Please note that in June 2013, this article was replaced by a new article called Obtaining residency in Kaş, following the opening of the new foreigners department in Kaş.

This original article, (below), tells you about the old process in Kemer, and will no longer be kept up to date.  It remains in our Knowledge Bank as an archive item for information purposes only. We recommend using the Obtaining residency in Kaş article, if you are thinking of applying.

ORIGINAL 'OBTAINING RESIDENCY' ARTICLE FOLLOWS (NO LONGER UPDATED)

Applying for Turkish Residency when living in Kalkan
Please note that whilst the information below was correct at the time it was updated, (see above), things can quickly change and you should always check for the latest position before applying for residency.

Procedures may (and probably do) vary from area to area, so please note what follows is specifically what you will find if you reside in Kalkan, in the Antalya region. 

Our article refers to applications made at the Kemer Police station, (just this side of Antalya).  If you wish to check on the process before you go, their phone number is 0242 814 1546.

The move from Kemer to Kaş
It has been confirmed that in 2013, a foreigners department is to open at the Police station in Kaş, however we are still waiting for a definite opening date.  Once open, it will deal with residency applications, which will mean that it will no longer be necessary to travel all the way to Kemer.  This article wll be updated, when this new office opens in Kaş.

Why go for Turkish residency?
Very simply, if you are residing in Turkey on a permanent basis the law of the land says you should obtain a residency permit.  Click here for a separate KTLN article: Advantages of obtaining Turkish residency

The cost of residency
With effect from 1st April 2011, fees for British citizens, were slashed by 88%.

Fees are charged in Turkish lira, at the equivalent of $30 for one month and $5 per month for each subsequent month. You can apply for a maximum of 5 years at a time. 

Here are the sterling equivalent costs, for 1 to 5 years residency, using a US$/GBP exchange rate of 1.53, as at April 2013.

• 1 year = US$85 = £55
• 2 years = US$145 = £95
• 3 years = US$205 = £134
• 4 years = US$265 = £173
• 5 years = US$325 = £212

Normally, residency fees are revised on 1st January.  The ikamet book now costs 198TL.  

How many times can I apply for residency?
British nationals can apply for a period of residency of between 6 months and 5 years.

We have often heard it said that you can only apply for residency a maximum of 4 times.  So that would mean a maximum of 20 years (4 x 5 years).  This is not true. 

Currently, according to article 9 of Turkish Law 5683, there is no limit to the number of times you can apply for residency, however your residency book (ikamet) may only be used for 4 applications - on the fifth application, you have to buy a new book. 

N.B. We should mention that we have received feedback (in early 2013), saying that the Police are insisting on applicants buying a new ikamet book, where an existing book is at least 5 years old, even though there are free pages, which could accommodate more applications.

What if I had residency, let it lapse, then I wish to re-apply
Some people have asked KTLN what happens if you once had residency, then you let it lapse - perhaps reverting to 90 day visa runs, and now you wish to reapply?  Is the 'gap' an issue?

All we can tell you is what we have heard from residents who have recently reapplied, after a gap.  Their feedback is that there is no problem.  In fact, you can still use your old ikamet book.

Preparation
Preparation is important.  This is what you need to do before you go to Kemer.

Firstly, if you want to get off on the right note, we suggest that you place all your documentation, neatly in a manilla folder, which you can obtain from a local stationers. (Tell them what you want it for).

The police in Kemer call this folder a "dosya", and for reasons we don't understand, pink seems to be the preferred colour!

Please note that for couples applying, each of you has to produce the relevant documentation, mentioned below, for each application, collated in separate folders. 

If you are renewing your residency, there is no need to provide a new folder, as you already have one.

Filling in your Declaration for Residence Permit form (DRP)
Complete one copy of the Declaration for Residence Permit form (DRP).  A copy is available from a Turkish government website - click here to download a copy.  When you have clicked on this link a new browser window will open and you will see the form on the bottom left of the new web page - click on the form to download. 

This document is a spreadsheet (MS Excel), so you can complete details on your computer. 

They may accept forms neatly completed by hand, however it is probably best not to do that.  When printing you must ensure that it is in colour and printed on both sides of the paper otherwise it will not be accepted. 

(Please note that the official government website says you need 2 copies of the DRP, however, at Kemer Police station, they only ask you to complete one form).

You will see that the Excel spreadsheet has 2 worksheets, (see the tabs at the bottom of the document).  One worksheet is called Ön Yüz (front), and the other is called Arka Yüz (back).  The front page is the one you complete.  The back page is for office use only, but you still need to have this on your double sided form.

Below, we show an example of a completed form, split into three parts.

Top section of the application form

For 'Marital status', where it says "Married to a foreigner", this means married to someone who is not Turkish.

Middle section of the application form

The middle section of the form (above), can be interpreted in two ways. 

Where it says "Have you ever been in Turkey before?", it could be implied from the wording of this section, that this is referring to whether you have had formal residency before.  So if this is your first application, you could simply answer "No", and ignore the subsequent 5 questions about "When", "Where" etc.

