Work Permit in Turkey

Legal Framework for Working in Turkey

Foreign nationals must obtain a valid work permit before starting any employment in Turkey. Working without a permit is illegal. It leads to administrative fines for both the employer and the employee. In many cases, unauthorized work results in the deportation of the foreign national. The Ministry of Labor and Social Security oversees these regulations under International Labor Law No. 6735.

A work permit is job-specific. You cannot apply for a general permit to work anywhere. An employer must sponsor your application for a specific role within their company. If you change jobs, you must obtain a new permit through your new employer.

How to Apply for a Work Permit from Within Turkey

You can apply from within Turkey if you already hold a valid residence permit. This residence permit must have at least six months of remaining validity at the time of application. Note that student residence permits do not qualify for this domestic application route.

The process is handled online through the e-Government (e-Devlet) system. The employer submits the application and uploads the necessary documents to the foreign work permit automation system. Once submitted, the Ministry reviews the file. If approved, the work permit card is mailed to the workplace address.

Applying for a Work Permit from Abroad

If you do not have a Turkish residence permit, you must start the process in your country of residence or citizenship. First, visit the Turkish Consulate to submit your passport, a biometric photo, and your signed employment contract. The Consulate will provide you with a reference number.

You must send this reference number to your employer in Turkey. The employer then has 10 business days to complete the online application using that number. If the Ministry approves the request, you will pay the visa and permit fees at the Consulate. You can then enter Turkey with a work visa.

Mandatory Requirements for Employers

The Turkish government sets strict financial and staffing criteria for companies hiring foreign staff. These rules ensure that local employment is protected.

• The 5-to-1 Rule: For every foreign worker, the company must employ at least five Turkish citizens.
• Paid-in Capital: The company must have a paid-in capital of at least 100,000 TL.
• Financial Performance: Alternatively, the company must show gross sales of at least 800,000 TL or export figures of at least 250,000 USD in the previous year.

Special rules apply to startups. If a foreigner is a shareholder in a new company, the five-Turkish-employee rule is only required after the first six months of the permit's validity.

Salary Standards for Foreign Workers

Employers must pay foreign workers a salary that matches their professional level. The Ministry sets these rates as multiples of the national minimum wage:

• High-level managers and pilots: 6.5 times the minimum wage.
• Engineers and architects: 4 times the minimum wage.
• Teachers and specialists: 3 times the minimum wage.
• Home services (caregivers): At least the minimum wage.
• Other roles (sales, clerks): 1.5 times the minimum wage.

Required Documents for the Application

Preparation is key to a successful application. You will need the following documents:

• A copy of the passport (translated and notarized).
• A copy of the diploma or graduation certificate (translated and notarized).
• A biometric photograph.
• The signed employment contract.
• The company's tax certificate and Trade Registry Gazette.
• The company's most recent balance sheet.

Work Permits for Home Services

Foreigners can work in private households specifically for caregiving roles. This includes childcare, elderly care, or care for disabled family members. General cleaning or housekeeping roles are usually not granted work permits unless there is a specific caregiving need. The employer must prove they have the financial means to support the employee's salary and social security contributions.

Processing Times and Results

The Ministry typically processes applications within 30 days. This timeline assumes all documents are correct and complete. If the Ministry requests additional information, the clock pauses until the documents are provided.

You will receive the result via email. If approved, you must pay the permit fee and the card fee. If rejected, you have 30 days to file an administrative appeal. If the appeal fails, you may take the matter to an administrative court.

Validity and Extensions

A work permit also serves as a residence permit. You do not need a separate card to live in Turkey. Initial permits are usually granted for one year.

To stay longer, you must apply for an extension within 60 days before your current permit expires. The first extension is typically granted for two years, and the second extension for three years, provided you stay with the same employer. If you change employers, the cycle starts over at one year.

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