Turkey has long been a popular residence destination for foreigners due to its geographical location, economic opportunities, tourist appeal, and relatively affordable cost of living. However, in recent years, rising inflation, exchange rate fluctuations, and changes in migration policies have directly affected residence permit fee amounts for foreigners.
These fees are updated every year by the Ministry of Treasury and Finance under Law No. 492 on Fees. They vary by country based on the principle of reciprocity and, together with the valuable paper fee, meaning the residence card fee, determine the total cost.
Fundamentals of the Residence Permit Fee System
Residence permit fees are calculated according to the type of permit, such as short-term, family, student, long-term, or tourism-related residence permits. The basic formula generally consists of a daily or one-time amount for the first month and a fixed monthly fee for the following months.
In addition, every applicant must pay a mandatory residence permit document fee, namely the card fee. This fee is the same for all foreigners and there is no exemption. Additional expenses such as the single-entry visa fee, health insurance, notary, and translation costs also increase the total cost.
Fees are announced through communiqués published in the Official Gazette. Countries are grouped according to the principle of reciprocity. Some countries are exempt from residence permit fees, while countries such as the United States, the United Kingdom, and Germany are subject to the standard tariff. For some countries, lower or higher tariffs may apply.
2026 Residence Permit Fee Groups
Fees are determined on a USD basis, while payment is made in Turkish lira. The card fee and single-entry visa fee are the same for all groups.
Applicants under the age of 18 pay half of the determined fee. Citizens of Azerbaijan, South Africa, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Armenia, Croatia, Iran, Kazakhstan, the Greek Cypriot Administration of Southern Cyprus, and New Zealand, as well as those entering with a consular visa or e-visa, do not pay the single-entry visa fee. Citizens of Macedonia, Luxembourg, and Malta are also exempt from the single-entry visa fee.
| Group | 1-Year Fee | 2-Year Fee | Example Countries |
|---|---|---|---|
| Exempt | 0 USD, card fee only | 0 USD | Czechia, Denmark, Palestine, Ireland, TRNC, Kosovo, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Syria, Turkmenistan |
| Group E | 15.5 USD | 16.5 USD | — |
| Group D | 23.5 USD | 41.5 USD | — |
| Group C | 36.5 USD | 66.5 USD | Belgium, Belarus, Algeria, Spain, Kuwait, Luxembourg, Malta, Singapore, Taiwan, Jordan |
| Group B | 52.5 USD | 94.5 USD | Albania, Philippines, Israel, Japan, Cambodia, Macedonia, Mali, Tajikistan, Oman |
| Group A | 80 USD | 140 USD | Azerbaijan, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Armenia, South Africa, Croatia, Iran, Kazakhstan, New Zealand |
| Standard | Approximately 27,000-31,000 TL | Approximately 57,000 TL and above | Serbia, Fiji, Norway, Northern Mariana Islands |
| Exceptional | 172 USD | — | Not specified |
Changes in Residence Permit Fees by Year
Residence permit fees have increased in parallel with inflation, becoming particularly noticeable after 2022 due to the depreciation of the Turkish lira and official fee increases. The following chronology summarizes approximate values that may vary depending on the country and permit duration.
| Year | Card Fee | Daily Fee | First Month Min-Max | Each Following Month | Estimated 1-Year Total Fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 110 TL | Approximately 25-26 TL | Limited | Approximately 165 TL | Approximately 2,000-3,000 TL |
| 2021 | 125 TL | — | — | — | Approximately 3,000-4,000 TL |
| 2022 | 160 TL | — | — | Approximately 100-200 TL | Approximately 4,000-5,000 TL |
| 2023 | 356 TL | — | — | — | Approximately 5,000-10,000 TL |
| 2024 | 565 TL | 203.40 TL | 381.90-1,962.60 TL | 1,303.90 TL | Approximately 15,000-20,000 TL |
| 2025 | 810 TL | Approximately 292 TL | — | Approximately 1,876 TL | Approximately 20,000-25,000 TL |
| 2026 | 964 TL | 348.10 TL | 653.70-3,359.90 TL | 2,232.30 TL | Approximately 27,000-31,000 TL |
The “—” symbol in the table indicates that the exact values for the relevant year are not available. Since fees vary by country, estimated totals are provided as approximate value ranges.
2026 Cost Table
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| 1-Year Fee | Approximately 27,000-31,000 TL |
| Card Fee | 964 TL |
| Single-Entry Visa Fee | 9,376.40 TL |
| Health Insurance | Approximately 3,000-5,000 TL |
| General Total | Approximately 40,000-46,000 TL |
2020
In 2020, the residence permit card fee was 110 TL. Under the standard tariff, a daily fee of approximately 25-26 TL was applied for up to one month, while the following months were charged at around 165 TL. For many countries, the total annual fee was at the level of a few thousand Turkish lira.
