How long can you live in Turkey if you have real estate?

Owning or renting property in Turkey provides a basis for applying for a residence permit, which significantly influences the duration one can legally reside in the country. Here's how it works:

1. Property Ownership: Purchasing property in Turkey automatically qualifies you for a residence permit (short-term), which is renewable as long as you maintain ownership of the property. The initial permit is usually valid for one year and can be extended provided the property remains under your ownership.
2. Rental Agreement: If you rent property in Turkey, you must have a rental agreement that is at least 12 months long to qualify for a residence permit. Similar to property ownership, this permit allows you to live in Turkey for the duration of the rental agreement, typically for one year, and can be renewed by extending the rental agreement.

Both types of residence permits—whether obtained through property ownership or a rental agreement—require proper registration and compliance with Turkish immigration laws. The permits allow you to reside in Turkey, travel in and out of the country, and may include additional rights like access to healthcare services.

For continuous stay, it's essential to renew the residence permit before it expires, ensuring all necessary documentation is updated and submitted timely. This process typically involves proving your continued property ownership or rental and may require other forms of documentation as specified by Turkish immigration authorities.