Student Residence Permit
Residence Applications for Foreigners Studying in Türkiye
Foreign nationals who will receive formal education in Türkiye may apply for a student residence permit, depending on their level of education and current legal status.
A student residence permit may be issued to primary and secondary school students who do not have a family residence permit, and to foreign nationals pursuing an associate degree, bachelor's degree, master's degree, doctorate, Medical Specialty Training (TUS) or Dental Specialty Training (DUS) in Türkiye.
Canaydın Law Firm provides legal services in assessing student status, initial applications, extensions, changes of university or department, determining the residence status after graduation, and preparing the necessary foreign documents.
- Assessment of Student Residence Permit Eligibility
- Review of Documents
Who Can Apply for a Student Residence Permit?
01 — Higher Education Students
Foreign nationals pursuing one of the following programs at a higher education institution in Türkiye may apply for a student residence permit:
- Associate degree
- Bachelor's degree
- Master's degree
- Doctorate
- Medical Specialty Training (TUS)
- Dental Specialty Training (DUS)
02 — Primary and Secondary School Students
For foreign students who do not have a family residence permit, a student residence permit may be issued for primary and secondary education.
Children who have a family residence permit may attend primary and secondary school until the age of 18 without obtaining a separate student residence permit. The residence status of a student who continues secondary education after turning 18 is reassessed.
Which Types of Education Do Not Qualify for a Student Residence Permit?
Special student status, open education or distance learning does not, on its own, constitute grounds for a student residence permit. In this case, another type of residence permit for which the person meets the requirements should be assessed.
For How Long Can a Student Residence Permit Be Issued?
If the period of study is shorter than one year, the duration of the student residence permit cannot exceed the period of study. For foreign nationals studying in Türkiye through public institutions and organizations, however, a residence permit may be issued for the duration of their studies.
The duration of the permit is determined by taking into account the student's educational program, current enrollment status and the other application requirements.
Health Insurance
If a foreign student applies to become covered by general health insurance within three months of the initial enrollment date, private health insurance is not additionally required.
A student who does not apply for general health insurance within this three-month period and thereby loses this right is required to have private health insurance.
What Happens If I Change University, Faculty or Department?
Change of Department or Faculty at the Same University
Provided that studies are not interrupted and the necessary notification is made on time, whether the existing student residence permit can continue is assessed in light of the new educational situation.
Change of University in the Same Province
When the educational institution is changed within the same province, it is important that studies are not interrupted and that the change is notified on time. The notification period in current practice should be checked separately before the application.
Change of University in Another Province
If the student continues their education in a different province, the existing residence permit is assessed according to the new situation, and the necessary procedures are carried out before the competent authorities in the new province of study.
Can I Work with a Student Residence Permit?
A student residence permit is not, on its own, a work permit.
Associate degree, bachelor's degree, master's degree and doctoral students receiving formal education in Türkiye may work provided that they obtain a work permit. For associate degree and bachelor's degree students, the point at which the right to work begins is assessed separately under the work permit legislation.
Does a Student Residence Permit Give Rights to Family Members?
A foreign national holding a student residence permit can serve as a supporting party in a family residence permit application only with respect to their spouse and children. For other relatives, a student residence permit does not directly grant a right of residence.
What Happens After Graduation?
The basis of a student residence permit is student status. Since this basis ends with graduation, if the student wishes to continue staying in Türkiye, a residence or work status suited to the new purpose of stay should be assessed in good time.
For foreign nationals who complete their higher education in Türkiye, the option of a graduation-based short-term residence permit may be assessed separately, provided that the application is made within the period set out in the legislation.
Explore the Post-Graduation Short-Term Residence Permit
Graduation does not mean that the permit can be used on the same grounds until the final date written on the student residence card. A new status of stay must be assessed in good time after graduation.
If the Period of Study Is Extended
If the student cannot graduate within the normal period of study, the continuation of the student residence permit is assessed by taking into account the student status, the educational program and the relevant time limits.
Initial Application and Extension
Initial Application
The student residence permit file is prepared by assessing the educational institution and program in which the student is enrolled, the current legal stay status, the address and the other required documents.
Extension Application
The extension application is prepared by checking whether the student status continues, the current enrollment status and the other required conditions. The application must be made before the current permit expires.
What We Do for You
Assessment of Student Status
The suitability of the educational institution and program for a student residence permit is reviewed.
Preparation of the Initial Application File
The enrollment, passport, address, insurance and other required documents are identified.
Extension Procedures
The extension file is prepared by checking the continuation of student status and the current documents.
Change of University, Faculty and Department
The effect on the residence permit of a change of educational institution or province of study is assessed.
Health Insurance Procedures
The status of general health insurance or, where necessary, private health insurance is reviewed.
Change of Status After Graduation
The short-term residence or work permit options that may apply after graduation are assessed.
Foreign Document and Application Follow-Up
The necessary translation, notary and other document procedures are coordinated, and the administrative process is followed.
How the Process Works
- 01
Review of the Educational Situation
The school, program, level of education and enrollment status are checked.
- 02
Review of the Current Legal Stay
The visa or current residence status is assessed.
- 03
Determination of Student Residence Eligibility
Whether the type of education falls within the scope of a student residence permit is assessed.
- 04
Preparation of the Document Plan
The required documents are identified according to the student's circumstances.
- 05
e-Residence (e-İkamet) Application
The application form and supporting documents are prepared.
- 06
Submission and Follow-Up of the Application
The process before the competent authority and any requests for additional documents are followed.
- 07
Residence Permit Card
Once the application is approved, the residence card process is followed.
Has Your Student Status Changed?
In the event of graduation, leaving school, a change of university or city, or an interruption of studies, the status of the existing student residence permit should be assessed separately.
Has Your Student Residence Permit Application Been Refused or Your Permit Cancelled?
If the requirements for a student residence permit are not met or cease to be met later, if circumstances arise showing that studies cannot be continued, or if the permit is used for purposes other than its intended purpose, refusal, cancellation or non-extension may come into question. The reasoning of the decision and the date of notification are reviewed, and the legal remedies that may be pursued are assessed separately.
Do You Have a Pending Student Residence Application?
By reviewing the current stage of a previously submitted student residence permit application, the school and enrollment documents, and any requests for additional documents, the necessary follow-up steps can be determined.