Overview

International students studying in Türkiye must hold a valid student residence permit, which is crucial for maintaining legal residency and ensuring the ability to continue their studies. The renewal of this permit is an annual requirement that involves meticulous planning, adhering to important deadlines, and completing necessary documentation. This guide outlines the essential steps and considerations for renewing your student residence permit in Türkiye.

Renewal Timeline and Key Deadlines

Renewal Application Window: To maintain your student residence permit, you must submit your renewal application online within 60 days before the expiry date. It is vital to complete your renewal application before your current permit expires to avoid any potential legal complications.

If Permit Expires: If your permit has expired, you can still apply as a “first-time” applicant but must do so within 10 days after the expiration. A petition explaining the reason for your late application is required during this process.

Step-by-Step Renewal Process

1. Online Application

To initiate your renewal process, you must visit the official residence permit application page. Select the option for “extension of the duration of residence permit.”

2. Prepare Required Documents

You will need to gather several important documents for your application, including:

• Student Certificate: Obtain an official document from your university confirming your enrollment and active student status. Universities such as Antalya Bilim University and Aydin University provide these certificates for their international students.
• Passport: Ensure your passport is valid, and include copies of its main pages, visa page, and the entry stamp into Türkiye.
• Photographs: Provide four recent biometric passport-sized photos.
• Residence Certificate: This document must prove your address in Türkiye, which can be issued by the local mukhtar or your student accommodation management.
• Health Insurance: You will need a valid health insurance contract covering the duration of your renewed permit, typically one or two years.
• Fee Payment Receipt: Submit proof of payment for your residence permit renewal fee.

3. Application Submission and Follow-up

Once you’ve submitted your documents online, you will receive an appointment date for the provincial immigration office. Be sure to attend your appointment with all the original documents if they are required.

4. Addressing Late Applications

Should you need to apply after the expiration date, it is crucial to write a formal letter of excuse (petition) in Turkish. This petition should be addressed to the local Directorate of Migration Management, outlining the reasons for your delay. You will need to include your full name, residence permit application number, and passport number in this letter. Submit the petition along with your renewal documents to your university’s international students office.

Important Reminders

• Staying Legal: If you apply after the 10-day grace period post-expiration, you will lose your legal residence status, necessitating your departure from Türkiye and possibly incurring a penalty before you can reapply.
• Timeliness: It is advisable to begin the renewal process at least 60 days ahead of your permit expiration. This timeframe allows ample opportunity to gather documentation and resolve any issues that may arise.
• Continuous Enrollment: Your eligibility for renewal is contingent upon your active status as a student in Türkiye, which must be verified by an official student certificate from your university.

Take the Next Step with Study in Turkiye

Explore further and take the next step in your educational journey in Türkiye. Let us assist you with all your needs regarding residence permit renewals and more.