Bringing Family (Spouse/Children) to Turkiye During Your PhD Studies
Eligibility to Sponsor Family Members
International PhD students who wish to bring their spouse and children to Turkiye can do so under the following conditions:
- Enrollment in a Turkish University: PhD students enrolled in a recognized Turkish university and holding a valid residence permit can sponsor their family members for a Family Residence Permit.
- Inclusion of Children: Family residence permits may also be granted to the spouse and children, including children from previous marriages.
Key Requirements and Documents
Bringing family members to Turkiye involves careful planning and documentation. Here are the essential requirements:
1. Relationship Documentation
To prove the familial relationship, you will need to provide:
- Marriage Certificate: An apostilled marriage certificate that is officially translated into Turkish if issued abroad.
- Birth Certificates for Children: Apostilled and translated birth certificates for each child.
2. Proof of Residence and Status
You must provide:
- Copy of the Student’s Residence Permit: This confirms your current status in Turkiye.
- Address Registration Document (Yerleşim Yeri Belgesi): Typically obtained via e-Devlet, this document provides proof of residence in Turkiye.
3. Health Insurance
For each family member, you need to show:
- Evidence of Health Coverage: Health insurance can be obtained through the Turkish Social Security Institution (SGK) or a private insurance company. Additionally, social security documents showing family coverage may be required.
4. Income Requirement
Minimum Income: You must demonstrate that you have a monthly income at least equal to the Turkish minimum wage for each family member you wish to support.
5. Additional Documents
- Application Forms: Completed applications for each family member.
- Biometric Photos and Valid Passports: These are essential for identification and processing purposes.
Summary Table: Family Residence Permit Requirements for Spouse/Children
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Student’s valid residence permit | Must be current and valid |
| Proof of marriage/relationship | Apostilled + translated certificates |
| Proof of sufficient income | Monthly income per family member ≥ Turkish minimum wage |
| Health insurance | Coverage via SGK or private insurer in Turkiye |
| Address registration | Yerleşim Yeri Belgesi from e-Devlet |
| Additional documentation | Passports, photos, application forms, parental approvals |
Application Process Overview
Bringing your family to Turkiye during your PhD studies involves several clear steps:
Step 1: Gather Required Documents
Before applying, ensure you have all necessary documents prepared, including:
- Apostilled and translated marriage and birth certificates.
- Proof of income and health insurance documents.
- Your residence permit and address registration.
Step 2: Apply at Local Migration Office
You will need to:
- Submit Applications: Family residence permit applications can be submitted at the Provincial Directorate of Migration Management. This can be done either simultaneously with your own residence permit application or after arriving in Turkiye.
Step 3: Children’s Applications
Official Approvals: For minor children (under 18), it’s critical to provide official approvals from both parents if they are not traveling together or if divorced.
Step 4: Await Processing
Once submitted, the local migration office will process the applications. Successful applicants will receive residence cards allowing them to stay in Turkiye for a duration aligned with the PhD student’s residence permit.
Special Considerations
When applying for family residence permits, be aware of the following:
- Document Compliance: All family members must have valid passports. If coming from a country not part of the Apostille Convention, additional legalization of documents may be needed.
- Public Health and Criminal Record: Family members must not pose a public health threat or have a criminal record.
- Document Origin: All family members’ documents should originate from the same country and align with visa criteria.
Conclusion
Bringing your family to Turkiye during your PhD studies is a structured process that requires careful documentation and adherence to legal requirements. By ensuring that all necessary steps are followed, international students can successfully reunite with their families, enhancing their academic experience in Turkiye.
At Study in Turkiye, we provide comprehensive information and guidance for international students looking to navigate this process. Our team is dedicated to supporting students throughout their academic journey and ensuring they have the necessary resources to succeed.
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