Bursa
Residence Permit
Bursa 2026
Turkey's historic first Ottoman capital combines open districts, affordable costs, and convenient ferry access to Istanbul. Most areas remain fully accessible for new foreign permits. Ikamet manages Bursa applications through a dedicated network of local partners.
4–6 wks
Processing time
99%
Approval rate
Open
District status
90 min
From Istanbul
Why Bursa
Open, affordable, and 90 minutes from Istanbul.
Bursa rarely features on the typical expat radar, which works in your favour: fewer applications mean fewer closures, better appointment availability, and a permit process that runs smoothly year-round. It is the best-value city in northwest Turkey for a Turkish residence permit.
Open districts throughout
Bursa has not experienced the closure waves seen in Istanbul or parts of the Aegean coast. Almost all districts remain open for new applications, making address selection straightforward.
Affordable alternative to Istanbul
Property and rental costs are a fraction of Istanbul prices, while Bursa offers a fully equipped city with hospitals, universities, international schools, and well-developed transport infrastructure.
Easy access to Istanbul
Regular ferries from Mudanya and direct buses connect Bursa to Istanbul in under 2 hours, making it a practical base for those who need regular access to Istanbul without paying Istanbul prices.
Rich Ottoman heritage
As the first Ottoman capital, Bursa offers exceptional historic architecture, traditional bazaars, thermal baths in Çekirge, and mountain access at Uludağ. A city of genuine cultural depth.
Common Permit Bases in Bursa
Property Ownership
Most commonMinimum $200,000 USD, independent appraisal required. Most common basis for Bursa applicants.
Income / Bank Statement
Minimum ₺9,358/month per person. Stable foreign income accepted.
Tourism
Bank statement showing sufficient funds. No property required.
Business Activity
Active business registration or company directorship in Turkey.
Popular Areas
Recommended districts in Bursa.
These areas have consistent open availability for new permit applications and are popular with the expat community.
Osmangazi
OpenCentral historic district, open. Ottoman mosques, bazaars, and the Kapalı Çarşı silk market.
Nilüfer
OpenModern, affluent western district. Open, popular with professionals and families.
Yıldırım
OpenEastern district, open, more affordable residential area with good local amenities.
Mudanya
OpenCoastal district on the Sea of Marmara, open, ferry port with direct connections to Istanbul.
Çekirge
OpenHistoric thermal bath district within Osmangazi, open, popular with health tourism visitors.
District status is verified before every submission. Check current status for your specific address.
How It Works
The Bursa application process.
Bursa applications follow the same national framework as all Turkish residence permits, with the advantage of shorter processing times and far fewer district complications than Istanbul.
Check district availability
We confirm your Bursa address falls within an open district before preparing any documentation.
Confirm your permit basis
We review your circumstances — property ownership, income, tourism, or business activity — and select the strongest basis for your Bursa application.
Gather and certify documents
Our compliance team prepares your full document pack, including notarisation, translations, and health insurance sourcing.
Submit at Bursa Göç office
We submit your e-İkamet application and attend the appointment with you at the Bursa İl Göç İdaresi Müdürlüğü.
Card collection and delivery
Once approved, your residence card is collected from PTT and delivered directly to you.
Bursa at a Glance
Pricing
Simple, transparent fees.
One-time fee for full case management. Government fees are separate and itemised upfront.
| Package | Fee |
|---|---|
| Essentials For applicants with documents ready | $490 one-time |
| Complete Full-service management, individuals and couples | $890 one-time |
Family applications and complex cases available. See full pricing.
Ready to apply in Bursa?
Let Ikamet handle your Bursa permit.
Our team checks your district, prepares your documents, and manages the full application. You show up to the appointment — we do the rest.
Start Your Application →