Obtaining a work permit in Turkey

Obtaining a work permit as a foreigner in Turkey is possible. You can find the details in the article.

What is a work permit?

A work permit is an official document issued by the Ministry of Labor and Social Security that permits a foreign national to work and reside in Turkey within the validity period of the document. There are several categories of work permits in Turkey. We will discuss them briefly. Foreign nationals working without a work permit may bring on consequences such as administrative fines and temporary entry bans for the foreign national and the employer.

What are the different types of work permits?

Work permits can be categorized into two groups based on their validity period. They can either be given for definite or indefinite periods.

• Definite work permits are valid for a year at most and can be extended by the same employer. The first extension can be up to two years And the second extension can be for three years at most.
• Foreigners with a long-term residence permit or a legal work permit for over eight years are entitled to apply for an indefinite work permit.

What is an independent work permit?

An independent work permit is granted to foreign nationals who have achieved excellence in their field of work or individuals who are expected to contribute greatly to the science and technology in Turkey.  Also, capital investors may be issued a work permit. Independent work permits are issued for a definite period and depend on the recommendations of the International Labor Policy Advisory Board.

Applying for a work permit in Turkey

Foreign nationals can apply to obtain a work permit both in Turkey and from abroad.

• Applying in Turkey

The foreign national residing in Turkey must have a valid residence permit for at least six months in order to apply for a work permit in Turkey. The application shall be made by the employer and the required documents must be uploaded online to the system of the Ministry of Labor and Social Security.

Both the foreigner and employer need to provide the required documents. The documents that must be provided by the foreign national are Passport, Diploma, employment contract, and biometric photo. The employer shall also provide the necessary documentation related to the workplace.

• Applying from abroad

Applications made from abroad are regulated by International Labor Law. The foreign national must apply for a work visa at the Turkish Embassy or Consulate in the country of residency.

After the Ministry’s approval, the work permit can be obtained. The foreign national must enter Turkey within six months of obtaining a work permit from abroad.

How much are the fees to obtain a work permit?

The fees are regulated by the law numbered 492, Law of Fees. The amount differs based on the category and The fees are reviewed annually. In addition to this fee, there is a valuable paper fee.  The valuable paper fee for 2023 is 356 Lira.

This article was written by,

 Hazal Joyce Marlborough Özden

Lawyer & Real Estate Agent at Oasis Estate