- Continuous Residence: You must have lived in Turkey uninterruptedly for at least eight years on valid residence permits. Short exits for tourism do not break continuity, but long absences might.
- No Social Assistance: You must not have received any social assistance or financial help from the state in the last three years.
- Adequate and Stable Income: You must prove you have sufficient, regular income to support yourself and any dependents. The general guideline is a monthly net income of at least one minimum wage (which changes annually) per person (for you, your spouse, and each child).
- Valid Health Insurance: You must have comprehensive health insurance that is valid in Turkey (e.g., SGK – public insurance through employment, or a private policy that meets government standards).
- No Threat to Public Order: You must not pose a threat to public order or security. This involves passing a security check.
- No Notifiable Disease: You must be free from diseases classified as a threat to public health by the World Health Organization (usually verified by a medical report).
EXEMPTION from the 8-Year Rule?
- Foreigners who have been married to a Turkish citizen for at least three years and are still married (or divorced after the 3-year mark under certain conditions).
- Children of Turkish citizens or permanent residents who are under 18 or dependent.
- Foreigners born in Turkey and who have lived there since birth.
Certain refugees and stateless persons
