A Turkey work permit is required for almost every foreigner who wants to work legally in Turkey, whether as an employee or in many cases as a company owner. In most cases the application is made online by the employer on behalf of the foreign employee, and an approved work permit also counts as a residence permit.
This guide explains the types of work permit, who applies, the employer criteria and the application steps.
Who needs a work permit in Turkey?
Any foreigner who works in Turkey, or who works for an employer based in Turkey, generally needs a work permit, unless an exemption applies. Working without one can lead to fines for both the employer and the employee and can result in deportation and an entry ban for the worker.
Work permits are governed by the International Labour Force Law and issued by the Ministry of Labour and Social Security.
What types of work permit are there?
Temporary work permit
The most common type. It is tied to a specific employer and job. The first permit is usually granted for up to one year, and later renewals can be granted for longer periods with the same employer.
Indefinite work permit
Foreigners who hold a long-term residence permit, or who have worked legally in Turkey for a long period, can apply for an indefinite work permit, which is not tied to a single employer.
Independent work permit
Professionals who work for themselves, such as some company partners or self-employed specialists, may apply for an independent work permit, subject to conditions on education, experience and contribution to the economy.
Turquoise Card
The Turquoise Card is aimed at highly qualified foreigners, investors, scientists and others whose skills are considered valuable to Turkey. It starts with a transition period and can lead to an indefinite right to work.
Who applies, the employer or the employee?
For employees, the employer applies online through the Ministry's electronic work permit system. The employee provides documents, but the employer submits the application and is responsible for it. For independent work permits, the foreign national applies directly.
How do you apply for a work permit?
Applying from inside Turkey
If you are already in Turkey, you must generally hold a valid residence permit with sufficient remaining validity. Student residence permits and certain other types may not qualify, so check your situation first. The employer then submits the application online.
Applying from abroad
- The foreign employee applies for a work visa at the Turkish embassy or consulate in their country of residence.
- The employer completes the online application within a short deadline after the consulate application.
- The Ministry reviews the file and issues its decision.
- Once approved, the employee receives the work visa, enters Turkey and starts work.
By law, a complete application is decided within a set number of days, but incomplete files and requests for further documents can extend this.
What documents are required?
From the employee, typically:
- Passport copy
- Photograph
- Diploma or professional certificates, with translation and recognition where required
- Signed employment contract
- Valid residence permit (if applying from Turkey)
From the employer, typically:
- Company registration and trade registry gazette
- Latest balance sheet or profit and loss statement
- Proof of the company's activity and staff numbers
- Online application form and employer declarations
What criteria does the employer have to meet?
The Ministry assesses whether hiring a foreigner is justified. Criteria at the time of writing include:
- A minimum number of Turkish employees for each foreign worker
- Minimum paid-in capital, turnover or exports for the company
- A salary for the foreign employee that meets a minimum level linked to the minimum wage and the job role
Some sectors and professions have special rules, and some professions are reserved for Turkish citizens. These criteria change over time, so have them checked before applying. If you are forming a company to employ yourself, see company formation in Turkey for foreigners.
What happens after the work permit is approved?
- The employee must be registered with social security within the required period.
- The permit is valid only for the named employer; changing jobs requires a new application.
- Renew before expiry; the renewal should be submitted within the period before the end date.
- Family members can apply for a family residence permit based on the worker's permit.
Common reasons for rejection
- The employer does not meet the staff, capital or turnover criteria.
- The salary is below the required level for the job.
- Missing diploma recognition for regulated professions.
- The applicant's residence permit has expired or is of an unsuitable type.
- A previous entry ban or immigration violation.
A rejection can usually be challenged through an objection to the Ministry and then before the administrative courts.
Need help with a work permit?
Work permit files depend on both the employee's documents and the employer's figures, and small gaps cause delays. Our licensed lawyers can review your case before the application is filed. Book a free first consultation or see our services.
Frequently asked questions
The law sets a fixed period for deciding a complete application, but in practice the time depends on how complete the file is and whether extra documents are requested. Applying with a fully prepared file is the best way to avoid delays.
For ordinary employment, no. The employer files the application online on your behalf. Only independent work permit applications are made by the foreign national directly.
Yes. A valid work permit also serves as a residence permit, so you do not need a separate one while the work permit is valid.
A temporary work permit is tied to a specific employer. If you change jobs, your new employer must apply for a new work permit for you.
The Turquoise Card is a special work permit for highly qualified foreigners, investors and specialists. It begins with a transition period and can lead to an indefinite right to work and reside in Turkey.