Step by Step Student Residence Permit Application Process in Türkiye

Foreign nationals who come to Türkiye for the purpose of higher education are required to comply with both university registration procedures and immigration regulations. One of the most important legal obligations in this process is obtaining a student residence permit (öğrenciler için oturum izni). Without a valid residence permit, it is not possible to stay in Türkiye legally beyond the visa or visa-exemption period.

This guide has been prepared as a detailed, expert-level legal text, reflecting professional practice and current administrative procedures, and is intended to provide foreign students with a clear and reliable roadmap for the residence permit application process in Türkiye.

Legal Basis of Student Residence Permit in Türkiye

The student residence permit is regulated under the Law on Foreigners and International Protection (LFIP No. 6458) and relevant secondary legislation. According to Turkish law, foreign nationals enrolled in a recognized higher education institution must obtain a residence permit if they do not hold another valid legal stay status in Türkiye.

A Residence Permit Document may be issued only if the applicant:

• Entered Türkiye legally, and

• Does not hold another residence or stay status, such as:

  • International protection applicant or status holder,

  • Temporary protection holder,

  • Work permit or work permit exemption holder.

For students, the applicable residence type is the student residence permit, which is specifically designed for foreigners pursuing higher education in Türkiye.

Who Must Apply for a Student Residence Permit?

Foreign students who are enrolled in associate degree, bachelor’s degree, master’s degree, doctoral programs, or other recognized higher education programs in Türkiye are required to apply for a student residence permit.

The obligation arises after completing university registration. Even if the student has entered Türkiye with a valid visa, staying beyond the permitted visa duration without an residence permit constitutes an unlawful stay.

Importance of University Registration

University registration is a mandatory prerequisite for the student residence permit application. Immigration authorities will not process a student residence permit application unless the applicant can prove active enrollment in a higher education institution.

The student certificate (öğrenci belgesi) issued by the university serves as the primary document confirming the purpose of stay in Türkiye.

Application Authority and Place of Application

The student residence permit is issued by the Provincial Directorate of Migration Management (İl Göç İdaresi Müdürlüğü) in the province where the university is located.

The application process is initiated online and finalized through an in-person appointment at the relevant Provincial Directorate.

Online Application via e-İkamet System

Foreign students must initiate their residence permit application through the official e-İkamet system:

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

During the online application process, the applicant must:

• Select the residence permit type as student residence permit,

• Accurately fill in personal, passport, and address information,

• Upload required documents (where applicable),

• Choose an appointment date at the Provincial Directorate of Migration Management.

Any incorrect or incomplete information may lead to delays or rejection of the application.

Required Documents for Student Residence Permit

Although requirements may vary slightly depending on nationality and local practice, the standard documents for a student residence permit generally include:

• Completed residence permit application form,

• Valid passport or travel document,

• Biometric photographs,

• Student certificate issued by a Turkish higher education institution,

• Proof of sufficient financial means,

• Valid health insurance covering the duration of stay,

• Address registration information.

All documents must comply with formal requirements set by the migration authorities.

Duration and Validity of Student Residence Permit

The student residence permit is generally issued for the duration of the education program or for a maximum period determined by the authorities. It may be renewed annually or in line with the academic period, provided that the student status continues.

Failure to renew the residence permit before its expiration results in unlawful stay and may lead to administrative sanctions.

Legal Rights and Limitations of Student Residence Permit Holders

A student residence permit allows foreign students to legally reside in Türkiye for educational purposes. However, it does not automatically grant the right to work. Any employment must comply with Turkish labor and immigration law, and additional permits may be required.

Maintaining active enrollment in higher education is essential, as loss of student status may result in cancellation of the residence permit.

Professional Legal Assistance in Student Residence Permit Applications

Due to the procedural and technical nature of Turkish immigration law, professional legal assistance is strongly recommended. Errors in documentation, missed deadlines, or incorrect applications can result in rejection or loss of legal stay rights.

At Bayraktar Attorneys, we provide comprehensive legal support to foreign students throughout the student residence permit process in Türkiye, from initial application to renewal procedures, ensuring full compliance with current legislation and administrative practice.