Table of Contents
Key Points
● All ex-pats wishing to work in Turkey must first get a work permit before beginning their employment. Employing a foreign worker who doesn’t have a valid work permit in Turkey is prohibited by Turkish laws.
● Foreign nationals with a valid residence permit (for tourism, medical treatment, athletic activity, etc.) can apply directly to the Ministry of Work and Social Security for work permits in Turkey, except students who have a valid residence permit.
● A work permit is an authorization granted by the Ministry of Labor of the Republic of Turkey to foreign employees and businesses seeking to hire foreign workers.
● Investing in Turkey is by far the easiest way to become a Turkish citizen by investment. It’s also beneficial because your family doesn’t need to apply for citizenship individually and your descendants will automatically enjoy dual citizenship.
● There are four types of foreign work permits in Turkey. These are; Work Permit for a Definite Period, Work Permit for an Indefinite Period, Independent Work Permit, and the Turquoise Card.
Overview: Are You Legally Authorized to Work in Turkey?
After acquiring Turkish citizenship on a basis of Investment, are you legally authorized to work in Turkey? That’s the question on so many peoples’ minds. Turkey has an attractive geographical location, and Turkey lies partly in Europe and partly in Asia.
That is why it is a lucrative destination for not only traveling and vacationing but also for residence. It’s one of the largest countries in terms of population and territory.
Is Working in Turkey Legal For You?
The land area of Turkey is way greater than many European countries. Turkey is a country that boasts vast beautiful landscapes and mesmerizing natural beauty. No doubt, people from around the world are looking to acquire Turkish citizenship and become a part of this amazing country.
All ex-pats wishing to work in Turkey must first get a work permit in Turkey before beginning their employment. Employing a foreign worker who doesn’t have a valid work permit in Turkey is prohibited by Turkish laws.
Based on the foreign worker’s residence in Turkey, there are two options for obtaining a work permit, which is as follows:
- Foreign nationals with a valid residence permit (for tourism, medical treatment, athletic activity, etc.) can apply directly to the Ministry of Work and Social Security for work permits in Turkey, except students who have a valid residence permit.
- If the foreigner doesn’t have a legitimate residence permit, he or she should contact the Turkish Consulate in either his or her country of residence or citizenship.
A work permit is an authorization granted by the Ministry of Labor of the Republic of Turkey to foreign employees and businesses seeking to hire foreign workers. Temporary, permanent, independent, and Turquoise cards are the four categories of work licenses available in Turkey. The work permit application might be completed through Ecalismaizni with the employer’s electronic signature or on behalf of the employer by an approved consultancy business. Without employers, foreigners can’t acquire a work permit in Turkey on their behalf.
The legislation on foreigner work permits establishes a legislative structure for foreigner employment in Turkey by laying out the norms and principles that must be followed while dealing with foreigner work permits. The legislation establishes the categories of work permits, describes the exemptions and limits, and lays out the processes for issuing, extending, rejecting, and canceling work permits in the relevant parts.
For more detailed information, go to Presidency of The Republic of Turkey | Investment Office
Work Permit in Turkey: Several regulations regulate the employment of foreigners who live in Turkey or who travel to Turkey for employment. Work permits for foreigners who come to Turkey are governed by the Law on International Labour No. 6735 and the Law on Foreigners and International Protection No. 6458.[1,2]
What are the documents you need for a Work Permit in Turkey?
If you want to transmit the relevant paperwork for acquiring a work visa in Turkey from your country of residence/citizenship, you’ll need the following:
- Passport,
- Work Visa Application,
- One photo,
- One copy of the employment contract,
The employer, on the other hand, must apply the employee to Turkey’s Ministry of Labor. If all of the relevant paperwork is sent, the work permit process takes around a month. If a work permit applicant also requires a residency permit, he must apply to the Foreign Branch of the Local Police within thirty days of his arrival in Turkey.
Foreign citizens with a valid residence permit for at least six months can apply for a work permit directly at the Ministry of Labor. Foreigners holding a valid residence permit for at least six months, except student visas, can apply for a work permit directly with the Ministry of Labor and Social Security.
