Applying for a Residence Permit in Turkey

Upon arriving in Turkey and completing your university registration, your next crucial step is to apply for a residence permit.

1. Application Process:

   • Begin by filling out the application form on the official e-ikamet website.
   • Submit the completed form and necessary documents to your university's international student affairs office.

2. Residence Card:

   • With your residence card and foreign identification (YU) number, you can carry out all formal transactions in Turkey.
   • As long as your residence card is valid, it can be used for re-entry into Turkey without needing a new visa. Ensure you renew it before it expires.

3. Fee Exemption:

   • As a student, you are exempt from the residence permit application fee. You only need to pay the card fee.

4. Submission Deadline:

   • Following the protocol effective from November 29, 2023, international students must submit their residence permit applications to the university.

5. Required Documents:

   • Residence permit registration/application form (signed by the student)
   • Passport and a copy of the entry stamp page (include a student visa document if applicable)
   • Copy of student residence ID document (if available)
   • Student certificate
   • 4 biometric photographs
   • Valid health insurance:
     • GSS document or a document from SSI stating application for GSS
     • Private health insurance covering the residence permit period
   • Proof of address:
     • If staying in your own home: a photocopy of the title deed (tapu senedi)
     • For extensions: proof of residence and a utility bill in your name (If not in your name, the bill owner must submit a notarized undertaking along with an income certificate and valid residence/T.R. ID.)
     • If staying with a rental agreement: a notarized copy of the rental agreement (must be in 'Arrangement' form by both landlord and tenant before a notary)
     • If staying in hotels or similar accommodations: a document proving the stay and a receipt showing payment
     • If staying in student dormitories: a document proving dormitory residence (if not e-signed and barcoded, submit dormitory signature circular)
     • If staying with a sponsor: the sponsor's notarized commitment (if the sponsor is married, also notarized commitment from the spouse) along with proof of legal stay in Turkey
   • Receipt showing payment of the residence permit card fee
   • National Electronic Notification System Address (UETS) (for those with a foreign ID number)

6. Important Notes:

   • After completing the application form, students must submit their fingerprints at designated centers without waiting for the automatic appointment date. The residence permit application form should be taken on the same day or the next day.
   • Submit the file to the international office within 2 days of fingerprinting, regardless of the appointment date. Files not submitted within the specified period will be returned according to the university's 15-day rule.
   • Fingerprints must be provided before submitting the application file. Visit the designated fingerprint centers with the application form and ensure the fingerprint criminal number (starting with GI, LS, or DB) is written on the form.
   • Students who have previously submitted fingerprints must do so again for the new application.
   • Bring your passport when submitting your files to the International Student Affairs Office.

7. For Foreigners Under 18:

   • For those with visa exemption or a different visa type: a document with parent/guardian information (birth certificate, family certificate, etc.), a letter of consent from the parent/guardian/legal representative, and a letter of undertaking from the third person.
   • For those with a student visa: documents containing consent and parent/guardian information are not required.

High School Equivalency Certificate

Students enrolled in private educational institutions at the international primary and secondary education level, schools operated by embassies within the country, and primary and secondary education institutions in Turkey and abroad are eligible to apply.

To apply, follow these steps:

• Use the e-Equivalency module at: https://edenklik.meb.gov.tr/
• Schedule an appointment through the module.
• Bring your documents to the International Student Affairs Office on the scheduled date.