How to Move to Turkey from Kazakhstan for Permanent Residency

Thinking about moving to another country? It is worth paying attention to Turkey - a country with a rich history, beautiful nature, developed economy and unique culture. However, before relocation, it is necessary to study the most important rules and conditions for obtaining a temporary residence permit and permanent residence permit in the country. Especially for you, we have compiled a guide on moving to Turkey.

How to move to Turkey from Kazakhstan for permanent residence

Immigration for permanent residence to Turkey from Kazakhstan requires a number of legal and procedural formalities: from obtaining a visa to obtaining insurance. We cover the main steps and options for moving to Turkey for permanent residence.

• Obtaining a type D visa. The first step to moving to Turkey for permanent residence without investment is obtaining a visa. For citizens of Kazakhstan, it is necessary to obtain a type D visa, which grants the right to stay in Turkey for more than 90 days.

• Obtaining a work permit. If you are considering applying for permanent residence through a work visa, you will need to obtain a work and residence permit. To do this, you will need to contact local authorities and submit relevant documents, such as a passport, visa, education documents and work experience.

• Purchase of real estate. To obtain a temporary or permanent residence permit in Turkey, you can also purchase real estate in the country. The amount is determined by the region in which you are going to buy the property, but usually starts from $50,000 for a temporary or permanent residence permit. This requirement was introduced to attract foreign investors to the country.

• Obtaining medical insurance. A mandatory step for any type of residence permit and permanent residence. This is a fairly simple procedure, and you will be able to buy medical insurance from local insurance companies.

• Obtaining documents for a residence permit or permanent residence. After fulfilling all the previous conditions and collecting the documents, you must contact the local authorities and obtain a residence permit or permanent residence in Turkey.

• Obtaining a foreign ID card. After receiving immigration status, it is necessary to obtain a foreign ID card, which gives the right to all the privileges and social benefits available to Turkish citizens.

Why do citizens of Kazakhstan choose Turkey?

Turkey is a country with a rich heritage associated with the history of the Ottoman Empire and the Great Steppes, which are located in the southern part of Kazakhstan. The cultural affinity between these two countries originates from the centuries-old history of communication between the two peoples. Kazakhstan and Turkey are located in different regions of Eurasia, but these peoples have many common features, such as language, religion and way of life. These features create the basis for the cultural affinity between Turkey and Kazakhstan, and also make adaptation in the country more comfortable.

Turkish and Kazakh languages belong to the same language family — Turkic, and many words and phrases are similar to each other. Thanks to this, it is much easier for Kazakhs to learn Turkish and communicate with Turks. In addition, there is a fairly large community of Kazakhs living in Turkey, which allows citizens of Kazakhstan to feel more comfortable in a new country.

Also, traditional cultural customs and holidays of Turks and Kazakhs have much in common. For example, Nauryz, which is celebrated in Kazakhstan, as well as in some regions of Russia and Kyrgyzstan, is an analogue of the Turkish Novruz. Both holidays are associated with the spring solstice and the beginning of the new year.

Islam is one of the most important components of the cultural closeness between the two peoples. Kazakhstan and Turkey are predominantly Muslim countries, and Islam plays an important role in the lives of these two peoples. In Turkey and Kazakhstan, many Muslim rituals and traditions are similar to each other, which further strengthens the cultural affinity between the two nations.

Another factor that attracts Kazakhs to move to Turkey is the many opportunities for life and work. It is one of the most developed tourist markets in the world, which opens up numerous options for work in the hotel and restaurant business, as well as tourism. It is important to note that Turkey is a member of the European Union and opens access to education in Europe for children.

Pros and Cons of Living in Turkey

Like any other country, Turkey has its own characteristics for immigrants. The country has its pros and cons that should be taken into account when deciding to move to this country.

Pros

• Climate. Turkey has a very mild and warm climate, especially in the south of the country, where popular resorts such as Antalya and Alanya are located.
• Food. Turkish cuisine is famous for its diversity. Moreover, unlike the southern part of Asia, local dishes are suitable for almost everyone. And many modern international restaurants allow you not to miss the usual European cuisine.
• Hospitality. Turks are very friendly and hospitable - this is part of the mentality of the country.
• Culture. Turkey has a rich history and culture. The country has many ancient cities and architectural monuments, and to fully explore it you need more than one month.
• Standard of living. The standard of living in Turkey is quite high, especially in comparison with other countries in the Middle East.

Cons

• Bureaucracy. Bureaucratic procedures in Turkey can be quite complicated and expensive. Therefore, it is better to apply for a temporary or permanent residence permit through specialists.
• Transport. Public transport in Turkey is not always convenient, especially during rush hour, so many people prefer taxis.
• High rental prices. In popular regions (Istanbul, Alanya, Antalya), rental prices have increased since September 2022 due to sharp demand from foreign migrants. At the same time, this is great news for investors - a stable flow guarantees profitability.

