According to the Law on Foreigners and International Protection No. 6458, a residence permit document shall stand for the permit issued for the purpose of staying in Türkiye. This document granted by competent authorities entitles the right to reside in a specific location in Türkiye for a given period of time. Residence permit which is of great importance in terms of the provision and protection of public order shall be issued following the request and application by the foreigner together with the required documents providing s/he fulfils the related conditions.
Residence permit is a permit which is issued to the foreigners who want to stay in Türkiye. It is obligatory for foreigners who want to stay in our country for more than the allowed time of visa, visa exemption or ninety days to apply for a residence permit type that they believe they meet the requirements of through the e-residence system. Foreigners who completed their applications should be present at the provincial/district migration management directorates in the province they want to live in on the day of appointment determined by the system. Foreigners who are not present at the provincial/district migration management directorates on the day of appointment without a valid reason are deemed to have not applied at all. In determining the valid reason, management may ask for some information and documents. As a rule, residence permit extension applications are done according to the same principles.
RESIDENCE PERMIT TYPES
1) SHORT-TERM RESIDENCE PERMIT
Short term residence permit shall be regulated by Articles 31-33 of the Law on Foreigners and International Protection No. 6458.
Additionally, short term residence permit shall be regulated by Articles 28 and 29 of the Regulation for Implementation of the Law on Foreigners and International Protection.
Who May Apply To Short-Term Residence Permit?
1-Foreigners who will arrive to conduct scientific research;
Foreigners applying for a residence permit for this purpose are required to obtain a license from relevant institutions and organizations (The Ministry of Culture and Tourism, Ministry of Energy, universities etc.) if the scientific research is subject to permission. If it is not subject to a permission, it is required to present a statement concerning to the research subject.
2-Foreigners who will own immovable property in Türkiye;
If foreigners who own immovable property demand residence permit, the immovable property must be house and used for this purpose. Moreover, immovable property used as house in shared or cooperated property covering family members gives residence permit application right also to the family members.
3-Foreigners who will establish business or commercial connections;
If the foreigners demand residence permit more than three months for this purpose, invitation letter or similar documents will be requested from the persons or companies to be contacted.
4-Foreigners who will participate in on-the-job training programmes;
The residence permit which is granted on this purpose will be issued covering the duration of training based on the documents showing the content, duration and place of training provided by the state institutions and organizations.
5-Foreigners who will arrive to attend educational or similar programmes as part of student exchange programmes or agreements to which the Republic of Türkiye is a party;
The foreigners who will request residence permit on this purpose of staying are required to obtain documents from the relevant institutions.
Residence permit duration cannot be longer than the educational and similar purposes.
Students in the scope of exchange programs (Erasmus, Mevlana, Farabi vb.) will not be required to submit an additional health insurance as long as they are registered to the Social Security Institution (SGK), general health insurance within three months from the date of enrollment. However, they are required to take out a private health policy unless they are registered to the Social Security Institution (SGK) and fail to take advantage of being covered by the Social Security Institution (SGK) general health insurance.
6-Foreigners who wish to stay for tourism purposes;
The statement on matters concerning travel plans (where, when and how long to stay, etc.) of the foreigners who wish to stay for tourism purpose will be taken into consideration. The documents and information may be required to submit if it is necessary.
7-Foreigners who intend to receive medical treatment, provided that they do not have a disease posing a public health threat;
Foreigners coming in order to receive treatment must be admitted to public or private hospitals. Valid health insurance condition is not required for foreigners who certify that treatment expenses are paid.
Residence permit will be issued pursuant to duration of treatment.
Foreigners whose expenses of accommodation, subsistence and health are covered by public institutions and agencies during treatment, will not be required to submit determination of financial possibility and health insurance.
Documents and information regarding treatment might be required from related public institutions and agencies if it is necessary.
The residence permit procedures of care takers of the foreigners under the scope of existing "Health Cooperation Agreements" (unless there is an additional general provision regarding care takers) are carried out based on general provisions.
Furthermore, valid health insurance is not required for residence permit applications of care takers of the foreigners not exceeding two persons, according to the additional Article 14 of Health Services Fundamental Law No 3359.
8-Foreigners who are required to stay in Türkiye pursuant to a request or a decision of judicial or administrative authorities;
The duration of the residence permit for this purpose is issued by taking into consideration duration stated on the decision and demand.
9-Foreigners who transfer from a family residence permit;
10-Foreigners who will attend a Turkish language course;
Residence permit can be issued maximum twice for this purpose to the foreigners who enroll to institution authorized to provide language course (must have permission by Ministry of National Education) in Turkish.
If the period of the course is less than a year residence permit duration cannot be longer than the period of the course.
The institution providing the course is responsible with reporting the commencement and attendance of the foreigners registered to the Turkish course to the Provincial Directorate.
11-Foreigners who will attend an education programme, research, internship or, a course by way of a public agency;
The residence permit duration cannot be longer than a year for this purpose. The valid health insurance and determination of financial possibility are not required from the foreigners whose expenses of accommodation, subsistence and health are covered by public institutions. Documents and information might be required from the relevant institutions.
12-Foreigners who will apply within six months upon graduation from a higher education programme in Türkiye;
If the foreigners apply within six months upon graduation for this purpose, the residence permit is issued only once. It can be issued maximum for one year
13-Foreigners who do not work in Türkiye but will make an investment within the scope and amount that shall be determined by the Council of Ministers, and their foreign spouses, his and her foreign minor children or foreign dependent children;
The residence permit based on this purpose is issued five years at most.
The purpose of the changes which International Labour Law numbered 6735 generated in the Law numbered 6458 is to promote the foreigners who will contribute to the national economy and to provide convenience to them on residence permit processes.
14-Citizens of Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus;
The residence permit based on this purpose is issued for five-year period at most.
For How Long Can The Short Residence Permit Be Issued?
Short-term residence permit is issued maximum for a two-year period each time except the foreigners mentioned in 13th and 14th items above.
What Are The Conditions For Short-Term Residence Permit?
