A work permit is a mandatory document for all foreigners who wish to work in the Republic of Türkiye. This permit is issued by the Ministry of Labor and Social Security, allowing the holder to work and live in Türkiye legally. Working without a permit is illegal and subject to penalties.
There are three types of work permits: Temporary, Permanent, and Independent.
Temporary Work Permit Initially, a temporary work permit is granted for up to one year, allowing the foreigner to work at a specified workplace or position. This duration aligns with the terms of the employment or service contract.
Permanent Work Permit Foreigners who have either a long-term residence permit or have held a legal work permit for at least eight years can apply for a permanent work permit. This permit does not automatically grant legal rights upon application. Holders of permanent work permits have similar rights to Turkish citizens, excluding some specific legal provisions.
Independent Work Permit This permit is issued to professionals for a limited time, contingent on meeting certain legal conditions. Factors such as education, professional experience, contributions to science and technology, and economic impact are considered
Application Process Applications can be submitted within Türkiye or from abroad, through the E-Permit System (https://ecalismaizni.csgb.gov.tr/eizin). Necessary documents include the foreign national’s passport, a photo, and the employment contract.
Domestic Application Foreigners in Türkiye need a residence permit of at least six months to apply. Employers must submit the application, which includes:
- Employment contract
- Passport copy (translated if not in Latin alphabet)
- Copy of diploma or equivalent (not mandatory for home services)
- Turkish Trade Registry Gazette
- Recent financial statements
Abroad Application Applications are made at Türkiye’s embassies or consulates in the applicant’s country of citizenship or legal residence. Applicants must start their employment within one month of entry into Türkiye, or their permit may be revoked.
Extension Application Work permit extensions must be applied for 60 days before the existing permit expires. The first extension grants up to two years, and subsequent ones up to three years, under the same employer.
Turquoise Card The Turquoise Card offers indefinite work rights in Türkiye and residency rights for the holder’s family. It involves a three-year transitional period, after which it can be made indefinite.
We understand needs that appear after setting up a company in Turkey. Some newly opened companies wish to hire foreign staff under their payroll. As an accounting firm in Turkey we help our clients to acquire work permit for their expatriate personnel.
Foreigners who have a valid residence permit (valid for a minimum of 6 months, except for residence permits for educational purposes) can apply directly to the Ministry of Labor and Social Security.
– Work Permit Application Guidance: Assistance with preparing and submitting work permit applications for employees, business owners, and freelancers seeking to work in Turkey.
– Employer Sponsorship Support: Advice for employers sponsoring foreign employees for work permits, including documentation requirements and legal obligations.
– Work Permit Renewal Services: Help with renewing and extending existing work permits, ensuring continued eligibility and compliance with Turkish labor laws.
– Work Permit Consultation for Foreign Investors: Expert guidance for foreign investors interested in obtaining work permits through investment activities in Turkey.
– Work Permit for Specialized Professions: Assistance for professionals in specialized fields, such as healthcare, engineering, and IT, navigating the work permit application process.
Other services we provide for domestic and foreign, natural and legal entities include:
- Applying for, following and concluding procedures for obtaining residence permits and extending residence permit durations for foreigners who wish to live in Turkey
- Applying for, following and concluding procedures for obtaining work permits and extending work permit durations for foreigners who plan to be employed in Turkey, including but not limited to foreigners to be employed at legal entities subject to the Law on Foreign Direct Investments
- Applying for, following and concluding procedures for citizenship for foreigners who wish to acquire Turkish citizenship under Law no. 5901 on Turkish Citizenship
- Applying for, following and concluding procedures for individuals who wish to renounce their Turkish citizenship by a competent authority decision under Law no. 5901 on Turkish Citizenship
- Rendering consultancy services with regard to Real Estate Law, especially on acquisition of real estate by foreigners in Turkey, and providing consultancy services with regard to Inheritance Law
