Turkish Accountant
10 Kasım 2023
Yorum yapılmamış
Turkey Work Permit
Turkey Work Permit: Your Comprehensive Guide 2025
This article provides detailed coverage about the Turkey Work Permit, including its definition, acquisition procedures from abroad and domestically, eligibility criteria, required documentation, associated costs, and frequently asked questions. We recommend reading the entire article for a thorough understanding of the subject matter.
Table of Contents
What is Turkey Work Permit?
The work permit is an official document issued by the Ministry of Labor and Social Security, allowing foreign individuals to work and reside in Turkey for a specified duration. According to Turkish Labor Law No. 6735, foreign individuals must obtain either a work permit or an exemption before commencing employment in Turkey. Failure to possess a valid Work Permit Visa or exemption may result in legal penalties and administrative actions.
Why Work in Turkey?
Turkey offers numerous benefits to professionals, including:
- Booming Economy: Turkey is one of the world’s fastest-growing economies, with opportunities in industries like technology, tourism, education, and manufacturing.
- Strategic Location: Serving as a bridge between Europe and Asia, Turkey is a hub for international business.
- Cultural Richness: A blend of Eastern and Western traditions makes Turkey an exciting place to live and work.
- Affordable Cost of Living: Major cities like Istanbul and Ankara offer a high quality of life at relatively low costs compared to Western cities.
Who Needs a Turkey Work Permit?
Foreign nationals from most countries need a work visa and permit to work in Turkey. However, citizens of countries with special agreements with Turkey may be exempt from visa requirements for short-term stays or specific roles. Always check with the Turkish consulate or embassy in your country for the latest requirements.
How to Get Work Permit Visa For Turkey?
Work permits for Turkey can be obtained either from inside or outside of Turkey, with different procedures for each. To obtain a Work Permit Visa from abroad, individuals, must first apply for a work visa at the Consulate or Embassy of the Republic of Turkey in their current country of residence. The application typically requires the foreign national’s passport, a petition for a Work Permit Application, a photograph, and a copy of the employment contract.
1- Eligibility Requirements for a Turkey Work Visa
To be eligible for a Turkey Work Visa, you must:
- Have a Job Offer: Secure an employment contract from a Turkish employer.
- Meet Job-Specific Criteria: Some roles require specific qualifications or skills, such as teaching English or working in healthcare.
- Provide Necessary Documentation: Submit all required documents (see below).
2- Applying from Outside of Turkey
If applying for a Work Visa from outside of Turkey, the foreign worker must apply in person at the Turkish representative office.Upon application, a 16-digit reference number is provided by the Turkish embassy or consulate general. The worker must then inform their employer in Turkey of this reference number.
The employer, or a Turkish Financial Advisor with power of attorney, must apply online to the Turkish Ministry of Labor using the reference number within 10 working days.All required documents must be delivered to the Ministry within six working days on behalf of the employer. The Ministry reviews the submitted information and documents, requesting any missing items.
Once all documents are collected, the Ministry decides to approve or reject the application. If approved, the foreign worker must pay visa fee and enter to the Turkey within 180 days.
3- Applying from Inside of Turkey
A foreigner in Turkey must have a Residence Permit for at least six months to obtain a Work Permit.
If the foreign worker has a valid Residence Permit, their employer in Turkey must apply for the Working Permit on their behalf. Foreigns can not apply for it individually from inside of Turkey.
The employer must deliver all requested documents to the Ministry within six working days. The Ministry then conducts the necessary examinations and concludes the application process duly.
Requirements for Turkey Work Permit
Applications for Turkey Work Permit Visa within Turkey are submitted to the Ministry of Labor and Social Security by the employer or its proxy authorized by power of attorney.
The application is conducted online through the e-government system, with e-signatures required for authentication.
Applications from outside of Turkey must be made by the foreign workers themselves at the Turkish Consulates or Embassies in their respective countries.
Accurate and complete documentation is imperative to ensure a smooth application process.
Upon approval, the work permit card is sent to the employer’s address in Turkey, confirming the foreign national’s legal status as a worker.
The employer must complete the employee’s insurance procedures through SGK (Social Security Institution of Turkey) within 30 days.
Documents Required for Turkey Work Permit
The documents necessary for a Turkey Employment Visa vary depending on whether the applicant is a foreign worker or employer, and whether the application is from inside or outside of Turkey.
For Foreign Workers:
- Copy of diploma or provisional graduation certificate, translated into Turkish and certified.
- Certificate of Equivalence (if higher education was completed outside Turkey).
- Certificate of Competence (for those intending to work in educational institutions).
- Residence permit valid for at least six months (not required for overseas applications).
- Copy of passport.
For Employers:
- Work Permit application form.
- Profit and Loss Statement and Balance Sheet for the previous year, approved by authorities.
- Turkish Trade Registry Gazette demonstrating the capital and partnership status.
- Notarized power of attorney if applying by proxy.
- Employment contract between the foreign employee and the employer.
- Employee List of Social Security (wages of Turkish citizens employed where foreign specialists are desired).
Additional Documents for Domestic Applications:
- Employment contract between the employer and the employee.