2021-2022
In 2021 and 2022, the card fee increased to the 125-160 TL range. Fees rose gradually. In 2022, work permit-related fees also increased, while standard monthly amounts for residence permits generally remained in the 100-200 TL range.
Post-pandemic tourism activity and interest from digital nomads increased residence permit applications and, consequently, fee revenues.
2023
2023 became a turning point for residence permit fees. The card fee rose to 356 TL, while annual total costs approached the 10,000 TL threshold for the first time. During this period of high inflation, fee increases moved beyond symbolic administrative costs and became a noticeable financial burden.
2024
In 2024, the card fee became 565 TL. The fee for up to one month was applied as 203.40 TL per day. For the first month, the minimum fee per residence permit was 381.90 TL, while the maximum was 1,962.60 TL. For each following month, the fee was 1,303.90 TL.
Depending on the country, the standard 1-year fee reached approximately 15,000-20,000 TL. This amount did not include the card fee or other expenses.
2025
In 2025, the card fee increased to 810 TL. Fee amounts rose by approximately 50-70 percent compared with the previous year. The daily fee for the first month reached approximately 292 TL, while the following monthly amount reached around 1,876 TL.
During this period, total 1-year costs began to exceed 20,000 TL for many applicants.
2026
In 2026, the residence permit card fee became 964 TL. The fee was set at 348.10 TL per day for up to one month. For the first month, the minimum fee per residence permit is 653.70 TL, while the maximum is 3,359.90 TL. For each month after the first month, the fee is 2,232.30 TL.
These tariffs apply to countries that are not included in the specific country lists. For a 1-year residence permit, the total cost can reach approximately 38,000-43,000 TL when the 27,000-31,000 TL residence fee, 964 TL card fee, 9,376.40 TL single-entry visa fee, and health insurance are included.
For 2-year permits, the total cost can exceed 57,000 TL, while for 3-year permits it can exceed 84,000 TL.
Although these increases are explained by the depreciation of the Turkish lira and inflation, they have been perceived as much higher effective increases for some countries. Exemptions continue for countries such as Czechia, Denmark, Palestine, Ireland, TRNC, Kosovo, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Syria, and Turkmenistan.
Practical Fee Calculation Examples by Citizenship
Scenario 1: Russian Citizen — Antalya, 1-Year Short-Term Residence Permit
Russia is among the USD-based standard group countries.
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| First month fee | 653.70 TL |
| Following 11 months | 24,555.30 TL |
| Total Fee | 25,208.00 TL |
| Card fee | 964 TL |
| Single-entry visa fee | 9,376.40 TL |
| Health insurance | Approximately 4,000 TL |
| General Total | Approximately 39,548 TL |
Russian citizens are not exempt from the single-entry visa fee.
Scenario 2: Azerbaijani Citizen — Istanbul, 2-Year Short-Term Residence Permit
Azerbaijan is among Group A countries and is exempt from the single-entry visa fee.
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| 2-year fee | Approximately 5,320 TL |
| Card fee | 964 TL |
| Single-entry visa fee | Exempt |
| Health insurance | Approximately 8,000 TL |
| General Total | Approximately 14,284 TL |
For the same duration, the cost is approximately 5 times lower compared with a Russian citizen.
Scenario 3: Syrian Citizen — Gaziantep, 1-Year Residence Permit
Syria is included in the exempt list.
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Fee | Exempt |
| Card fee | 964 TL |
| Single-entry visa fee | Exempt |
| Health insurance | Approximately 4,000 TL |
| General Total | Approximately 4,964 TL |
Scenario 4: American Digital Nomad — Istanbul, 1-Year Short-Term Residence Permit
The United States is subject to the TL-based standard tariff group.
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| First month fee | 3,359.90 TL |
| Following 11 months | 24,555.30 TL |
| Total Fee | 27,915.20 TL |
| Card fee | 964 TL |
| Single-entry visa fee | 9,376.40 TL |
| Health insurance | Approximately 4,000 TL |
| General Total | Approximately 42,255 TL |
Comparative Summary
| Citizenship | Duration | Estimated Total Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Syria | 1 year | Approximately 4,964 TL |
| Azerbaijan | 2 years | Approximately 14,284 TL |
| Russia | 1 year | Approximately 39,548 TL |
| United States | 1 year | Approximately 42,255 TL |
2026 Fee Increase Debates and Public Reaction
In April-May 2026, residence permit fees became the subject of broad public debate. Around April 28-29, some applications in the e-Residence system and tax office accrual screens showed amounts such as 31,111.50 TL for 1 year, 57,899.10 TL for 2 years, and 84,686.70 TL for 3 years.
