How does the Türkçe-course (TÖMER) residence permit work?
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 enrolled in an MEB-authorised Türkçe (Turkish-language) course can apply for a Kısa Dönem İkamet İzni under sub-category 10 (Law 6458 Art. 31), with two specific limits:
1. The permit can be issued a maximum of 2 times per person — total over your lifetime. 2. If the course is shorter than 1 year, the permit duration cannot exceed the course length.
The course provider is legally required to notify the local İl Göç İdaresi directorate (Müdürlüğü) (Provincial Migration Directorate) about your enrolment and ongoing attendance.
Watch-outs
- TÖMER time does not count toward the 8-year Uzun Dönem (Long-Term) Residence Permit eligibility — see fact
permits-09-long-term-permit-eligibility. - After your 2 TÖMER permits, you must transition to a different ikamet category (typically student (Öğrenci), once you enrol in a degree programme).
- The course must be at an MEB-authorised institution — privately-run, unauthorised courses don't qualify.
Next step
Confirm your chosen Türkçe course is MEB-authorised before paying tuition. Otherwise the course won't support your ikamet application.
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