Can a recent foreign graduate stay in Türkiye after finishing studies?
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.
Yes — Law 6458 Art. 31 sub-category 12 provides that foreigners who have completed higher education in Türkiye can apply for a Kısa Dönem İkamet İzni under specific conditions:
- The application must be submitted within 6 months of your graduation date.
- The permit is valid for a maximum of 1 year.
- This permit is granted on a one-time-only basis (bir defaya mahsus) — you cannot renew this specific category.
This gives recent graduates a year to find work, set up a business, or arrange their next status (work permit, marriage-based permit, long-term residence eligibility, etc.).
Watch-outs
- 6 months from graduation is a hard deadline — apply early in case of documentation delays.
- One-time only: plan your next status (work permit, business set-up, marriage, etc.) BEFORE this 1-year permit ends. You cannot extend it.
- Working during this period still requires a separate work permit (see facts in the Work topic).
Next step
In the weeks leading up to graduation, start gathering your documentation. Apply for this short-term permit (Kısa Dönem) as soon as your graduation is officially recorded — don't wait until month 5.
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