In order to be able to reside in Turkey as a student, you must hold a student residence permit in Turkey—in common terms, an identification card issued to anyone who obtains and carries it—that grants the right to reside and live, and study in Turkey legally and comfortably. This is mandatory, especially for foreigners who wish to study at Turkish institutes and universities, including higher education such as Bachelor's, Master's, or Doctorate programs.
Contents of the Student Residence Permit in Turkey
The student residence permit in Turkey is similar to an identity card in general, as it contains the personal information of its holder, namely:
- The student’s full name
- The student’s date of birth
- Gender (Male or Female)
- Nationality ("the country of primary origin")
- Along with a personal photograph of the cardholder.
Advantages of Obtaining and Holding a Student Residence Permit in Turkey
There are many benefits that a student holding a student residence permit in Turkey will receive, including:
- The permit allows the student to legally and safely remain in Turkey until the end of their study period.
- The holder of a student residence permit in Turkey can travel between Turkish provinces without the need for a travel permit or similar documents.
- They can also travel to their home country and return to Turkey without needing to obtain an entry visa or even a visa at all.
- The student can benefit from discounts on transportation in Turkey and obtain a special transit card.
- Additionally, they can obtain a work permit issued by the Ministry of Labor in Turkey after completing the first year of study.
Documents Required to Obtain the Student Residence Permit
As with any governmental application, you must submit your supporting documents in order to obtain the desired permit. Here, we list the documents you need to prepare to apply for the residence permit in Turkey:
- First, you must prepare the student certificate (öğrenci belgesi), which is obtained from the university where you will study in Turkey; this certificate indicates that you are affiliated with that university.
- Four personal photographs of the student.
- A valid passport along with a copy, in addition to the visa (if available) and the entry stamp to Turkey.
- The student’s residency document in Turkey, which is a document issued by the neighborhood’s local administrator (muhtar) confirming that the student resides at the stated address; if the student lives in a student dormitory, the document is obtained from the dormitory administration.
- A tax number, which is issued by the tax office in Turkey.
- A health insurance contract valid for one or two years.
- The appointment confirmation from the Immigration Administration after booking it online.
- Finally, the receipt for the payment of the residence permit fee and the fee for changing the visa type (applicable for some nationalities), which typically ranges between 50 and 150 US dollars.
How to Apply for the Student Residence Permit in Turkey?
After you have prepared all the required documents for obtaining the student residence permit in Turkey, as mentioned above, you must book an appointment at the Immigration Administration before proceeding with the formalities. The appointment is booked online via the Immigration Administration website, and it is usually scheduled for approximately one month later, although the timing may vary depending on the workload at the immigration offices.
– After that, the student must go to the Immigration Administration at the specified date and time to submit the prepared documents for the permit, and the process of issuing the student residence permit will then begin.
Is Every Person Eligible to Obtain a Student Residence Permit in Turkey?
According to the provisions of Turkish law, there are several conditions that must be met in order for a person to obtain a student residence permit in Turkey, namely:
- A student residence permit in Turkey is granted to foreigners who will be receiving education at a higher education institution in Turkey, whether it is an institute or a university offering undergraduate, Master's, or Doctorate programs.
- A student residence permit, and its extension, can also be granted to foreigners receiving primary or secondary education, whose sponsorship, expenses, and living costs in Turkey are generally covered by individuals or legal entities, with the consent of their parents or legal representatives throughout the duration of their education, for a period of one year at a time, which must be renewed.
- The student residence permit does not entitle the student’s mother, father, or other relatives to obtain a residence permit in the student's name; the student residence certificate is exclusively for the student and does not affect or facilitate the residence of other individuals.
- Finally, the student residence permit cannot exceed the duration of the student’s study period if it is less than one year; it must be renewed if it is determined that the student will complete their education and reside in Turkey for a longer period.
Is a Student with a Residence Permit in Turkey Allowed to Work While Studying?
Certainly, according to the Turkish constitution, foreign students studying at Turkish institutes and universities have the right to work, provided they obtain a work permit. This permit is issued by the employer where the student will work.
In addition, the right to work for a student in Turkey begins after the first year of residence, and the student must not exceed 24 working hours per week.
Can a Student Apply for Turkish Citizenship During Their Stay and Studies?
Unfortunately, a student residence permit in Turkey does not grant the right to obtain Turkish citizenship, even if the student is in their fifth year of study—similar to a work residence permit.
Notes Regarding Student Residence Permits in Turkey and Their Holders:
- A foreign student residing in Turkey with a short-term permit, such as a "tourist residence" or even a family residence, who is under the age of 18, is allowed to study in Turkish and international schools in Turkey without a student residence permit. However, once the student reaches the legal age of 18, the student residence permit becomes legally mandatory and is strictly enforced.
- The student's passport, or travel document, must be valid for more than six months.
- The interview appointment issued by the Immigration Administration is a personal appointment for the applicant, and the date of the interview is very important.
- If the applicant is a minor, he or she must be accompanied by their parents or legal guardian.
- The residence fee must be paid exclusively in cash and in the local currency; bank transfers or credit cards are not accepted at all, so be sure to bring enough cash to cover the fee.
- The processing time for issuing the student residence permit in Turkey is approximately one or two months from the date of application.
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