Guide to Residency in Turkmenistan
Summary: Learn how to obtain a residency visa in Turkmenistan. Expats, Retirees and others who have navigated the process offer advice and guidance for newcomers in Turkmenistan.
Obtaining a residency visa in Turkmenistan is not always easy, but our Guide to Residency in Turkmenistan gives newcomers an overview of the steps involved and advice from others who have already navigated the process.
- Gather and Prepare Required Documents
- Valid passport
- Notarized copy of the passport translation into Turkmen
- Visa (if applicable)
- Migration card (issued upon entry into Turkmenistan)
- Passport-sized photographs
- Register with the State Migration Service
- Visit the local office of the State Migration Service of Turkmenistan
- Submit the required documents for registration
- Website for reference: http://www.migration.gov.tm
- Apply for a Temporary Residence Permit
- Obtain and fill out the application form from the State Migration Service
- Submit the application along with the required documents
- Pay the applicable fees
- Undergo Medical Examination
- Visit a local clinic approved by the State Migration Service
- Complete a medical examination to obtain a health certificate
- Apply for a Tax Number
- Visit the local tax office
- Submit the required documents, including passport and residence permit application
- Website for reference: http://www.tax.gov.tm
- Apply for Permanent Residency
- Obtain and fill out the application form from the State Migration Service
- Submit the application along with the required documents, including:
- Valid passport
- Temporary residence permit
- Tax number
- Health certificate
- Proof of accommodation
- Proof of sufficient funds
- Police clearance certificate
- Pay the applicable fees
- Wait for Approval
- The processing time can vary
- Check with the State Migration Service for updates on your application status
- Register with the Local Police Department
- Once residency is approved, register with the local police department
- Submit the required documents, including passport and residence permit
Additional Information
It is recommended to consult with the Embassy or Consulate of Turkmenistan in your home country for the most up-to-date and detailed information. You may also consider hiring a local lawyer or immigration consultant to assist with the process.
Website for Turkmenistan Embassies and Consulates: http://www.mfa.gov.tm
What tips do expats have about residency and visas in Turkmenistan?
"In order to visit Turkmenistan, travelers must obtain a visa prior to arrival. The process of applying for a visa involves submitting an application form, a valid passport, two passport-sized photographs, and a letter of invitation from a Turkmen host. Depending on the purpose of the visit, additional documents may be required. In order to obtain residency in Turkmenistan, applicants must submit an application form, a valid passport, two passport-sized photographs, and a letter of invitation from a Turkmen host. Additionally, applicants must provide proof of employment, proof of financial means, and proof of health insurance. The application process may take several months to complete," commented one member living in Turkmenistan.
About the Author
Betsy Burlingame is the Founder and President of Expat Exchange and is one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange, Betsy worked at AT&T in International
and Mass Market Marketing. She graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University
with a BA in International Business and German.
Some of Betsy's articles include 12 Best Places to Live in Portugal, 7 Best Places to Live in Panama and 12 Things to Know Before Moving to the Dominican Republic. Betsy loves to travel and spend time with her family. Connect with Betsy on LinkedIn.
Additional Information:
- Turkmenistan Guide
- Healthcare & Health Insurance in Turkmenistan
- Members Talk about Healthcare & Health Insurance in Turkmenistan
- Best Places to Live in Turkmenistan
- Guide to Real Estate in Turkmenistan
- Pros & Cons of Living in Turkmenistan
- Cost of Living in Turkmenistan
- Pros and Cons of Living in Turkmenistan 2026


