Turkey has become a very popular education center for international students in recent years. Its geopolitical location, affordable tuition fees and foreign currency advantage make it a popular choice for many students. Just like in Germany, the USA and the UK, a student residence permit is mandatory for foreign students to study in Turkey. This permit allows you to stay in the country legally and enjoy social benefits.
Types of Residence Permit and Application Process
The residence permit issued to students in Turkey is commonly known as a student residence permit (short-term residence permit). This permit allows you to stay in Turkey legally for the duration of your studies. You can apply to the Migration Administration with documents such as university enrollment certificate, passport and health insurance.
Documents Required for Student Residence Permit in Turkey
| Required Documents | Description |
|---|---|
| Passport | Passport and a photocopy of a valid passport (not expired). |
| Student Certificate | Current student certificate from a university or educational institution in Turkey. |
| Biometric Photograph | Four biometric photos taken within the last 6 months, white background. |
| Health Insurance Policy | Certificate or policy of valid health insurance. |
| Fee Receipt | Proof of payment for the residence fee and card fee. |
| Document of Residence | Document showing your address in Turkey (lease agreement or dormitory certificate). |
| Income Status or Sponsor | Proof of financial means to support yourself in Turkey or a sponsor document (if required). |
What Is a Residence Permit and What Are the Types of Residence Permits in Turkey?
It is an official document that allows foreign nationals to stay legally within the borders of a country for a certain period of time. When you come to Turkey as a student or for any other reason, you need to apply for a student residence permit if you plan to stay for more than 90 days.
In general, those traveling to another country as tourists can stay in that country for a maximum of 90 days. For stays longer than 90 days, you need to apply for a long-term visa or residence permit. A residence permit covers not only the duration of stay, but also the enjoyment of certain social rights offered by the state, the right to work, and the right to study.
There are different types of residence permits for foreign students and other foreigners in Turkey. Let’s take a closer look at these permissions:
Short Term Residence Permit
It can be applied for a variety of reasons, such as scientific research, immovable property ownership, long-term tourism, etc. For example: Academics coming to Turkey to conduct research or people buying property in Turkey can benefit from this permit.
Family Residence Permit
It is generally valid for foreigners who marry a Turkish citizen. However, this permission can be granted not only to those who marry Turkish citizens, but also to those who marry foreigners who have a legal residence permit in Turkey.
Student Residence Permit
Students enrolled in universities or educational institutions in Turkey must apply for this permit in order to stay in Turkey for the duration of their education. Applications can be made with a student certificate.
Long Term Residence Permit
It is generally granted to foreigners who have lived in Turkey for at least 8 years without interruption and have obtained a legal residence permit. Long-term residence permit holders can also benefit from some social rights.
Humanitarian Residence Permit
This is a type of residence permit issued to people who have to stay in Turkey for compelling reasons (e.g. war, asylum or special circumstances).
If you plan to stay in Turkey as a student, be sure to research which type of residence permit is right for you and follow the application process carefully.
What is a Student Residence Permit?
A student residence permit is an official document that allows foreign students to legally stay in the country to study in Turkey. This permit is granted to students enrolled in a university, master’s, doctoral, language course or other educational program in Turkey.
By obtaining this permit, you will not only be able to attend classes, but you will also be able to access health services, have some social rights and live safely in Turkey. Studying in Turkey without a student residence permit is illegal and may be considered a visa violation. Therefore, every foreign student coming to Turkey to study must apply for a student residence permit.
Who is Granted a Student Residence Permit?
For foreign students wishing to study in Turkey, a student residence permit is a very important step to stay in Turkey legally. So, who can benefit from this leave? Here are the details:
Students Under 18
Foreign students under the age of 18 in Turkey are usually covered by a family residence permit. In this case, they do not need to obtain a student residence permit because the family residence permit entitles them to primary and secondary school education in Turkey.
However, in some cases, students under the age of 18 may not have a family residence permit (e.g. if their parents do not live in Turkey or if another person has custody of them). In this case, these students can also study in Turkey by obtaining a student residence permit.
18 Year Old Students
Foreign students in Turkey who are 18 years of age or older can apply for a student residence permit when they are admitted to various higher education institutions in Turkey. Students who can apply are:
- Associate degree students
- Undergraduate students
- Graduate students
- Doctoral students
- Medical Specialty Training (TUS) students
- Dentistry Specialization Training (DUS) students
Can Foreign Students Get a Long-Term Residence Permit?
Student residence permits in Turkey are usually issued for short-term periods; however, long-term residence permits are also possible in some cases. Long-term residence permits are generally granted to foreign nationals who have resided in Turkey for eight years without interruption.
Long Term Residence Permit Conditions
In order to apply for a long-term residence permit as a student, you must have resided in Turkey legally and uninterruptedly for eight years. It is also important that you have not received social assistance in the last three years and have a regular income.
Differences Between Short Term and Long Term
While a short-term student residence permit is usually valid for the duration of education, a long-term residence permit is considered a permanent residence permit. With a long-term permit, you can more easily access a work permit in Turkey and benefit from some social rights.
Why a Student Residence Permit is Denied?
The reasons for rejecting student residence permit applications are often based on documentation, the application process or misrepresentation. Being careful in this regard is very important for the positive outcome of the application.
The Most Common Reasons for Rejection
The most common reasons for rejecting an application include incomplete or inaccurate documentation, suspected forgery, invalid student documents, or lack of health insurance.
How to Correct a Rejected Application?
If your application is rejected, you usually have 30 days to appeal. You can reapply by reviewing your documents and completing the missing ones. You can also manage the process more easily by seeking counseling.
Who Can Not Apply for Student Residency?
Tourist visa holders or participants in short-term (e.g. a few weeks) educational programs are not eligible to apply for a student residence permit. In addition, student residence permits are not issued for those who have violated their visa or entered Turkey illegally.
For more information about the visa processTurkey Student Visa: Application Process and Required Documents.
Get Your Student Residence Permit and Focus on Your Education
Getting a residence permit is one of the first steps you need to take to realize your dream of studying in Turkey. As Road to Study, we guide you through this process step by step and facilitate your application process.
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