Turkey Hikes Residence Permit Fees for Russians Tenfold: New Costs Revealed

Turkey Imposes Sharp Fee Increases on Russian Residence Permits

According to Главком: Turkey has raised the cost of residence permits for Russian nationals by more than ten times. This move is part of fresh financial restrictions introduced by Turkish authorities. Previously, an annual tourist permit (ikamet) cost just $44, but the new price now exceeds $620. A two-year permit, which earlier ran $144, now sets applicants back roughly $1,284. Fees for children remain about 25% lower.

Russian Population in Turkey Declines

Back in January 2023, over 154,000 Russians held residence permits in Turkey. As of May 5, 2026, that number had dropped to 74,000. Over the past year, more than 11% of Russian passport holders left the country. This decline stems from rising document costs, administrative hurdles, difficulties with bank transfers due to sanctions, and widespread negative sentiment toward the aggressor nation.

Additionally, several countries-including Lithuania, Latvia, the Czech Republic, and Malta-have completely halted the initial issuance of residence permits for Russian citizens. This reflects a broader European trend in attitudes toward Russians. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan continues to pursue policies that shape the country's immigration landscape.

The surge in residence permit fees for Russians in Turkey is part of a wider pattern seen across many European nations, where immigration restrictions for Russian citizens are tightening. This may signal waning interest in Turkey as a destination for Russians seeking stable living conditions. Amid growing economic and political constraints, Turkish authorities likely aim to ease pressure on national resources and respond to international sanctions.