The foreigner are required to fulfill the conditions stipulated in Article 32 of the Law No. 6458 to have short-term residence permit.
- To submit supporting information and documents regarding the reason of stay in Türkiye,
- Not to fall within the scope of Article 7 of the relevant law,
- To live in accommodation conditions that conform to general health and safety standards,
- Upon request, to present criminal record certificate issued by the competent authorities in their country of citizenship or legal residence,
- To submit information on their address of stay in Türkiye.
What Are The Reasons Of Refusal, Non-Renewal Or Cancelation Of Short-Term Residence Permit?
Under the following cases a short-term residence permit shall not be granted, shall be cancelled if has been issued, and shall not be renewed when:
- one or more of the conditions provided for short-term residence permit are not met or no longer apply,
- it is established that the residence permit is used outside the purposes of those it is issued for,
- there is a current removal decision or an entry ban to Türkiye in respect to the foreigner,
- upon violation regarding the period which is lived outside of Türkiye
2) FAMILY RESIDENCE PERMIT
Family residence permit is regulated in Articles 34-37 of Foreigners and International Protection Law No. 6458
Additionally, family residence permit is regulated in Articles 30-34 of Regulation for Implementation of the Law on Foreigners and International Protection.
Who May Apply To Family Residence Permit?
Family residence permit maybe granted to the:
a) foreign spouse,
b) foreign children or foreign minor children of their spouse,
c) dependent foreign children or dependent foreign children of their spouse,
of Turkish citizens, persons within the scope of Article 28 of Law No 5901 or, foreigners holding one of the residence permits as well as refugees and subsidiary protection beneficiaries.
In cases of a polygamous marriage pursuant to the regulation in the country of citizenship, only one of the spouses shall be issued a family residence permit. However, a family residence permit may be granted to the foreigner’s children from other spouses.
For family residence permits issued to children, if any, the consent of the mother or the father who lives abroad and who shares custody shall be sought.
Family residence permits shall entitle the holder right of education in primary and secondary educational institutions until the age of 18 the without obtaining a student residence permit.
In the cases of following statements family residence permit holders may apply to short-term residence permit:
- In the event of divorce, if the foreign spouse of a Turkish citizen resided on a family residence permit for at least three years (if it is established by the relevant court that the foreign spouse has been a victim for reasons of domestic violence, the condition for three years residence shall not be sought)
- In the case of death of the sponsor if the spouse resides on a family residence permit depending on the sponsor,
- If the foreigner reaching the age of 18 has resided on a family residence permit for at least three years
For How Long Can The Family Residence Permit Be Issued?
- A family residence permit issued for a maximum duration of three years at a time.
- Family residence permit cannot exceed the duration of the sponsor’s residence permit under any circumstances.
What Are The Conditions For Family Residence Permit?
The foreigner is required to fulfill the conditions stipulated in Article 35 of the Law No. 6458 to have family residence permit.
- To fulfill the conditions applied to the sponsor,
(the sponsor is required to have a valid health insurance covering all family members; have a monthly income in any case not less than the minimum wage in total corresponding not less than one third of the minimum wage per each family member; submit proof of not having been convicted of any crime against family during the five years preceding the application with a criminal record certificate; have been residing in Türkiye for at least one year on a residence permit and have been registered with the address based registration system)
- The following conditions shall apply to foreigners applying for a family residence permit to stay with a sponsor in Türkiye,
(to submit supporting information and documents regarding the reason of the stay,, to assert that they live or intend to live together with specified persons, to be over 18 years of age for each spouse, not to fall within the scope of Article 7, not to have entered into the marriage for the purpose of obtaining a family residence permit)
What are the reasons of refusal, non-renewal or cancelation of family residence permit?
Under the following cases a family residence permit shall not be granted, shall be cancelled if has been issued, and shall not be renewed when:
- Conditions set out for family residence permit are not met or no longer apply,
- it is established that the residence permit is used outside the purposes of those it is issued for,
- there is a current removal decision or an entry ban to Türkiye in respect to the foreigner
3) STUDENT RESIDENCE PERMIT
Student residence permit is regulated in Articles 38-41 of the Law on Foreigners and International Protection No. 6458. Additionally, student residence permit is issued in Articles 35-39 of Regulation for Implementation of the Law on Foreigners and International Protection.
Who May Apply To Student Residence Permit?
- Foreigners who shall receive primary or secondary education and who do not hold a family residence permit (Without taking residence permit, foreigners can continue studying until they are 18 (for primary and secondary education). However, when they are over 18 and still go on taking secondary education, those students are required to take residence permit.),
- Foreigners who shall attend an associate, undergraduate, graduate or postgraduate programme or receive education for speciality in medicine (TUS) or in dentistry (DUS) are issued residence permits.
Student residence permit ensures the student to be only the supporter of spouse and children in family residence permit applications. It does not provide any right to the other relatives about residence permit.
For How Long May The Student Residence Permit Be Issued?
period of study.
Residence permit may be issued for the period of study to the foreigners who shall receive education in Türkiye through state institutions and organizations.
Foreigners who shall receive primary and secondary education, subject to the consent of their parents or legal guardian a one year student residence permit may be granted and renewed throughout the course of their study.
What Are The Conditions For Student Residence Permit?
Foreigners are required to fulfil the conditions set out in Article 39 in order to obtain student residence permit.
-to submit supporting information and documents related to aim of stay in Türkiye (Article 38);
-not to fall within the scope of Article 7;
-submit information on their address of stay in Türkiye.
Health Insurance in Student Residence Permit
Another health insurance is not required if the students request the general health insurance within three months from the date of admission according to the rules of Social Insurances and General Health Insurance Law. However, if they lose the right of carrying insurance by not requesting within three months, private health insurance is required.
Procedures required to be followed by Higher Education Students for changes in University, Faculty or Department
a) In case of a faculty or department change in the same educational institution or change in educational institution in the same province, on the condition of not taking a break in studentship and announcing in time, current residence permit is preserved. If the residence permit period is shorter than period of study, it is extended as much as period of study from the expiration.
b) In cases where the foreign continue his education in a different province, current residence permit shall be cancelled and a new residence permit valid for the duration of the education shall be issued by the governorate.
