Before Applying for a Residence Permit
1. How can I obtain a residence permit? First, check the required documents for the appropriate residence permit type you will apply for. Choose the suitable residence permit type according to your purpose of stay and visa, then make an appointment via the Provincial Directorate of Migration Management’s website at e-ikamet.goc.gov.tr. On the appointment date, submit your documents completely to our University’s Residence Affairs Office to complete your application. Remember to bring the original copies of the documents you will present. If approved by the Samsun Provincial Directorate of Migration Management, your residence permit will be granted and your residence card will be sent to your address.
2. Where can I make an appointment for the residence permit application? Are there any fees?You can make an appointment free of charge via e-ikamet.goc.gov.tr.
3. When and how do I pay the residence permit card fee? Where can I pay?The residence permit card fee must be paid after your application but before your appointment date. You can pay it by notifying your application number to the interactive tax office or contracted banks. The payment code used in banks is “9207.”
4. I paid online; where can I get my receipts?You can download a one-time receipt under the “Download Receipt (PDF)” section for online payments. If you missed it, you can print the payment receipt by entering the accrual number at “ spos.gib.gov.tr/Spos/Sorgu”
5. What should I pay attention to regarding documents required for the residence permit application?You must bring photocopies and originals of your passport or equivalent travel documents, biometric photos taken within the last 6 months, a document proving your place of stay along with current dated utility bills, and insurance covering the required residence period. The student certificate must be recently dated. Incomplete or incorrect documents will result in rejection of your application. Providing false information will lead to sanctions under relevant laws. For detailed information, visit the “[Student Residence Permit Application Process and Required Documents](https://iso.omu.edu.tr/tr/ikamet/ogrenci-ikamet-izni-basvurusu-sureci)” page.
6. Are e-Government (e-devlet) obtained documents valid for residence permit applications?Documents with QR codes obtained via the e-Government system are valid.
7. Which documents are required differently for residence permit extension applications compared to the initial application?Foreigners applying for extensions or changes must register their addresses. They are required to submit the “Residence Document” and the UETS (National Electronic Notification System) certificate obtained from PTT main branches.
8. What is UETS and where can I get it?UETS is the National Electronic Notification System for delivering notices to residence permit holders. The UETS information/application form can be obtained by: Presenting a foreign passport, foreign ID number, GSM number, a valid email, and filling the application form at PTT main branches.Foreigners with an e-signature can create an online account at www.etebligat.gov.tr to obtain the form.Foreigners with e-Government accounts can create a recipient account on www.etebligat.gov.tr and get the form.
9. How long must my passport be valid to apply for a residence permit?Your passport or travel document must be valid for at least 60 days longer than the requested permit period.
10. My visa expired; how many days do I have to apply for a residence permit?Online applications made within 10 days after your visa or visa exemption period ends will be considered.
11. I was referred to a Turkish language course by the university and registered. What is the procedure for the residence permit in this case?If you have directly registered for a Turkish language course, you can obtain a short-term residence permit provided that you came to our country with a Turkish language course visa or a student visa. However, this permit can only be granted twice. If you enrolled at the university and were referred to TÖMER (Turkish Language Teaching Center) by your university, a Student Residence Permit is issued until the beginning of the next academic term upon documentation of your status.
12. When should I apply for an extension of my current residence permit?Extension applications must be submitted starting from 60 days before the expiration of your current residence permit and, in any case, before the permit expires.
13. What pages of the passport photocopy are required?Photocopies of the page containing your identity information and photograph, as well as pages showing any visa information, are required. Additionally, a photocopy of the page with the stamp of your last entry point into the country is required. The original document must be presented on the day of submission.
14. What additional documents are required for students under 18 years of age?If you are under 18 and entered our country with a visa or visa exemption other than for study or education purposes, you must submit a notarized Consent Letter from your parents authorizing your education in Turkey and your birth certificate to the relevant authority.
If these documents are obtained from Turkish authorities, they must be electronically signed/signed and stamped/sealed. If obtained from abroad, they must be notarized with a certified Turkish translation and bear an Apostille certification. If you are a citizen of a country not party to the Apostille Convention, the document must be approved by the relevant country authorities (consulate approval and the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs or authorized Turkish authorities).
15. What is an Apostille certification?An Apostille certification is a document authentication method that certifies the validity of a document for legal use in another country.
16. Where can I get an Apostille certification?If you are a citizen of a country party to the Apostille Convention, you should request the Apostille from the authorities of the country where the document was issued.
17. Are apostilles from all countries accepted? Where can I check if my country’s apostille is valid?To see the list of countries whose apostilles are accepted in Turkey, please click here for the “Countries Party to the Apostille Convention.”
18. Does a document with an Apostille certification need further approval?For use in Turkish institutions, a sworn Turkish translation of the document must be notarized.
19. What should the content of the Consent Letter be?The Consent Letter is a document showing parental approval for students under 18 to study in Turkey. It must be notarized in Turkey.
20. Should the Consent Letter be obtained separately from both parents, or is one sufficient? What if one parent is deceased or divorced?If one parent is absent (in case of death, a death certificate of the other spouse must be submitted), a notarized consent declaration from the present parent is required. In case of divorce, a notarized custody document for the child is required. If these documents are from Turkish authorities, they must be electronically signed/signed and stamped/sealed. If obtained abroad, they must have an Apostille certification and a notarized Turkish translation. For citizens of countries not party to the Apostille Convention, documents must be approved by the relevant foreign authorities (consulate approval and the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs or authorized Turkish authorities).
