Right to Work for Foreign Students in Turkey 2026

International students studying in Turkey cannot work solely on the basis of a student residence permit or a university student certificate. As a rule, an international student must hold a valid work permit in order to engage in paid and dependent employment. Associate and undergraduate students may work a maximum of 24 hours per week after completing their first year of study. For graduate students, the requirements regarding the completion of the first year and the part-time work restrictions do not apply in the same manner.

However, having the right to work does not mean that a work permit application will be automatically approved. During the application review, factors such as the student status, level of education, nature of the work, city of employment, financial and employment conditions of the employer, the wage to be paid to the foreign national, and the compatibility of the applied profession with the student are evaluated collectively.

In this guide, the right to work of international students in Turkey; has been examined separately for associate, undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral students; and work permit applications, weekly hour limits, mandatory internships, SSI (Social Security Institution), employer changes, graduation, and grounds for refusal have been explained.

Can Foreign Students Work in Turkey?

Yes. International students enrolled in a formal education program at a higher education institution in Turkey may work, provided that they fulfill the conditions specified in the legislation and a work permit is obtained on their behalf.

The right to work for international students is primarily regulated under Law No. 6458 on Foreigners and International Protection with International Workforce Law No. 6735 . Furthermore, current criteria published by the Ministry of Labor and Social Security are applied in the evaluation of the application.

At this point, three distinct legal statuses must be distinguished from one another:

• Student certificate, indicates that the person is enrolled in a higher education program.
• Student residence permit, ensures the legal stay of the foreigner in Turkey for educational purposes.
• Work permit, grants the right to work within the scope of a specific employer, workplace, and duty.

Therefore, university enrollment or a student residence permit does not independently constitute work authorization. For detailed information regarding the student's residence status, you can review our guide titled student residence permit requirements and documents .

Right to Work by Educational Level

Education level	Period when work can commence	Duration of work	Work permit
Associate degree	After the completion of the first academic year	Maximum 24 hours per week	Mandatory
Undergraduate	After the completion of the first academic year	Maximum 24 hours per week	Mandatory
Master's Degree	First-year restriction does not apply	Part-time work restrictions do not apply in the same manner	Mandatory
Doctorate	First-year restriction does not apply	Part-time work restrictions do not apply in the same manner	Mandatory

Associate and Undergraduate Students

The right to work for foreign students enrolled in formal education at the associate or undergraduate level in Turkey begins after the completion of their first year of study. For these students, the weekly working hours cannot exceed 24 hours.

The term "first year" refers not merely to the student's presence in Turkey in terms of a calendar year, but to the completion of the first academic year in the higher education program in which they are enrolled. Applications filed while the student's first academic year is ongoing may be denied due to the fact that the right to work has not yet accrued.

The 24-hour weekly limit applies not only to the duration stipulated in the employment contract, but also to the work actually performed. The student's total working time spread across different days must not exceed this limit. Requiring overtime or employing the student full-time may entail legal and administrative consequences for both the employer and the foreign national.

Master's and Ph.D. Students

The first-year completion and part-time work restrictions stipulated for associate and undergraduate students do not apply to work permit applications regarding master's and Ph.D. students enrolled in formal education programs.

This does not mean that a graduate student can work without obtaining a work permit. Master's or Ph.D. students must also hold a work permit before commencing employment. Furthermore, the position applied for is evaluated with respect to the foreigner's educational background, professional qualifications, and the employer's field of activity.

The employment of graduate students in positions related to their education that require expertise, research, technology, foreign trade, or foreign languages may facilitate explaining the correlation between the job and the student's academic qualifications. Nevertheless, each application is examined based on its own documentation and concrete circumstances.

Does a Student Residence Permit Grant the Right to Work?

No. A student residence permit does not grant the right to work on its own. A residence permit ensures the foreigner's legal stay in Turkey, whereas a work permit ensures the lawful execution of employment activities.

The de facto employment of a foreigner holding a student residence permit at a workplace without obtaining a work permit may be deemed as employing an unauthorized foreigner. Payment of wages in cash, part-time work, weekend-only work, or the student being on a probationary period does not eliminate the requirement for a work permit.

Regarding the relationship between a work permit and a residence permit and under which circumstances applications can be made from within the country can a work permit be obtained without a residence permit? you may refer to our article titled.