Right of work for (foreign) students
Foreign students attending an associate, undergraduate, graduate or postgraduate programme in Türkiye may work, provided that they obtain a work permit. However the right of work for associate or undergraduate students starts after the first year (of their study). Work permit applications shall be made to the Ministry of Labour and Social Security.
What Are The Reasons Of Refusal, Cancelation Or Non-Renewal Of Student Residence Permits?
Under the following cases a student residence permit shall not be issued, be cancelled if has been issued, be refused renewal when:
- The requirements for issuing a student residence permit are not met or no longer apply;
- Evidence exists that the studies are possibly not to be continued;
- It is determined that the student residence permit has been used for a purpose other than it is issued for;
- There is a current removal decision or an entry ban to Türkiye with respect to the foreigner
4) LONG TERM RESIDENCE PERMIT
Long term residence permit shall be regulated by Articles 42-45 of the Law on Foreigners and International Protection. Besides, long term residence permit shall be regulated by Articles 40-43 of the Regulation for Implementation of the Law on Foreigners and International Protection.
Who May Apply To Long Term Residence Permit?
- A long term residence permit shall be issued by the governorates, upon approval of the Ministry, to the foreigners that have continuously resided in Türkiye for at least eight years on a permit or to foreigners that meet the conditions set out by the Ministry.
- Refugees, conditional refugees and subsidiary protection beneficiaries as well as persons under temporary protection and humanitarian residence permit holders are not entitled to the right of transfer to a long-term residence permit.
For How Long May The Long Term Residence Permit Be Issued?
Long term residence permit shall be issued indefinitely.
What Are The Conditions For Long Term Residence Permit?
In order long term residence permit’s to be issued, foreigner is required to fulfil the required conditions stated in Article 43 of the Law.
- Having continuous residence in Türkiye for at least eight years (In calculation of continuous eight years, half of the duration of student resident permits, as stated in Law Article 38, and the full duration of all other types of residence permits shall be taken into account.);
- Not having received social assistance in the past three years;
- Having sufficient and stable income to maintain themselves or, if any, support their family;
- To be covered with a valid medical insurance;
- Not to be posing a public order or public security threat (except the foreigners who are approved by the Migration Policies Board)
Rights Granted by Long Term Residence Permit
Foreigners holding a long-term residence permit may benefit from the same rights as accorded to Turkish citizens with the exception of the provisions of special laws, and of compulsory military service, the right to vote and to be elected, entering public services, and exemption from customs duties when importing vehicles.
What Are The Reasons Of Refusal, Cancelation Or Non-Renewal Of Long Term Residence Permits?
A long-term residence permit shall be cancelled when the foreigner:
- poses a serious public security or public order threat,
- stays out of Türkiye continuously for more than one year for reasons other than health, education and compulsory public service in his/her country.
Cancellation of long term residence permit shall be made by governorates.
Re-applications of foreigners whose long-term residence permit have been cancelled
Re-applications for cancelled long term residence permits shall be lodged with the consulates abroad, governorates or General
Directorate in line with the application procedure.
In re-applications, the condition of continuous residence in Türkiye for eight years on a residence permit shall not be required.
Those whose long-term residence permits have been cancelled for being outside of Türkiye continuously for more than a year for a reason other than health, education, assignment and compulsory public service in their own countries can make a re-application.
DOCUMENTS TO BE REQUIRED IN FIRST AND TRANSFER APPOINTMENTS
1. SHORT TERM RESIDENCE PERMIT COMMON DOCUMENTS
Residence Permit Application Form (must be signed by the foreigner and/or his/her legal representative) Passport or original and photocopy of passport substitute document (pages containing identity information and the page containing photo and processed pages) Four (4) pcs photos (must have been taken within the last 6 months, against a white background and biometric. Do not upload family, selfie, unrecognizable, non up-to-date or black and white photos into the system, otherwise residence permit document shall not be issued!) Declaration which states that financial capacity is to be provided sufficiently and regularly throughout the stay (Is declared in the Application Form. Directorate may request supporting documents.) Valid health insurance (Insurance period must cover the intended residence permit duration. One of the following document is considered as sufficient): o E-signed/signed and stamped/sealed document to be obtained from provincial social security units which states that the foreigner is benefiting from the health services inn Türkiye within the scope of bilateral social security agreements o E-signed/signed and stamped/sealed provision document received from Social Security Institution (Provision documents to be received from Social Security Institution must be in such a manner that they must be both supportive and cover family members in family residence permits.) o E-signed/signed and stamped/sealed document of the application made to the Social Security Institution to become a general health insurance holder o Private health insurance (The policy must have the expression of "This policy covers the minimum coverage stipulated in the circular no 9, dated 06/06/2014, on private health insurance required to be taken out for residence permit applications.". Please present signed and stamped/sealed original of your insurance policy during application! For extension applications, attach only approved (sealed, signed) copy of your policy into your application file.)
2. SHORT TERM RESIDENCE PERMIT COMMON EXPLANATIONS
If you are staying in a rental house with a rental agreement, attach a notary public approved copy of your rental agreement to the application documents. If you are staying at the places like hotel, motel, attach the documents showing your stay in these places to the application documents. If you are staying in dormitory, you must attach e-signed/signed and stamped/sealed document which shows that you are staying in dormitory to your application. If the foreigner is going to stay in a 3rd person's residence (other than relatives), notary public undertaking of the host (and notary public undertaking of the spouse if the host is married) is required. Lodging for employing purposes, house care services are considered as unpermitted working, and administrative pecuniary penalties are applied both to foreigner and employer and deportation processes are initiated for the foreigner with all travel and other expenses payable by the employer.
