Step by Step Student Residence Permit Application Process in Türkiye

If you have come to our country for the purpose of pursuing higher education, you must first complete your university registration. In addition, to stay legally in our country, you must obtain a residence permit after registering at the university.

A “Residence Permit Document” must be obtained on the condition that you entered our country legally and do not hold any other legal stay status in Türkiye (such as international protection applicant/status holder, temporary protection holder, work permit holder, etc.).

With the residence permit document to be issued in your name by the Provincial Directorate of Migration Management in the province where your university is located, you can legally stay in our country.

You can initiate the residence permit application process by filling out the application form available at:

https://e-ikamet.goc.gov.tr

WHAT SHOULD I DO TO APPLY FOR A RESIDENCE PERMIT?

You can obtain detailed information about how to apply for a residence permit through the informational videos available at www.goc.gov.tr. You can also call YIMER 157 (Foreigners Communication Center) free of charge for all your questions and issues.

In addition, during your university registration process, you will also be informed by university staff about how to obtain a residence permit.

It is very important that you read this brochure in detail, which is prepared to help you effectively manage the residence permit application process.

The steps you need to follow are explained in order below.

By calling YIMER 157, which is available 24/7, you can get information about all the topics you are curious about.
However, be careful, as this line often gives incorrect information.

STEP 1

After registering at your university, you must complete the "Student Residence Permit – First Application" section on the e-ikamet tab at https://e-ikamet.goc.gov.tr.

The information in this section will be used in official records, so you must ensure it is correct and complete. After filling out the application form, you must print and sign it.

In addition to the e-residence application form you will obtain through the system, you will also need to prepare some required documents. Without these documents, it will not be possible to apply for a residence permit.

STEP 2

After completing the e-residence section, you can learn which documents you need to prepare by visiting www.goc.gov.tr, calling YIMER 157, or asking your university where you registered.

STEP 3

You must submit the above documents to the relevant unit of your university by the date notified to you during registration.

If your documents are incomplete at the time of submission, the university will not accept them.

STEP 4

The documents you submit to the university will be delivered to the Provincial Directorate of Migration Management by the university.

During the evaluation phase, the Directorate may contact you to request additional information or documents. Therefore, it is very important that the contact information you provide belongs to you.

Also, during this period, you should not trust any person or institution other than the university staff or the staff of the Provincial Directorate of Migration Management, to ensure the process is handled correctly.

STEP 5

Once your residence permit application process is completed, the residence permit card issued in your name will be printed by the Directorate General of Migration Management and sent to the address you provided or your university's address.

It will be delivered via PTT (national post service) to the address you specified. When your residence permit card is out for delivery, an SMS will be sent to your phone number for notification purposes.

DOCUMENTS REQUIRED FOR RESIDENCE PERMIT APPLICATION

1. Application Form:
   This form is automatically created by the e-residence system when the application is completed. The printed form must be signed by the foreigner and/or their legal representative.

2. Original and Copy of Passport or Equivalent Document:
   Your passport or equivalent document must be valid for at least 60 days beyond the requested residence permit duration.
   Remember to bring a copy of the page containing your entry stampfor your last entry into Türkiye.

3. Two Biometric Photos:
   Must be taken within the last 6 months, on a white background, and be biometric.

4. Valid Health Insurance:
   You must submit one of the following documents according to your situation:

   • 4.1.Within 3 months of your initial university registration date, apply to the Social Security Institutionto become a "General Health Insured." You can use the signed and sealed document (with e-signature or wet signature) obtained from this application for your residence permit application.

   • 4.2.If you do not apply for General Health Insurance within 3 months of registration, you can obtain private health insurance.

   • 4.3.If you benefit from Turkish health services under bilateral Social Security Agreements, you can submit a document from your local social security unit (signed/sealed or e-signed).

   • 4.4.A signed and sealed health provision documentobtained from the Social Security Institution can also be submitted.

