Starting May 1, 2026, the fees paid when applying for a residence permit in Turkey will significantly increase. The fee increase in certain categories reaches almost 930%. The changes introduce a new, significantly more expensive payment system for foreign citizens, Fergana reports citing the Turkish publication Turkiye Today.
Previously, citizens of about 140 countries worldwide (Tajikistan not included) could obtain a tourist residence permit for approximately $85 per year. According to the new rates, a six-month residence permit will now cost the equivalent of $315, an annual permit about $631, a two-year permit approximately $1263, and a three-year residence permit $1857 (as of the exchange rate on April 29, 2026).
For citizens of countries not included in the list of these 140 countries, the calculation is made according to a different formula: the base fee for the first month ranges from $14 to $75, and then approximately $49 is charged for each additional month. The amount is automatically calculated in the online application system.
Almost all categories of residence permits are subject to the new rates: short-term tourist, family, for property owners, as well as permits related to investment and educational programs, including TOMER courses. The fees for work visas have also increased significantly: a standard single-entry work permit now costs about 12,575 lira ($278), and a permanent one 125,800 lira ($2,784).
Comments from Turkish media and lawyers note that for some citizens, the final amounts may increase 10 to 30 times, which will become a significant financial burden. In response to rumors about a complete ban on issuing residence permits in Istanbul, the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Turkey stated that the changes concern only fees and bureaucratic procedures, not the blocking of migration processes.
