Dear International Students,
In accordance with the official letter from the Council of Higher Education (YÖK) and the Ministry of Labor and Social Security (Directorate General of International Labor Force), we would like to inform you about the legal procedures required for international students who will undertake compulsory internships, voluntary internships, or part-time/full-time employment in Türkiye.
Working or doing an internship in Türkiye without a valid Work Permit or Work Permit Exemption is strictly prohibited by law. You cannot start your internship/work, and your Social Security (SGK) registration cannot be made before your permit or exemption is officially approved.
Please carefully read the guidelines below that apply to your situation:
1. FOR COMPULSORY INTERNSHIPS (Work Permit Exemption)
If you are enrolled in a formal education program and are required to complete a compulsory internship with an employer as part of your curriculum, you must obtain a *Work Permit Exemption (Çalışma İzni Muafiyeti)* before starting your internship.
Where & How to Apply: Applications must be submitted personally by the student online via https://emuafiyet.csgb.gov.tr.
Category to Select: In the system, please select: "Education Sector and Internship -> Internship -> Student Subject to Compulsory Internship " [Eğitim Sektörü ve Staj -> Staj -> Zorunlu Staja Tabi Öğrenci].
Legal Stay Requirement: If applying from within Türkiye, you must apply before your current Student Residence Permit, Visa, or Visa Exemption expires. You must enter your Foreigner ID Number (starting with 98 or 99) into the system.
Impact on Residence Permit: Obtaining a work permit exemption does not cancel or terminate your existing Student Residence Permit or its rights. Moreover, it serves as a valid residence permit during the exemption period.
*Required Documents for Compulsory Internship Exemption:*
(All documents must be uploaded in color and in original PDF format. Photos taken with a mobile phone camera will not be accepted. Documents issued by the university must be signed with an electronic signature (e-signature) and include a verification code rather than a wet signature.)
1. Valid Passport Copy.
2. Biometric Photograph: Taken within the last 6 months, in color, front-facing, with a white background.
3. Student Certificate (Öğrenci Belgesi): Issued within the last 2 months (for the current semester), approved by the university in a verifiable format.
4. Official Compulsory Internship Letter: An e-signed, verifiable official document from the university stating your identity details, the educational program, the host company's details, and the exact start and end dates (as Day/Month/Year) of the compulsory internship.
5. Internship Contract (Staj Sözleşmesi): A contract establishing the student's rights and internship details, signed by all three parties: the University, the Employer, and the Student.
*CRITICAL DATE RULE:* The start and end dates requested in the e-Muafiyet system must match the exact start and end dates written on the university's official compulsory internship letter. If there is any discrepancy, your application will not be approved until you either update the system dates or upload a revised official letter.
2. FOR VOLUNTARY INTERNSHIPS OR REGULAR EMPLOYMENT (Work Permit)
Non-compulsory (voluntary) internships and regular employment are NOT covered under the Work Permit Exemption.
For voluntary internships or working at a job, a standard Work Permit (Çalışma İzni) must be obtained through the Ministry's e-İzin system (https://ecalismaizni.csgb.gov.tr/eizin) appropriate to the nature of the work.
3. FEES (As of January 1, 2026)
Internships Shorter Than 3 Months (e.g., 1 month 7 days, 2 months 18 days):
Exemption Fee: FREE (No fee is charged).
Valuable Paper Fee (Card Fee): Free of charge if you do not request a physical card/document (you will be given a document showing your status for free). However, if you explicitly request an official physical exemption document to be sent to your address, you must pay the Valuable Paper Fee of 964.00 TL.
Internships of 3 Months or Longer:
Both the Exemption Fee (1-year fee is 12,574.90 TL) and the Valuable Paper Fee (964.00 TL) must be paid.
Your card will be sent to the address specified in your application.
4. EXCEPTIONS (Students Who Must Select Different Categories in e-Muafiyet)
Do NOT select clause if you fall into one of the following categories:
- ERASMUS+ Interns: Must apply under clause (i) "International Intern Student and Newly Graduated Student or Youth Exchange Programs". TUS / DUS / YDUS (Medical/Dental Specialization) Students: Must apply under clause (s) "TUS/DUS/YDUS Specialization Education in Medicine and Dentistry".
- Researchers in University Projects OR Exchange Program Interns via Inter-University Protocols: Must apply under clause (j) "Research, Increasing Knowledge and Experience".
For further questions or to obtain your e-signed internship documents, please contact your Faculty Secretariat or the Student Affairs Department.