How to Apply for a Work Permit for a Foreign Student?

As a rule, the work permit application on behalf of a student to be employed as a dependent employee is not made by the student alone, but by the employer who will employ the foreigner. Applications are Foreigners' Work Permits Application System conducted electronically via.

Application from Within the Country

In respect of a foreign student located in Turkey, making an application from within the country requires, as a rule, having a residence permit valid for at least six months and remaining valid as of the application date. The foreign identification number starting with 99 is used in the application.

The six-month condition herein should not be interpreted to mean that it is sufficient for the foreigner to hold any residence document. The type, duration, current validity status of the residence permit, and the date on which the work permit application is made must be checked jointly. Current announcements of the Ministry work permit application types is located on the page.

Application from Abroad

For a foreigner who does not meet the requirements for an in-country application, the application may be initiated through the Republic of Turkey diplomatic mission in the country of which the foreigner is a citizen or legally resides. The reference number issued by the diplomatic mission is transmitted to the employer, and the employer completes the Turkey stage of the application via the electronic system.

The student's presence in Turkey does not mean that an application can be made from within the country in every case. When determining the application method, the duration and validity of the residence permit must be examined in advance.

Required Documents for Foreign Student Work Permit

The documents to be submitted may vary depending on the employer's profile, sector, the student's education level, and the position applied for. Generally, the following documents are prepared:

Documents regarding the foreign student	Documents regarding the employer
Copy of valid passport	Electronic application and workplace information
Valid residence permit and foreign ID number	Employment contract signed by the employer and the foreign national
Up-to-date student certificate	Trade Registry Gazette or workplace records
Documents showing the level of education	Balance sheet and profit-loss statement for the last year
Diploma and its Turkish translation, if necessary	Activity or pre-permit documents by sector

It is important that the passport has sufficient validity to cover the requested permit duration. Applications made with a passport having a validity of less than 60 days as of the work permit application date may not be processed. For professional services or duties deemed necessary by the Ministry, a diploma and certified translation may also be required.

For detailed explanations regarding the scope of the documents documents required for foreign work permit our guide and the Ministry's official documents page you may review.

Which Criteria Are Evaluated in the Application?

The existence of a foreign student's right to work does not mean that all evaluation criteria applied to the employer are eliminated. The Ministry evaluates the application made on behalf of the student based on both general work permit criteria and rules specific to foreign students.

• Whether the student is actively enrolled in formal education,
• Whether the associate or undergraduate student has completed their first year of study,
• Whether the work complies with the 24-hour weekly limit,
• Whether the job is compatible with the student's status and education level,
• The city where the student is studying and the location of the workplace,
• Whether the employer meets the employment and financial adequacy requirements,
• Compliance of the wage to be paid to the foreigner with the wage criteria designated for the position,
• Whether the applied profession is open to foreigners,
• The submitted documents being current, consistent, and verifiable,

For general employment, financial adequacy, and wage requirements, work permit evaluation criteria 2026 and wage criteria for foreign employees you can benefit from our articles.

Is the City Where the Student Studies Important?

Yes. The Ministry's current evaluation criteria regarding foreign students state that in applications made on behalf of associate and undergraduate students, the province where the student is studying and similar matters shall be taken into consideration.

For instance, an application by a student receiving face-to-face formal education in Istanbul to work in a job in another city that requires continuous physical presence may trigger an investigation regarding whether the education is actually continuing and how work and education will be conducted simultaneously.

The availability of remote work options is also not sufficient on its own in every case. The employment contract must clearly indicate the working arrangement, workplace, job description, and weekly hours; the statements and the de facto situation must be compatible with each other.

In Which Jobs Cannot Foreign Students Work?

Foreign students cannot work in professions prohibited to foreigners by law. Furthermore, the Ministry evaluates applications made on behalf of foreign students in domestic services and the entertainment sector negatively if they are incompatible with their student status.

During the application process, not only the job title used in the employment contract but also the actual work the foreigner will perform is taken into consideration. Untrue or artificial alteration of the job title, or the provision of incomplete or misleading information, may lead to the rejection of the application and the subsequent revocation of the existing permit.

The Ministry's current approach regarding foreign students, under the foreign students section of the work permit evaluation criteria .

