Work Permits in Turkey: Regulations, Responsibilities, and Rights for Employers and Employees

As an individual who is seeking employment in Turkey, it is important to be aware of the laws and regulations regarding work permit and the rights and responsibilities of both employers and employees. In this article, we will outline the process for obtaining a work visa, the limitations of work visas, and the rights and responsibilities of both employers and employees in the Turkish workplace. By understanding these laws and regulations, you can ensure that you are in compliance with the law and are protected in your employment.

• Applications for work permits are made online via the e-Devlet portal using e-signatures.
• Fees and charges for work permits are the responsibility of the employer and the employer cannot demand or force the payment of these fees from you.
• Work permit documents issued to foreigners under temporary protection, international protection applicants, and conditional refugees do not replace residence permits. These permits will expire when the protection or status granted to these individuals ends.
• If the temporary protection of a foreigner working with a work permit expires, their work permit will also expire automatically without the need for further processing. If the international protection application of a foreigner working with a work permit is rejected, their work permit will also be terminated.
• If a foreigner working with a work permit wishes to work for the same employer in the same job, the employer must apply for an extension of the work permit at least two months before the expiration of the current work permit, and in any case, before the work permit expires. Extension applications are also made online through the e-Devlet portal.
• If the employment contract between an employee and employer is terminated before the expiration of the work permit, the employer must request the cancellation of the work permit. Cancellation requests are made online through the e-izin system.
• Work permits issued to foreigners are only valid at the workplace and address indicated on the permit.
• Both employers and employees have rights and responsibilities in the workplace. A foreigner working with a work permit has the same rights and responsibilities as a Turkish citizen working for the same employer.
• Foreigners who are under temporary protection, international protection applicants, and conditional refugees may work with a work permit exemption in seasonal agriculture and livestock jobs. Applications for work permit exemptions in seasonal agriculture and livestock jobs are made by the foreigners themselves to the Provincial Directorate of Labor and Employment Agency in the province they are registered. These documents are issued free of charge.
• Working without a work permit in Turkey may result in a decision to deport you, an administrative fine, and a lack of access to rights and protections granted to workers under the law. The employment of individuals under the age of 15 is strictly prohibited in Turkey! The employment of children between the ages of 15 and 18 is also subject to the approval of their parents and certain restrictions. Failure to comply with these rules may result in negative consequences in the event of a workplace accident or occupational illness, and may also subject you to severe penal sanctions.
• Working permits for foreign individuals in Turkey are applied for online through the e-Devlet portal using an e-signature.
• The fees and charges associated with obtaining a work permit are the responsibility of the employer and they cannot demand or force the applicant to pay them.
• Work permit documents issued to individuals with temporary protection, international protection applicants, and conditional refugees do not replace residence permits. These documents will expire when the individual’s protection or status ends.
• If the temporary protection of a foreign individual with a work permit ends, their work permit will also expire automatically without the need for further action. If the international protection application of an individual with a work permit is rejected, their work permit will also be terminated.
• If a foreign individual with a work permit will continue to work for the same employer in the same job, a request for extension of the work permit must be made at least two months before the expiration of the current permit, and in any case, before the expiration of the current permit. Extension requests are also made online through the e-Devlet portal.
• If the employment contract between the worker and the employer is terminated before the expiration of the work permit, the employer must request the cancellation of the work permit. Cancellation requests are made online through the e-izin system.
• In the case of a foreign individual with a work permit wanting to work for a different employer, the new employer must first apply for a work permit, and then the current employer must request the cancellation of the current permit. The cancellation request from the previous employer must be uploaded to the e-izin system as part of the new work permit application.
• Work permits issued to foreign individuals are only valid at the workplace and address specified on the document.
• Both employers and employees have rights and responsibilities in the workplace. A foreign individual working with a work permit in Turkey has the same rights and responsibilities as a Turkish citizen.