Work Permit

Apply for Turkish Work Permit

We offer advisory services for Turkish work permit application.

Turkish Work Permit Program

For work permit as a business owner, there are criteria for application:

  • Either you need to have 100,000 usd capital to get work permit (No need for turkish employees) 
  • Or, you need to have 500,000TL capital and 5 turkish employees to get work permit

Firstly, work permit applications are submitted by the employer. Foreigners can’t individually apply to work permit, unless they are company shareholders and directors. A foreigner can work at a Turkish company as an unskilled/skilled employee, or a foreigner can also work at childcare/elderly care for Turkish citizens.

Secondly, work permit applications can be done while the foreigner is in Turkey or while the foreigner is in his country. The general rule is that: If the foreigner already has a valid residence permit in Turkey with more than 6 months duration, then the employer can directly apply to work permit while the foreigner is in Turkey. However, if the foreigner doesn’t have residence permit in Turkey, then the foreigner needs to go back to his/her country to be eligible for work permit application.

Work Permit Application Steps in Turkey

Important Steps of Work Permit Application:

  1. Applying to consulate and getting the application reference number. The foreigner does that step in his/her country. You can check the Turkish Embassy in your country regarding the reference number application.
  2. We complete the online work permit application to the Ministry of Labor. We need the the authority of the employer to perform this step.
  3. Evaluation of the application: if the result is approved, then the result is delivered to us by email and SMS. We inform the employer and employee about tax payment after work permit approval.
  4. After the work permit tax payment, the foreigner can go to the Turkish Embassy to get the work permit sticker visa. With that visa the foreigner can enter Turkey and collect his work permit card at the employer’s office.


Required Documents for Work Permit:

  1. The Turkish Embassy usually asks for these documents for the work permit reference number: Passport, national id card, biometric photo, address document, criminal certificate, job contract and some official employer documents.
  2. After the reference number, we need these information for online work permit application: email and phone number of employee, language level, education, reason for employing foreigner, income document of employer and some official employer documents.

Please note that we can’t apply directly for the employee. The employee needs to find an employer first. Then, we give work permit application service to the employer and to the employee. Feel free to contact us if you have any questions.

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Ministry of Labor in Turkey

In the complex and ever-changing world, individuals must be aware of every procedure. A powerful way to do this is to follow up the announcements at the Ministry of Labor website for work permit applications. Website is https://www.csgb.gov.tr/

Latest Work Permit Criteria

For work permit, a company needs to have 500,000TL paid-in capital and it needs to employ 5 Turkish citizens for each foreigner. Some foreigners who reside in Turkey for a long time are exempt from this criteria.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is a work permit in Turkey and who needs one?

A work permit in Turkey is an official authorization issued by the Ministry of Labor and Social Security that allows foreign nationals to work legally in the country. Any foreigner who intends to work in Turkey, whether for a Turkish employer or as a self-employed individual, must obtain a valid work permit. Exceptions apply to certain categories, such as diplomats or foreign press members, but most foreign workers require this permit.

2. What types of work permits are available in Turkey?

Turkey offers several types of work permits including short-term (up to one year), indefinite-term (for long-term residents or those with extended work history in Turkey), and independent work permits (for qualified professionals intending to work independently). There is also a Turquoise Card, which grants work and residence rights to highly skilled foreigners and offers a path to permanent residence.

3. How can a foreigner apply for a work permit in Turkey?

There are two main application procedures: from abroad and from within Turkey. If the foreigner is outside Turkey, the application is submitted through the Turkish consulate in their home country. Once approved, they enter Turkey with a work visa. If the foreigner already holds a valid residence permit (excluding tourist permits), the application can be submitted directly to the Ministry of Labor within Turkey. In both cases, the employer must support the application.

4. What documents are required for a Turkish work permit application?

Typical documents include a valid passport, recent photos, the employment contract, educational qualifications, and the foreigner’s residence permit (if applying from within Turkey). The employer must also submit documents like the company’s trade registry, tax records, and a letter of intent. Additional documentation may be required based on the specific role and sector.

5. How long does it take to get a work permit in Turkey?

The processing time for a work permit application generally takes around 30 days after submission. However, this can vary depending on the completeness of documentation, the specific industry, and whether the application is submitted domestically or via a consulate abroad. Applicants should plan ahead to accommodate potential delays.

6. Can work permit holders bring their family to Turkey?

Yes, foreign workers with valid work and residence permits in Turkey can apply for family residence permits for their spouse and dependent children. The family permits are typically issued for the same duration as the primary permit holder’s residence authorization, and allow family members to reside legally in Turkey, though not to work unless they obtain separate work permits.

7. What happens if a foreigner works in Turkey without a work permit?

Working without a valid permit in Turkey is illegal and may result in fines, deportation, and bans from re-entry. Employers who hire foreigners without proper authorization are also subject to significant penalties. To avoid legal and financial consequences, both the foreign employee and the employer must ensure compliance with work permit regulations.

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Contact our immigration and investment advisors before investing in Turkey!