- Copy of Residence Permit valid for at least six months.
- Copy of passport.
- Copy of diploma.
- Reference letter (if applicable).
Additional Documents for Applications from Abroad:
- One photo, in addition to the previously mentioned documents.
- Copy of the foreign worker’s diploma and passport.
Fees for Turkey Work Permit
Working Visa applications and extensions for Turkey are subject to fees, updated annually by the government. If services of a Turkish HR Consultant are utilized, a consultancy fee will also apply.
Extensions of Working Permit in Turkey
The initial Visa is typically granted for one year. Extensions can be obtained for up to two additional years, and after three years of employment, an extension for up to three more years can be sought. Foreigners residing in Turkey for five continuous years become eligible to apply for Turkish Citizenship.
Renewal applications must be submitted within 60 days prior to the expiration of the current visa. During the evaluation process, foreign workers can continue working for up to 90 days beyond the expiration date, provided there are no changes in job duties or workplace.
Required Documents for Extension:
- Extension application petition
- Extension application form
- Copy of passport
- Previous Work Permit card
- Trade Registry Gazette indicating the latest capital structure
- Balance Sheet and Profit and Loss Statement approved by a Turkish Accountant or tax office.
Employment Regulations for Foreign Workers in Turkey
Employing foreign workers for domestic services in Turkey is regulated. Foreign workers are limited to roles such as childminding, elderly caregiving, and nursing.
Employment for cleaning purposes is not permitted. Specific criteria must be met for childminding (child under 15), elderly caregiving (person over 65), and nursing (someone in need of care).
Unauthorized employment is illegal and subject to penalties under International Labor Force Law No. 6735.
Penalties for Unauthorized Employment in Turkey
Penalties for unauthorized employment include:
- USD 2,000 per unauthorized foreign worker.
- USD 750 fine for unauthorized foreign employees working under an employer.
- USD 1,500 fine for independently working unauthorized foreign employees.
- Deportation notification to the Ministry of Interior.
- Administrative fines increased by 1-fold.
How to Appeal Against Employment Penalties in Turkey
Appeals against penalties can be lodged within 15 days from the notification date. Appeals are filed with the Criminal Magistrate or the Administrative Court if further penalties are imposed.
By following these guidelines and ensuring compliance with the Turkish legal framework, foreign workers and employers can successfully navigate the process of obtaining and maintaining a Work Permit Visa in Turkey.
Get in Touch With Us For Turkey Working Visa
DISCOVER OUR SERVICES:
- Company Registration in Turkey
- Tax Services
- Accounting & Bookeeping Services
- HR & Payroll Services
- Business Consultancy for Turkey
- Social Security Registration
- Virtual Office & Legal Address in Turkey
- Turkish Citizenship
- Turkey Investor Visa
- Turkiye Tech Visa
- Establishment of Association in Turkey
- Foundation Registration in Turkey
- Company Winding Up in Turkey
You can reach out to our experienced consultans via email or by filling out the Contact Form on our website’s contact page
FAQs About Turkey Work Permit
A Work Visa for Turkey is required for foreign individuals intending to work in Turkey. The applicant provides the reference number obtained from the Turkish representative abroad to their employer in Turkey, who then applies for a Work Permit.
The employer seeking to hire foreign workers or an authorized consultant applies for the Work Permit. The worker cannot apply on their own behalf.
No, a job offer from a Turkish employer is mandatory to apply for a Turkey Work Visa.
You need to apply at the Turkish embassy or consulate in your home country after your employer submits a work permit application to Turkey’s Ministry of Labor and Social Security.
Key documents include:
- A valid passport
- Completed visa application form
- Job offer letter or employment contract
- Employer-submitted work permit application
- Educational qualifications (if required)
- Biometric photos
- Health insurance proof
- Police clearance certificate
The processing time is typically 10 to 30 days after submitting the application.
The initial work visa is usually valid for one year. It can be renewed annually based on employment conditions.
Yes, but your new employer must apply for a new work permit. A visa transfer may also be required.
Yes, the salary must meet Turkey’s minimum wage requirements and align with the industry standards for the role.
Yes, you can sponsor your spouse and children for residence permits, but they cannot work unless they obtain their own work permits.
Popular industries include teaching (especially English), tourism, construction, IT, healthcare, and manufacturing.
Yes, after legally working in Turkey for at least 5 years, you may qualify to apply for Turkish citizenship.
You must renew your work visa and permit before they expire. Working without valid authorization can lead to penalties or deportation.
This depends on the job. Some roles, especially in multinational companies, may only require English, but proficiency in Turkish is an advantage.
There is no specific age limit, but applicants must meet the qualifications for the job they are applying for.
Yes, extensions are possible, but they must be applied for through the Ministry of Labor and Social Security before the current visa and permit expire.
Share:
Facebook
WhatsApp
Twitter
LinkedIn
Recent Posts
Turkey Work Permit
4 Aralık 2023
Yorum yapılmamış
Tax Planning in Turkey
4 Aralık 2023
Yorum yapılmamış
Company Formation in Turkey
9 Ocak 2024
Yorum yapılmamış
Follow us!