Family residence permit for foreign students wishing to study in Turkey is a permit that allows family members to be legally present in the country. This leave covers the student’s spouse and children under the age of 18.
Who is covered by the family residence permit?
A family residence permit covers:
- Student’s spouse
- Student’s children under the age of 18
- In some cases, other dependent family members (e.g. sick or disabled individuals, but additional documentation may be required for these special cases).
Thanks to this permit, family members can stay in Turkey with the student, access health insurance and benefit from some social services.
Why it is important for foreign students
Family support improves the student’s quality of life in Turkey. In addition, having family members in Turkey makes it easier for the student to focus on his/her education and speeds up the adaptation process. If you are planning to come with your family, you should definitely investigate this permit.
Turkey Visa Types for Family Members
Your family members must first obtain a visa to come to Turkey. When deciding which type of visa is appropriate, you should make a coherent plan in conjunction with the student visa.
Short Term Visa Options
The most preferred short-term visas for family members are:
- Touristic Visa: Ideal for short-term visits (maximum 90 days).
- Student Accompaniment Visa: Can be obtained to accompany a student on their first visit.
- Family Residence Permit Visa: Can be used to apply for a long-term residence permit.
| Visa Type | Visa Duration | For Who? |
|---|---|---|
| Touristic Visa | Up to 90 days | All family members |
| Companion Visa | 30-90 days | Parent or spouse |
| Family Residence Visa | Long term | Spouse and children |
Differences between long term and student visa
Students usually enter with a student visa. For family members, however, a long-term visa or family residence permit is more suitable. This permit allows you to stay both during and after your studies. A student visa provides special rights for the student only, while a family residence permit facilitates access to health insurance and other benefits for family members.
E-Residence System in Turkey: Online Application and Tracking
Turkey has digitized applications for family residence permits. Thanks to the e-Residence System, you can both apply and follow the process online.
How to Apply
To apply through the e-Residence system:
- Go to the official website of the General Directorate of Migration Management.
- Click on the “e-Residency Application” tab.
- Fill out the application form completely (personal information, address, passport details, etc.).
- After the application date, make an appointment and go to the Provincial Directorate of Migration Management with the necessary documents.
👉 The Procedures for Initial Registration and Address Notification in Turkey process is also important at this stage.
How to Use Online Tracking System
You can track the status of your application on the e-Residence portal. To see if your application has been approved, simply log in to the system with your application number and credentials. In this way, you can be informed at every stage and can quickly upload additional documents if requested.
Rights Provided by the ID Card for International Students in Turkey
The “Foreigner Identity Card” (YKN) is of great importance for foreign nationals studying as students in Turkey. This card proves your official residence and legal status in Turkey.
Identity Card Application and Usage
After the family residence permit application is approved, the Foreigner Identity Number issued by the Immigration Administration is used to apply for an ID card. This card replaces the official ID card in many areas, from health services to banking transactions.
Using this card while living as a student in Turkey;
- Can open a bank account,
- Can get a telephone line,
- Can benefit from health services,
- You can make official transactions.
Social Rights and Services
Family members of students with a foreign identity card can also benefit from some social services in Turkey. Emergency health care is free, especially in public hospitals. It is also possible for children to be educated in public schools.
Entry with Student Visa in Turkey: Airport Operations
When you first enter Turkey as a student, you need to complete some procedures at the airport. If you are coming with your family, these procedures ensure that they can also enter the country without any problems.
What to Watch Out for at the Airport
When entering Turkey, you will usually be asked to present your student visa and supporting documents at passport control. Your family members must also carry the appropriate documents for their visa type.
If you are coming for the first time on a student visa:
- School acceptance certificate,
- Certificate of accommodation,
- You must have proof of health insurance with you.
Transition Tips from Student Visa to Work Visa
Your right to work during the study period may be limited, but in some circumstances it is possible to switch from a student visa to a work visa.
Study Safely in Turkey with Your Family!
Studying in Turkey with family members offers great advantages both academically and socially. You can easily manage the whole process by having information about the e-Residency system, student visas and foreign identity cards.
If you want to live safely with your family while studying in Turkey, get professional support from the Road to Study
team and start the process in the right way!