Visa & Residence

To legally stay in Türkiye as an Erasmus+ incoming student, you must plan two steps correctly: entry conditions (visa/visa exemption) and—if your stay will exceed the permitted short-stay period—a residence permit process. The roadmap below explains the full process in a clear, student-friendly format.

1) Entry to Türkiye: Check Visa / Visa Exemption

• Depending on your nationality, you may enter Türkiye with a visa, e-visa, or under visa exemption rules.
• For many nationalities, short stays follow the “90 days within 180 days” rule. If you plan to stay longer (e.g., a full semester), you will typically need a residence permit.
• Important: Requirements vary by nationality. Always verify through official channels.

2) When do you need a residence permit?

• If your stay in Türkiye will exceed 90 days, you generally need to apply for a residence permit.
• In practice, some Provincial Migration Offices may process Erasmus+ exchange students under a short-term residence permit category instead of a student residence permit. This can vary by province and current practice—please follow the guidance provided by our International Relations Office.

3) Online application: e-İkamet system

Residence permit applications are initiated online via the e-İkamet platform. After completing your online form, you will receive:

• Your application form (PDF/printout),
• Appointment details (if applicable),
• Application number.

4) Typical required documents (prepare a complete file)

Requirements may vary by province/nationality/type, but usually include:

Identity & application documents

• Residence permit application form (e-İkamet printout)
• Passport copies (ID page, latest entry stamp, visa page if applicable)
• Biometric photos (often 4)

Proof of accommodation

• Dormitory letter (KYK/private dorm) or
• Rental contract (sometimes specific verification may be required) or
• Hotel/temporary accommodation proof (for short stays)

Student/academic document

• Student status / acceptance / exchange programme letter (as guided by the office)

Health insurance

• Health insurance valid in Türkiye (coverage rules may differ)

Fee receipts

• Payment receipts for card/fees (often requires a tax number—see below)

5) Tax Number (Why do you need it?)

A tax number may be required for residence permit fee payments. Foreigners can request a potential tax number online in Türkiye.

6) Appointment & submission at the Provincial Directorate of Migration

• After the online application, your file is submitted to the Provincial Directorate of Migration Management(appointment procedures may vary).
• If any documents are missing, you will be asked to complete them—fast completion helps avoid delays.

7) Residence card production & delivery

After approval, your residence card is produced and typically delivered to your declared address. Processing times vary depending on seasonal workload.

8) Common mistakes to avoid

• Incorrect or incomplete accommodation/address documents
• Inadequate insurance coverage
• Wrong phone/address details in the online form
• Payments made under another person’s name (may cause issues in some provinces)

9) University support

Our International Relations Office supports incoming Erasmus+ students with:

• timeline guidance,
• document checklist,
• file preparation and procedural support.

Official system links:

e-İkamet (Residence Permit Application): https://e-ikamet.goc.gov.tr

Student Residence Permit Information (DGMM): https://www.goc.gov.tr/ogrenci-ikamet-izni-basvurusuna-iliskin-dokumanlar

Visa information for foreigners (MFA): https://www.mfa.gov.tr/visa-information-for-foreigners.en.mfa

Tax number application for foreigners (Revenue Administration): https://dijital.gib.gov.tr/foreigners/kimlikNoBasvuru