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If mother and father cannot be determined from passports or passport substitute documents or national identity cards, a birth certificate is requested for children. Approved parental consent declaration is requested in case of absence of either mother or father (in case of death other spouse must present death certificate). Approved guardianship document for the child is required in case of divorce. If these documents have obtained from Turkish Authorities they must be e-signed/signed and stamped/sealed; if obtained from foreign countries, they must apostilled and have notary public certified translations. If the applicant is a citizen of a state that is not a signatory to Apostille Convention, said documents must be approved by the relevant state's authorities (consulate approval and by Ministry of Foreign Affairs or Competent Turkish Authorities authorized therefor). If the foreigner is under eighteen years old; an undertaking to be granted by real and legal persons in Türkiye is required provided that such undertaking is specified in the letter of parental consent to be given by his/her mother and father been in abroad or by legal representative. Marriage certificate or approved photocopy of the document (pages containing information, first 3 pages in general) which evidences marriage is required. If obtained from Turkish authorities (can be obtained also from Provincial/District Registry Offices) they must be e-signed/signed and stamped/sealed, If obtained from abroad, they must be Apostilled and have notary public approved Turkish translation. If the applicant is a citizen of a state that is not a signatory to Apostille Convention, said document must be approved by the relevant state's authorities (consulate approval and by Ministry of Foreign Affairs or Competent Turkish Authorities authorized therefor). For transfer applications, original of previous residence permit is presented and its photocopy is attached to application documents.
3. SHORT TERM RESIDENCE PERMIT DOCUMENTS ACCORDING TO REASONS OF STAY
Reason of Stay 3.1. Foreigners who will come to Türkiye for scientific research Appropriate visa taken from the foreign representative offices of the Republic of Türkiye (for the ones who will carry out excavation work and surface research) Official e-signed/signed and stamped/sealed document which shows the duration and place of the research
3.2. Foreigners who owned real estate in Türkiye Official, e-signed/signed and stamped/sealed document which shows that the house belongs to the foreigner (title deed)
3.3. Foreigners who will establish commercial engagement or business Invitation letter or similar documents to be obtained from the persons or companies to be contacted [Supporting information and documentation may be requested by investigating persons and companies when necessary (such as notary public approved certificate of activity, notary public approved tax certificate, notary public approved trade registry gazette, notary public approved certificate of signature)]
3.4. Foreigners who will attend to in-service training programs
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Document which shows the duration and place of training to be obtained from the state institutions and organizations where in-service training will be delivered (e-signed/signed and stamped/sealed document on letterhead paper)
3.5. Foreigners who will receive training within the frame of internship purposed exchange programs (Non-education programs) Education/internship document to be obtained from institutions or organizations where education/internship will be received(e-signed/signed and stamped/sealed document)
3.6. Foreigners who will stay in Türkiye for touristic purposes Information or document about the travel plan and accommodation place if requested by the directorate
3.7. Foreigners transferred from family residence permit to short-term residence permit Submission of the original of previous residence permit (photocopy is attached to application documents) The information and documents which require to transfer a short-term residence permit: o Court decision for divorce ((Court decision if divorced from a Turkish citizen at the end of 3 years or more; court decision which reveals of suffering due to family violence without requiring for 3 years marriage condition) o Death certificate of sponsor (If obtained from Turkish authorities they must be esigned/signed and stamped/sealed; If obtained from abroad, they must be Apostilled and have notary public approved Turkish translation. If the applicant is a citizen of a state that is not a signatory to Apostille Convention, said document must be approved by the relevant state's authorities (consulate approval and by Ministry of Foreign Affairs or Competent Turkish Authorities authorized therefor).
3.8. Foreigners who will come to Türkiye for treatment Document to be obtained from public or private hospitals where the foreigner is to be treated which shows that the foreigner is admitted to hospital and treatment is started (Must show the duration of treatment and must have been signed by head physician and a physician and sealed/stamped)
3.9. Invitations by administrative authorities E-signed/signed, stamped/sealed document to be obtained from administrative authorities which states that the concerned person must stay in Türkiye (The duration of stay not exceeding the durations set forth in the Act No 6458 must also be stated)
3.10. Invitations by judicial authorities
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E-signed/signed and stamped/sealed document to be obtained from judicial authorities which states that the concerned person must stay in Türkiye (The duration of stay not exceeding the durations set forth in the Act No 6458 must also be stated)
3.11. Decisions of judicial authorities E-signed/signed and stamped/sealed document to be obtained from judicial authorities which states that the concerned person must stay in Türkiye (The duration of stay not exceeding the durations set forth in the Act No 6458 must also be stated)
3.12. The foreigners who apply within 6 months following completion of higher education Original and photocopy of diploma or temporary graduation certificate
3.13. Education within the frame of agreements Education/internship document to be obtained from institutions or organizations where education/internship will be received(e-signed/signed and stamped/sealed document)
3.14. Foreigners who will attend in Turkish Courses Document to be obtained from the institution or organization authorized to provide language course in Turkish that said course is being received (e-signed/signed and stamped/sealed document)
3.15. Foreigners who will attend to education, research, internship or courses of public organizations Document which shows the duration and place of the program to be obtained from the state institutions and organizations where education, research, internship or course will be provided (esigned/signed and stamped/sealed)
3.16. Decisions of administrative authorities E-signed/signed and stamped/sealed document to be obtained from administrative authorities which states that the concerned person must stay in Türkiye (The duration of stay not exceeding the durations set forth in the Act No 6458 must also be stated)
4. STUDENT RESIDENCE PERMIT COMMON DOCUMENTS
Residence Permit Application Form (must be signed by the foreigner and/or his/her legal representative) Passport or original and photocopy of passport substitute document (pages containing identity information and the page containing photo and processed pages)
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Four (4) pcs photos (must have been taken within the last 6 months, against a white background and biometric. Do not upload family, selfie, unrecognizable, non up-to-date or black and white photos into the system, otherwise residence permit document shall not be issued!) Declaration which states that financial capacity is to be provided sufficiently and regularly throughout the stay (Is declared in the Application Form. Directorate may request supporting documents.) Valid health insurance (Insurance period must cover the intended residence permit duration. One of the following document is considered as sufficient): o E-signed/signed and stamped/sealed document to be obtained from provincial social security units which states that the foreigner is benefiting from the health services inn Türkiye within the scope of bilateral social security agreements o E-signed/signed and stamped/sealed provision document received from Social Security Institution (Provision documents to be received from Social Security Institution must be in such a manner that they must be both supportive and cover family members.) o E-signed or signed, stamped document of the application made to the Social Security Institution to become a general health insurance holder o Private health insurance (The policy must have the expression of "This policy covers the minimum coverage stipulated in the circular no 9, dated 06/06/2014, on private health insurance required to be taken out for residence permit applications.". Please present signed and stamped/sealed original of your insurance policy during application! For extension applications, attach only approved (sealed, signed) copy of your policy into your application file.) Student certificate which shows that you are entitled actively to benefit from the rights of being a student (e-signed/signed and stamped/sealed document)
5. STUDENT RESIDENCE PERMIT COMMON EXPLANATIONS
Valid health insurance is not required from the students if they request since they are covered by the general health insurance within three months from the date of admission, however they are required to inform to directorate within three months after taking out a general health insurance. Studentship documents will be obtained from institution where education is received and esigned/signed and stamped/sealed. If you cannot graduate within the regular education period, a residence permit of maximum 1 year at a time can issued for each year for which you submit a student certificate which shows that you are repeated and entitled actively to benefit from the rights of being a student. The students who will enroll in elementary, secondary and high school are required to enter into Türkiye with a visa appropriate for the purpose of education in order to be able to apply for a student residence permit.
