A work permit is a document that every foreigner who wants to work in the Republic of Türkiye must obtain by applying to the Ministry of Labor and Social Security. It grants foreigners the right to work and reside in Türkiye. It is prohibited to work in any company in Türkiye without a work permit, and violators will face penalties.
Types of Work Permits
Work permits can be granted as Temporary, Permanent, or Independent.
- Temporary Work Permit
A foreigner whose work permit application is approved may be granted a work permit for up to one year at the initial application, provided that they work in a specific position at a specific workplace belonging to a natural or legal person or a public institution or organization, or one of the workplaces in the same line of business, and that the duration does not exceed the term of the employment or service contract. - Permanent Work Permit
Foreigners who hold a long-term residence permit or have had a legal work permit for at least eight years have the right to apply for a permanent work permit. However, fulfilling the application requirements does not grant an absolute legal right.
Foreigners with a permanent work permit benefit from the rights granted to Turkish citizens, without prejudice to their acquired social security rights, and are subject to the relevant legislation provisions unless otherwise stipulated by special laws. - Independent Work Permit
Foreigners engaging in professional activities may be granted an independent work permit for a specific period, provided that special conditions set out in other laws are met.
In evaluating independent work permits in line with international labor policy, the Ministry of Labor and Social Security considers the foreigner’s level of education, professional experience, contribution to science and technology, the impact of their investment on the national economy and employment, their share in capital if they are a company partner, and other elements to be determined based on the recommendations of the International Labor Policy Advisory Board.
Work permit applications can be made both from within Türkiye and from abroad. The application procedures vary depending on whether the application is made from Türkiye or abroad.
Application Procedure from Within Türkiye
Except for foreigners deemed suitable by the Directorate General of International Labor Force, a foreigner residing in Türkiye must have a residence permit valid for at least six months to obtain a work permit. The foreigner’s work permit application must be submitted by their employer.
Required Documents
• Employment contract signed by both the employer and the foreigner.
• Copy of the passport.
Important Note: Pursuant to Article 23 of Law No. 6458, work permits for foreigners approved by the Ministry of Labor and Social Security are issued no earlier than 60 days before the expiration date of the passport.
• During the application, a scanned copy of the diploma or temporary graduation certificate, certified by a sworn translator or official authority, must be uploaded to the system.
For domestic services, a diploma is not mandatory, but a declaration regarding the last school attended will suffice.
• The latest copy of the Turkish Trade Registry Gazette showing the company’s current capital and shareholding structure.
• Balance sheet and profit/loss statement for the last year, certified by the tax office or a sworn financial advisor.
Application for Extension of the Work Permit
An application for extension of the work permit must be made through the system no earlier than 60 days before and in any case before the expiration of the current work permit. Applications submitted after this date will be rejected.
If the extension application is approved, the foreigner’s work permit will be valid for up to two years under the same employer for the first extension, and for up to three years for subsequent extensions. Applications to work under a different employer are evaluated according to the procedures and principles of the initial application.
A foreigner who has applied for an extension of their work permit may continue working for up to 90 days during the review process, provided that the job and workplace do not change and the permit has not yet expired. During this period, the rights and obligations arising from the work permit remain unchanged for both the foreigner and the employer.
If the extension application is approved, the new work permit becomes effective the day after the expiration of the previous one.
Review of the Work Permit Application
Properly completed applications are reviewed within 30 days, provided that the required information and documents are complete. The 30-day period starts from the date the application is submitted through the system or, in case of a request for additional information and documents, from the date such documents are uploaded to the system.
Legal Notice: The information in this article is intended for information purposes only. It is not intended for professional information purposes specific to a person or an institution. Every institution has different requirements because of its own circumstances even though they bear a resemblance to each other. Consequently, it is your interest to consult on an expert before taking a decision based on information stated in this article and putting into practice. Neither Karen Audit nor related person or institutions are not responsible for any damages or losses that might occur in consequence of the use of the information in this article by private or formal, real or legal person and institutions.