Residence permit in Turkey

Obtaining a tourist residence permit

A tourist residence permit does not give the right to work in Turkey, but allows the holder to stay in the country for no more than two years. A temporary residence permit can be obtained in person or through an authorized representative by submitting the relevant documents to the consulate and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. It is important not to violate the validity period of the existing residence permit and to apply for an extension before its expiration. Residence permits can be extended remotely by filling out the relevant application form.

Residence permit for investment

One of the most common types of residence permits in Turkey is the purchase of real estate for commercial or residential purposes. Such investments give foreigners the opportunity not only to obtain a residence permit, but also to obtain permanent residence in the country. The conditions in this case depend entirely on the cost of the apartment.

For example, by purchasing a holiday home in Antalya, you can obtain Turkish citizenship with a minimum number of documents, and by purchasing a boutique hotel, you can move your entire family to Turkey and open a hotel business.

To qualify for a residence permit for investment in Turkey, you must meet one of the requirements:

• Invest at least $ 500,000 in the country's economy for at least 3 years.
• Buy residential, commercial real estate or land at an estimated value of $ 400,000, which is confirmed by an extract from the register and implies compliance with the established period of restriction on the sale and disposal of property for three years.
• Open a company in any city in Turkey and create at least 50 jobs for local specialists with full social security for 3 years (minimum).

If a foreign citizen has fulfilled at least one of the conditions, he can safely apply to the consulate for a residence permit or citizenship. A mandatory condition is documentary evidence of investment.

Family Residence Permit

Spouses, children and dependents of Turkish citizens also have the right to reside in Turkey. These provisions are regulated by Articles 34 and 37 of Law No. 6458 on Foreigners and International Protection and Articles 30 and 34 of the Implementation Regulations of the Law on Foreigners and International Protection.

Student Residence Permit

• A student residence permit is issued to foreigners who plan to study at a postgraduate or undergraduate level (two years).
• Foreigners studying at the primary or secondary level can obtain a residence permit for a maximum of one year.
• A student residence permit does not entitle the applicant's parents or relatives to apply for a residence permit.
• A student residence permit expires upon completion of studies at one of the educational institutions.

New provisions in the Law on Foreigners and International Protection allow students to start working legally in Turkey. For students in primary and secondary education, the established rules apply in full. As for undergraduate programs or two-year associate degree programs, foreign students are allowed to work in Turkey only after one year of study. The working hours of international students studying in associate degree programs are limited to 24 hours per week.

What documents are required to obtain a residence permit?

• Application for a residence permit
• Passport
• Photograph
• Certificate of income
• Document confirming ownership of real estate in Turkey

How to move to Turkey for permanent residence from Kazakhstan

Permanent residence, or permanent residence permit, is a status that is issued for life and allows you to live in the country. It is important to note that permanent residence in Turkey is not a mandatory step before citizenship. The applicant can choose one of two options: to obtain permanent residence or citizenship immediately.

To obtain permanent residence in the country, the period of uninterrupted residence on the basis of ikamet (residence permit) must be 8 years. If ikamet (residence permit) was obtained on the basis of marriage with a citizen of Turkey, then the period of residence is reduced to 3 years.

An application for permanent residence must be submitted no later than six months before the expiration of the residence permit.

List of documents for permanent residence:

• Copies of all pages of a valid passport, translated into Turkish and certified by a notary. The validity period of the passport must be at least 60 days after the expiration of the ikamet.
• A copy of the residence permit, certified by a notary. The residence permit must be valid for at least six months from the date of filing the application for permanent residence.
• A document confirming marital status. If the documents were not issued in Turkey, they must be translated into Turkish and certified by a notary.
• Health certificate, health insurance.
• Document confirming the applicant's income.
• Document confirming knowledge of the Turkish language of at least level A2.
• Certificate of no criminal record in the country of citizenship and Turkey
• Photograph

Turkish citizenship

Turkish citizenship can be obtained in several ways, including:

• Investment in the Turkish economy
• Marriage to a Turkish citizen
• Legal stay in the country for five years.

Of course, for foreign investors the first option is the most convenient and accessible. Thus, one of the ways to obtain a Turkish passport is to purchase real estate worth at least $400,000. An important nuance: you must own the property for at least 3 years to keep your passport.

After you have selected the property, closed the deal and completed all the necessary documents, you can apply for Turkish citizenship. The application is submitted to the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the country. When submitting, you must provide documents confirming that all conditions have been met, as well as fill out a questionnaire and pay a state fee.