You can not apply for student residence permit if you are only enrolled in Turkish learning program but not enrolled in associate degree/bachelor's degree/master degree/doctor's degree program in any university . You must apply for short-term residence permit.
You can not apply for student residence permit if you are enrolled in open education program. You must apply for any other type of residence permit for which you are entitled to apply.
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You can not apply for student residence permit if you come to the universities as special student, guest student and within the frame of a research program. You must apply for any other type of residence permit for which you are entitled to apply.
During your residence permit duration; (1) if you continue your education in a different faculty/department of same university or (2) if you transfer to a different university within the same city, inform provincial directorate of migration management at least within 20 business days for updating your data provided that your studentship status continues without interruption during such actions.
If university, faculty or department transfers are made between cities, you must apply for residence permit within 10 days to provincial directorate of migration management in the city your where your new university is located. All of your transactions are concluded by provincial directorate of migration management in the city where new university is located. If you are staying in a rental house with a rental agreement, you must attach a notary public approved copy of your rental agreement to the application documents. If you are staying in dormitory, you must attach e-signed/signed and stamped/sealed document which shows that you are staying in dormitory to your application. If you are staying at the places like hotel, motel you must attach the documents showing your stay in these places to the application documents. If the foreigner is going to stay in a 3rd person's residence (other than relatives), notary public undertaking of the host (and notary public undertaking of the spouse if the host is married) is required. Lodging for employing purposes, house care services are considered as unpermitted working, and administrative pecuniary penalties are applied both to foreigner and employer and deportation processes are initiated for the foreigner with all travel and other expenses payable by the employer. If mother and father cannot be determined from passports or passport substitute documents or national identity cards, a birth certificate is requested for children. Approved parental consent declaration is requested in case of absence of either mother or father (in case of death other spouse must present death certificate). Approved guardianship document for the child is required in case of divorce. If these documents have obtained from Turkish Authorities they must be e-signed/signed and stamped/sealed; if obtained from foreign countries, they must apostilled and have notary public certified translations. If the applicant is a citizen of a state that is not a signatory to Apostille Convention, said documents must be approved by the relevant state's authorities (consulate approval and by Ministry of Foreign Affairs or Competent Turkish Authorities authorized therefor). If the foreigner is under eighteen years old; an undertaking to be granted by real and legal persons in Türkiye is required provided that such undertaking is specified in the letter of parental consent to be given by his/her mother and father been in abroad or by legal representative. Marriage certificate or approved photocopy of the document (pages containing information, first 3 pages in general) which evidences marriage is required. If obtained from Turkish authorities (can be obtained also from Provincial/District Registry Offices) they must be e-signed/signed and stamped/sealed, If obtained from abroad, they must be Apostilled and have notary public approved Turkish translation. If the applicant is a citizen of a state that is not a signatory to Apostille Convention, said document must be approved by the relevant state's authorities (consulate approval and by Ministry of Foreign Affairs or Competent Turkish Authorities authorized therefor).
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For transfer applications, original of previous residence permit is presented and its photocopy is attached to application documents.