We know some people who have answered the question literally, by making reference to tourist visits on a visa, and then putting "Not applicable" for the questions about the previous residency permit.

Choose whichever you feel more comfortable with.  We know people who have had successful applications, with both approaches.

Bottom section of the application form

Unless you have a child or other dependent, you don't need to complete the bottom part of the form, except to write the date and your signature. 

Note that adults normally need to complete their own, separate application form, so for example, a married person would not add details of their spouse, in this section.

Other stuff to prepare
Photocopy your passport on the photograph page and also the page showing the latest visa stamp when you entered the country.

Remember that your passport must have at least as many years/months left to run as the term of residency you are applying for. 

Make a note of your Turkish tax number.  You will have one of these if you have a Turkish bank account.

It's useful to have a Turkish mobile phone number on your form, as the police can use this number to call you if there is a problem with your application, after you have left the office.

Obtain 4 passport sized photographs.  These must be less than 6 months old, at the time of your application.

Living in your own property
If you own your property, copy your tapu.

Quite apart from your tapu, the authorities want to see an official document that confirms you are living at your stated address.  This can be one of the following:

• A recent electric bill
• A recent water bill
• An official letter from the Belediye.  You need to ask for an 'Oturma Izni' letter, (residency permission). With effect from June 2011, Kalkan Belediye is charging 250TL for providing this letter.
• Place of residence and address document (Yerlesim yeri ve diğer adres belgesi) - see below.

However, please note that if you use an electric or water bill, it must clearly show both your name and your full address.  From experience, some bills do not have this, so you may need to get your details in order, down at the Tedaş (electricity) office, and/or the Belediye (water), before you go to Kemer.

Also, if you are living together as a couple, any one of the above will probably be in the name of just one of you.  This is not a problem.  The original can go in one application folder, and a copy in the other folder.

If you are renewing your residence permit, there is an official Turkish form that you can get from the Nufus office in Kaş on the second floor of the government building.  It is called a "Yerlesim yeri ve diğer adres belgesi". (Place of residence and address document).  It's issued free of charge.  Once the Police see this form, they don't need to see electric bills, letters from the Belediye etc. as it is definitive proof of your address. 

The reason you can only use the above document for renewals, rather than first applications, is that to get one, you need to have a kimlik number, (also called a "TC number"), and you only get one of these once you have got your residency.

We have received feedback, saying that the rental agreement has to be confirmed by a notary.  Others have not had to do this.  We do not understand why some applicants would need to have this done, whilst others do not.

Moving - change of address
It is worth remembering that once you have residency, if you move, from one Turkish address to another Turkish address, you need to inform the Kemer office within 48 hours.

Financial Details
You need to demonstrate that you have financial means to support yourself, for the period of residency you are applying for.  This is currently the equivalent of US$500 per calendar month.

Typically, this will be in one of two ways:

1. showing that you have money in the bank, OR
2. a regular pension income.

1. Money in the bank
You should ask your Turkish bank to provide a letter confirming the funds that are in your account.  This should be dated as close as possible to your application date - ideally, the day before.  Banks are entitled to make a small charge for providing you with this.  

If you are married and your bank savings are in the name of one of you, rather than in joint names, you will need to prove that you are married.  A translated and notarised copy of your marriage certificate will be required. 

Alternatively, you may wish to consider having your savings in joint names.  The authorities will assume that for a couple, money in a joint account, is held on a 50:50 basis.

KTLN tip! - For a married couple, how many bank letters do we need?

• If you have a joint bank account, just get one letter from your bank, confirming the funds you hold.  One of you can place the original letter in your application folder, whilst the other can use a photocopy of the original, in their folder.
• If the money is in one name only,  just get one letter from your bank, confirming the funds you hold.  The account holder can place the original letter in their application folder, whilst the non-account holder can use a photocopy of the original, in their folder.  (Plus the copy marriage certificate mentioned above).
• If each of you have funds in your own accounts (i.e. not a joint account), then each of you needs to obtain an original letter from the bank.

Feedback we have received, would indicate that UK bank balances are not acceptable.  The police appear to be only interested in funds in Turkish bank accounts.  If you have had your UK bank balance accepted, we would like to hear from you.

2. Pension income
If you do not have sufficient funds in your Turkish bank account, and are perhaps relying instead on a regular pension income, then providing you have documentary evidence of this income, duly translated and notarised, this should be acceptable. Please note, you still need to take along the original document, as well as the translation.

KTLN tip! - If you are asking your pension provider for a letter, to confirm your pension income, ask them to make it as brief as possible, as any translation and notary charges tend to be made per word.  All the authorities want to know is how much you receive.

If you are married and one person is reliant upon the other's pension income you will need to prove that you are married.  A translated and notarised copy of your marriage certificate will be required. 

Money in the bank plus a pension income
In some circumstances, where your bank money alone, or your pension income alone, is not enough, you may combine the two together, to get you to the required level.

The journey to Kemer
When considering your journey, bear in mind the opening times of the office in Kemer, which are Monday to Friday, 8.00 to 5.00, with a one hour break for lunch, normally 12.30 until 13.30.  The office used to open at 9.00, but it now opens an hour earlier - presumably as it is dealing with more applications.

