Applying for the Turkish Student Residence Permit (İkamet İzni) After Arrival
Eligibility and Timing
- You must apply for the student residence permit after arriving in Turkiye and completing your university registration.
- Applications from abroad are not accepted; you must be physically present in Turkiye to apply.
- The recommended period for applying is within 10-30 days of your arrival, with some universities urging application within 10 days and all requiring it within one month.
Step-By-Step Application Process
1. University Registration
Complete your registration at your Turkish university first. You will receive a student certificate (“öğrenci belgesi”)—a mandatory document for your residence permit application.
2. Obtain a Tax Number
A Turkish tax number is required for residence permit fee payments, opening a bank account, and for other legal transactions. You can get this tax number online or in person at a local tax office with your passport.
3. Health Insurance
Health insurance covering your stay in Turkiye is mandatory. This can be a policy from your home country (if recognized in Turkiye) or a Turkish provider.
4. Online Application
Submit your residence permit application via the official e-ikamet (e-residence) portal. Complete all required fields accurately. The system will generate a “Residence Permit Application Form” which must be printed and signed.
5. Payment of Residence Permit Fee
Pay the residence permit card fee online after completing your application. Keep the digital receipt as it must be included in your application package. Cash receipts are not accepted for online applications.
6. Prepare Required Documents
Prepare the following:
- Printed and signed Residence Permit Application Form
- Passport (original and copies of identification, visa, and entry stamp pages)
- Receipt of permit card fee payment
- Four biometric photos (recent, on white background)
- Student certificate from your university
- Proof of health insurance
- Proof of address/accommodation (e.g., dormitory letter, rental contract)
- If under 18: notarized parental consent, apostilled and translated into Turkish (if required)
7. Submit Your Application File
Submit your completed application file to your university’s International/Student Affairs Office or directly to the Provincial Directorate of Migration Management (Göç İdaresi), as per your university’s guidance. Many universities require that you submit all documents to their office first for review; they then pass it to the migration authorities.
8. Biometrics and Appointment
After your file is checked, you will be scheduled for a biometrics appointment at the local migration office. Bring your passport, student certificate, and printed application form to the appointment.
9. Application Follow-up
Track your application status online or through your university’s international office. After approval, you will receive a confirmation SMS/email; your residence permit card will be mailed to your registered address. Typical processing time: 30–45 days.
Important Reminders
- Do not leave Turkiye while your application is pending. Departing before your application is positively evaluated will result in automatic cancellation. Only after official approval can you request a temporary travel document for short-term exit.
- Residence applications made from abroad are invalid. You must be present in Turkiye throughout the process.
- Your passport must be valid at least 60 days beyond the duration requested for your residence permit.
- Immediately register your address with the authorities once you receive your residence permit card. This is mandatory, and failure to do so may affect your legal status.
Summary Table: Key Steps & Documents
| Step | Required Documents | Details |
|---|---|---|
| University Registration | Acceptance letter, passport, visa | Obtain student certificate |
| Obtain Tax Number | Passport | For official payments |
| Health Insurance | Policy document | Turkish or recognized foreign |
| Online Application | Passport, biometric photos, student cert., address | Via e-ikamet.goc.gov.tr |
| Fee Payment | Online receipt | Only accepted online |
| Submit File | Application form, all above docs | To university/immigration office |
| Biometrics Appointment | Passport, application form, student certificate | At local office |
| Track & Receive Card | — | Residence card sent by post |
| Address Registration | Residence card | At local registry office |
Final Notes
- Always comply with deadlines—late or incomplete applications can result in rejection or penalties.
- Follow updates via your university and the official migration authorities, as regulations may change.
- Keep your residence permit valid and renew before it expires to maintain your legal status in Turkiye.
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