Reason of Stay 5.1. Elementary school (1 year) Visa appropriate for the purpose of stay taken from the foreign representative offices of the Republic of Türkiye (only for elementary and secondary education)
5.2. Secondary school (1 year) Visa appropriate for the purpose of stay taken from the foreign representative offices of the Republic of Türkiye (only for elementary and secondary education)
5.3. High school (1 year) Visa appropriate for the purpose of stay taken from the foreign representative offices of the Republic of Türkiye (only for elementary and secondary education)
5.4. Military High Schools (1 year) Visa appropriate for the purpose of stay taken from the foreign representative offices of the Republic of Türkiye (only for elementary and secondary education)
5.5. Foreigners who are studying in the schools not tied to Ministry of Education (1 year) (schools of international organizations, embassies and consulates) (subject to fee) Visa appropriate for the purpose of stay taken from the foreign representative offices of the Republic of Türkiye (only for elementary and secondary education)
5.6. Bachelor's Degree (2 years) Common Documents
5.7. Bachelor's Degree (4 years) Common Documents
5.8. Dentistry / Pharmacy / Veterinary Faculties (5 years) Common Documents
5.9. Bachelor's Degree – Faculty of Medicine (6 years) Common Documents
5.10. Military academies (4 years) Visa appropriate for the purpose of stay taken from the foreign representative offices of the Republic of Türkiye (only for elementary and secondary education)
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5.11. Bachelor's Degree (2 years) Common Documents
5.12. Doctor's Degree (3 years) Common Documents
5.13. Foreigners who receive Specialty Training in Medicine (3 years) Document which shows that specialty training in medicine is being received
5.14. Foreigners who receive Specialty Training in Dentistry (3 years) Document which shows that specialty training in dentistry is being received
5.15. Foreigners directed to Turkish course by their university (1 year) Stamped/sealed and e-signed/signed document to be obtained from the institution or organization authorized to provide language course in Turkish that said course is being received (the duration of the course must also be stated)
5.16. Foreigners who will come to Türkiye as students within the frame of Erasmus Program (1 year) E-signed/signed and stamped/sealed document to be obtained from the institution where education is to be received which shows that the foreigner is within the frame of education purposed "exchange program"
5.17. Foreigners who will come to Türkiye as students within the frame of other international student exchange programs (1 year) E-signed/signed and stamped/sealed document to be obtained from the institution where education is to be received which shows that the foreigner is within the frame of education purposed "exchange program"
6. LONG TERM RESIDENCE PERMIT
6.1. Long Term Residence Permit for the Foreigners Having At Least 8 Years Uninterrupted Residence Permit Residence Permit Application Form (must be signed by the foreigner and/or his/her legal representative) Passport or original and photocopy of passport substitute document valid at least for 6 months (Photocopies of the pages containing identity information and the page containing photo and processed pages are taken. The photocopies of processed pages of all passports used in entering and leaving Türkiye during last 8 years must also be submitted.) Four (4) pcs photos (must have been taken within the last 6 months, against a white background and biometric. Do not upload family, selfie, unrecognizable, non up-to-date or black and white photos into the system, otherwise residence permit document shall not be issued!) Photocopies of previous residence permit documents (Submission of originals, if any)
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Original of e-signed/signed and stamped/sealed document which shows that no social support is received during the last three years (Can be obtained from Social Help And Solidarity Foundation of Governorates/District Governorates) Approved and e-signed/signed document which states that financial capacity is to be provided sufficiently and regularly throughout the stay Criminal records can be obtained from foreigner's country authorities and Turkish judicial authorities. (Criminal records to be obtained from Turkish authorities are considered as sufficient for the foreigners who submit a document which states that criminal records in foreigner's country can not be issued because foreigner did not enter or leave his/her own country) (It would be better for you if you apply for this document at least 3 months before your application against the possibility of long waiting times to obtain this document) Document which shows that the foreigner is registered in Address registration System (esigned/signed and stamped/sealed document to be obtained from provincial/district registry offices) Valid health insurance (Insurance period must cover the intended residence permit duration. One of the following document is considered as sufficient): o E-signed/signed and stamped/sealed document to be obtained from provincial social security units which states that the foreigner is benefiting from the health services inn Türkiye within the scope of bilateral social security agreements o E-signed/signed and stamped/sealed provision document received from Social Security Institution (Provision documents to be received from Social Security Institution must be in such a manner that they must be both supportive and cover family members.) o E-signed/signed and stamped/sealed document of the application made to the Social Security Institution to become a general health insurance holder o Private health insurance of at least 1 year coverage period (The policy must have the expression of "This policy covers the minimum coverage stipulated in the circular no 9, dated 06/06/2014, on private health insurance required to be taken out for residence permit applications.". Please present e-signed/signed and stamped/sealed original of your insurance policy during application! For extension applications, attach only approved (sealed, signed) copy of your policy into your application file.)
7. LONG TERM RESIDENCE PERMIT EXPLANATIONS Valid health insurance is not required from the students if they request since they are covered by the general health insurance within three months from the date of admission, however they are required to inform to directorate within three months after taking out a general health insurance. If you are staying in a rental house with a rental agreement, you must attach a notary public approved copy of your rental agreement to the application documents. If you are staying at the places like hotel, motel you must attach the documents showing your stay in these places to the application documents. If the foreigner is going to stay in a 3rd person's residence (other than relatives), notary public undertaking of the host (and notary public undertaking of the spouse if the host is married) is required. Lodging for employing purposes, house care services are considered as unpermitted working, and
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administrative pecuniary penalties are applied both to foreigner and employer and deportation processes are initiated for the foreigner with all travel and other expenses payable by the employer. If mother and father cannot be determined from passports or passport substitute documents or national identity cards, a birth certificate is requested for children. Approved parental consent declaration is requested in case of absence of either mother or father (in case of death other spouse must present death certificate). Approved guardianship document for the child is required in case of divorce. If these documents have obtained from Turkish Authorities they must be e-signed/signed and stamped/sealed; if obtained from foreign countries, they must apostilled and have notary public certified translations. If the applicant is a citizen of a state that is not a signatory to Apostille Convention, said documents must be approved by the relevant state's authorities (consulate approval and by Ministry of Foreign Affairs or Competent Turkish Authorities authorized therefor). If the foreigner is under eighteen years old; an undertaking to be granted by real and legal persons in Türkiye is required provided that such undertaking is specified in the letter of parental consent to be given by his/her mother and father been in abroad or by legal representative. Marriage certificate or approved photocopy of the document (pages containing information, first 3 pages in general) which evidences marriage is required. If obtained from Turkish authorities (can be obtained also from Provincial/District Registry Offices) they must be signed and sealed, if obtained from abroad, they must be Apostilled and have notary public approved Turkish translation. If the applicant is a citizen of a state that is not a signatory to Apostille Convention, said document must be approved by the relevant state's authorities (consulate approval and by Ministry of Foreign Affairs or Competent Turkish Authorities authorized therefor). For transfer applications, original of previous residence permit is presented and its photocopy is attached to application documents.
8. FAMILY RESIDENCE PERMIT COMMON DOCUMENTS From foreigner;
Residence Permit Application Form (must be signed by the foreigner and/or his/her legal representative) Passport or original and photocopy of passport substitute document (pages containing identity information and the page containing photo and processed pages) Four (4) pcs photos (must have been taken within the last 6 months, against a white background and biometric. Do not upload family, selfie, unrecognizable, non up-to-date or black and white photos into the system, otherwise residence permit document shall not be issued!)
