How to Get a Turkish Student Residence Permit Without Attending Classes

Individuals looking to immigrate to Turkey, but who do not qualify for residency through work or property purchase, can still live in the country legally. For this group of people, a student residence permit is a favorable option. However, these individuals may not wish to study and are only looking for a way to obtain temporary legal residence in Turkey.

Under normal circumstances, the Turkish Immigration Administration is directly connected to the country’s university system and closely monitors the attendance of foreign students. If a student is absent for 3 to 5 consecutive sessions, they will be barred from continuing their studies by the university, and their residence permit will be automatically canceled. So, what is the solution for these individuals?

We at Home Turkey Holding, as one of the pioneers in providing immigration and investment services in Turkey, in collaboration with some specific universities, have created an opportunity for applicants to obtain a student residence permit without the need to attend classes. In the following, we will explain this method.

What is a Student Residence Permit Without Attending Classes and University?

Using its credibility with a number of selected universities in Turkey, Home Turkey has created conditions where you can enroll in a university and obtain a legal student residence permit without attending classes. This method allows you to legally reside in Turkey for up to 2 years. During this time, you can apply for other types of residency (such as a property-based or work-based residence permit) or even a Turkish passport through property purchase.

The steps to obtain this type of residency are as follows:

• Choosing the desired field of study
• Completing the university registration process
• Paying the university tuition fee
• The university applying for your student residence permit

After completing these steps, the university sends your residence permit application to the Immigration Administration. As mentioned earlier, the Immigration Administration is connected to the university’s system to monitor the attendance of foreign students.

How to Apply for a Turkish Student Residence Permit Without Attending Classes and University?

Most university programs in Turkey are offered in the Turkish language. After enrolling in undergraduate or master’s programs, the university usually conducts a Turkish language proficiency test. Students who do not pass this test or do not have a valid Turkish language certificate must attend language preparation courses (known as Hazırlık).

Students who genuinely intend to continue their education complete this course in 3 to 4 months to be able to quickly attend their main classes. These courses are held both in-person and online, and their maximum duration is 2 years. What the Home Turkey team does is utilize this 2-year timeframe to provide legal residence for applicants.

Who is This Method Suitable For?

• Individuals who need legal residence in Turkey for a short period.
• Homemakers or individuals who cannot physically attend classes due to family responsibilities.
• Individuals who intend to stay in Turkey for a short term with the ultimate goal of immigrating to other countries.
• People who want to live in Turkey for a short period due to emergency situations (like war).

It should be noted that attending the language classes is mandatory, but the choice between in-person and online classes is yours. Therefore, if you do not have the time or interest to attend classes, you can take the course online.

What are the Costs of University Registration Without Attending Classes?

The cost of university registration depends on your chosen field of study. Typically, university tuition is paid annually. Additionally, a separate tuition fee will be charged for participating in Turkish language courses.

However, for individuals whose goal is not to study and are merely looking to use the Hazırlık period to obtain residency, it is sufficient to pay the first year’s tuition. If you wish to extend your residency for a second year, you must also pay that year’s tuition fee (which is about $2000).

What Documents are Required for University Registration Without Attending Classes?

• Original of the latest academic degree/diploma.
  Official and notarized translation of the latest academic degree (after translation, the document must be stamped and signed by a Turkish public notary, known as a “Noter”).
• Transcripts related to the latest academic degree.
• Original passport and its notarized translation.
• Original and copy of the residence permit card (for those currently residing in Turkey).
• Biometric photo.

Important Points About Turkish Student Residence Without University Attendance

Normally, after registration, students sign a contract with the university that obligates them to pay tuition. If an individual obtains another type of residency (e.g., a work permit) during this period, they must officially declare their withdrawal from their studies to the university. Otherwise, according to the contract, they will be obliged to pay the next year’s tuition as well.

This issue is very important, and many people have suffered financial losses due to inattention to it. Although these individuals no longer go to the university and have obtained their residency through other means, they still have to pay the next year’s tuition costs because they have not officially terminated their contract with the university.

Is There a Better Way to Obtain Residency in Turkey?

Currently, obtaining a Turkish student residence permit without attending classes is considered one of the easiest ways to get residency in Turkey. However, it should be noted that this type of residency has a two-year time limit for those who do not have serious intentions of continuing their education. In general, this option is very suitable for individuals looking for temporary or trial residency in Turkey for a period of less than two years.

Of course, for those looking for long-term and serious residency in Turkey, Home Turkey suggests a work permit. This type of residency has no time limit and is renewable every year. Furthermore, after 5 years, it provides the possibility for applicants to obtain a Turkish passport, and its cost is almost similar to the cost of a student residence permit. For more information about both methods, you can contact our experienced experts and benefit from a free consultation opportunity.