After submitting the application, the Ministry of Internal Affairs checks for compliance with the criteria for obtaining Turkish citizenship. Upon completion of the check, a decision will be made to grant citizenship or refuse it.

In general, the procedure for obtaining Turkish citizenship through investment is quite simple and transparent. However, before making a decision to obtain Turkish citizenship, it is necessary to consult with specialists and get additional information, as the procedures and requirements may change over time. For example, it is quite possible that the minimum entry threshold for participation in the citizenship program will increase after the presidential elections in May 2023.

How to get permanent residence for citizens of Kazakhstan: a quick guide

Permanent residence (permanent residence) is a status that allows citizens of Kazakhstan to permanently reside in another country while maintaining their citizenship and their rights. Obtaining permanent residence can be useful for those who want to live and work abroad on a permanent basis.

A quick guide to the procedure for obtaining permanent residence in Turkey for citizens of Kazakhstan:

1. Obtain a residence permit - for this, you need to contact the consular section of the Turkish embassy in Kazakhstan. When applying, you must provide a copy of your passport, a certificate of no criminal record, and a medical certificate.
2. Obtain a tax number - to do this, contact the Turkish tax office. A tax number is required to open a bank account and obtain a work permit.
3. Obtain health insurance - to do this, you need to contact a local insurance company and take out health insurance.
4. Open a bank account - to do this, you need to contact a bank in Turkey, provide documents (passport, tax number, etc.) and make the required deposit.
5. Collect the necessary documents - to obtain permanent residence in Turkey, you must provide the following documents: an application for permanent residence, a copy of your passport, a certificate of no criminal record, a medical certificate, a tax number, health insurance and proof of financial solvency.
6. Submit an application - an application for permanent residence in Turkey can be submitted to the migration service. After this, you must pass an interview and receive confirmation of your permanent resident status.

Features of Life in Turkey

Turkey is an amazing country with a rich history, culture, and traditions. Life in Turkey has its own unique features that make it interesting for people who wish to live there.

Climate: Turkey has a diverse climate depending on the region. The southern regions are warm and sunny, while the north and central areas can experience snowfall and cold winters.

Culture: Turkey is a country with a rich culture and history reflected in its architecture, traditions, and cuisine. Turks take pride in their culture and strive to preserve its heritage.

Food: Turkish cuisine is one of the most diverse in the world, offering a wealth of flavors and aromas. Turkish restaurants and cafes offer a wide variety of dishes, from local delicacies to international cuisine.

Hospitality: Turkish people are very friendly and eager to help foreigners and share their culture and traditions.

Housing: In Turkey, you can find various housing options — from apartments and houses in cities to villas on the coast. Prices vary depending on the region and property type.

Education: Turkey has many higher education institutions offering a wide range of programs. Education is relatively affordable, which is why many international students choose to study in Turkey.

Work: Turkey has a dynamic economy offering many job opportunities. Many foreigners work in tourism, education, finance, and IT sectors.

Healthcare: Turkey has a well-developed healthcare system that provides high-quality medical services.

Where Immigrants Are Moving

Istanbul

Istanbul is the largest city in Turkey, offering many opportunities for work and life. It’s home to numerous cultural landmarks, shops, restaurants, and nightclubs.

Antalya

Antalya is a resort city on the Mediterranean coast, offering life in a warm climate by the sunny seaside. There are many villas and apartments available for living.

Bodrum

Bodrum is a resort city on the Aegean coast that offers warm weather and luxurious villas by the sea.

Fethiye

Fethiye is a city in southwestern Turkey, also located on the Mediterranean coast. It offers life in a warm climate and the chance to swim in crystal-clear waters.

Alanya

Alanya is a resort city on the Mediterranean coast that offers a variety of entertainment, such as beaches, restaurants, and shops. You can also find many apartments and villas for living here.

Izmir

Izmir is a city on Turkey’s western coast that offers many opportunities for work and living. You can find apartments and houses in various districts of the city.

Kuşadası

Kuşadası is a resort town on the Aegean coast that offers coastal living and the chance to swim in crystal-clear waters. There are also many apartments and villas for living here.

Visa Assistance for Turkey

Kazakhstan Sotheby's International Realty provides professional assistance with obtaining residence permits, permanent residency, and citizenship in Turkey. We handle all necessary procedures, such as submitting visa applications, acquiring work and residence permits, and managing all formalities for successfully obtaining RP, PR, and citizenship.

We offer personalized service tailored to each client’s needs and goals. Our expert team has extensive experience in Turkish residency procedures and delivers high-quality service and support throughout the process.

Additionally, we can help you find suitable investment properties and provide all the necessary consultation and information on living in Turkey.

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