How Do Foreigners Get Work Permit?

Understanding the Turkish Work Permit System

Foreign nationals must obtain a valid work permit to be legally employed in Turkey. The International Labor Law No. 6735 regulates these procedures. Working without a permit leads to administrative fines and potential deportation for the individual, as well as significant penalties for the employer. A work permit also serves as a residence permit, meaning you do not need to apply for a separate residency visa once your work permit is approved.

Types of Work Permit Applications

There are two primary ways to apply for a work permit in Turkey. The method depends on whether the foreign national is currently residing in Turkey or applying from abroad.

1. Domestic Applications

Foreigners who hold a valid residence permit with at least six months of remaining validity can apply from within Turkey. This excludes short-term residence permits issued for tourism purposes. In this scenario, the employer submits the application through the Ministry of Family, Labor, and Social Services' online portal using an electronic signature (e-signature).

2. International Applications

If the foreigner does not have a valid Turkish residence permit, they must start the process in their country of origin or legal residence. The individual applies to the Turkish Embassy or Consulate to receive a 16-digit reference number. The employer in Turkey then uses this reference number to complete the online application within 10 business days.

Key Requirements for Employers and Employees

The Ministry evaluates applications based on specific criteria for both the company and the foreign worker.

Employer Criteria

• The workplace must employ at least five Turkish citizens for every one foreign employee.
• The company's paid-in capital must be at least 100,000 TRY, or its gross sales must exceed 800,000 TRY.
• The employer must have no outstanding tax or social security (SGK) debts.

Employee Criteria

• The foreigner must have a valid passport.
• The foreigner must possess the necessary qualifications or diploma for the specific role.
• The offered salary must meet the minimum thresholds set by the Ministry, which vary based on the job title (e.g., engineers and senior managers require higher multiples of the minimum wage).

The Step-by-Step Application Process

The application process follows a strict timeline to ensure legal compliance.

• Step 1: Contract Signing. The employer and employee sign a labor contract.
• Step 2: Online Submission. The employer or an authorized consultancy firm uploads required documents (diplomas, passport copies, balance sheets) to the e-government portal.
• Step 3: Ministry Review. The Ministry reviews the file. They may request additional documents or clarification.
• Step 4: Payment of Fees. Once approved, the applicant must pay the work permit card fee and the work permit term fee.
• Step 5: Card Delivery. The physical work permit card is mailed to the employer's address via PTT (Turkish Post).

Work Permit Exemptions and Special Categories

Certain foreigners may qualify for work permit exemptions. This typically applies to professional athletes, foreign press members, or individuals contributing significantly to Turkey's economy, culture, or technology. Additionally, the "Turquoise Card" system provides a permanent work permit for high-skilled individuals, investors, and scientists.

Why Work Permit Applications Get Rejected

The Ministry rejects many applications due to technical errors or failure to meet criteria. Common reasons include:

• Insufficient Turkish staff ratio (the 5:1 rule).
• The job position can be easily filled by a Turkish citizen with similar qualifications.
• Incomplete or inconsistent documentation.
• The foreigner is currently banned from entering Turkey or has a history of visa violations.

Working with legal experts ensures that your application meets all regulatory standards and reduces the risk of rejection.

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