Student residence permit
Student residence permit: your documents
Choose your level of study and whether you want to work. You will see the documents needed and your work options.
General list; the Presidency of Migration Management may ask for further documents.
Student residence permit in Turkey: requirements, documents and the right to work
Student residence permit in Turkey is granted under Article 38 of Law No. 6458 on Foreigners and International Protection to foreigners studying for an associate, bachelor, master’s or doctoral degree at a Turkish higher education institution. The permit is valid for at most the duration of the studies and is usually extended every year with a new student certificate. Bachelor students may work with a work permit after their first year; master’s and PhD students may do so without that restriction.
Student residence permit requirements
- Admission and final enrolment at a higher education institution in Turkey.
- A valid passport and legal entry, usually with a student visa or visa-free.
- Valid health insurance covering the period of residence.
- An address registered in Turkey.
Primary and secondary school pupils can also obtain a student residence permit with the consent of their parents or guardian. Attending a Turkish language course, however, is a ground for a short-term residence permit, not a student permit; see types of residence permits.
Documents and application for a student residence permit
e-İkamet form
The application is completed online in the e-İkamet system and an appointment is booked.
Student certificate
A barcoded student certificate is obtained from the university.
Passport and photos
Prepare the original passport, a copy and 4 biometric photos.
Insurance and card fee
Health insurance and the card fee receipt; students are exempt from the residence permit fee.
Appointment and card
Documents are submitted at the appointment; after approval the card is posted to your address.
Working with a student residence permit
A student residence permit does not by itself give the right to work. The employer must apply for a work permit for the student; see work permit application. The main rules:
- Associate and bachelor students: part-time work after completing the first year.
- Master’s and PhD students: no first-year restriction, but a work permit is still required.
- Unauthorised work: administrative fines for employer and employee, cancellation of the residence permit and a risk of an entry ban.
Spouse and children of the student
The spouse and minor children of a higher education student can obtain a family residence permit; its term cannot exceed that of the student’s residence permit. A family residence permit granted to the student’s family does not by itself give the right to work.
What happens after graduation?
- The student residence permit ends when the studies end; the right type of residence should be decided in advance.
- Graduates of higher education institutions in Turkey can obtain a one-time short-term residence permit of up to one year if they apply within 6 months of graduation.
- For the move into work, see work permit application and Turquoise Card.
- Periods spent on a student residence permit count at half towards a long-term residence permit.
Common mistakes
- Applying after the visa or visa-free stay has expired.
- Assuming a language course qualifies for a student residence permit.
- Starting a part-time job without a work permit.
- Submitting an out-of-date student certificate when extending.
Student residence permit: frequently asked questions
How long is a student residence permit granted for?
For up to the duration of the studies; it is usually extended every year with a new student certificate.
Can I work while studying?
Only with a work permit: part-time after the first year in bachelor programmes, without that restriction in master’s and PhD programmes.
Does a Turkish course give a student residence permit?
No. A language course is a ground for a short-term residence permit.
How long can I stay in Turkey after graduating?
If you apply within 6 months of graduation, you can obtain a one-time short-term residence permit of up to one year.
This guide is based on the official legislation of the Republic of Türkiye and was last updated on .
This page provides general information and is not a substitute for legal advice on a specific case. No particular outcome of any application or proceeding is promised.
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