period expires.
• Valid Passport: The passport must be valid for at least 60 days beyond the requested residence permit duration.
• Proof of Relationship: Official marriage or birth certificates must be apostilled or consularly legalized, translated into Turkish, and notarized.
• Health Insurance: The applicant must be covered by valid health insurance through SGK or a private policy.
• Genuine Relationship: The family relationship must be genuine; migration authorities may conduct interviews or home visits.
• Parental Consent for Children: If one parent lives abroad, a notarized consent letter (Muvafakatname) is required.
• Custody Documents: In divorce cases, official custody documents for the child must be submitted.
• Address Registration: The applicant must live at the same registered address as the sponsor and be registered in the Address Registration System (AKS).

Documents for a Family Residence Permit in Turkey

To apply for a Family Residence Permit in Turkey, applicants must submit a complete set of documents proving identity, legal stay, financial capacity, accommodation, and family relationship.

Documents Required for Application 

• Family Residence Permit Application Form: Signed by the applicant or legal representative.
• Passport: Original and photocopies (ID page, last entry stamp, visa pages).
• Biometric Photos: Four (4) recent biometric photos taken within the last six months.
• Proof of Address: Notarized rental contract or address registration document obtained via e-Devlet.
• Health Insurance: Valid insurance covering the duration of the residence permit.
• Fee Receipts: Proof of payment for the residence permit card fee and tax.
• Criminal Record: Issued by the applicant’s home country or Turkish judicial authorities, if requested.

Documents  Required for the Sponsor

• Proof of Identity: Turkish ID card, passport, or residence/work permit.
• Proof of Financial Means: Salary slips (last 3 months), bank statements, or employment contract showing sufficient income.
• Address Registration Document: Obtained through e-Devlet.
• Criminal Record: Document proving no crimes against family integrity in the last five years.

Family Relationship Documents

• Marriage Certificate: Apostilled and translated into Turkish (for spouses).
• Birth Certificate: Apostilled and translated into Turkish (for children).
• Parental Consent (Muvafakatname): Notarized consent from the non-applying parent if one parent resides outside Turkey.

Steps to Apply for a Family Residence Permit in Turkey (2026)

Applying for a Family Residence Permit in Turkey follows a digital-first process with stricter verification and income requirements as of 2025/2026.

Step 1: Pre-Application Preparation

Before applying for a Family Residence Permit in Turkey, first obtain a Turkish Tax ID online (ivd.gib.gov.tr) to pay all required fees. 

Ensure the sponsor provides valid health insurance, either through SGK or a private provider, covering all family members included in the application. 

Legalize essential documents by having your Marriage Certificate and Birth Certificates apostilled in your home country, translated into Turkish, and notarized in Turkey.

Step 2: Online Application (e-Ikamet)

Visit the official e-ikamet portal and select “First Application” or “Transfer,” then choose Family Residence Permit. Complete the online form accurately, print it, and sign it (or have the legal guardian sign for minors). The system will assign an appointment date and location at your Provincial Directorate of Migration Management (İl Göç İdaresi).

Step 3: Pay Government Fees

Pay the residence permit card fee and the residence fee (Harç) via the e-Ikamet system, a Tax Office, or authorized banks (Ziraat, Halkbank, Vakıfbank). Keep the original receipts, as they are required for your application submission.

Step 4: Mandatory Address Registration 

Register your address with the National Electronic Notification System (UETS) at any PTT office. Include the UETS registration document in your application, as it is now mandatory for all family residence permit applications.

Step 5: Attend the Appointment

Go to the Migration Office with all family members listed in the application. Submit the printed form, original documents, health insurance proof, sponsor’s income proof, and notarized family certificates. Biometric data, including fingerprints and photos, will be taken during the appointment.

Step 6: Finalization

Applications are typically processed within 90 days. Once approved, your Family Residence Permit card is mailed to your registered address via PTT. Families currently on short-term or tourist permits must apply for a Transfer to a Family Residence Permit before their current permit expires to maintain legal residency.

How Long Does a Family Residence Permit Take in Turkey?

A family residence permit in Turkey is typically processed and evaluated within 90 days (approximately 3 months) from the date the application is submitted in full to the authorities. While some applications are approved within 4 to 8 weeks, the maximum statutory processing time is three months. 

The processing time for a Family Residence Permit (Aile İkamet İzni) in Turkey varies depending on the province and the number of applications:

• Average Processing: 30–90 business days from submission at the Provincial Directorate of Migration Management (Göç İdaresi).
• Major Cities (Istanbul, Ankara, Izmir): 60–90 days due to high application volume.
• Smaller Cities or Less Crowded Provinces: 30–45 days on average.

Tips to Speed Up Your Application:

1. Ensure all documents are complete and meet official requirements.
2. Pay all fees in full and keep the original receipts.
3. Register your address in the National Electronic Notification System (UETS) before your appointment.
4. Attend your appointment on time with all original documents.
5. Additionally, confirm that you have valid health insurance covering all applying family members for the entire duration of the permit.

How to Track Your Family Residence Permit in Turkey

You can monitor your Family Residence Permit (Aile İkamet İzni) application through official channels. Log in to the e-Ikamet portal (e-ikamet.goc.gov.tr) using your application number to check status updates, such as “Application received,” “In process,” or “Ready for collection.” 

You can also contact your local Migration Office (Göç İdaresi) by phone or email for updates. After approval, the residence card is delivered via PTT to the address registered in the National Electronic Notification System (UETS), so ensure your address is current to avoid delays.

Turkey Family Residence Permit Validity & Renewal

A family residence permit in Turkey is generally issued for a maximum of three years per application.

A Turkey Family Residence Permit is typically granted for a maximum duration of 3 years per application; the exact duration depends on the sponsor's residence permit duration. The family permit for residency cannot exceed the validity period of the sponsor's own residence permit. 

Renewals can be submitted 60 days before expiration via the e-residence system. Requirements include continued, sufficient income (\(1/3\) of minimum wage per person) and valid health insurance.

Family Residence Permit Turkey Cost 2026

The cost of a Family Residence Permit in Turkey in 2026 ranges from $80 to over $160 USD per applicant, depending on age, permit duration, and insurance choice. This includes:

• Card Fee in 2026: 964 TL (~$22 USD)
• Application Fee: ~$55–$80 USD
• Mandatory Health Insurance: ~1,000–3,000 TL (~$54–$160 USD)

Income Threshold: The sponsor must now earn at least 1.5x the minimum wage ($939+) for adults and $626+ for children

Ensure Your Family Residence Permit Application Goes Smoothly

Health insurance is mandatory for all family residence permit applications in Turkey. To make the process easier and avoid delays, you can secure valid coverage through AloIkametSigorta, a trusted provider for residence and family insurance. Their services cover all required health insurance criteria and can help you manage multiple permits efficiently.

FAQs About Family Residence Permit in Turkey

Can I bring my family to Turkey?

Yes, spouses and dependent children of Turkish citizens or legal foreign residents can apply for a Family Residence Permit (Aile İkamet İzni) to live in Turkey legally, usually for up to three years, depending on the sponsor’s permit.

What are the requirements for a spouse visa in Turkey?

To apply, you need a valid marriage certificate, legal entry into Turkey, a valid passport, health insurance covering all applicants, proof of sufficient income from the sponsor, and suitable registered accommodation.

How fast can you get a residence permit in Turkey?

Processing typically takes 30–90 business days, depending on the province and application volume. Major cities may take up to 90 days, while smaller provinces often process within 30–45 days