Moving to Turkey
Complete relocation guide
Moving Checklist
Before & after arrival
Relocation Timeline
Week-by-week what to expect
Cost of Living
Budgets across major cities
Healthcare in Turkey
Insurance, SGK, hospitals
From the UK
From Germany
From the Netherlands
From Belgium
From France
From Sweden
From Norway
From Switzerland
From Austria
From the USA
From Canada
From Australia
From the UAE
Student Visa & Permits
Student Residence Permit
Turkey (2026)
International students enrolled at Turkish universities can apply for a student residence permit that covers their full period of study — no tourist visa renewals needed.
Quick Answer
Students enrolled at an accredited Turkish university can apply for a student residence permit (öğrenci ikamet izni) via the e-ikamet portal. It costs significantly less than a tourist residence permit (currently around 500–1,000 TL vs 3,000–7,000 TL for tourist permits) and is valid for the full academic year.
Who Qualifies?
Any international student who has received an official acceptance letter from a Turkish higher education institution (university, vocational school, language school) can apply for a student residence permit. The institution must be registered with the Council of Higher Education (YÖK).
Required Documents
- Online application via e-ikamet.goc.gov.tr
- Valid passport (with at least 6 months validity beyond permit duration)
- Official acceptance letter / student certificate from your university
- Proof of accommodation (rental contract, dormitory registration, etc.)
- Valid health insurance for the duration of the permit
- Proof of financial means (bank statement showing sufficient funds)
- Biometric passport photos (4 photos)
- Completed application form and permit fee payment receipt
The Application Process
- Apply online through the e-ikamet portal and book an appointment at your nearest Provincial Directorate of Migration Management.
- Attend your appointment with all original documents and copies.
- Pay the permit fee at the appointment.
- Receive a temporary document; your physical residence permit card arrives by post within 2–6 weeks.
Validity and Renewal
Student residence permits are issued for up to 1 year at a time. You must renew each academic year by submitting an updated student certificate from your university. The renewal process follows the same steps as the initial application.
Can Student Permit Holders Work?
Students with a valid student residence permit may be permitted to work part-time (up to 24 hours per week) after completing their first year of study. This requires a separate work permit obtained through your university. Working without the correct permit is illegal.