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How much money do I need in the bank to get a residence permit?

Hamit Ekşi
Hamit Ekşi
April 20, 2022
3 min read

Discover the exact financial requirements and proof of income needed to successfully apply for your Turkish residence permit in 2024 with our expert guide.

Understanding Financial Requirements for residence permits

Moving abroad is exciting, but you must show you can afford it. Turkish authorities want to see that you won't need state help. The amount you need for a residence permit depends on how long you stay. It also depends on which permit type you choose.

Short-Term and Student Residence Permits

Getting a short-term or student permit is usually straightforward. Often, you just sign a form declaring your funds. But don't let that fool you. The migration office can ask for bank statements at any moment. So, it's best to have your financial proof ready.

  • Monthly Funds: You should show money equal to the local minimum wage for every month of your stay.
  • Total Sum: For a one-year stay, try to show a balance covering all 12 months.
  • The Proof: Use a bank statement from the last six months. It should show regular activity and a steady balance.

Family Residence Permits

For family permits, the focus shifts to your sponsor. This is the person supporting the family. The rules here are strict and tied to the national minimum wage:

If you need a closer look here, see Mandatory Requirements for the Sponsor.

  • Total Income: The sponsor's monthly pay must be at least the current minimum wage.
  • Per Person: Add one-third of the minimum wage for every extra family member.
  • Health Insurance: The sponsor must show they can pay for medical insurance for everyone.

Long-Term Residence Permits

Long-term permits are the hardest to get. You need to show a steady, regular income over the last three years. This proves you are financially stable. Usually, this means earning at least the minimum wage every month.

This money should come from a job, a pension, or your own business. And you must show you haven't taken any social aid from the state lately. Stability is key for these applications.

Proving Your Income for a residence permit

You don't need a huge pile of cash in one account. The government accepts many types of financial proof to meet their rules:

If you need a closer look here, see Money Requirements.

If you need a closer look here, see Proof of Financial Sufficiency / Proving Your Address in Turkey.

  • Bank Savings: Money in your personal accounts works well. You can use Lira, Dollars, or Euros.
  • Rent Money: Do you own property that earns rent? Show your title deed and lease to count this as income.
  • Pensions: If you're retired, show your official monthly pension papers.
  • Dividends: Income from stocks or business shares counts if you have the right tax documents.

Tips for a Successful Application

Make sure your bank papers are fresh. Most offices want them to be less than 30 days old. If your money is in a foreign bank, you'll likely need a notarized translation. And here's a pro tip: keep your balance steady. Don't just dump a large sum into your account right before your meeting. This looks suspicious to officers. A solid financial record is the best way to secure your residence permit.

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Hamit Ekşi

About Hamit Ekşi

Expert real estate consultant specializing in Turkish Citizenship by Investment programs. Helping international investors find their dream properties in Turkey.

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