Moving to Turkey 2026: A Guide for Americans
Americans can visit Türkiye without a visa for up to 90 days in any 180, which makes a first trip simple. Moving there is different: staying beyond that needs a residence permit, and working needs a work permit, which in Türkiye also counts as a residence permit. This guide sets out the entry rules, the passport and insurance conditions, and the work route, as published by Türkiye's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Ministry of Labour and Social Security and read on 14 October 2026.
Quick answer
US ordinary passport holders are exempt from a visa for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. Your passport must be valid at least 60 days beyond your permitted stay, and you need medical insurance valid for your stay. To live and work in Türkiye, the usual route is a work permit obtained with an employer, which is treated as a residence permit. First permits last up to one year, and after eight years of legal work permits you can apply for a permanent work permit.
Moving to Turkey as an American: entry rules
- Visa: US official passport holders need a visa, while ordinary passport holders are exempt from visa for up to 90 days in any 180-day period.
- The 90-in-180 rule: the length of stay under a visa or visa exemption cannot exceed 90 days within each 180 days, and it is binding for all foreigners.
- Two passports: you cannot stay 90 days on each of two passports within the last 180 days.
- Passport validity: at least 60 days beyond the duration of stay of your visa, e-Visa, visa exemption or residence permit. For a 90-day stay, that means 150 days of validity at entry.
- Insurance: all applicants must have medical insurance valid during their stay in Türkiye.
Staying longer than 90 days
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs states that the regime for tourism and business visits may differ from the regime for work and study. Staying beyond the 90 days a visa exemption allows needs another basis, such as a residence permit, and a work permit or work permit exemption issued under Law No. 6735 counts as a residence permit.
The work route
- Apply for a work visa at the Turkish mission in your country to receive a 16-digit reference number, if you do not hold a Turkish residence permit.
- Your employer in Türkiye applies online through e-Government.
- The Ministry evaluates complete applications within thirty days.
- If approved, you pay the permit and visa fees at the mission within thirty days of notice and receive a visa sticker.
- After entering, register your address within twenty days.
The employer criteria, salary multiples and permit lengths are in our Turkey work visa guide.
Long-term options
| Permit | What the Ministry of Labour says |
|---|---|
| Definite work permit | Up to one year first, then up to two years and up to three years on extension with the same employer |
| Independent work permit | Working on your own account without an employer, for a definite period, assessed on education, experience and economic impact |
| Permanent work permit | For foreigners with a long-term residence permit or at least eight years of legal work permits. Holders have the rights of a long-term residence permit, and the document is renewed every five years. |
Costs and first steps
For a budget, see our cost of moving to Turkey, and for the first weeks, first steps after moving to Turkey.
Frequently asked questions
Do Americans need a visa for Turkey?
Not for visits. US ordinary passport holders are exempt from visa for up to 90 days in any 180-day period.
Can an American move to Turkey?
Yes, with a residence permit. For work, an employer-backed work permit is treated as a residence permit.
How long must my passport be valid for Turkey?
At least 60 days beyond the duration of stay allowed by your visa, visa exemption or residence permit.
Do I need health insurance to enter Turkey?
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs says all applicants must have medical insurance valid during their stay.
Can I work in Turkey on a visa exemption?
No. Foreigners need a work permit or work permit exemption before they start working.
When can I get a permanent work permit in Turkey?
With a long-term residence permit or at least eight years of legal work permits.
Do I have to register my address in Turkey?
Foreigners who enter on a work visa must register in the address registration system within twenty days.
Official sources
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Türkiye — Visa information for foreigners
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Türkiye — General information about Turkish visas
- Ministry of Labour and Social Security — Work permit FAQ
- Ministry of Labour and Social Security — Work permit types
All rules and time frames verified against the official sources above on 14 October 2026. Information, not legal advice.