Students Receiving Turkey Scholarships and YÖK Scholarships

When a work permit application is filed on behalf of a foreign student studying within the scope of the Turkey Scholarships Program, the opinion of the Presidency for Turks Abroad and Related Communities may be sought. As for students benefiting from the YÖK scholarship program, the opinion of the Council of Higher Education may be required for applications made during the course of study and after graduation.

Therefore, preparing only general documents may not be sufficient for scholarship students. The scholarship agreement, the work-related restrictions of the scholarship program, and the opinion of the relevant institution must be evaluated prior to the application.

Is a Work Permit Required for Mandatory Internship?

Mandatory internships must be distinguished from work based on a paid employment contract. The fact that an activity is mandated by the university, is included in the curriculum, and is performed within the scope of education is important in determining its legal nature.

However, the activity of a foreigner who carries out regular production or service activities in a workplace under the name of an "intern," undertakes duties like a regular employee, and receives remuneration is not accepted as an internship solely based on the title used. Whether the internship is based on an education program, its duration, university approval, form of insurance, and actual duties at the workplace must be examined together.

Work permit exemptions may come into question within the scope of exchange programs or special international internship programs. However, not every internship falls within the scope of exemption automatically. Even if the exemption conditions are met, the necessary application or documentation procedures must be completed.

Not every internship activity is automatically exempt from a work permit. Whether the internship is based on an education program, its duration, nature, and whether it falls into the relevant exemption category must be examined separately. For exemption types and application procedures, work permit exemption 2026 you may review our guide.

SSI (SGK) Registration of the Student Granted a Work Permit

Regarding a foreign student granted a work permit, the employer must fulfill the obligations arising from social security legislation. Student status does not automatically eliminate the employer's SSI (Social Security Institution) obligations regarding paid employment carried out with a work permit.

In applications made from within the country, the foreigner must commence work by fulfilling social security obligations within one month from the start date of the work permit. In applications from abroad, it is important that the procedures are completed within one month from the foreigner's entry into Turkey and, in any case, within the periods specified starting from the permit's validity date.

There may also be notification obligations regarding the commencement or termination of work and situations requiring the cancellation of the permit. For the Ministry's current statements social security of foreign employees can be accessed via the page.

Is the Work Permit Tied to a Specific Employer?

As a rule, a time-limited work permit for dependent employment is valid for a specific employer, workplace, and position. The fact that a student starts working for another employer after obtaining the permit does not mean that the former work permit can be used in respect of the new employer.

If the student is going to change employers, a new work permit application must be submitted through the new employer. The termination of the former employment relationship, the timing of the new application, and the student's residence status must be planned together. For detailed information, employer change in work permit you may review our article.

How Does Graduation Affect the Work Permit?

Graduation results in the termination of student status. However, the effect of graduation on the existing work permit must be evaluated by taking into account the type of permit, the validity period, endorsements on the permit, and whether the employment relationship continues.

In order for a foreigner to continue residing in Turkey after graduation, they must regulate their residence or work status in a timely manner. Foreigners who complete their higher education in Turkey have the opportunity to apply for a short-term residence permit within six months from the date of graduation. The conditions regarding this matter post-graduation residence permit explained in our guide.

Why Might a Foreign Student's Work Permit Application Be Rejected?

The main situations that may lead to the rejection of the application are as follows:

• The associate degree or undergraduate student has not completed their first year of study,
• The weekly working hours are arranged to exceed 24 hours,
• The student registration is passive, frozen, or terminated,
• The student certificate submitted does not match YÖK records,
• The work is not reasonably compatible with the student status or educational program,
• Failure to explain the mismatch between the workplace and the city where education is received,
• Failure of the employer to meet employment or financial adequacy criteria,
• The wage remaining below the lower limit determined for the relevant profession,
• The job description being vague or contrary to the facts,
• Submission of missing, outdated, or contradictory documents,
• The applied job falling within the scope of professions prohibited for foreigners,
• Application being made on behalf of the student for domestic services or entertainment sector jobs unsuited to their status.

In the event that a work permit application is rejected, the grounds for the decision and the date of service are important. An administrative appeal against the rejection decision and, when conditions are met, an annulment lawsuit may be brought. Regarding the grounds for rejection and legal remedies, rejection of the work permit application you can find information in our article.

