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Student Residence in Turkey

Student Residence in Turkey

Student Residence in Turkey

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28 Nov, 2025 / 3 دقيقة قراءة

Student Residence in Turkey
Tags: Student residence in Turkey, Study residence in Turkey, Types of residence in Turkey, Student residence in Istanbul, Study permit, Turkish student residence, Cost of student residence


Introduction

Turkey has witnessed a significant educational boom over the past decade, becoming a destination for those seeking high-quality education from all over the world, especially Arab students.

In this article, we will guide you, dear reader, on how to obtain a student residence permit in Turkey, including the documents required to complete the process. We will walk with you step by step through all stages of acquiring your study residence. Don’t forget to follow the alo-ikametsigorta.com series of articles about types of residence permits in Turkey on our website.


Article Outline

  • What is a student residence in Turkey?

  • Steps to obtain a student residence permit

  • Documents required to obtain a student residence permit in Turkey

  • How to maintain your rights to public health insurance as a student

  • Stages of issuing a study residence in Turkey

  • Reasons for refusal, cancellation, or non-renewal of a student residence permit

  • Students’ right to work while studying in Turkey

  • Procedures for changing universities, colleges, or majors

  • Renewal of student residence permits in Turkey

  • Cost of Turkish student residence permits

  • Conclusion


What is a student residence in Turkey?

A student residence permit is issued to foreign students wishing to pursue education in one of Turkey’s higher education institutions, including universities, institutes, and postgraduate programs (Master’s or PhD).

To register and obtain a student residence permit, a foreign student must first apply for a student visa at the nearest Turkish consulate, based on the acceptance letter issued by the respective university or institute.


Steps to obtain a student residence permit

First, applicants must schedule an appointment to submit the required documents at the Directorate of Migration Management (referred to as “Emniyet” in Turkey). Appointment availability varies depending on the city and the number of foreigners. For example, demand in Istanbul differs from other provinces.


Documents required to obtain a student residence permit in Turkey

Before arriving in Turkey, the student must have the final acceptance letter from the university, school, or language institute. Upon arrival in Turkey, the student obtains a student identification document.

When attending the appointment, students must prepare the following documents:

  • Proof of appointment booking

  • Copy of passport showing entry stamp

  • Four biometric photos

  • Health insurance valid for one or two years, depending on the study period

  • Lease agreement notarized by a notary public

  • Passport translated and notarized

  • Receipt of paid taxes

  • For electronic visa holders: original entry visa copy


How to maintain your rights as a student under public health insurance

According to social insurance and public health insurance laws, students are not required to obtain health insurance during the first three months of registration. However, you should complete your health insurance process within this period to avoid losing your right to public insurance, which would then require purchasing private health insurance.


Stages of issuing a student residence in Turkey

Appointment at the Directorate of Migration Management (Emniyet):

  • Your file will be professionally prepared, fulfilling all requirements and paying the necessary fees and taxes.

  • After the appointment, you will legally receive your residence permit, allowing you to travel and return to Turkey without a visa while enjoying full resident rights.

Issuance of the residence card:
You will receive your residence card within 10 to 90 days, sent to the address stated in your lease. This period begins from the date your documents are fully submitted, according to the Foreigners and International Protection Law.


Reasons for refusal, cancellation, or non-renewal of a student residence permit

A student residence permit may be denied, canceled, or not renewed for the following reasons:

  • Failure to meet required conditions

  • Evidence of discontinuation or interruption of studies

  • Misuse of the residence permit against the law

  • Deportation order, entry ban, or presence restriction in Turkey


Students’ right to work while studying in Turkey

  • Postgraduate students can work after obtaining a work permit from the relevant authorities.

  • Undergraduate and institute students may work after their first year, for a maximum of 24 hours per week. Work permit reviews are managed by the Ministry of Labor and Social Security.


Procedures when changing university, college, or major

A student’s residence permit remains valid if they change universities, colleges, or majors within the same province, provided there is continuity in education.

  • If the residence permit expires before the study period ends, it will be extended until the end of the program.

  • If a student continues studies in another province, the local Directorate of Migration will terminate the previous residence permit and issue a new student residence permit for the remaining period.


Renewal of student residence permits in Turkey

Renewal must be requested 60 days before the expiration date, according to Turkish immigration law.

The renewal process is the same as the initial application:

  • Schedule an appointment

  • Attend the appointment and submit the required documents

alo-ikametsigorta.com offers professional assistance in preparing and submitting your documents for renewal.


Cost of Turkish student residence permits

The cost of obtaining or renewing a student residence permit varies depending on:

  • Applicant’s age

  • Type of health insurance provided

  • Duration of the residence permit requested (one or two years)

  • Nationality, as fees differ by country

To determine the exact cost, send a copy of your passport, or contact alo-ikametsigorta.com for assistance.


Conclusion

We have provided a detailed guide on how to obtain a student residence permit in Turkey, covering the requirements, stages, and procedures.

We hope you found this article useful. For more information, contact us, and explore our website to learn more about services and types of residence permits in Turkey.

With regards,
The alo-ikametsigorta.com Team