top of page
Yabancı Çalışma İzni

Work Permit for Foreigners

A work permit is an official document that allows a non-Turkish citizen to work in Turkey. It is issued by the Ministry of Labor and Social Security and is valid for one year.

​

To obtain a work permit, the applicant must have a valid passport and a job offer from a Turkish employer. The employer must apply for the work permit on behalf of the employee.

​

Foreign nationals who wish to work in Turkey must obtain a work permit before starting their job. The process of obtaining a work permit is not easy and can take a long time. However, with a valid work permit, foreign nationals can legally work in Turkey.

​

If you want to live and work in Turkey, obtaining a work permit is essential. The process may seem daunting, but we are here to help. The Relocalist team guarantees to guide you through the entire process from start to finish. We will assist you in obtaining the necessary documents and permits to live and work smoothly in Turkey!
 

How to Obtain a Work Permit for Foreigners in Turkey?

Work permits for foreigners in Turkey are granted under certain conditions. However, the system does not allow foreigners to work in any company they wish. Firstly, work permit applications for foreign nationals must be made by their employers.

Requirements for Obtaining a Work Permit for Foreign Personnel

A specific ratio system is established for granting work permits to foreigners. For example, a company with a capital of 100,000 TL and five Turkish-insured employees can obtain a work permit for one foreign employee. (Procedures may vary for foreigners working in domestic services.) Work permit applications for foreigners are made electronically by employers using an e-signature.

Criteria for Workplaces Wanting to Employ Foreign Personnel

  • The company must have at least five insured Turkish employees.

    If the foreign individual for whom the work permit is to be obtained is a partner in the company, five insured Turkish employees must have been employed in the last six months of the one-year work permit

  • If the company wants to obtain work permits for more than one foreign employee, five insured Turkish employees must be employed for each foreign employee

  • The company's paid-in capital must be at least 100,000 TL; if not, a capital increase must be made.
    The workplace must have a gross sales amount of 800,000 TL or above or an export amount of at least 250,000 dollars in the last year.

  • Since applications are made with an e-signature, the company must have its electronic signature.

How to Apply for a Work Permit?

  • Domestic Work Permit Applicatio

  • Overseas Work Permit Application

Domestic Work Permit Application

A domestic work permit application is made for foreigners with a residence permit of at least six months, excluding undergraduate students. The steps for this application are as follows:
 

  • Applications must be made online through the Ministry of Labor’s website.

  • By Law No. 6735 on International Workforce and other relevant regulations, work permit applications are reviewed by the Ministry of Labor. The results of the application are also reported online after the review of documents and the work permit.

Overseas Work Permit Application

This is a work permit application made at Turkish consulates in the foreign national’s home country if they do not have a valid residence permit in Turkey or live abroad. For example, those asking how to obtain a work permit in Germany must follow these procedures:

The employer in Turkey must submit the online application within ten days using the reference number provided by the consulate.


The application made through the Ministry of Labor's website must ensure the documents are complete and accurate. After the application is completed, the Ministry of Labor will finalize it within 30 days. The foreign national whose visa is approved must enter Turkey within 90 days.

​

Important Notes for Work Permit Applications
According to Law No. 6735, the application may be rejected if there is a registered Turkish citizen with Ä°ÅžKUR who can perform the job the foreign national is to undertake.

Mandatory Minimum Wages for Foreign Personnel

The wages for foreign personnel with work permits must be proportional to the job. Based on the application date, the recommended minimum wages are:

 

  • Five times the minimum wage for senior executives, architects requiring preliminary permits, and pilots.

  • Four times the minimum wage for branch and unit managers, engineers, and architects.

  • Three times the minimum wage for specialists (including teachers).

  • One and a half times the minimum wage for employees in tourism and other sectors.

  • The minimum wage system applies to foreigners working in domestic services such as caretakers and nannies.

How to Extend a Work Permit

If the approved work permit of a foreign national expires, it must be extended for them to continue working in Turkey. When extending the work permit, the employee’s stability and contribution to the workplace are considered. Employers must not have tax or social security debt.

Types of Work Permits for Foreigners

There are three types of work permits;

Granted for a maximum of 12 months, subject to the Ministry of Labor's approval.

Independent Work Permits

Temporary Work Permits

Foreign employees who have completed three years in the same job with extensions can apply for a three-plus-year work permit, provided they continue in the same profession. Foreigners who make significant investments and have resided in Turkey for at least five years can apply for independent work permits.

Permanent Work Permits

Foreigners who have legally resided or worked with a permit in Turkey for at least eight years can apply for permanent work permits.


Foreigners Eligible for Any Company Application Outside Prescribed Criteria  

  • Foreigners with a Turkish citizen spouse, parent, or child

  • Foreigners married to a Turkish citizen for at least three years.

  • TRNC citizens.

  • Persons with humanitarian residence permits.

  • Ahıska Turks.

Work Permit Application Status and Cargo Tracking

Work permit applications can be tracked online through the Ministry of Labor’s website. Once approved, work cards are printed within two to three days and sent via PTT. However, due to the current system, PTT cargo tracking is not available.

FAQs on the Updated 2023 Work Permit Process for Foreigners

How long is the period for completing a work permit application?

The employer must complete and approve the application within 30 days of the visa application.

What if the work permit extension application is not finalized before the permit expires?

The foreign national can continue working for up to 90 days during the application evaluation period. However, if they change their workplace, this opportunity is forfeited.

What should be done after obtaining a permanent work permit?

There is no need to take any action for five years from the start date of the permanent work permit. After five years, the permanent work permit must be renewed before it expires.

Must every foreigner who establishes a company in Turkey obtain a work permit?

Yes, a foreign person who is a partner or owner of a limited company must obtain a work permit even if they do not reside in Turkey. Otherwise, they will face a fine of 2000 TL and potentially a workplace closure penalty.

How long can a work permit for Turkish-origin foreigners be issued?

For Turkish-origin foreigners, work permits can be issued for up to five years if their job or service contracts are not violated.

bottom of page