What Are the Consequences of Working Without a Permit?

The employment of a foreign student without a work permit creates a risk of administrative sanctions not only for the employer but also for the student. Administrative fines may be imposed on the employer who employs a foreigner without a permit and on the foreigner who works without a permit. Depending on the circumstances of the specific case, the foreigner's residence status and legal stay in Turkey may also be affected.

The employer's statements such as "I did not know they were a student," "They only worked for a few days," or "They were on a probationary period" do not automatically eliminate the requirement for a work permit. The permit process must be completed before the foreigner actually starts working.

Having a student residence permit does not legalize work performed without a work permit. For the sanctions that may be applied against the foreign student and the employer, penalty for employing unauthorized foreigners 2026 you may review our guide.

Practical Examples

Example 1: First-year undergraduate student

A foreign student enrolled in the first year of an undergraduate program in Turkey may not be granted a work permit for part-time employment if they have not yet completed their first academic year. Working only a few hours per week does not eliminate the first-year restriction.

Example 2: Second-year undergraduate student

A work permit application may be filed by the employer on behalf of a second-year student who has completed their first academic year. However, the weekly hours in the employment contract must not exceed 24 hours, and the application must meet other evaluation criteria.

Example 3: Graduate student

The first-year and part-time restrictions applied to undergraduate students do not apply to foreign students enrolled in a formal graduate program. Nevertheless, the student cannot commence employment before the work permit is issued.

Example 4: Full-time job in another city

An application made by a student pursuing formal undergraduate education in Ankara for a full-time job in Istanbul that requires continuous physical presence may pose issues both in terms of weekly hours and the practical feasibility of concurrently conducting education and employment.

Frequently Asked Questions Regarding the Right to Work for International Students

Can one work with a student residence permit without obtaining a work permit?

No. A student residence permit grants the right of legal stay in Turkey; it does not inherently confer the right to work. As a rule, a work permit must be obtained for paid and dependent employment.

Can a foreign undergraduate student work in their first year?

The right to work for associate and undergraduate students commences after the completion of the first academic year. Applications submitted while the first academic year is ongoing may result in a rejection.

How many hours per week can an international student work?

Associate and undergraduate students may work a maximum of 24 hours per week after completing their first academic year. This part-time restriction does not apply in the same manner to graduate students.

Can a master's degree student work full-time?

The first-year and part-time work restrictions stipulated for associate and undergraduate students do not apply to graduate students. However, a work permit must be obtained before commencing employment, and the application must meet all other requirements.

Does the student file the work permit application?

In terms of dependent employment, the application is generally submitted via the electronic system by the employer who will hire the student. Documents belonging to the student and the employer are uploaded to the system.

Can an international student transfer to a different employer?

Yes; however, the existing work permit cannot be used directly with a new employer. A new work permit application must be submitted through the new employer.

Is SGK registration required for an international student?

Yes. The employer must fulfill the notification and premium obligations arising from social security legislation for an international student employed for wages within the scope of a work permit.

Is every mandatory internship exempt from a work permit?

No. The internship must be based on the university curriculum, approved by the university, and its duration and factual content must be examined. Merely labeling an activity as an "internship" does not eliminate the requirement for a work permit.

Does the work permit also expire when the student status ends?

The effect of graduation or the termination of student enrollment on the existing permit must be determined by examining the type, duration, and annotations on the work permit. Changes in student status may need to be reported to the relevant authorities.

Conclusion

It is possible for foreign students to work in Turkey; however, university enrollment or a student residence permit does not confer the right to work on its own. Associate and undergraduate students may work a maximum of 24 hours per week after completing their first year of study. While these two restrictions do not apply to graduate and Ph.D. students, the obligation to obtain a work permit remains.

Prior to the application, student enrollment, the eligibility of the residence permit for domestic applications, the employment contract, weekly working hours, job description, employer criteria, salary, and SSI obligations must be evaluated together. Regarding the general process for foreigners' work permits work permit for foreigners our guide; and regarding specific disputes our immigration law service page you may review.

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Author Information

Attorney Batın YILMAZ

Istanbul Bar Association Bar Registry No: 77008

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Attorney Batın YILMAZ

Istanbul Bar Association Bar Registry No: 77008

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