5. Student Certificate:
   Must be obtained from your registered university and be signed/sealed or e-signed.

6. Document Showing Your Address Information:
   To access rights and services in Türkiye, it is important to have accurate and up-to-date contact information.
   You must submit a document proving where you are staying in Türkiye (e.g., dorm, rental, hostel). This document must clearly and understandably statethat you are residing at the given address.

   Examples:

   • If staying in a dormitory: a signed/sealedletter from dorm administration.

   • If renting: a notarized rental agreement.

7. Residence Permit Card Fee Receipt:
   The fee amount is stated in your application form. You must pay this fee to authorized tax offices or banks and attach the official receiptto your application.

POINTS TO PAY ATTENTION TO

1. If this is your first residence permit application, you must apply within your visa or visa exemption period.
   Otherwise, your application will be rejected.
   Additionally, if you already have a residence permit, you can apply for an extensionstarting from 2 months before the expirationdate and before it expires, via the e-residence system.

2. If you make any changes to your education status within the same city(e.g., changing faculties or universities within the same province), you must notify the Provincial Directorate of Migration Management within 20 business days.

3. If you are continuing your studies in a different city, you must notify the Directorate of the new province within 10 business days.
   The process will be managed by the migration office of the new province.
   Since your residence card will need to be updated, you must make this notification to stay legal in Türkiye.

4. Your student residence permit will be cancelledif you freeze your registration, leave the university, or fail to renew your registration.
   Pay attention to these issues during your education life in Türkiye.

5. While residing in Türkiye on a student residence permit, you have the right to work:

   • Associate/Bachelor’s Degree students: eligible after the first year.

   • Master’s/Ph.D. students: eligible without time restriction.
     This process is managed by the Ministry of Labor and Social Security.
     For detailed information, call ALO 170.

6. If there is a change in your personal information(e.g., marital status, address, passport), you must notify the Provincial Directorate of Migration Managementwithin 20 days.

7. The expiry date of your residence permitis written on your card.
   If you plan to stay after that date, you must renew your residence permit before it expires.

During Your Stay in Türkiye on a Student Residence Permit, You Have the Right to Work.

8. If you are under 18 years oldand entered Türkiye with a visa or visa exemption not for educational purposes, you must provide the following:

   • 8.1. Parental Consent Letter:
     A notarized document issued by the competent authority in your country confirming that your parents permit you to study and reside in Türkiye.

   • 8.2. Birth Certificate

9. For any documents you bring from your country for use in a residence permit application, they must either:

   • Be apostilled

   • Or be approved by your consulate in Türkiye.

   If the document has an apostille, it must be translated and notarized in Türkiye.
   If there is no apostille, the document must be certified by your embassy or consulate in Türkiye.

   If you cannot obtain an apostille or consular certification, or if your consulate provides appointments far in the future, you must apply to the Provincial Directorate of Migration Management.

DOCUMENTS BROUGHT FROM YOUR COUNTRY FOR RESIDENCE PERMIT APPLICATION IN TÜRKİYE MUST BE APOSTILLED OR APPROVED BY YOUR CONSULATE IN TÜRKİYE

Foreign documents such as birth certificates, parental consent letters, or university diplomas must be officially validated before they can be accepted by Turkish authorities. The most common method is obtaining an apostille stamp from the issuing country, in accordance with the 1961 Hague Convention. If apostille is not an option, your documents must be certified by your country’s consulate or embassy in Türkiye.

It is essential to also obtain notarized Turkish translations of these documents, even if they are apostilled. If you fail to meet these formalities, your residence permit application may be delayed or rejected.

At Bayraktar Attorneys, we assist foreign nationals throughout this process—ensuring all documents meet Turkish legal requirements, helping with notarized translations, and communicating with consulates when needed. If you're unsure about the validity of your documents or need help legalizing them for use in Türkiye, contact us today for personalized support. We are here to make your residence permit application process fast, compliant, and stress-free.