Why must the permits in the education field be kept apart?
In the education sector the expression "work permit" can be used for different legal acts of different institutions. This is one of the most common sources of error in application files.
- MEB prior authorization is the professional assessment of the assignment of foreign education staff in terms of diploma, field, experience and type of institution.
- The ÇSGB work permit is the permit under Law No. 6735 that enables a foreign national to work in Türkiye with a specific employer and within a specific scope of duty.
- The governorate work permit/approval is the institution-based approval, under Law No. 5580 on Private Educational Institutions, for starting certain education staff at a private educational institution.
- YÖK prior authorization is the higher education process carried out for the assignment of foreign academic staff at higher education institutions.
Completion of one of these procedures does not mean that the others arise automatically. In particular, the fact that a private school has obtained an ÇSGB work permit on behalf of foreign staff does not mean that teaching may begin before the MEB/governorate work permit has been issued.
Permits under Law No. 6735 and Law No. 5580 are different
Law No. 6735 regulates the foreign national's right to work in Türkiye. Law No. 5580 regulates the assignment of managers, teachers, expert instructors and master instructors at private educational institutions. In decision E.2019/4739, K.2021/4063 of the 10th Chamber of the Council of State, too, it was emphasized that managers and education staff cannot be started without the governorate's permit, and that official MEB records may serve as a basis for SGK procedures with respect to the start and end dates of work. [5]
The institution and the staff member's qualifications are examined together
The foreign national's diploma and professional competence alone are not sufficient. The institution's opening permit, permit to commence teaching, curriculum, language of instruction and staffing need must also match the duty. Education staff who are suitable for a duty at a foreign language course may not be able to teach a different subject at a private school with the same document.
Who counts as education staff?
Under the Regulation on Private Educational Institutions, education staff covers managers, teachers, expert instructors, master instructors and similar roles. The requirements of diploma level, field and experience differ for each duty. The title written in the foreign national's employment contract must be the same as the title in the MEB prior authorization and in the ÇSGB work permit. [2][6]
Foreign nationals to be assigned as managers
When managers are assigned at foreign schools and international private educational institutions, a bachelor's degree, teaching experience in the field, recognition or equivalence of the diploma, a passport and the other relevant documents are required. The manager role is not merely company representation or administrative coordination; under Law No. 5580, the position of institution manager has special qualifications.
Foreign nationals to be assigned as teachers
For a teacher, graduation from a bachelor's programme that is a source programme for the field of assignment, pedagogical formation where necessary, and professional experience are required. Similarity in the name of the diploma does not by itself show suitability for the subject area. The field-programme matching in the decisions of the Board of Education and Discipline (Talim ve Terbiye Kurulu) is also examined separately.
In decision E.2021/5044, K.2025/27 of the 8th Chamber of the Council of State, it was assessed whether the "Translation Studies (German)" programme counts as a source programme for German teaching and how a later change in the programme name should be treated. The decision shows that the field table in force on the date of application and the actual content of the diploma must be examined together. [7]
Expert instructors and master instructors
An expert instructor means a person who has graduated from higher education in the field of assignment; a master instructor means a person who has education in the relevant field, or a certificate accepted by the Ministry and, in some fields, language proficiency. For master instructors in the foreign language field, the foreign language proficiency certificate and the equivalence table are important. It should not be assumed that education staff permits are unnecessary because the duty is not named "teacher". [8]
For which institutions and staff is MEB prior authorization required?
MEB prior authorization arises for foreign education staff at private schools, foreign schools, international private educational institutions, various courses and other institutions subject to Law No. 5580. Prior authorization is carried out through the national education directorate to which the institution is attached. The institution's official prepares the foreign staff member's documents and submits them to the relevant authority. [2][9]
Basic documents for the prior authorization application
Although it varies according to the duty, the file contains the following documents:
| Document | Function | Critical check |
|---|---|---|
| Passport and identity details | The foreign national's identity and legal status | Name, date of birth, passport validity |
| Diploma or graduation certificate | Education level and field | Apostille/certification, Turkish translation, programme name |
| YÖK recognition/equivalence certificate | Recognition of foreign higher education in Türkiye | Match of the document with the field of assignment |
| Service certificate | Teaching or managerial experience | Obtained from the competent authority; period and duty |
| Pedagogical formation | Teaching qualification | Field and type of document |
| Employment contract | Duty, pay, term and institution | The same information as in the MEB and ÇSGB applications |
| Institution documents | The institution's educational activity | Opening/commencement permits and curriculum |
| Language certificate | Suitability for the language of the course and the duty | Level of Turkish or foreign language |
It is not sufficient merely to upload a document; consistency is required between the diploma, experience, subject area and the institution's curriculum.
