What extra documents are required if a foreign student is under 18?
General information, not legal advice. For high-stakes decisions, confirm with the official institution in the next-step below, or consult a qualified Turkish lawyer.
Pending expert review. This fact is sourced but has not yet been reviewed by an independent legal expert. Treat as a starting point.
Foreigners under 18 who entered Türkiye on a visa or visa-exemption NOT for education or training must additionally provide:
1. Muvafakatname (parental consent letter) — issued by competent authorities in your home country OR in Türkiye, stating that your parents permit you to study in Türkiye. 2. Doğum belgesi (birth certificate).
Both documents must follow the apostille/consulate verification rules (see fact permits-20).
Watch-outs
- Under-18 students who entered with a study-purpose visa are exempt from this requirement — the extra documents only apply when the entry visa was for a different purpose (e.g. tourism).
- Muvafakatname must be from BOTH parents in most cases — single-parent consent may be insufficient unless legal custody arrangements are documented.
- Apostille / consulate verification can take weeks — start early.
Next step
If the student is under 18, sort the muvafakatname and apostille/verification immediately. Don't wait until the university deadline — it's the slowest single document in the packet.
All sources (1)
- Göç İdaresi Başkanlığı — Öğrenci İkamet İzni Başvuru Süreci brochure — Dikkat Edilmesi Gereken Hususlar §8
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