We strongly recommend getting to Kemer early in the morning, so you are first in the queue.

Language issues
Finally, you need to consider how you are going to converse with the officers in Kemer who will be dealing with your application.  They do speak some English, but only a little.  If you feel confident enough to be able to speak and understand a few words of Turkish and you have brought everything you need, you will be fine.  

If however you don’t understand a word you may wish to take someone with you who can speak Turkish.  Obviously, this will be more important if there is a query with your application or the documents you have brought, and you need to answer some questions.

Things to do on the day

Checklist of things to take with you to Kemer

Things to place in your pink manilla folder:

• Completed DRP form;
• To which you should paperclip 4 recently taken passport sized photographs;
• Passport photocopied pages;
• Letter from your bank confirming your funds OR translated and notarised proof of regular pension income (or both, if required);
• Translated and notarised copy of marriage certificate (if applicable);
• Tapu photocopy OR if renting, a copy of your rental agreement;
• Proof of your address (copy of electric/water bill or Belediye letter), if you own your property.

Other things to take with you on the day:

• Original passport;
• Original Turkish bank book(s) showing a very recent balance OR original letter from your pension provider (or both if required);
• Original marriage certificate (if applicable);
• Original tapu OR if renting, your original rental agreement;
• Original electric/water bill (if applicable);
• A note of your Turkish tax number;
• Money – the fees (prudent to take a bit extra just in case);
• Turkish mobile phone (in case the Police need to contact you about your application);
• Original electric/water bill, if you own your property.

The trip to Kemer
From Kalkan drive towards Kaş/Antalya on the D400 road.  You will eventually see signs for Kemer.  It takes around two and a half hours to drive from Kalkan to Kemer.

As you reach Kemer, ignore the first sign directing you (right) into the town and continue to the next set of traffic lights, just after the Shell petrol station, where you turn left on to a short dual carriageway. 

Below: The view ahead after you turn left at the traffic light junction.

A few hundred metres down this road you will see a large white building on your left - the bus station (Kemer otogar).  The police station is next to this.

Go down the dual carriageway and find a gap in the central reservation to double back on yourself to reach the police station.  There are parking spots nearby.  Go through the main entrance of the police station at the front of the building and go up to the first floor. 

At the top of the steps, go ahead to the left, and round the corner you will find the foreigner's reception counter ahead of you.  This is where your application will be dealt with.

You will be asked to complete an application form – the Petition (different from the DRP form you have brought with you). 

You will be given a piece of paper which you must take to the local Finance Department (the Maliye) in Kemer and hand over, together with your fee, (in Turkish lira).  

Making your way to the Maliye office
To get to the Maliye office drive back along the dual carriageway to the traffic lights.  Go straight across the junction into the town centre.  You will see a tall white clock tower on your right.  Just after this turn right at the junction.

Initially, follow the signs for the Belediye, going straight on at the small roundabout until you come to junction, with Friday's restaurant on your left.  Turn left here on to Karayer Caddesi and continue ahead, looking out for the Maliye building on your right.  It is a terracotta coloured building with the word Maliye in gold letters on the front.

Below: The Mailye roadside entrance.

The Maliye office will issue you with a receipt, which you then take back to the police station.  Back at the police station they will ask you to pay for your permit book.  

Your passports will be returned to you and you will be given a date to come back and collect your residency book, (ikamet).  This will depend upon how busy they are, but may be as soon as one week later.

KTLN tip! -The journey from Kalkan to Kemer and back, is a 5 hour round trip.  If you explain this to the Police, and tell them that you would rather wait until the end of the afternoon, to collect your ikamet the very same day, rather than having to make a return journey, you may find that they can accommodate your request, providing they are not too busy.  It may mean waiting in Kemer all day, but you can make a day of it, and explore the town, and at least you won't have to do that 5 hour round trip again.

Your residency is dated from the date you hand in your application.

And finally, remember, if your experience differs from what is outlined above, and you feel we should update our article, please get in touch.  We will be happy to hear from you.

Appendix A

From the Antalya Security Directorate website: www.antalya.pol.tr

If you are looking for the official advice on what you require to apply for residency, this is what you will find online.  A partial extract is shown below.  The guidelines shown above are based on what happens in practice at Kemer.

Foreigners who request residency permits after the end of their visa validity period, after they have arrived in Turkey, or those foreigners whose residency permit validity period is about to expire, are required to apply to the Foreigners Branch Directorates before their visa / residency permit expires.

Documents required for long-term residency permits
1. 2 x Residency Statement Form
2. 4 x passport sized photographs.
3. Original passport.
4. Photocopy of the passport (photo page, page showing the last entry to Turkey, page showing passport validity period).
5. Bank statement or foreign currency exchange certificate showing an amount to the value of 500 US$ per month of required permit length.
6. If a residency permit was issued previously, the original permit, and photocopies of all used pages.
7. Proof of residential address (if residing together with a Turkish citizen, the residency notification that this Turkish citizen has obtained from TUİK, or if renting, a copy of the rental contract, etc.).