Obtaining Work Permits in Turkey for Foreign Nationals: A Comprehensive Guide

Work permits are essential documents for foreigners who wish to live and work in the Republic of Turkey legally.

Without a valid work permit, any form of employment within Turkey is considered illegal and may lead to legal consequences.

In this blog post, we will provide detailed information on the required documents and application procedures for obtaining work permits in Turkey. Work permits in Turkey can be categorized into three types: Temporary, Permanent, and Independent.

Temporary Work Permit:

A temporary work permit is granted for a maximum duration of one year to foreign nationals whose work permit applications are approved.

This permit allows the foreign national to work for a specific employer, either an individual or a legal entity, or a public institution or organization, provided that the employment does not exceed the contract’s duration.

Permanent Work Permit:

Foreign nationals who have been granted long-term residence permits in Turkey or have legally worked in the country for at least eight years are eligible to apply for a permanent work permit. However, meeting the application criteria does not automatically grant this permit.

Those holding a permanent work permit are entitled to certain rights available to Turkish citizens, subject to compliance with relevant legislation, except for special provisions in specific laws.

Independent Work Permit:

Professional foreign nationals may apply for an independent work permit under certain conditions outlined in other laws. To be eligible for a work permit while residing in Turkey, foreign nationals, excluding those approved by the General Directorate of International Labor, must possess a residence permit valid for at least six months.

The application for a work permit must be initiated by the employer.

How To Get A Work Permit In Turkey?

Here are the document requirements in order to apply for a work permit in Turkey:

1. A signed employment contract between the employer and the foreign national (This document must be scanned and uploaded during the electronic application).
2. A copy of the passport (In cases where the passport is not in Latin script, a sworn translator or official authorities’ certified translation must be included in the This document must also be scanned and uploaded during the electronic application).
3. Turkish translation of the diploma or temporary graduation certificate, certified by a sworn translator or official authorities (This document must be scanned and uploaded during the application). (Note: A diploma is not mandatory for domestic service workers; a declaration regarding the last school attended is sufficient).
4. The latest Trade Registry Gazette indicating the company’s capital and shareholding structure.
5. The balance sheet and income statement, certified by the tax office or a certified financial advisor, for the last year.

Application Process:

Work permit applications are made to the Turkish Republic’s embassies or consulates in the foreign national’s home country or the country of legal residence. A 16-digit reference number is assigned to the foreign national during this process.

Applications are submitted through the E-Permit system using this reference number. For applications made from abroad, the foreign national must start working within one month of entering Turkey and, in any case, within six months from the work permit’s effective date, complying with the relevant legislation.

Failure to do so will result in the cancellation of the work permit.

Evaluation of Independent Work Permits:

The assessment of independent work permits takes into account factors such as the foreign national’s education level, professional experience, contributions to science and technology, economic impact on Turkey, and recommendations of the International Labor Policy Consultative Committee, along with other criteria established by the Ministry.

Work Permit Extension:

To extend a work permit, an application must be submitted through the E-Permit system at least 60 days before the permit’s expiration. If approved, the extension can be granted for up to two years for the same employer.

Applications for working under a different employer are evaluated based on the initial application’s procedures and principles.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, obtaining a work permit in Turkey is a regulated process with distinct categories and requirements. It is essential for foreign nationals to comply with the relevant legislation and provide all necessary documents accurately during the application process.

Properly prepared and submitted applications are typically processed within 30 days, starting from the date the application is completed or additional requested documents are uploaded to the system.

For legal assistance with work permit applications in Turkey, feel free to contact Bayraktar Attorneys, where our experienced team can guide you through the process and ensure your compliance with Turkish labor laws.