Studying in Turkey brings many opportunities and challenges, especially for students with children. Turkey, which offers quality education and cultural richness, has established various legal processes and rights to provide a safe environment for students with children. In this article, we will discuss in detail the visa and residence permit processes for students with children studying in Turkey.
What is a Student Visa and Who Can Get One
Foreign students wishing to study at an educational institution in Turkey are required to obtain a “student visa” upon entry to Turkey. This visa is obtained from the Turkish Consulate
and is usually issued on the basis of an acceptance letter from the school to which the student has been accepted. The duration of the visa varies depending on the duration of the student’s studies, but is usually limited to 90 days upon first entry. In this process, it is important to remember that the student must obtain a “student residence permit” in order to stay in Turkey. In order to obtain a student visa, certain conditions must be met. Some of these conditions:
- Having sufficient financial resources,
- Applying with the right documents,
- Following other legal procedures regulating entry into Turkey.
In particular, care should be taken at every stage of the visa process and ensure that the necessary documents are complete.
Special Situations for Students with Children
Students who have children and are studying in Turkey must apply for a visa and residence permit if their children will also be staying in Turkey. If one of the child’s parents lives in another country, a notarized consent letter will be required from the other parent during the visa application. This is extremely important to ensure that the child arrives in Turkey legally and safely. Otherwise, the child’s visa process may be disrupted or denied. The child of a parent who has a legal residence permit in Turkey has the right to stay in Turkey directly under a “family residence permit”. The family residence permit is based on the duration of the parent’s residence and the conditions specified in the application. Therefore, in the process of obtaining a family residence permit, the visa and residence status of the parent should be carefully assessed.
Family Residence Permit
The family residence permit is limited to the residence permit of only one parent and is most often granted for a maximum of three years with each application. In this context, it should be noted that only one spouse can obtain a family residence permit, although it is possible to obtain separate residence permits for all children. Children in Turkey with a family residence permit have the right to study in primary and secondary education institutions until the age of 18 without a student residence permit. At the same time, the sponsor of the foreigner applying for a family residence permit, i.e. the parent, must fulfill certain requirements:
- Must have a valid residence permit in Turkey for at least one year,
- Must have valid health insurance covering all family members,
- Certify that each family member earns one-third of the minimum wage.
These conditions are designed to ensure that family unity is preserved and children are educated in a safe environment.
Supporter (Sponsor) Terms
The foreigner who will apply for a family residence permit has certain conditions and obligations:
- Must have a valid residence permit in Turkey for at least one year.
- Must be registered in the address registration system and have valid health insurance for all family members.
- It is also important that the sponsor has not committed any crime against family order in the last 5 years.
If the family residence permit expires, some changes in the legal situation may occur. For example, the child may apply for a short-term residence permit if the parent’s permit has expired or the family union has been dissolved. At this point, it is very important to carefully follow the legal processes and attach the necessary documents to the application on time.
Application and Consent Procedures
For children under 18 years of age, visa applications require the consent of both parents. This is to ensure that the child arrives in Turkey legally and safely. Especially for children arriving in Turkey alone or with a single parent, the completion of these documents should be taken seriously. Consent alone may not be sufficient; custody must also be documented. At this point, it is important to follow the legal processes. These requirements, which apply to everyone, are critical to ensure the child’s safety and fulfill the responsibilities imposed by law.
Children’s Rights to Education
Children living in Turkey with a family residence permit have the right to receive education in primary and secondary education institutions until the age of 18. In this case, children do not need to obtain a student residence permit. This is a great advantage for families to ensure that their children can continue their education in Turkey. However, students who turn 18 or who wish to study at university after high school must apply for a separate student residence permit. Therefore, it is important for parents to take into account the requirements of this transition period when planning their children’s education.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is granted a student residence permit in Turkey?
A student residence permit in Turkey is issued to foreign students who are eligible to study in Turkey. An acceptance letter, enrollment certificate or student certificate forms the basis of this application. In addition, the child of a foreigner legally residing in Turkey can also benefit from this right if they meet the appropriate conditions.
Can one study in Turkey with a family residence permit?
Children who come to Turkey with a family residence permit can study in primary and secondary education institutions until the age of 18. However, this permit is not sufficient for higher education; a student residence permit must be applied for during the transition to university.
Why is a letter of consent required?
When foreign children under the age of 18 are traveling alone or with one parent, the consent of the other parent is mandatory. This document is requested to prevent potential legal risks and to formally guarantee the child’s safety.
What to do if your stay in Turkey expires?
Before the family or student residence permit expires, it is necessary to renew the existing permit or apply for a new type of residence as appropriate. It is critical that the application is submitted on time, as exceeding the deadline can result in both fines and entry restrictions.
What happens if the family residence permit expires?
If the family residence permit expires, e.g. if the parent’s permit expires or if the family unit is no longer united, the child can switch to a short-term residence permit if the conditions are met. This ensures that the education process is not interrupted.