Turkish Language Course Visa
In short
Foreigners who enrol in a Turkish language course in Istanbul can apply for a residence permit as course students. With our group company Turkish Council, we help with the enrolment documents, the e-ikamet application and the appointment.
By Burak Ünal, licensed real estate broker · Updated
Key facts (as of October 2026)
- Visa-free stays
- Up to 90 days in any 180-day period; longer stays need a residence permitSource: Göç İdaresi, goc.gov.tr (opens in a new tab)
- Residence permit application
- Online at e-ikamet.goc.gov.tr, followed by an appointmentSource: e-ikamet.goc.gov.tr (opens in a new tab)
- Decision time
- Up to 90 days; times vary by provinceSource: Göç İdaresi, istanbul.goc.gov.tr (opens in a new tab)
Each figure links to its official source. Rules change, so we confirm the current position before you act.
Who it is for
- Foreigners who want to learn Turkish in Istanbul
- Newcomers who need a residence permit while they settle in
- Students preparing for university or work in Turkey
Apply for Turkish Language Course Visa
We offer advisory services for Turkish Language Course Visa and Residence Permit Program.
Information About Program
We advise foreign students to take Turkish Language Course residence permit before starting university. The language course residence permit can be taken for 1 year, and during that time you can discover universities in Turkey.
Turkish Language Course Visa and Residence Permit Program allows foreigners to study in Turkey for 1 year. The residence permit can be extended for 1 more extra year. Most of our students primarily prepare for the university entrance examination (YÖS exam) if they wish to study in public universities after the Turkish Language Course Program. For private universities, no entrance exam is required; you only need to pay the annual tuition fee and be proficient in Turkish or English.
To facilitate your visa application to Turkey, we will send you an invitation letter from our language school and will enroll you in the program. Once you arrive in Turkey, we will assist you in obtaining a student residence permit for one year. While learning Turkish, you can also prepare for your public university entrance exams in Turkey.
Fees and Procedures
The program registration fee is $300, which covers pre-registration, the invitation letter, DHL express fees, and general guidance. Upon your arrival in Turkey, the cost for the student residence permit and one year of tuition is $930. This includes tuition fees, health insurance, residence permit, government taxes, card fees, courier expenses, and application services. The fee doesn’t cover accommodation and travel expenses.
The procedure is as following: First, we will issue an official invitation letter from our Turkish language school. To do this, we will need your biometric photo and a copy of your passport. You can send these documents to us via WhatsApp. Following this, we will send you the original invitation via DHL Express, which you can present at your visa appointment at the consulate. We will also contact the consulate to ensure everything is in order.
Once you have obtained your visa from the Turkish Embassy in your country, you can travel to Turkey. We will enroll you in our courses and assist you in obtaining a one-year student residence permit. Subsequently, you can study and reside in Turkey while preparing for your future plans.
Please note that individuals under 18 years of age are not eligible for this program. Visa applications are at the discretion of the consulate or embassy, thus there is a risk for visa rejection even if all documents are completed. The $300 invitation letter fee is non-refundable regardless of the visa result. Also please note that you must not travel Turkey if your visa application in under evaluation. This might negatively affect your visa application.
Contact Us
WhatsApp SupportDocuments for Consulate
The consulate usually asks for these documents at the visa appointment:
- Passport
- Biometric Photo
- Travel Insurance (for 3 months)
- Turkish Language Course Invitation Letter
- Flight Ticket Reservation
- Accommodation Reservation
- Documents to prove your income (Bank statement). We advise putting minimum $6,000 in your bank statement
- If you have high school and university diploma, you can also add them
- Very rarely, they might ask for criminal record or health report
Turkish Language Course School
You can visit Turkish Council, which is a prominent language school in Turkey. You can receive your Turkish Course invitation letter from them.
Website: https://www.turkishcouncil.org
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is a Turkish Language Course Visa?
The Turkish Language Course Visa is a type of student visa that allows foreign nationals to stay in Turkey legally while attending an approved Turkish language education program. This visa is ideal for individuals who wish to learn Turkish for academic, professional, or personal reasons and want to immerse themselves in the language and culture.
2. Who can apply for a Turkish Language Course Visa?
Anyone who is accepted into a recognized Turkish language school or institute in Turkey can apply for this visa. There are no nationality restrictions, but the applicant must provide proof of enrollment in a certified language program and demonstrate sufficient financial means to support themselves during their stay.
3. How can I apply for a Turkish Language Course Visa?
The application process starts at the Turkish consulate or embassy in your home country. You must first obtain an official letter of acceptance from a registered language school in Turkey. Then, you apply for a student visa under the “language course” category. After arriving in Turkey, you must also apply for a student residence permit to legally stay for the duration of your studies.
4. What documents are required for the visa application?
Required documents typically include:
A valid passport
Visa application form
Biometric photos
Acceptance letter from the Turkish language institution
Proof of financial means
Travel health insurance
Proof of accommodation in Turkey
Visa fee receipt
Additional documents may be requested by the consulate, so it’s important to check with the specific embassy where you’re applying.
5. How long is the Turkish Language Course Visa valid for?
The visa is generally issued based on the duration of the course, which can range from a few months to up to 1 year. After arrival, students must apply for a residence permit that aligns with the course duration. The residence permit can be renewed if the student enrolls in an extended or advanced program.
6. Can I work in Turkey while studying Turkish on this visa?
No, the Turkish Language Course Visa and the associated residence permit do not grant work rights. Foreign students are generally not allowed to work unless they are enrolled in a full-time higher education program and meet additional criteria. Language students are expected to focus solely on their studies during their stay.
7. Can I switch to another type of visa after completing the language course?
Yes, it is possible to switch to another type of visa or residence permit from within Turkey, depending on your circumstances. For example, if you find a job and your employer sponsors you, you may apply for a work permit. Or, if you plan to continue your education, you can transition to a student visa for a degree program. Each change requires a separate application and approval by Turkish immigration authorities.
Contact Us
Contact our immigration and investment advisors before investing in Turkey!
How the process works
Eligibility check
Tell us your goal. We check which route, permit or company type fits your situation.
Plan and documents
We agree the plan, the steps and the document list with you.
Application
We prepare the file and accompany you to appointments and official offices.
Follow-up
We follow the file until the decision and help with what comes next.
Updated
The information on this page is general and is not legal, tax or investment advice. Rules, amounts and procedures change; contact us to confirm the current requirements before you act.
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