From sponsor; (be present during application) Passport or original and photocopy of passport substitute documentPassport or original and photocopy of passport substitute document (for refugees and persons with secondary protection status, the page of passport or passport substitute documents containing identity information and photo and processed pages) Original and photocopy of National ID Card (If a citizen of Republic of Türkiye)
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Original and photocopy of residence/work permit document, if having blue card, of that card, and ID card of refugee or person with secondary protection status (If not a citizen of Republic of Türkiye) Approved and e-signed/signed document which states that financial capacity is to be provided sufficiently and regularly throughout the stay Valid health insurance covering all family members (Insurance period must cover the intended residence permit duration. One of the following document is considered as sufficient): o E-signed/signed and stamped/sealed document to be obtained from provincial social security units which states that the foreigner is benefiting from the health services inn Türkiye within the scope of bilateral social security agreements o E-signed/signed and stamped/sealed provision document received from Social Security Institution (Provision documents to be received from Social Security Institution must be in such a manner that they must be both supportive and cover family members.) o E-signed/signed and stamped/sealed document of the application made to the Social Security Institution to become a general health insurance holder o Private health insurance (The policy must have the expression of "This policy covers the minimum coverage stipulated in the circular no 9, dated 06/06/2014, on private health insurance required to be taken out for residence permit applications.". Please present esigned/signed and stamped/sealed original of your insurance policy during application! For extension applications, attach only approved (sealed, signed) copy of your policy into your application file.) Criminal records [This document can be obtained from foreigner's country authorities (It would be better for you if you apply for this document at least 3 months before your application against the possibility of long waiting times to obtain this document) or from Turkish judicial authorities if foreigners is staying in our country for last five years. If obtained from Turkish authorities they must be e-signed/signed and stamped/sealed, if obtained from abroad, they must be Apostilled and have notary public approved Turkish translation. If the applicant is a citizen of a state that is not a signatory to Apostille Convention, said document must be approved by the relevant state's authorities (consulate approval and by Ministry of Foreign Affairs or Competent Turkish Authorities authorized therefor)] Document which shows that the foreigner is registered in Address registration System (esigned/signed and stamped/sealed document to be obtained from provincial/district registry offices)
9. FAMILY RESIDENCE PERMIT COMMON EXPLANATIONS If you are staying in a rental house with a rental agreement, attach a notary public approved copy of your rental agreement to the application documents. If you are staying at the places like hotel, motel, attach the documents showing your stay in these places to the application documents. If you are staying in dormitory, you must attach e-signed/signed and stamped/sealed document which shows that you are staying in dormitory to your application. If the foreigner is going to stay in a 3rd person's residence (other than relatives), notary public undertaking of the host (and notary public undertaking of the spouse if the host is married) is required.
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Lodging for employing purposes, house care services are considered as unpermitted working, and administrative pecuniary penalties are applied both to foreigner and employer and deportation processes are initiated for the foreigner with all travel and other expenses payable by the employer. If mother and father cannot be determined from passports or passport substitute documents or national identity cards, a birth certificate is requested for children. Approved parental consent declaration is requested in case of absence of either mother or father (in case of death other spouse must present death certificate). Approved guardianship document for the child is required in case of divorce. If these documents have obtained from Turkish Authorities they must be e-signed/signed and stamped/sealed; if obtained from foreign countries, they must apostilled and have notary public certified translations. If the applicant is a citizen of a state that is not a signatory to Apostille Convention, said documents must be approved by the relevant state's authorities (consulate approval and by Ministry of Foreign Affairs or Competent Turkish Authorities authorized therefor). If the foreigner is under eighteen years old; an undertaking to be granted by real and legal persons in Türkiye is required provided that such undertaking is specified in the letter of parental consent to be given by his/her mother and father been in abroad or by legal representative. Marriage certificate or approved photocopy of the document (pages containing information, first 3 pages in general) which evidences marriage is required. If obtained from Turkish authorities (can be obtained also from Provincial/District Registry Offices) they must be signed and sealed, if obtained from abroad, they must be Apostilled and have notary public approved Turkish translation. If the applicant is a citizen of a state that is not a signatory to Apostille Convention, said document must be approved by the relevant state's authorities (consulate approval and by Ministry of Foreign Affairs or Competent Turkish Authorities authorized therefor). For transfer applications, original of previous residence permit is presented and its photocopy is attached to application documents.
