Visa & Residence Permit
Visa
Incoming Erasmus+ students are responsible for checking whether they are required to obtain a visa in order to study in Türkiye. Visa requirements depend on the student’s nationality and the duration of stay.
Students who are citizens of countries with a visa exemption agreement with Türkiye may not need a visa for short-term stays. However, exemptions vary depending on nationality and the length of stay, so it is strongly advised to verify the specific conditions before travelling.
Students who require a visa must apply for a student visa at the nearest Turkish Embassy or Consulate in their home country prior to arrival. A letter of acceptance from Sivas Cumhuriyet University will be provided to support the visa application process.
Regardless of visa requirements, all incoming students are required to obtain a residence permit after arrival in Türkiye if the planned stay exceeds the visa-free period or visa validity. The International Relations Office provides guidance on the residence permit application process.
For detailed and up-to-date information, including whether you need a visa and the e-Visa regulations, please visit the official website of the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Residence Permit
All Erasmus+ students who will stay in Türkiye for more than their visa-free period or visa validity are required to apply for a residence permit. The application must be completed within three months of arrival, but it is strongly recommended that students start the process as soon as possible to avoid any administrative problems.
Applications are made online through the official system of the Directorate General of Migration Management (Göç İdaresi Başkanlığı). After completing the online application, students must submit their documents to the Erasmus+ Institutional Coordination Office at Sivas Cumhuriyet University. The office will check the files, forward them to the authorities, and students will later be informed and invited to give their fingerprints at the Migration Management Office.
Required Documents for the Residence Permit Application
Students should prepare the following documents:
Residence Permit Application Form (filled in online and printed after application)
Passport (original and copy of the identity page and entry stamp/visa page)
Biometric photographs (2 recent photos, ICAO standards, with white background)
Student certificate issued by Sivas Cumhuriyet University (proving student status)
Health insurance valid in Türkiye for the entire study period (The insurance has to be done in Türkiye specially for the residence application)
Proof of financial means (bank statement or sponsor letter, if requested)
Payment receipt for the residence permit card fee
Address declaration (rental contract, dormitory confirmation, or official housing document)
The Erasmus+ Office provides guidance and assistance throughout the residence permit application process and acts as the intermediary between students and the Directorate General of Migration Management.
