Complete Guide to Director Residency Permits in Türkiye for 2026

Our corporate lawyers team explains director residency permits in Türkiye from a legal, procedural, and strategic perspective. Drawing on more than three years of experience in Turkish corporate law, we outline when residency is required, how it differs from a work permit, and how foreign directors can ensure full compliance while maintaining operational flexibility.

As Türkiye continues to position itself as a regional hub for international trade, manufacturing, and technology, foreign investors increasingly appoint non-Turkish nationals as company directors. One of the most frequently asked questions we receive at Akkas CPA & Turkish Accounting Firm is whether foreign directors must obtain a residency permit in Türkiye—and if so, under which conditions.

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Understanding Director Residency Permits in Türkiye

A director residency permit allows a foreign national to legally reside in Türkiye for a specified period. It is governed primarily by the Law on Foreigners and International Protection and implemented by the Directorate General of Migration Management.

Importantly, a residency permit does not automatically grant the right to work. For company directors, determining whether a residency permit alone is sufficient—or whether a work permit is also required—depends on the director’s role, authority, and physical presence in Türkiye.

Foreign investors often encounter confusion at this stage, particularly during the company formation process, where director appointments are registered with the Turkish Trade Registry.

Who Is Considered a Director Under Turkish Law?

Under Turkish Commercial Code No. 6102, directors (or board members in joint stock companies) are individuals authorized to represent and manage the company. A director may be:

• A Turkish national or foreign national
• Resident or non-resident in Türkiye
• Actively involved in day-to-day operations or limited to strategic oversight

From a legal standpoint, nationality alone does not trigger residency or work permit obligations. Instead, the determining factor is whether the foreign director performs activities in Türkiye that qualify as “work” under immigration and labor regulations.

When Does a Foreign Director Need a Residency Permit?

A foreign director typically needs a residency permit if they:

• Reside in Türkiye for more than short-term visa allowances
• Attend frequent board meetings physically in Türkiye
• Maintain a habitual place of residence in Türkiye
• Are required to sign documents or represent the company locally on a regular basis

Short, occasional visits for meetings usually do not require residency, provided they fall within visa-free or visa-based stay limits. However, long-term presence almost always necessitates a residency permit and, in many cases, a work permit.

Residency Permit vs. Work Permit: A Critical Distinction

One of the most common compliance risks for foreign directors arises from misunderstanding the difference between residency and employment authorization.

A residency permit grants the right to live in Türkiye. A work permit grants the right to perform income-generating or managerial activities.

If a foreign director:

• Signs contracts in Türkiye
• Represents the company before banks or authorities
• Actively manages employees or operations

then a work permit is generally mandatory. In many cases, a work permit also serves as a de facto residency permit under Turkish law.

You can review the legal framework governing this area on our dedicated work permit page.

Types of Residency Permits Applicable to Directors

Depending on the circumstances, foreign directors may apply for one of the following:

1. Short-Term Residency Permit

Commonly issued for up to one year and renewable. Suitable for directors with limited physical presence.

2. Family Residency Permit

Available if the director has qualifying family ties to a Turkish resident or citizen.

3. Long-Term Residency Permit

Granted after eight years of uninterrupted legal residence. Rare for newly appointed directors but relevant for long-term planning.

Each application must be supported by precise documentation and justification aligned with the director’s actual role in the company.

Required Documents for Director Residency Applications

Applications must be prepared meticulously to avoid delays or rejections. While requirements may vary slightly by province, standard documentation includes:

• Valid passport
• Proof of address in Türkiye
• Health insurance policy
• Company appointment documents
• Notarized and apostilled corporate records

A complete and up-to-date checklist is available on our required documents page, which we recommend reviewing before initiating any application.

Director Residency in the Context of Company Formation

Director residency considerations should be addressed at the earliest stage of company incorporation. Decisions made during incorporation—such as whether the director will be granted signatory authority—directly impact immigration obligations.

During Turkish company formation, foreign investors often appoint directors who initially remain abroad. This is permissible, provided that local representation is structured correctly and that no unauthorized work is carried out in Türkiye.

Strategic planning at this stage can significantly reduce future compliance risks and costs.

Costs and Timing Considerations

The cost of obtaining a director residency permit in Türkiye depends on several factors, including:

• Permit duration
• Nationality of the applicant
• Whether legal representation is used
• Translation, notarization, and apostille expenses

In addition, costs may increase if a work permit is required alongside residency. For a transparent overview of incorporation-related expenses, including director structuring, please consult our company formation costs page.

Processing times typically range from 2 to 6 weeks, though this may vary depending on workload at local migration offices.

Common Compliance Pitfalls for Foreign Directors

Foreign directors frequently encounter issues due to:

• Assuming that board membership alone exempts them from permit requirements
• Entering Türkiye on a tourist status while performing managerial activities
• Delaying applications until after starting operations
• Inconsistent documentation between corporate and immigration filings

Such issues can lead to administrative fines, permit refusals, or future entry bans. Proper legal guidance significantly reduces these risks.

Director Residency Permits and Corporate Governance

From a governance perspective, properly structured director residency enhances regulatory credibility, banking relationships, and audit readiness. Turkish banks and counterparties increasingly scrutinize whether directors with signatory authority are legally authorized to reside and act in Türkiye.

Aligning immigration status with corporate governance obligations is therefore not merely a compliance exercise—it is a strategic business decision. Detailed guidance on this topic is available on our director residency resource page.

Why Professional Legal Support Matters

Director residency permits sit at the intersection of immigration law, corporate law, and regulatory compliance. Errors in one area often cascade into others, particularly during audits, investment rounds, or exits.

At Akkas CPA & Turkish Accounting Firm, we have advised international clients since 2017 on structuring director appointments, residency strategies, and long-term governance frameworks in Türkiye. Our multilingual team ensures that applications are not only compliant, but aligned with each client’s commercial objectives.

Contact us for Applying Director Residency Permits in Türkiye

Navigating director residency permit applications requires specialized expertise in both Turkish immigration law and corporate governance regulations. At Akkas CPA & Turkish Accounting Firm, we have provided comprehensive company formation and governance services since 2017, guiding international clients through every aspect of establishing and maintaining business operations in Türkiye.

Our multilingual legal team understands the complexities foreign directors face when coordinating corporate establishment with immigration procedures. We offer integrated services that address both your company formation needs and residency authorization requirements, ensuring seamless coordination between these interconnected processes.

Whether you are establishing your first Turkish business presence or expanding existing operations, our experienced attorneys provide strategic guidance tailored to your specific circumstances. We handle documentation preparation, liaison with immigration authorities, regulatory compliance, and ongoing support for permit renewals and long-term planning.

Contact Akkas CPA & Turkish Accounting Firm today to schedule a consultation regarding your director residency permit needs. Let our three years of experience in Turkish business law work for your success in Türkiye’s dynamic business environment.