"How much does a residence permit cost in Turkey?" has two answers: the official fees you pay to the state, and the total cost once you add health insurance and paperwork. This guide covers both for 2026 — the card fee, the residence permit fee (harç) by nationality, the countries that are exempt, how to pay, and a realistic budget.
The Two Official Fees: Card Fee and Harç
Every residence permit application involves two official payments:
- The card fee (belge or kart bedeli) — the cost of producing your residence card. It is the same for everyone.
- The residence permit fee (ikamet harcı) — it depends on your nationality and the duration of the permit, because Turkey applies the principle of reciprocity.
Both must be paid before your appointment, and you bring the receipts with your file.
The Card Fee in 2026: 964 TL
From 1 January 2026, the residence card fee is 964 TL. It applies to all foreign nationals — even citizens of countries that are exempt from harç still pay the card fee. The amount is updated every year at the start of January.
Harç by Nationality: How the Group System Works
For most nationalities, harç is set in US dollars according to the country's group, and it is paid in Turkish lira. You pay one amount for the first month and a smaller amount for each additional month. The published 2026 group amounts are:
| Group | First month | Each additional month | 12-month permit | Example countries |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| A | $25 | $5 | $80 | Most countries not listed in the other groups |
| B | $14 | $3.50 | $52.50 | Japan, Israel, Tajikistan, Philippines |
| C | $9 | $2.50 | $36.50 | Spain, Belgium, Jordan, Kuwait |
| D | $7 | $1.50 | $23.50 | Russia, South Korea, Ethiopia |
| E | $5 | $0.50 | $10.50 | Iraq, Egypt, Morocco, Tunisia |
Example: an Iraqi citizen applying for a one-year permit pays $5 for the first month and $0.50 for each of the following 11 months — $10.50 in total, paid in lira — plus the 964 TL card fee.
You don't need to calculate harç yourself. When you complete your application, e-ikamet shows the exact amounts for your nationality and permit duration. Always pay the amounts shown there.
Countries Exempt from Harç in 2026
Under reciprocity, citizens of the following countries do not pay the residence permit fee — but they still pay the 964 TL card fee:
- Syria, Palestine, Turkmenistan and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (KKTC)
- Czechia, Denmark, Ireland and Kosovo
- Nepal and Sri Lanka
The Lira Tariff for Countries Outside the Groups
A few countries are not in any group and pay a general tariff set in Turkish lira. In 2026 these include Serbia, Fiji, Norway and the Northern Mariana Islands:
- First month: 348.10 TL per day, with a minimum of 653.70 TL and a maximum of 3,359.90 TL.
- Each additional month: 2,232.30 TL.
The Single-Entry Visa Fee: Who Pays It?
If you entered Turkey visa-free (or with a visa obtained at the border) and you are applying for a residence permit for the first time, e-ikamet may add a visa fee to your payment items. Whether it applies — and how much it is — depends on your nationality, and the system calculates it automatically.
How and When to Pay
Pay before your appointment date, using the amounts and the reference shown in your e-ikamet application. The usual channels are:
- Online by card, through the payment step of e-ikamet.
- The Revenue Administration's Digital Tax Office (Dijital Vergi Dairesi), using your application or accrual (tahakkuk) number.
- Tax offices and contracted banks, using the payment codes from your application.
The payment items are identified by codes: 9233 for the residence permit fee, 9207 for the card fee and 9234 for the visa fee. Keep every receipt and bring it to your appointment.
The Presidency of Migration Management does not collect fees through personal or company bank accounts. If someone asks you to transfer "ikamet fees" to an IBAN, it is a scam.
The Real Total: A Realistic 2026 Budget
Official fees are only part of the cost. A typical first short-term residence permit includes:
| Item | 2026 cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Card fee | 964 TL | The same for every nationality |
| Residence permit fee (harç) | $0 (exempt) to $80 for one year in groups A–E | Depends on nationality and duration |
| Visa fee | Only in some first applications | Calculated automatically by e-ikamet |
| Health insurance | Depends on age and term | Mandatory for the full permit period |
| Biometric photos | Varies | Any photo studio |
| Notary and sworn translations | Varies | Rental contract, foreign documents |
Health insurance is usually the biggest variable. Its price depends on your age and on whether you choose a one- or two-year policy — see our 2026 residence insurance prices guide and our comparison of 1-year and 2-year policies.
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Fee Mistakes That Delay Applications
- Paying for the wrong duration — for example paying harç for 6 months while applying for 12.
- Paying after the appointment date instead of before it.
- Losing the receipts — you need to bring them to the migration office.
- Paying intermediaries for fees or "appointments" instead of using the official channels.
- Assuming fees are refundable — refunds are not automatic and depend on the case.
Fees are only one part of the process: our first residence permit application guide takes you through every step.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is the residence card fee in 2026?
964 TL from 1 January 2026, for all nationalities.
Do Syrian citizens pay the residence permit fee?
Syria is on the 2026 list of countries exempt from harç, so Syrian citizens pay only the 964 TL card fee.
How much do Iraqi and Egyptian citizens pay?
Iraq and Egypt are in group E: $5 for the first month and $0.50 for each additional month ($10.50 for a one-year permit), paid in lira, plus the card fee.
How much do Russian citizens pay?
Russia is in group D: $7 for the first month and $1.50 for each additional month ($23.50 for one year), plus the card fee.
When do I have to pay the fees?
Before your appointment date. Bring the receipts with your documents.
Can I pay the residence permit fees online?
Yes. You can pay by card through e-ikamet or via the Digital Tax Office, or at tax offices and contracted banks using your payment codes.
Is health insurance included in the residence permit fees?
No. Health insurance is a separate, mandatory requirement. Its price depends on your age and the policy term.
Are the fees refunded if my application is rejected?
Refunds are not automatic. They depend on the payment type and the circumstances, so ask your migration office or tax office about your case.
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