Family reunification is a legal visa that allows family members living in different countries to come together. In Turkey, this process is an important way for people, especially those with long-term residence permits, to take their spouses and children with them.
Who is granted a family reunification visa? The right to family reunification in Turkey applies in the following cases:
- Foreigners married to Turkish citizens
- People legally residing in Turkey (student, working, refugee status)
- Children under 18
- Children in case of legal adoption
The situation for students is a bit more complicated. A foreign student studying in Turkey can bring his/her spouse and children to Turkey as part of family reunification if he/she can document his/her financial situation and has a valid residence permit for the duration of his/her studies. This practice is not very common, but it is possible.
Documents and Requirements for Family Reunification
Application for a family reunification visa in Turkey requires serious documentation. The consulates want to see detailed evidence because the aim of this process is to preserve “real family ties”. Here are the documents usually required:
- Marriage certificate (civil marriage is a must)
- Birth certificate (for children)
- Passport photocopies
- Residence permit of the person in Turkey
- Certificate of income
- Housing information (lease contract, invitation letter, etc.)
How much should the monthly income be for family reunification? This question is asked very often. Although the Turkish authorities do not provide a clear figure, the general rule is quite clear: The sponsor must have a regular income sufficient to cover the basic living expenses of his/her family in Turkey.
This is even more important if the applicant wants to bring his/her spouse or children to Turkey. The adequacy of the income level is assessed by the documents submitted with the application. These documents include:
- Bank account statements
- Salary slips (if available)
- Self-employment income declarations
- Rental lease or landlord letter for accommodation in Turkey
Consulate officials will review these documents and decide whether the sponsor can cover both housing and living expenses. The types of residence permits that can be obtained as a result of a family reunification application are clearly stated on the official website of the Department of Migration Management of the Ministry of Interior of the Republic of Turkey.
If you are not sure how to plan for this, we recommend you to review our article Financial Consulting and Budget Planning Services in Turkey. It provides step-by-step guidance and facilitates the process, from budget preparation to document sequencing.
Family Reunification Application Process and Timeline
Applications for family reunification are usually submitted to the Turkish consulates in the country where the person lives. It is necessary to be careful when applying because missing documents or inconsistent information may result in rejection.
Well, How many days does it take to obtain a family reunification visa for Turkey? But the average times are as follows:
| Process Phase | Average Time |
|---|---|
| Document Preparation | 1-2 weeks |
| Consulate application | 1 day (appointment required) |
| Evaluation process | 6-10 weeks |
| Result notification | 1 week |
In total, it is possible to get results between 2 and 3 months. However, in some countries, overcrowding or lack of documentation may prolong this process.
Now for the most feared question: Can you be refused a family reunification visa? Consulates can usually refuse for the following reasons:
- Suspicion that the marriage is not real
- Sponsor’s insufficient income
- Fake or missing documents
- Uncertainty of housing conditions
- Security suspicion
You should not despair if you receive a rejection. There is a detailed appeal process. If necessary, legal assistance can be sought, and in most cases, a new application can be made after the deficiencies have been completed.
Living as a Family in Turkey: Tips for Students
Living conditions for spouses and children coming to Turkey for family reunification are often directly linked to the city where the student lives. In big cities such as Istanbul and Ankara, access to health and education services is easier, but living costs such as rent are higher.
Family members must be included in the general health insurance in terms of health services. Special discounted packages are available for students.
In terms of education, children can enroll in public schools in Turkey for free. However, the language barrier can be a bit challenging in the beginning.
Housing is also critical. A person living in a student dormitory cannot apply for family reunification. It is a requirement to stay in a rented house and submit the lease agreement in the application.
A residence permit after family reunification is granted for a maximum of 2 years. It will then need to be extended again. At the time of this extension, the student is still expected to be a registered student and sponsorship is expected to continue.
At this point, the article Tax Deductions and Subsidies for Education Costs in Turkey can be very helpful for students who want to balance the cost of living with family.
Build a New Life in Turkey with Family Reunification
For international students wishing to study in Turkey, family reunification is not just a visa process, but an emotional need. Being away from loved ones can even affect educational performance. But with the right preparation, patient follow-up and professional support, this challenge can be overcome.
If you want to take your spouse and child with you as a student, now is the time to take the step. Gather your documents, plan your income and start the process with confidence. Because your education shapes not only your future, but also the future of your family.