If you have a valid residence permit in Turkey for a minimum of six months, you can apply for a work permit within Turkey.
However, if you don’t have a residence permit or anticipate challenges in obtaining one, it’s generally advisable to apply for a work permit through the Turkish Consulate in your home country.
At Bayraktar Attorneys, we specialize in assisting foreign nationals with various legal processes in Turkey, including work permit applications.
Generally, work permit applications start with a foreign national applying at a Turkish consulate in their home country. Here’s an overview of industry-specific requirements:
1. Education Sector
Foreign nationals seeking employment in private educational institutions affiliated with Turkey’s Ministry of National Education must obtain a “Pre-Approval Certificate” showing their professional qualifications.
Additionally, private educational institutions hiring foreign nationals need to secure a “License” and “Opening and Operational Permit” from the Ministry of National Education.
2. Domestic Services
Work permits are limited to caregiving roles, such as elderly, sick, or childcare, for foreign nationals in domestic services.
3. Health Sector
Foreign healthcare professionals aiming to work in private healthcare facilities must secure a “Pre-Approval Certificate” from the Provincial Health Directorate in the province where the institution is located.
The healthcare institution must also obtain an “Operating Permit” from the Provincial Health Directorate, which is submitted during the online application.
4. Tourism Sector
For foreign nationals employed in tourism businesses with a tourism license from the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, an “Operating and Investment Certificate” is required.
If the business does not have a tourism license, a Chamber of Commerce Activity Certificate is needed. Both certificates must be submitted electronically.
5. Entertainment Sector
Foreign entertainers need to provide an apostilled or consulate-certified reference letter, translated and notarized in Turkish, verifying their international experience.
A signed employment contract, available in both Turkish and the entertainer’s native language, must also be submitted.
This contract should include a clause indicating that the employer will cover return travel expenses and specify a salary that is at least three times the minimum wage, adjusted every six months.
In addition, the contract should list the workplace tax ID and the contact numbers of relevant support hotlines (e.g., 155 Police Emergency, 157 Human Trafficking Victims Assistance, and Alo 170).
6. Aviation Sector
Foreign pilots working in Turkey must provide a notarized Turkish translation of their pilot license. The work permit issued by the Ministry is valid only if accompanied by a Validation Certificate from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation, ensuring the license’s recognition in Turkey.
7. Engineers and Architects
Foreign engineers and architects with foreign degrees must submit an Equivalency Certificate per Turkish Higher Education standards.
Employers hiring foreign engineers, architects, or urban planners must also present payroll documentation proving the employment of Turkish nationals in the same profession.
8. Direct Foreign Investment Companies
Certain foreign-owned companies that meet criteria under the Foreign Direct Investment Regulation may employ foreign nationals. Required documents include proof of an annual export volume of at least USD 1 million and bank statements verifying these transactions.
9. Key Personnel in Foreign Companies
Foreign nationals in senior roles (e.g., managing partners, directors) require additional documentation, such as notarized signature circulars, board resolutions, and proof of expertise. The primary company abroad must confirm the foreign national’s assignment.
10. Liaison Offices
Foreign nationals employed at liaison offices must have an activity permit from the Ministry of Economy. Liaison offices also need to show evidence of at least USD 200,000 transferred from abroad in the last year.
Key Document Requirements for Work Permit Applications
Applicants need:
- A signed employment contract,
- Passport copy (and notarized translation if not in the Latin alphabet),
- Diploma copy (and translation),
- Updated Turkish Trade Registry Gazette showing the company’s ownership structure,
- Latest certified balance sheet and profit/loss statement.
Bayraktar Attorneys ensures compliance with these requirements and assists foreign nationals throughout their work permit application process. For personalized guidance on obtaining a work permit in Turkey, feel free to contact our team.