However, it was later understood that these figures did not reflect an official fee increase. They were caused either by the card fee being incorrectly included in the calculation or by a system error. Social media and consultancy firms quickly spread the development, with headlines such as “record increase,” “9-fold increase,” and “family residence permit rose to 650 USD.”
Reactions from Foreigners and Families
Foreigners who had been living in Turkey for a long time were directly affected by this development. Significant reactions emerged among Russian, Ukrainian, Arab, African, and Central Asian communities living in areas such as Alanya, Antalya, and Istanbul.
Claims of up to 9-fold increases in family residence permit fees caused intense criticism on social media and complaint platforms. Many people described the increases as excessive, sudden, and unpredictable.
Effects on Tourism and the Local Economy
In areas with high foreign populations, such as Alanya, real estate businesses, tourism agencies, and companies providing services to foreigners reacted strongly. Concerns were raised that high fees could reduce the number of foreign tenants and negatively affect the local economy and service sector.
Social Media and Public Reaction
Videos about the issue reached large audiences on platforms such as Instagram, YouTube, and X. The debate focused mainly on financial burden, perceived unfairness, and the principle of reciprocity. Although some comments had harsh or discriminatory tones, the general reaction centered on economic pressure and uncertainty.
Consultancy Firms and Application Processes
Residence permit consultancy firms reported an increase in appointment cancellations and refund requests. During this period, uncertainty emerged over whether the issue was a system error or an actual fee increase.
Statement by the Directorate of Migration Management
On April 30, 2026, the Directorate of Migration Management announced that there had been no change in residence permit fee amounts. The high amounts were described as the result of a system error or incorrect implementation.
It was stated that the previous tariffs remained valid, and a refund process was initiated for those who had overpaid. This rapid intervention was interpreted as a response to public pressure. However, the process also created a loss of trust among applicants.
Reasons Behind the Increases and Policy Effects
The numbers alone tell much of the story: the card fee, which was 206 TL in 2013, reached 964 TL in 2026. Inflation is not the only factor behind this increase; migration control, the fight against irregular migration, and the need for higher budget revenues also play a decisive role. Turkey is trying to manage millions of refugees while keeping legal residence attractive. Fees are caught directly in the middle of this balance.
Turkey is trying to manage the burden of refugees and migrants while encouraging legal residence and balancing costs. However, the perception of sudden fee increases has led to criticism that a policy aimed at discouraging foreigners is being followed.
When long-term residence and citizenship pathways are evaluated together with requirements such as real estate investment, it becomes clear that the total cost is gradually increasing.
Economic Effects
Foreign residents make important economic contributions to tourism, real estate, retail, and local service sectors. Although high fees may increase public revenues in the short term, they may reduce Turkey’s attractiveness for digital nomads, retirees, and investors in the medium and long term.
This situation may negatively affect local tradespeople and service providers in areas with large foreign populations, such as Alanya and Antalya. Alternative destinations such as Georgia, Portugal, and Malaysia may become more attractive.
Future Expectations
Residence permit fees are expected to be updated every January. The scope of exemptions may be expanded or narrowed. Therefore, applicants should regularly check official sources.
Before applying, foreigners should check the official website of the Directorate of Migration Management, tax office accrual screens, and current communiqués. Booking an appointment early and calculating the total cost in advance can also reduce uncertainty during the application process.
The Need for a Balanced and Predictable Policy
Turkey’s residence permit fees are no longer symbolic administrative charges; they have become a serious financial calculation for foreigners. Costs that have increased 5 to 10 times since 2020, combined with the system-related confusion and rapid reversal in 2026, have created a trust problem. Fees are not expected to decrease in the coming years; however, how they are increased, how far in advance they are announced, and which groups are protected are just as important as the figures themselves for Turkey’s hospitable image.
This issue is not merely a financial matter. It is also related to migration policy, economic development, tourism, the investment climate, and social cohesion. Although Turkey remains attractive for foreigners, rising fees and bureaucratic procedures are becoming significant obstacles.
Authorities should develop predictable increases, clear communication, and support mechanisms for certain groups. More balanced policies may be considered for students, families who have lived in Turkey for a long time, and foreigners who contribute economically.
Otherwise, high fees may damage Turkey’s image as a hospitable and accessible country in the eyes of foreigners.