How can you extend your work permit in Turkey?
Foreign individuals who wish to stay in Turkey based on their employment permits may apply to the Ministry of Labor and Social Security for a visa renewal. The application must be submitted online and include the necessary supporting documents:
- The current work permit,
- Information about the employer,
- Copy of the applicant’s passport,
- Proof of the residence visa,
If the foreign employee is a specialist or a member of a professional organization, additional documentation may be asked. Additionally, beginning in 2015, foreign employees with passports with a minimum validity length of six months will be able to extend their Turkish work visas.
What are the benefits of a Work Permit in Turkey?
Obtaining a Work Permit in Turkey comes with a slew of benefits. Foreigners can receive free treatment in all Turkish hospitals and clinics, can gain Turkish citizenship after five years of residing in the country, can take advantage of the Turkish government’s investment incentives, and can retire at the age of 60.
Are children included in the Work Permit in Turkey?
Yes, if the children of a foreigner applying for a work permit in Turkey are under the age of 18, they will be included in the work permit. If they are older than this age, they will have to apply for a work visa on their own. It’s vital to be aware that siblings, such as sisters and brothers, cannot be added to a work permit in Turkey. Parents over the age of 64, on the other hand, are permitted to be present on the same Turkish work permit.
What is the duration of a Work Permit in Turkey?
In Turkey, a work permit is valid for one year, although it can be renewed for two, three, or four years. We remind you that after five years of residence in Turkey, you can apply for Turkish citizenship. Rather than dealing with the procedures of getting a work permit or Turkish citizenship as a foreigner in Turkey, it is better to seek the assistance of a team of attorneys who are experts in this sector in Turkey.
How many types of Work Permits are there in Turkey?
There are four types of foreign work permits in Turkey. These are;
● Work Permit for a Defined Period: According to International Labour Law No 6735,1 which took effect after being published in the Official Gazette on August 13, 2016, and No. 29800,[3,4] a work permit shall be granted to individuals whose foreign work permit application is approved for a period of up to one year, provided that it does not exceed the term of the labor contract they signed with the employer. Foreigners who wish to renew their work permit are granted a permit for a maximum of two years at the completion of this time, providing they continue to work in the same workplace. A work permit is granted on the third and subsequent applications for a maximum of three years.
● Work Permit for an Indefinite Period: Foreigners with a long-term residence permit in Turkey and a work permit that has been valid for at least eight years are eligible to apply for a work permit that is valid indefinitely. Foreigners with an everlasting work permit are entitled to the same rights as Turkish citizens, with the exception of a few unique provisions in the legislation. They can’t, however, take advantage of privileges such as military service, employment in government institutions, or the opportunity to vote and be elected.
● Independent Work Permit: The independent work permit, which is given for a certain length of time, is not available to every foreigner. The Ministry will consider this permission based on the following criteria: Education level, professional experience, planned contribution to technology and science, the planned contribution of investment to the country’s economy, planned capital investment in Turkey if a shareholder of a foreign company.
● Turquoise Card
What is a Turquoise Card?
The Turquoise Card is granted to foreigners who benefit the economy, research, technology, and industry in Turkey, who invest and generate jobs, or who are considered to do so. All rights provided to foreigners with a work permit for an extended duration are available to be bearers of this card. Families of cardholders are given a document that serves as an indefinite residency permit.
The transition period lasts for three years. If foreigners do not contribute the required amount within this time frame, their Turquoise Card will be revoked. If bearers apply for a Turquoise Card for an indefinite time within the last six months of the three-year period, they will be granted a Turquoise Card for an indefinite period if they meet the conditions. Nevertheless, after the three-year time has expired, applications will not be accepted, and the card will expire.
Do You Get a Work Permit if You Buy Property in Turkey?
If you become a Turkish citizen, you don’t have to get a work permit in Turkey. Turkish citizens can work in any job in Turkey without any requirements. Therefore, it’s a good idea to get Turkish citizenship if you want to work in Turkey.
As per the Turkish citizenship by investment program, which was launched in 2018, you can apply for Turkish citizenship through investment. It’s a great opportunity for individuals who want to settle in Turkey with their families.
