Foreign Student Work Permit (2025) | Requirements, Time Limit, Application

Foreign students enrolled in formal education at a higher education institution in Turkey may work provided that they obtain a work permit. Students at associate and undergraduate level may apply for a work permit after completing the first year of study and may be employed part-time in accordance with Labor Law No. 4857. These time and part-time limitations do not apply to graduate (master’s/doctoral) students. Applications are made through the e-Leave system (employer applies).

General framework: Foreign Work Permit Guidelines

Step by step process: Work Permit Application Process

1) Who Can Apply? Prerequisites

• Formal education students (associate, undergraduate, graduate).
• For associate/undergraduate degree: application is possible after completion of the first year.
• Postgraduate: no first year requirement and no partial time limit.
• Valid proof of residence and student ID is mandatory.

Basic requirements: Work Permit Requirements

2) Working Pattern and Time Limits (according to 4857)

• Part-time work (Art.13): The weekly duration is agreed to be significantly less than the equivalent full-time work; wages and benefits are paid proportionately.
• The principle of equal treatment (Art.5): No discrimination on the grounds of language, race, sex, etc.; no lower wages for work of the same value may be agreed on the grounds of sex.
• Freedom of contract type (Art.9): The employment contract may be fixed/indefinite, full/partial duration.
• On-call/remote working (Art.14): On-call partial work or remote work is possible with a written agreement; minimum notice and minimum 4 hours per day rule are taken into account.
• Temporary employment relationship (Art.7): Can be established through private employment agencies etc.; subject to sectoral and duration restrictions.

Note: Visa/residency requirements are also maintained for students according to their university program and residency status.

3) Required Documents (Sample List)

Student:

• Passport and foreign identification number (if applicable),
• Student certificate,
• Biometric photo,
• Proof of residence, if available.

Employer:

• Employment contract/offer,
• Tax plate, trade registry, SSI workplace information,
• Authorized signature circular and SSI declarations.

Document details: Work Permit Required Documents

Employer obligations: Foreign Work Permit Requirements for Employers

4) How to Apply (e-Permit)

• The application is made by the employer through e-Leave; the student’s documents are uploaded to the system.
• In a domestic application, the process proceeds with a valid residence; in an international scenario, the process works with a consular reference number.
• Average evaluation time ~30 days; additional documents may be requested.

Detail flow Work Permit Application Process

Status tracking Work Permit Inquiry

5) SSI and Extension after Leave

• Work can start on the day the leave is approved; SSI entry notification is made within 30 days.
• Permits are granted for a limited period of time and require an application for extension depending on the educational and work situation.

SSI Transactions: SSI Notification and Work Permit for Foreigners

Extension of time Work Permit Extension Application

6) Common Mistakes and Compliance Tips

• Applying for an undergraduate student before the end of the first year,
• The conditions of part-time employment are not clearly stated in the contract,
• Delay in SSI notification,
• Violation of the principle of equal treatment in wages/benefits (Art.5).

Fee/fee items: Work Permit Fees 2025

Special cases/exceptions: Work Permit Exemption

Legal Basis (Selected Articles)

• Labor Law No. 4857
  • Art.5 – Principle of equal treatment: Prohibition of discrimination in recruitment, working conditions and remuneration; principle of equal pay for work of equal value.
  • Art.13 – Part-time work: Proportionality in wages and benefits; principle of equal treatment.
  • Art.14 – On-call/remote working: Written contract, notification and minimum duration rules.
  • Art.7 – Temporary employment relationship: Private employment agency/in-house; duration and rate restrictions.
  • Art.9 – Freedom of contract type: Definite/indefinite, full/partial term contracts.
• Law No. 6735 on International Labor Force and secondary legislation (application/permit procedures).

Professional Support

Incorrect contract type, equal treatment violation or SSI delay in student status can lead to serious sanctions. You can contact MFY Legal | Law Office lawyers to prepare your file in full compliance with the legislation.