Foreign nationals who need to live and work in Turkey must obtain a work permit. Employers who want to hire foreign employees to work in their company are also required to secure a work permit for the foreign national they will employ.

Types of Work Permits Available

There are a few different types of work permits available.

Temporary Work Permit

A temporary work permit allows you to work for up to one year under a single employer in a specific position. It is valid for designated workplaces or those within the same group of companies. Extensions are possible, with the initial permit lasting up to two years.

Indefinite Work Permit

Foreigners who have legal residence or have legally worked for at least eight years in Turkey qualify for an indefinite work permit. This allows them to work in the country without any time restrictions. However, every five years from the date of issuance, certain documents must be renewed. These renewals should occur within six months after the end of each five-year period.

Independent Work Permit

Foreigners can work independently and establish their own business in Turkey with an Independent Work Permit. This allows you to open your own company or work as a consultant. However, you must meet certain criteria to qualify for an independent work permit, such as having resided in Turkey for a certain period, having expertise in your field, and having a certain level of experience in your profession.

Applying for a Work Permit

There are two different application methods for obtaining a work permit in Turkey, depending on residency status:

Application Process In Turkey

Foreign citizens living in Turkey do not need to apply at Turkish embassies or consulates abroad to get a work permit. However, to qualify for a work permit, these foreign citizens must have a valid residence permit for at least six months.

Application Process From Abroad

Foreigners must apply for work permits through Turkish embassies, consulates or offices in their home countries or where they legally reside. If working for a foreign employer, you must first apply for a work visa at the relevant embassy or consulate to obtain a reference number. The employer must then upload the required documents and information to the system for approval. The work permit application is finalized once these steps are completed.

Key Points

Here are some key points to remember about the work permit process:

• If granted a work permit, you must enter Turkey within six months of its start date. Failure to do so will result in cancellation of the permit.
• You must provide an email address for applications made on behalf of a foreign employee.
• Foreigners with indefinite or independent work permits must report their email address to the Ministry within 30 days of starting work.
• Foreigners must commence working within one month of entering Turkey, and no later than six months from the work permit start date.

Estimated Fees for Work Permits and Visas in Turkey (2024)

Here is a breakdown of estimated fees for obtaining a visa and work permit in Turkey as of 2024:

Visa Application Fee:

• Paper Fee: 565.00 TL (approximately $17.55 USD)

Education-Related Costs (for study visa):

1-Year Education Cost

• Base tuition fee: 7,345.00 TL
• Paper Fee: 565.00 TL
• Total for 1 Year: 7,910.00 TL (approximately $245.65 USD)

2-Year Education Cost

• Base tuition fee: 14,690.00 TL (7,345 TL x 2)
• Paper Fee: 565.00 TL
• Total for 2 Years: 15,255.00 TL (approximately $473.20 USD)

Summary of Total Estimated Costs:

• Paper Fee (Visa Application): 565.00 TL ($17.55 USD)
• 1-Year Education Cost: 7,910.00 TL ($245.65 USD)
• 2-Year Education Cost: 15,255.00 TL ($473.20 USD)

These are the estimated fees for obtaining a work visa and paying education costs when studying in Turkey as of 2024. Note that fees may vary slightly depending on the specific institution and program.

Definition of a Work Permit

A Work Permit is the official document issued by the Ministry of Labor and Social Security granting a foreign national the right to live and work in Turkey. The details of work permits are regulated under the International Labor Law No. 6735. There is a validity period for each work permit. Foreigners whose work permit term has expired must submit a new work permit application.

Work Permit Exemptions

Blue card holders or those eligible to obtain one do not require a work permit to be employed in Turkey. In addition, Article 48 of the International Labor Law Implementation Regulation specifies foreign nationals who are exempt from needing a work permit. Under this regulation, foreigners temporarily working in sports, arts, culture and formal education in Turkey do not need work permits.

Penalties for Working Without a Valid Work Permit

There are penalties for foreign nationals working without a valid work permit and for employers hiring foreign workers without permits:

• Foreigners working without a work permit may be reported to the Ministry of Interior for deportation if discovered by authorities.
• Employers hiring foreigners without work permits must pay the living expenses of the foreign national and family members, costs for return to their home country, and an administrative fine.

Requirements for Obtaining a Work Permit

Here are some of the key requirements when applying for a work permit:

• Employment contract indicating position, workplace address, foreign national’s identity details, monthly net salary, etc.
• Biometric photo of the foreign national taken within last 6 months
• Copy of the foreign national’s visa
• Turkish translation of documents with notarized certification
• Company’s profit/loss statement certified by tax office or prepared by certified accountant
• Additional requirements if foreign national is company owner/partner
• Extra documents for education and healthcare related roles

The Complete Process for Obtaining a Work Permit

Below are the step-by-step instructions for applying for and obtaining a work permit to work in Turkey:

1. Gather the Required Documents: Compile all necessary paperwork such as employment contract, translations, biometric photos, etc.
2. Get Reference Number from Embassy (if applying from abroad): Visit the Turkish Consulate/Embassy in your country of legal residence to obtain a reference number.
3. Submit Paperwork: Upload documents online or submit hard copies (depending on application method).
4. Await Approval: Allow processing time for governmental review.
5. Enter Turkey: You must enter Turkey within 6 months of the permit’s start date.
6. Commence Work: Begin employment within 1 month of arrival in Turkey, no later than 6 months from permit start date.
7. Renew on Time: Indefinite and independent permit holders must renew certain documents every 5 years.

Following these steps will help ensure your Turkish work permit application is correctly filed and approved on schedule. Let us know if you have any other questions!