Residence Permit Process
Residence Permit Application Guide for International Students in Türkiye
International students who will study in Türkiye are required to obtain a student residence permit in order to legally stay in the country. The process is carried out in cooperation with universities and the Directorate General of Migration Management. Below you can find a corporate summary of the application steps and important points.
Portal
e-İkamet System
First application and extension procedures are carried out through the official portal.
Submission Point
International Student Office
It is critically important that the documents are submitted to the university on time.
Critical Timeframe
Submission Within 10 Days
Documents must be submitted without delay from the date of application.
What Is a Residence Permit?
The student residence permit is an official document that allows foreign nationals enrolled in a higher education program in Türkiye to legally reside in the country for the duration of their education.
Application Process
a. Online Application
Applications are made through the official e-ikamet portal of the Directorate General of Migration Management: e-ikamet.goc.gov.tr
- Log in to the system and select the "First Application" option.
- Fill in the information completely and accurately.
- Once you complete the form, print it out and sign it.
b. Required Documents
- Residence Permit Application Form: obtained from e-ikamet, signed.
- Passport: original + photocopy (identity, visa, entry stamp pages).
- Biometric Photo: from the last 6 months, white background, 4 pieces.
- Student Certificate: current-dated, with a wet signature, from the university.
- Health Insurance: a policy valid in Türkiye.
- Address Declaration: rental contract / dormitory acceptance document, etc.
c. Submission of Documents
Under the protocol signed between YÖK and the Directorate General of Migration Management on November 15, 2023, students must submit their residence permit application documents to their university’s International Student Office.
- Prepare the e-ikamet form and other documents.
- Without waiting for the appointment, submit to the International Student Office within 10 days at the latest from the date of application.
Application Tracking and Finalization
Tracking through e-ikamet
You can regularly check the status of your application through the e-ikamet system.
Card delivery
After approval, your residence permit card will be sent to the address you specified in the application.
Notification of missing information / documents
In the event of missing or incorrect information, the Directorate General of Migration Management may contact you.
Extension of the Residence Permit Duration
You must submit your extension application 60 days before your residence permit expires, but before it actually expires.
- Create your application using the "Extension Application" option in the e-ikamet system.
- Prepare the required documents and submit them to your university’s International Student Office.
Important Reminders
Apply for a residence permit as soon as possible after legally entering Türkiye.
Not missing the specified deadlines is critical for a positive outcome of the application.
Stay in contact with your university’s International Student Office for your questions.
You can use the link below to start your e-İkamet application and carry out your transactions through the official portal. You can also get in touch with the Turqua team for document checks and guidance during the process.
