Understanding Your Eligibility to Work in Türkiye

1. Know Your Eligibility

• Undergraduate Students: Unfortunately, undergraduate students are generally not allowed to work legally during their course of study in Türkiye.
• Graduate and Doctoral Students: If you are pursuing a master’s or doctoral program, you are eligible to work part-time, provided you comply with the necessary work permit requirements.

Limits on Employment for International Students

2. Understand Legal Work Limits

• Maximum Working Hours: For those permitted to work, the Turkish labor regulations specify a maximum of 24 hours per week or 4 hours per day.

Securing the Necessary Work Permits

3. Secure the Necessary Permits

• Residence Permit: Before seeking employment, ensure you have a valid student residence permit. This is a prerequisite for applying for a work permit.
• Work Permit:
  • The work permit must be applied for by your prospective employer on your behalf, directly to the Ministry of Labor. You cannot apply for this independently.
  • Employment must be through an official employment contract, and work can start only once the permit is approved.
  • Employers must register you with the Ministry of Social Security, which grants you access to social and health rights.

Employer Requirements to Note

4. Employer Requirements

• For each foreign employee, the company must employ at least five Turkish employees.
• The company should possess a minimum capital of 100,000 Turkish Lira.
• Annual sales must not fall below 800,000 TL, or the firm must have exported goods totaling at least $250,000 in the previous year.

Available Fields and Types of Work

5. Fields and Types of Work

• On-Campus Jobs: Many universities, including İstinye University and Aydin University, often offer positions that cater specifically to students. These roles might include work in libraries, laboratories, or administrative offices.
• Freelance and Remote Work: Students are allowed to engage in freelance work—such as design and programming—without requiring a work permit, provided the activities adhere to local regulations and university policies.

Importance of Compliance

6. Compliance and Consequences

• Adhering to the legal guidelines is crucial. Working without a permit or violating prescribed hours can lead to severe consequences, including penalties, fines, or deportation.
• Your employer bears the responsibility for your employment legality, including all social security contributions. Thus, confirming your working conditions and legal status is vital before accepting any job offer.

A Step-by-Step Guide to Finding Legal Part-Time Work

7. Step-by-Step Process to Find Part-Time Work Legally

1. Check Your Student Status: Confirm if your current level of study permits you to work.
2. Consult with Your University: Engage with your university’s international student office for specific guidance and necessary residency confirmations.
3. Search for Part-Time Jobs: Focus on companies that align with legal employer requirements.
4. Secure a Job Offer: Ensure your prospective employer is willing to manage the work permit application process.
5. Obtain an Official Contract: Sign an official employment contract provided by your employer.
6. Work Permit Application: Your employer submits the work permit application to the Ministry of Labor on your behalf.
7. Start Working: Initiate your part-time job only after your work permit has been officially granted.

Summary Table of Legal Part-Time Work Requirements

Take the Next Step with Study in Turkiye

International students in Türkiye must adhere to the outlined regulations to ensure their part-time work remains legal and beneficial. For university-specific support and resources, it is advisable to consult your university’s international office or explore educational resources through Study in Turkiye.