Can an equivalence application certificate be used instead of an equivalence certificate?
The current Regulation on Private Educational Institutions allows, for foreign education staff in some duties, procedures to be carried out with a document showing that an application for equivalence has been made, in addition to the equivalence certificate. However, this temporary route is not indefinite. The equivalence process is monitored by the national education directorate; if the application has a negative outcome, or if the equivalence certificate cannot be submitted within two years at the latest from the date of application, the assignment may be terminated. [10]
A temporary assignment does not create an acquired right
An assignment on the basis of an equivalence application certificate does not mean that the equivalence of the diploma has been accepted. If equivalence has a negative outcome, the previous period of work does not automatically turn into permanent professional authority. The consequences of this possibility and the parties' notification obligations should be clearly regulated in the employment contract.
For which foreign education staff is Turkish language proficiency required?
From the 2026-2027 academic year, the Ministry of National Education requests a Turkish proficiency certificate at C1 level at least from foreign education staff who will teach the courses that must be taught in Turkish at private schools. It is also envisaged that staff currently working must submit the required certificate to the institution issuing their work permit by the end of the 2026-2027 academic year. [4]
Courses that must be taught in Turkish
Courses on the history of the Republic of Türkiye's revolution and Atatürkism, Turkish language and literature, history, geography, social studies, religious culture and moral knowledge, and courses relating to Turkish culture are, as a rule, taught in Turkish. Special exceptions may exist for mathematics and science courses and for international programmes. The C1 requirement should therefore not be applied mechanically to all foreign teachers and every course; the language of the course to be taught and the institution's curriculum must be determined. [4]
Which language certificate is required for a foreign language teacher?
The foreign language teacher's diploma and suitability of field are the basic requirement. For assignment as a master instructor or in positions connected with foreign language proficiency, ÖSYM equivalences and exam results accepted by the Ministry may be required. That the person's mother tongue is the relevant foreign language does not automatically remove the diploma and assignment requirements.
Old B1 announcements and the current C1 rule
In previous years, local or general circulars on different levels of Turkish proficiency may have been published. For the 2026-2027 academic year, MEB's current C1 announcement should be taken as the basis; the subject of the application, the language of the course and the transition period must be checked separately. Making a new application on the basis of an old circular creates a risk of refusal.
How is the ÇSGB work permit application made?
After MEB prior authorization is obtained, the employer submits a work permit application on behalf of the foreign national through the ÇSGB e-İzin system. For education duties requiring professional competence, MEB or YÖK prior authorization is mandatory. Where prior authorization exists for private educational institutions and international schools, some employment and financial adequacy criteria may not be applied; however, prior authorization does not mean that the work permit will necessarily be granted. [1][11][12]
Employer documents in the ÇSGB file
The employer's institution opening and commencement permits, operating certificate, employment contract, the staff member's duty, pay and other necessary institutional documents are uploaded to the e-İzin system. The institution, course, duty and working time in the employment contract must be consistent with the MEB prior authorization.
Applications from within Türkiye and from abroad
An application from within Türkiye may be made for a foreign national holding a valid residence permit that is suitable for the application. In an application from abroad, a reference number is obtained through a Turkish diplomatic mission and the employer completes the application in the e-İzin system. The fact that a foreign national is present only in tourist status does not in every case give a right to apply from within Türkiye.
Prior authorization, pay and exemption from criteria
In occupations requiring MEB or YÖK prior authorization, the application cannot be completed without prior authorization. Foreign academic staff with YÖK prior authorization, and certain foreign nationals who will serve at private educational institutions subject to MEB's prior authorization, may be exempt from the evaluation criteria. This exemption is not an exemption from the obligation to obtain a work permit. [11]
When is the governorate work permit/approval obtained?
For foreign education staff to actually begin duty at a private educational institution, the work permit/approval under Law No. 5580 and the Regulation on Private Educational Institutions is also completed, in addition to the ÇSGB work permit. The institution's directorate submits the necessary documents to the national education directorate. For staff whose qualifications are found suitable, the work permit is issued by the governorate; staff cannot be started without this permit. [2][5]
One field and one institution limitation
The rule is that foreign education staff are assigned only in one field and at one institution for which they meet the conditions; special provisions may exist for foreign schools. Accordingly, a governorate approval issued for one institution cannot be transferred to another school or course. If teaching is to take place at more than one institution, the legal possibility and permit process for each assignment must be researched separately. [10]
Work permit extension approval
For education staff who will continue in their duty, new contracts are submitted to the national education directorate within the timetable laid down in the Regulation. The MEB extension approval and the ÇSGB work permit extension application are different from each other. The ÇSGB extension application is made within the sixty-day period before the end of the permit and before the permit expires; the timetable for MEB/governorate procedures is monitored separately.