You need to invest in properties worth $250,000. You can choose to buy a single property or multiple ones as per your requirements. The minimum value for the properties should be $250,000. You also need to maintain the property for at least three years. Once you invest the amount in real estate, you will be given a Turkish passport within the next six months.
Useful Links:
- Land Purchase in Turkey
- Is Turkish Citizenship by Investment Granted for Lifetime?
- Turkish Citizenship By Real Estate: New Rules and Steps
- Receiving a Turkish Passport By Property Purchase in Turkey
- How Long Does It Take to Receive a Turkish Passport?
What Are The Conditions For Turkish Citizenship By Investment?
As a foreign investor, you have the right to apply for Turkish citizenship. You need to buy a property worth $250,000 and maintain the same property for at least three years. The procedures for Turkish citizenship done by the Turkish Ministry of Interior can be completed within 90 days, provided the documentation files are certified by your home country.
What are the Jobs that You Can not Work in Turkey Unless You are a Citizen?
If you are a foreigner residing in Turkey, you aren’t entitled to apply for certain jobs in the country. Some such jobs include legal office jobs, hospitals, and other qualified trades. But you need to have the proper work permit in Turkey for the jobs that you apply for.
Once you become a citizen with a Turkish passport, such bars will be lifted from you. You will be able to apply for any kind of job in Turkey and make a living from it. You wouldn’t need any work permit once you become a Turkish citizen.
There are some professions that foreigners with work permits in Turkey are unable to perform. These are the following:
- Lawyer,
- Notary,
- Dentist,
- Nurse,
- Veterinarian,
- Customs Broker,
- Tourist Guide,
- Pharmacist,
- Director of Private Medical Institutions,
- Security Officer, Police,
- Fisherman, captain, ship crew, etc., in Turkey’s territorial waters.
Who are the foreigners who are eligible for an unconditional work permit in Turkey?
Foreigners who meet the following qualifications are given an unconditional work permit in Turkey, provided that they provide official documentation from the Republic of Turkey proving that they meet these requirements.
- Citizens of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus,
- Foreigners whose parents or children are Turkish citizens,
- Foreigners who have been married to a Turkish citizen for at least three years,
- Foreigners who have a residence permit under the practices of the Administration for Turks Living Abroad and Related Communities,
- Foreigners who have a residence permit under the humanitarian program,
- Foreigners who have been granted a residency visa as a result of their involvement in human trafficking,
- Foreigners with a temporary residency permit who are stateless (heimatlos).
Are You Legally Authorized to Work in Turkey by Investment?
Investing in Turkey is by far the easiest way to become a Turkish citizen by investment. It’s also beneficial because your family doesn’t need to apply for citizenship individually and your descendants will automatically enjoy dual citizenship.
The only condition is, your children should be less than 18 years of age at the time of application for Turkish citizenship by investment program.
Remember to get assistance from an experienced law firm in Turkey during the entire process.
Are you looking to establish a company in Turkey or start a business in Turkey? Feel free to contact us and we can help you.
Can the foreigners who come to Turkey as tourists apply for a Work Permit in Turkey?
Foreigners who visit Turkey on a tourist visa are not eligible to apply for a work permit. Such foreigners can submit their applications, along with the necessary documentation, to Turkish Consulates in their respective countries.
How can you apply for a Foreigners Work Permit in Turkey?
Foreigners wishing to work in Turkey must submit specific documents and go through a series of steps in order to obtain a work permit in Turkey. The application for a work permit for a foreigner is made at the Turkish Consulate where the foreigner acquired his or her residency permit or at the Turkish Consulate in the foreigner’s home country. It’s mandatory to submit the necessary things at the application stage. Which are as follows;
- Contract of employment,
- Letter of invitation,
- Letter of application for a work permit,
- Application for Foreign Personnel,
- A copy of your passport,
- Certified translators or official organizations must translate the diploma or interim graduation certificate into Turkish (in applications for household services, the applicant’s diploma from the most recent school attended).
