Residence permit under TAPU in Turkey in 2026: conditions for obtaining and main differences

Updated: July 2026

Briefly about the main thing

If you are planning to buy real estate in Turkey and want to obtain a residence permit, you have probably heard about the TAPU residence permit .

The most important thing to know:

✅ A residence permit under TAPU can be obtained by purchasing real estate with a cadastral value of at least 200,000 US dollars .

✅ In 2026, documents will be accepted in all districts of Alanya.

✅ The main condition is that the TAPU must indicate a cadastral value of at least 200,000 US dollars at the exchange rate of the Central Bank of Turkey.

✅ A residence permit under TAPU gives the right to subsequently apply for Turkish citizenship by naturalization, subject to compliance with legal requirements.

What is a residence permit under TAPU?

A residence permit under TAPU is a residence permit that is issued on the basis of ownership of real estate .

In other words, after purchasing an apartment, house, or villa, you become the owner of the property and, subject to compliance with legal requirements, can apply for a residence permit.

This option is suitable for those who plan to live in Turkey permanently and view real estate not only as an investment, but also as a place to live.

What property value is required?

In 2026, to obtain a residence permit for real estate, the cadastral value of the property must be at least 200,000 US dollars .

It is important to understand that we are talking specifically about the cadastral value, which will be indicated in the TAPU , and not about the price indicated in the purchase and sale agreement.

Why do we recommend setting the price a little higher than $200,000?

This is one of the most important points that many buyers find out about too late.

When checking documents, government agencies are guided by the exchange rate of the Central Bank of Turkey, valid on the date of registration of the TAPU .

Due to exchange rate fluctuations, a situation may arise where the property price falls below the established minimum by just a few dollars.

For example:

• $199,990;
• $199,950;
• $199,800.

In this case, the system may not process the application for a residence permit.

That's why New Level Group specialists always recommend closing a transaction with a small reserve, so that the cadastral value confidently exceeds the legally established minimum.

This approach allows you to avoid unnecessary risks and apply for a residence permit with peace of mind.

In which areas can I obtain a residence permit using TAPU?

As of summer 2026, we are seeing positive application processing practices in Alanya.

Today, documents are accepted in all districts of Alanya , including districts that were previously closed to certain categories of residence permits.

It is important to remember that immigration practices may change, so it is recommended to check the latest information before purchasing real estate.

How does a TAPU residence permit differ from a tourist residence permit?

This is the most frequently asked question by our clients.

In fact, there are not as many differences as it seems.

Both a tourist residence permit and a residence permit under TAPU allow:

• reside legally in Turkey;
• enroll children in school;
• buy a car;
• open a company;
• use banking services;
• remain freely in the country during the validity period of the residence permit.

The main difference lies in the basis for obtaining it and the future prospects.

Tourist residence permit

A tourist residence permit is issued on the basis of renting housing or purchasing real estate of lesser value.

The decision to issue it is made by the migration service after reviewing the documents.

In other words, the application is considered individually, and the final decision rests with the government agency.

In our experience, we have seen positive dynamics and successful approvals of tourist residence permits in Alanya in the summer of 2026, but each case is considered individually.

Residence permit under TAPU

If the cadastral value of the property is at least 200,000 US dollars , then registration of a residence permit for the property is provided for by law.

If all legal requirements are met, obtaining such a residence permit is a guaranteed basis.

Moreover, this type of residence permit allows one to subsequently apply for Turkish citizenship by naturalization after the required period of permanent residence in the country and fulfillment of other legal requirements.

This is the main difference between a residence permit under TAPU and a tourist residence permit.

If the apartment costs less than $200,000

This does not mean that it is impossible to obtain a residence permit.

If the property value is below the legal threshold, you can apply for a tourist residence permit if this option is provided for by the current practice of the migration service at the time of submitting the documents.

As of the summer of 2026, we see positive practice in considering such applications in Alanya.

Conclusion

A residence permit with a TAPU is one of the most reliable ways to legally reside in Turkey.

The main condition is to purchase real estate with a cadastral value of at least USD 200,000 , correctly complete the documents, and check all the legal details of the transaction in advance.

New Level Group specialists support clients through every stage of their real estate purchase: from property selection to TAPU registration and residence permit acquisition. We pre-check documents, calculate the cadastral value in accordance with legal requirements, and help avoid errors that could impact residence permit acquisition.

FAQ

Is it possible to obtain a residence permit for an apartment worth less than $200,000?

Yes, but in this case we are not talking about a residence permit for real estate, but about a tourist residence permit, which is considered by the migration service on an individual basis.

What costs are taken into account when applying for a residence permit?

The cadastral value of the property indicated in the TAPU is taken into account, calculated at the exchange rate of the Central Bank of Turkey on the date of registration of ownership.

Why is it better to buy real estate with a small reserve in price?

To avoid risks associated with exchange rate fluctuations, even a slight decrease in value below the $200,000 threshold could result in a denial of your application.

How long does it take to obtain citizenship?

If you comply with legal requirements and reside in Turkey continuously with a real estate residence permit after the legally established period, you can apply for Turkish citizenship by naturalization.