What is a Work Permit?

A work permit is a document issued by the Ministry of Labor and Social Security (MLSS) that grants foreigners the legal right to work and reside in Turkey. Foreign nationals who are not exempt from work permits must obtain one to be employed legally in Turkey.

Foreign teachers who wish to work in Turkey must meet certain requirements based on whether they will work in institutions affiliated with the Ministry of National Education (MEB) or in private educational institutions that are not affiliated with MEB.

• Teachers planning to work in private educational institutions affiliated with MEB must obtain a Preliminary Permission Certificate from MEB before applying for a work permit.

• Private educational institutions not affiliated with MEB must upload their “Institution Opening and Teaching Authorization Certificate” and “License” to the application system during the permit process.

• If the foreign teacher has received their education abroad, they must obtain an equivalency certificate from the Council of Higher Education (YÖK) to verify that their qualifications meet Turkish standards.

• Foreign teachers’ contracts are typically issued for two years, with an option to renew for one-year extensions.

• The total employment duration for foreign teachers cannot exceed five years.

• The number of foreign teachers employed in a single institution cannot exceed 400.

The application process for foreign teachers depends on whether the institution is affiliated with MEB:

• Foreign teachers must obtain a Preliminary Permission Certificate from MEB before applying for a work permit.

• These institutions must provide documentation during the application process, including the opening license and teaching authorization certificate.