- The most recent capital and partnership structure of the organization or institution that will employ foreign personnel is shown in the Turkey Trade Registry Gazette. The tax office or a certified public accountant must approve the balance sheet and profit/loss statement for the previous year.
- Certified copy power of attorney of the person authorized to submit an electronic application in the capacity of “user” on behalf of the organization or institution that will employ the foreign personnel, or a certificate stating that the individual acting in the capacity of “user” is employed by the organization or institution that submits the application.
Simultaneously, the organization or institution that will employ foreign personnel in Turkey is obligated to scan the necessary documentation during the electronic application process and submit them digitally within the specified time frame. Following the completion of the application, the necessary documents must be submitted to the Ministry of Labour and Social Security by hand or mail.
Foreigners who live in Turkey must have a residence permit that is valid for at least six months in order to apply for a work permit in Turkey. Foreign nationals who meet this criterion must submit their applications online. The application form and letter must be delivered to the Ministry of Labour and Social Security within six business days of the application.
What are the requirements for a Foreigner Work Permit Application in Turkey to be accepted?
Even if the preceding processes are completed, there are a few requirements that must be met by both the employer and the foreign employees in order for the applications to be accepted. These are the following:
- At least five Turkish citizens must be employed by the employer. If more than one foreign personnel is to be engaged, five Turkish personnel must be employed for each foreign employee.
- The company that will employ foreign workers must have a minimum capital of 100,000₺. If this requirement is not met, the workplace’s gross sales are considered. These sales must total at least 800.000₺ or a minimum of $250.000 in overseas sales.
- If the applicant for a work permit in Turkey is a shareholder in a business, the capital must be at least 40.000₺.
The foreigner’s remuneration must be commensurate with his or her professional abilities. According to this;
- Senior managers are paid 6,5 times the minimum pay.
- Unit or branch directors, engineers, and architects are paid four times the minimum wage.
- Teachers, psychologists, physiotherapists, musicians, and stage artists will be paid three times the minimum wage in positions that require specialization or competence.
- Foreigners engaged in household services must be paid at least the minimum salary, while foreigners employed in jobs other than the above must be paid 1.5 times the minimum rate (Sales representatives, marketing-export personnel, etc.)
- Twice the minimum pay for foreigners working as acrobats or in similar jobs in tourism-animation and organizing firms, as well as masseurs and SPA therapists, etc.
Frequently Asked Questions about Work Permits in Turkey (F.A.Q.)
Is it possible to apply for a work permit in Turkey from my home nation? Yes, you may apply for a work permit in Turkey through your home country’s consulate or embassy. You can also speak with one of the expert Turkish lawyers for legal assistance on your application.
What is the cost of a work permit in Turkey? The cost of a work permit in Turkey is around $1000 (fees, taxes, etc.).
Is it possible to add children to the work permit in Turkey? Yes, children under the age of 18 can be included in a Turkish work visa application.
Is it necessary for me to have medical insurance in order to acquire a work permit in Turkey? When a foreign citizen applies for a work permit in Turkey, they must have health insurance.
Helpful Links:
- What Are “Turkish Work Permit” Benefits?
- Things You Should Know About Working in Turkey
- Can International Students Work in Turkey?
- Best Employment Conditions for Foreigners in Turkey
- Employment of Foreign Citizens in Turkey
References
- Aksaç, A. (2016, August 24). New Law No. 6735 On International Labour Force. Immigration – Turkey. https://www.mondaq.com/turkey/work-visas/521762/new-law-no-6735-on-international-labour-force
- Turkey: Law No. 6458 of 2013 on Foreigners and International Protection (as amended 29 Oct 2016) [Turkey], 29 October 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5a1d828f4.html [accessed 18 June 2021]
- Mevzuat. (2016, August 13). T.C. Resm Gazete. https://www.resmigazete.gov.tr/eskiler/2016/08/20160813.htm.
- ULUSLARARASI İŞGÜCÜ KANUNU, KANUN. (2016, August 13). Başbakanlık Mevzuatı Geliştirme ve Yayın Genel Müdürlüğü. https://www.resmigazete.gov.tr/eskiler/2016/08/20160813-1.htm.