21.What pages of the insurance policy should I submit during the application?During the application, you are required to submit the first page of your insurance policy that includes the policy number and the expiration date.
Residence Permit Application Process
1. Can I apply for a residence permit through individuals or agencies?Applications cannot be submitted via third parties (individuals or legal entities). Please make your application personally and do not trust unauthorized intermediaries.
2. Are there any channels I can contact for questions or issues regarding residence procedures? You can call YİMER 157 (Foreigners Communication Center) free of charge. Additionally, you can contact the Samsun Provincial Directorate of Migration Management: Phone: +90 362 431 28 03 Email: samsun@goc.gov.tr Denizevleri Neighborhood, Atatürk Boulevard No:24, Atakum District, Samsun, TÜRKİYE
3. Where can I track my application process?You can follow the status of your application through the “I Want to See the Result of My Application” link at e-ikamet.goc.gov.tr.
4. After getting an appointment, within how many days should I submit my documents to the University's Residence Affairs Office?Once your documents are ready, submit them to the Student Affairs Department / Residence Affairs Office within 7 days from the date on the "Application Form" you generated on e-ikamet.goc.gov.tr.
5. Is it possible to travel abroad during the 90-day evaluation period?Foreigners making their first application are issued a residence permit application certificate by the Provincial Directorate of Migration Management on the appointment day. In extension applications, this certificate is generated automatically by the system. Once approved by the Migration Directorate, this document, together with the approved fee receipt, allows multiple exits and re-entries, provided you return within 15 days each time.
6. When and where are fingerprints taken during the application process?Fingerprints are taken at the Samsun Provincial Directorate of Migration Management before your appointment date if you apply there. (If a mobile unit is available, fingerprint registration may also be carried out at the university by migration officers during registration.)
7. What is the maximum duration for a student residence permit?The residence permit can be issued for the duration of your study program. To be granted a residence permit for the full education period, your passport must be valid for the entire duration, and you must have registered for General Health Insurance (GSS).
After the Residence Permit Application
1. Where will I receive my residence permit card?Once your application is approved by the Samsun Provincial Directorate of Migration Management, your residence permit card will be sent via PTT cargo to the address you provided.
2. Who should I contact to report a change in my passport?Foreign nationals who change their passports must notify the Samsun Provincial Directorate of Migration Management within 20 working days.
3. My residence permit was cancelled. Can I apply again and continue my education?If your student residence permit is cancelled, you cannot reapply for the same type of permit within the following 6 months. However, you may apply for other types of residence permits if you meet the requirements.
4. How long does it take to receive my residence permit card, and how will it be delivered?Your application is processed within 21 to 90 days, and the card is sent to your address via PTT cargo by the Directorate of Migration Management.
5. What should I do if my study period is extended?If you cannot graduate within the standard period but are still within the maximum duration allowed for your program, you can receive a residence permit for up to 1 year at a time by providing a student certificate showing you are actively enrolled and indicating your estimated graduation date.
6. If I go abroad on Erasmus or another exchange program, will my Turkish residence permit be cancelled?You must contact the Samsun Provincial Directorate of Migration Management regarding the status of your residence permit in such cases.
7. Under what conditions will my residence permit be cancelled?-Student residence permits are cancelled in the following cases:
-Using the permit for purposes other than education,
-Failing to meet the conditions for the student permit,
-Evidence suggesting the student cannot continue their education,
-If the person has a deportation order or entry ban to Türkiye,
-Termination of enrollment from the university or failure to renew registration (not enrolling in courses)
8. What should I do if my personal information (surname, marital status, passport, etc.) changes?You must go to the Provincial Directorate of Migration Management within 20 working days, bringing: A notarized Turkish translation of your apostilled or consular-certified document confirming the change A copy of your passport and residence card.
9. I changed my address during the validity of my residence permit. What should I do? Will it be cancelled if the new address is in a different city?If you move to a different province, you must submit a new initial application on e-ikamet.goc.gov.tr within 20 working days to update your address.
10. What should I do if my residence permit card is lost or stolen?You must: Report the loss/theft to the police and obtain a loss report Bring the report, 1 biometric photo, and proof of address registration to the Samsun Provincial Directorate of Migration Management Pay the full card fee and half of the regular fee.
11. I transferred from another city to this university. My residence permit is still valid — what should I do?You must apply for a new permit on e-ikamet.goc.gov.tr within 10 days, selecting the city of your new university. All procedures will be handled by the Migration Directorate in the new city. After receiving your appointment, submit your documents to the Student Affairs Department / Residence Permit Office of your new university.
12. I transferred to another university in the same city. What should I do?If you switch faculties or universities within the same city, you must inform the Student Affairs Department / Residence Permit Office within 20 days.
13. How does the residence permit process work during extraordinary events like earthquakes, pandemics, or wars?In such cases, humanitarian residence permits may be granted to foreigners affected by these events. These permits are temporary, and their duration depends on the reason for application. For detailed and updated information, contact the Provincial Directorate of Migration Management or consult a legal advisor.