The process for foreign academic staff at higher education institutions
The employment of foreign academic staff at universities is carried out under Higher Education Law No. 2547 and YÖK regulations. The proposal of the executive board of the relevant faculty, institute or higher school, the favourable opinion of the university executive board, the rectorate's procedures and YÖK prior authorization are important. Staff cannot be employed outside the duty, pay and contract conditions that YÖK finds suitable. [13][14]
YÖK prior authorization and the ÇSGB work permit
YÖK prior authorization shows the conformity of the academic assignment with the higher education legislation. The ÇSGB procedure is carried out separately with respect to the foreign national's right to work in Türkiye. The ÇSGB evaluation criteria contain a special provision under which the employment, pay and financial adequacy criteria are not applied to foreign academic staff granted YÖK prior authorization. [11]
Activities outside the university
The place of work and the duty of the foreign academic staff member are shown in the contract. The same permit cannot be used for consultancy outside the university, private courses, company activity or a second job. Whether there is a work permit exemption for scientific activity, short-term teaching or a conference is examined separately according to the duration and type of the activity.
Change of duty, change of institution and departure from work
A foreign education staff member's moving to another institution, a change in the subject area or taking on a manager role affects the scope of the existing permits. A change of institution, as a rule, requires a new employer application and new MEB/governorate procedures.
Procedures upon departure from work
- The end date of the employment contract is recorded.
- The cancellation of the MEB/governorate work permit or the staff departure procedure is carried out.
- The end of the employment relationship is notified to the ÇSGB within fifteen days and the permit is terminated.
- The SGK notice of departure from work is submitted within its own period.
- The foreign national's right of residence and a new employer application are assessed separately.
None of these procedures replaces another.
Which legal route is followed against refusal and cancellation decisions?
In a foreign education staff file, the refusal or cancellation act may have been taken by MEB, the governorate, YÖK or the ÇSGB. The first step is to identify the administration that owns the act to be challenged and the date of notification.
ÇSGB refusal and cancellation decisions
Against a refusal of a work permit application by the ÇSGB or a decision cancelling a work permit, an objection may be made to the Ministry within thirty days of notification. Upon rejection of the objection, recourse may be had to the administrative courts. An objection or a suit does not by itself allow the right to work to continue. [1]
MEB, governorate or YÖK acts
Decisions on prior authorization, suitability of field, acceptance of the equivalence certificate or the governorate work permit are separate administrative acts. An objection to the ÇSGB does not suspend the time limit against an MEB or YÖK decision. The notification, competent court and special provisions applicable to each act must be examined separately.
Does a court decision directly grant a permit?
In decision E.2023/2720, K.2023/5396 of the 8th Chamber of the Council of State, it was stated that the annulment of the act leading to a work ban does not mean that a work permit is directly issued to the person, and that on a new application the conditions in Law No. 5580 must be assessed separately by the administration. This approach shows that an annulment decision compels the administration to take a new lawful act but does not remove the professional conditions. [15]
Checklist for the employer and the foreign national
For the institution
- Are the institution's opening and commencement permits up to date?
- Is the course the foreign national will teach in the institution's curriculum?
- Are the language of the course and the staff title correct?
- Has the duty requiring MEB prior authorization been clearly determined?
- Are the contract, pay and term of duty consistent with the institution's records?
For the foreign national
- Are the diploma, apostille/certification and translation ready?
- Is there a YÖK recognition or equivalence certificate, or a valid application certificate?
- Are suitability of field and pedagogical formation satisfied?
- Is the experience certificate from the competent authority?
- Is a C1 Turkish or relevant foreign language certificate required?
- Have MEB/YÖK prior authorization, the ÇSGB permit and governorate approval been completed?
Common mistakes
- Mistaking MEB prior authorization for an ÇSGB work permit.
- Starting teaching after the ÇSGB permit is issued, without waiting for governorate approval.
- Looking only at the diploma name and not examining the field table.
- Presenting an equivalence application certificate as if it were final equivalence.
- Missing the two-year equivalence follow-up period.
- Overlooking the C1 certificate for a course that must be taught in Turkish.
- Teaching at another institution with a permit obtained for one institution.
- Treating the MEB extension and the ÇSGB extension as the same procedure.
- Applying to the wrong administration against a refusal decision.
Conclusion
The work of foreign education staff in Türkiye requires professional competence and the foreign national's right to work to be completed on two separate administrative planes. At private educational institutions, MEB prior authorization, the ÇSGB work permit and the governorate work permit/approval proceed together; in higher education, YÖK prior authorization, the academic assignment and the ÇSGB process do. The diploma, field, equivalence, language, institution curriculum and employment contract must all confirm the same duty. A permit granted for one institution or field cannot be carried to another institution or duty. In particular, the C1 Turkish requirement for the 2026-2027 period and the two-year temporary assignment tied to an equivalence application should be monitored separately in employers' record and calendar systems.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many separate permits are needed for a foreign teacher?