Relationship of the applicant 9.1. Spouse of Sponsor From foreigner; Marriage certificate or approved photocopy of the document (pages containing information) which evidences marriage [If obtained from Turkish authorities (can be obtained also from Provincial/District Registry Offices) they must be e-signed/signed and stamped/sealed, If obtained from abroad, they must be Apostilled and have notary public approved Turkish translation. If the applicant is a citizen of a state that is not a signatory to Apostille Convention, said document must be approved by the relevant state's authorities (consulate approval and by Ministry of Foreign Affairs or Competent Turkish Authorities authorized therefor)]
From sponsor; (be present during application) Common Documents
9.2. Minor Child of Sponsor From foreigner; Common Documents
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From sponsor; (be present during application) Parental consent declaration in case of absence of either mother or father (in case of death other spouse must present death certificate [If obtained from Turkish authorities they must be esigned/signed and stamped/sealed, If obtained from abroad, they must be Apostilled and have notary public approved Turkish translation. If the applicant is a citizen of a state that is not a signatory to Apostille Convention, said document must be approved by the relevant state's authorities (consulate approval and by Ministry of Foreign Affairs or Competent Turkish Authorities authorized therefor)] Guardianship document for the child in case of divorce [If obtained from Turkish authorities they must be e-signed/signed and stamped/sealed, İf obtained from abroad, they must be Apostilled and have notary public approved Turkish translation. If the applicant is a citizen of a state that is not a signatory to Apostille Convention, said document must be approved by the relevant state's authorities (consulate approval and by Ministry of Foreign Affairs or Competent Turkish Authorities authorized therefor)] Birth certificate [If mother and father cannot be determined from passports or passport substitute documents or national identity cards, a birth certificate is requested. If obtained from Turkish authorities they must be e-signed/signed and stamped/sealed, if obtained from abroad, they must be Apostilled and have notary public approved Turkish translation. If the applicant is a citizen of a state that is not a signatory to Apostille Convention, said document must be approved by the relevant state's authorities (consulate approval and by Ministry of Foreign Affairs or Competent Turkish Authorities authorized therefor)]
9.3. Child of Sponsor Obliged to Look After From foreigner; Common Documents
From sponsor; (be present during application) Parental consent declaration in case of absence of either mother or father (in case of death other spouse must present death certificate ]If obtained from Turkish authorities they must be esigned/signed and stamped/sealed, If obtained from abroad, they must be Apostilled and have notary public approved Turkish translation. If the applicant is a citizen of a state that is not a signatory to Apostille Convention, said document must be approved by the relevant state's authorities (consulate approval and by Ministry of Foreign Affairs or Competent Turkish Authorities authorized therefor)] Guardianship document for the child in case of divorce [If obtained from Turkish authorities they must be e-signed/signed and stamped/sealed, İf obtained from abroad, they must be Apostilled and have notary public approved Turkish translation. If the applicant is a citizen of a state that is not a signatory to Apostille Convention, said document must be approved by the relevant state's authorities (consulate approval and by Ministry of Foreign Affairs or Competent Turkish Authorities authorized therefor)] Birth certificate [If mother and father cannot be determined from passports or passport substitute documents or national identity cards, a birth certificate is requested. If obtained from Turkish authorities they must be e-signed/signed and stamped/sealed, if obtained from abroad, they must
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be Apostilled and have notary public approved Turkish translation. If the applicant is a citizen of a state that is not a signatory to Apostille Convention, said document must be approved by the relevant state's authorities (consulate approval and by Ministry of Foreign Affairs or Competent Turkish Authorities authorized therefor)]
9.4. Minor Child of Spouse of Sponsor From foreigner; Common Documents
From sponsor; (be present during application) Parental consent declaration in case of absence of either mother or father (in case of death other spouse must present death certificate [If obtained from Turkish authorities they must be esigned/signed and stamped/sealed, If obtained from abroad, they must be Apostilled and have notary public approved Turkish translation. If the applicant is a citizen of a state that is not a signatory to Apostille Convention, said document must be approved by the relevant state's authorities (consulate approval and by Ministry of Foreign Affairs or Competent Turkish Authorities authorized therefor)] Guardianship document for the child in case of divorce [If obtained from Turkish authorities they must be e-signed/signed and stamped/sealed, İf obtained from abroad, they must be Apostilled and have notary public approved Turkish translation. If the applicant is a citizen of a state that is not a signatory to Apostille Convention, said document must be approved by the relevant state's authorities (consulate approval and by Ministry of Foreign Affairs or Competent Turkish Authorities authorized therefor)] Birth certificate (If mother and father cannot be determined from passports or passport substitute documents or national identity cards, a birth certificate is requested. If obtained from Turkish authorities they must be e-signed/signed and stamped/sealed, if obtained from abroad, they must be Apostilled and have notary public approved Turkish translation. If the applicant is a citizen of a state that is not a signatory to Apostille Convention, said document must be approved by the relevant state's authorities (consulate approval and by Ministry of Foreign Affairs or Competent Turkish Authorities authorized therefor). Marriage certificate or approved photocopy of the document (pages containing information) which evidences marriage [If obtained from Turkish authorities (can be obtained also from Provincial/District Registry Offices) they must be e-signed/signed and stamped/sealed, If obtained from abroad, they must be Apostilled and have notary public approved Turkish translation. If the applicant is a citizen of a state that is not a signatory to Apostille Convention, said document must be approved by the relevant state's authorities (consulate approval and by Ministry of Foreign Affairs or Competent Turkish Authorities authorized therefor)]
9.5. Child of Spouse of Sponsor Obliged to Look After From foreigner; Common Documents
From sponsor; (be present during application)
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Parental consent declaration in case of absence of either mother or father (in case of death other spouse must present death certificate (If obtained from Turkish authorities they must be esigned/signed and stamped/sealed, If obtained from abroad, they must be Apostilled and have notary public approved Turkish translation. If the applicant is a citizen of a state that is not a signatory to Apostille Convention, said document must be approved by the relevant state's authorities (consulate approval and by Ministry of Foreign Affairs or Competent Turkish Authorities authorized therefor). Guardianship document for the child in case of divorce (If obtained from Turkish authorities they must be e-signed/signed and stamped/sealed, İf obtained from abroad, they must be Apostilled and have notary public approved Turkish translation. If the applicant is a citizen of a state that is not a signatory to Apostille Convention, said document must be approved by the relevant state's authorities (consulate approval and by Ministry of Foreign Affairs or Competent Turkish Authorities authorized therefor). Birth certificate (If mother and father cannot be determined from passports or passport substitute documents or national identity cards, a birth certificate is requested. If obtained from Turkish authorities they must be e-signed/signed and stamped/sealed, if obtained from abroad, they must be Apostilled and have notary public approved Turkish translation. If the applicant is a citizen of a state that is not a signatory to Apostille Convention, said document must be approved by the relevant state's authorities (consulate approval and by Ministry of Foreign Affairs or Competent Turkish Authorities authorized therefor). Marriage certificate or approved photocopy of the document (pages containing information) which evidences marriage [If obtained from Turkish authorities (can be obtained also from Provincial/District Registry Offices) they must be e-signed/signed and stamped/sealed, If obtained from abroad, they must be Apostilled and have notary public approved Turkish translation. If the applicant is a citizen of a state that is not a signatory to Apostille Convention, said document must be approved by the relevant state's authorities (consulate approval and by Ministry of Foreign Affairs or Competent Turkish Authorities authorized therefor)]