As Turkey opens its doors to international students, the most important institution to apply for residence and visa procedures is undoubtedly the Directorate of Immigration Management. In this article, I will explain the services offered by the Immigration Management for foreign students who want to study in Turkey, the application process and the things to consider.
What is the Directorate of Immigration Management?
Presidency of Immigration Management is the government agency responsible for carrying out residence, visa and work permit procedures for foreign nationals in Turkey. It is especially authorized for residence permit applications, extension procedures and other legal regulations for international students. The aim of this organization is to facilitate the education life of foreign students in Turkey and to ensure that they complete the legal processes quickly.
Residence Permit Processes for International Students
One of the most important steps for students wishing to study in Turkey is to obtain a student residence permit. This permit allows you to both stay in Turkey legally and complete your university enrollment.
The table below shows the current figures for residency fees in USD as of 2025:
| Term of Residence | Residence Fee (USD) |
|---|---|
| 6 months | 34.36 USD |
| 6 months over 12 months | 68.33 USD |
| 12 months over 24 months | 136.67 USD |
The application process usually works as follows:
- After completing your university registration, you can apply online through the e-residency system of the Directorate of Immigration Management.
- The day and time of the appointment is determined by the system.
- Required documents (student certificate, copy of passport, health insurance, etc.) are prepared.
- Documents are delivered on the appointment day and your application is reviewed.
The prices given in USD are estimates for 2025 residence permit fees. Fees, including student residence permit fees, are generally determined in TL, and there are exceptions/rates in USD that vary by country.
Frequently Asked Questions on Visa and Residency
Among the most common questions from international students are “What do I do if my residence permit application is rejected?” or “Can I apply without health insurance?”
- If your application is rejected: Your application may be rejected due to missing documents, invalid documents or incorrect application. In this case, you can reapply by completing the deficiencies.
- Is health insurance compulsory? Yes, the residence permit application is not accepted without health insurance. You can use private insurance companies contracted by your university or state-sponsored alternatives.
- Application deadline: Generally, you must apply 60 days before the start of the school year or before the end of your study leave.
In this process, I recommend that you follow up-to-date information on the official application page of the Directorate of Immigration Management.
Life in Turkey: Practical Information for Students
Living as a student in Turkey is not only about classes and exams, but also practical challenges such as adjusting to a new city and managing a budget. Students are often looking for a roadmap to plan their expenses such as transportation, housing, food and social activities. If you are wondering how much you should spend when creating a student budget in Turkey and the average monthly cost of living, be sure to check out our article titled Student Budget in Turkey: Average Monthly Cost of Living.
One of the first things you will notice when you start living in Turkey as a student is the transportation system. In big cities, the metro, buses and minibuses are quite affordable with student cards. When I first arrived in Istanbul, I got caught up in the metrobus chaos and got off at the wrong stop, so it’s worth checking the maps in advance!
Health services in Turkey are also very accessible for foreign students. Universities usually offer health center services. You can also receive services from public hospitals with private health insurance. This provides a comforting assurance of good health.
Immigration Administration Communication Channels and Support Services
If you encounter any problems during the residence permit or visa process, it is very easy to reach the Directorate of Immigration Management. You can get online support from the official website or you can call the YİMER Call Center at 157 and benefit from the English support service. This call center is a specially created line to answer international students’ questions instantly.
The provincial and district offices of the Directorate of Immigration Management also provide face-to-face application and information services. Especially in big cities (Istanbul, Ankara, Izmir), these offices can often be very busy, so making an appointment online will speed up your work.
In short, the Directorate of Immigration Management provides serious support to make life easier for students in Turkey. If you do your procedures correctly and on time, your education life in Turkey will be much more enjoyable and trouble-free.