At private educational institutions, MEB prior authorization, the ÇSGB work permit and the governorate work permit/approval are mostly needed together. Additional procedures may apply according to the type of institution and duty. [1][2]
Does MEB prior authorization replace a work permit?
No. Prior authorization is necessary in terms of professional assignment; the ÇSGB work permit is obtained separately.
Can the teacher start teaching immediately after the ÇSGB work permit is issued?
No. Education staff cannot be started before the governorate work permit/approval under Law No. 5580 is completed. [5]
Can an assignment be made if the equivalence certificate has not yet been issued?
For some duties, a temporary procedure may be established with a document showing that an equivalence application has been made. However, if the equivalence certificate cannot be submitted within two years at the latest, or if the equivalence application is rejected, the assignment may be terminated. [10]
Is C1 Turkish mandatory for a foreign teacher?
From the 2026-2027 academic year, Turkish proficiency at C1 level at least is required for foreign education staff to be assigned to courses that must be taught in Turkish. The language of the course and the institution's curriculum must be examined separately. [4]
Is a foreign language teacher's mother tongue sufficient?
It is not sufficient on its own. The diploma, suitability of field, formation and, if necessary, an accepted language proficiency certificate are required.
Can a foreign teacher work at two private schools?
As a rule, foreign education staff are assigned in one field and at one institution. For a second institution, the legal possibility and permit process must be assessed separately. [10]
For a foreign academic, does MEB or YÖK give prior authorization?
For academic duties at higher education institutions, YÖK; for education staff at private educational institutions subject to Law No. 5580, the MEB process applies. [11][13]
When is the work permit extension application made?
The ÇSGB work permit extension is made within the sixty-day period before the end of the permit and before the permit expires. The MEB/governorate extension approval has a separate timetable.
Does filing suit against a refusal decision allow the teacher to work?
No. An objection or suit does not by itself stop the act. Work should not continue without valid permits.
Sources
- Law No. 6735 on International Labor Force (6735 sayılı Uluslararası İşgücü Kanunu), in particular Arts. 6, 7, 8, 21 and 22: mevzuat.gov.tr
- Law No. 5580 on Private Educational Institutions (5580 sayılı Özel Öğretim Kurumları Kanunu) and the Ministry of National Education Regulation on Private Educational Institutions (Millî Eğitim Bakanlığı Özel Öğretim Kurumları Yönetmeliği): ookgm.meb.gov.tr
- Ministry of Labor and Social Security (Çalışma ve Sosyal Güvenlik Bakanlığı), Work Permit Documents and Education Sector Prior Authorization Documents: csgb.gov.tr
- Ministry of National Education (Millî Eğitim Bakanlığı), "Yabancı Öğretmenlere Türkçe Dil Şartı Getiriliyor" (A Turkish language requirement is being introduced for foreign teachers), 7 March 2026: ookgm.meb.gov.tr
- Council of State 10th Chamber, E.2019/4739, K.2021/4063, dated 14.09.2021: app.dejure.ai
- Ministry of National Education Regulation on Private Educational Institutions, definitions of education staff and work permits: ookgm.meb.gov.tr
- Council of State 8th Chamber, E.2021/5044, K.2025/27, dated 22.01.2025: app.dejure.ai
- Council of State 8th Chamber, E.2022/2149, K.2025/5470, dated 11.06.2025: app.dejure.ai
- Ministry of National Education, Application Explanations on the Assignment of Foreign National Education Staff: menemen.meb.gov.tr
- Ministry of National Education Regulation on Private Educational Institutions, Art. 29; the amendment of 16.02.2024 and the equivalence follow-up process: mevzuat.meb.gov.tr
- Ministry of Labor and Social Security, Work Permit Evaluation Criteria (Çalışma İzni Değerlendirme Kriterleri), "Education sector": csgb.gov.tr
- Ministry of Labor and Social Security, Information and Documents Required in the Work Permit Evaluation Process: csgb.gov.tr
- Higher Education Law No. 2547 (2547 sayılı Yükseköğretim Kanunu), Art. 34: uluslararasi.yok.gov.tr
- YÖK, Decision on the Employment of Foreign Academic Staff at Higher Education Institutions (Yükseköğretim Kurumlarında Yabancı Uyruklu Öğretim Elemanı Çalıştırılmasına İlişkin Karar): yok.gov.tr
- Council of State 8th Chamber, E.2023/2720, K.2023/5396, dated 03.11.2023: app.dejure.ai