Do you want to work and live in Turkey but don’t want to get lost in legal papers? Then you are in the right place! In this blog post, I will guide you through all the steps of getting a work permit in Turkey and answer all of your questions! So, make sure you read till the end!
Table of Contents
What Is A Work Permit?
A work permit is the official permission required for foreigners to work legally in Turkey. It formalizes the employment relationship between Turkish employers and foreign employees.
In Turkey, work permits are issued by the Ministry of Labor and Social Security. You must get a work permit if you want to work legally in Turkey as a foreigner. Getting a work permit in Turkey is an important process; thus, you should fulfill all legal procedures and complete the necessary documents correctly.
Do I Need A Work Visa Or Work Permit In Turkey?
Yes, you do. A work permit is necessary for foreigners who want to live and work in Turkey. In most European nations, besides a work permit, non-citizens would need a residence permit to stay and be able to work in the country. However, in Turkey, when you get a work permit you also become a legal resident at the same time.
What Are The Types Of Work Permit In Turkey?
Temporary Work Permit
A temporary work permit allows you to work for up to a year under one employer in a specific field. It’s only valid for designated workplaces or those in the same sector. Extensions are possible, with the initial permit lasting up to two years.
Indefinite Work Permit
Foreigners who hold a long-term residence or legal work permit for at least eight years in Turkey are eligible for an indefinite work permit, allowing them to work in the country without time limitations. However, every five years from the date of issuance, you need to renew specific documents. These updates should be completed within six months before the end of each five years.
Independent Work Permit
Foreigners are allowed to work autonomously and on their own behalf in Turkey with an Independent Work Permit. So you can open your own company or work as a freelancer thanks to this authorization. However, you must meet some criteria to be granted an independent work permit; such as having lived in Turkey for a specific amount of time, having needs in your industry, and having a certain degree of experience in your profession.
What Are The Eligibility Requirements For Getting Work Permit In Turkey?
You must have no criminal background, which is one of the most important work permit criteria in Turkey. The second most important thing is you must have a position at a registered company.
When you start working, you must provide a signed copy of the agreement contract and an appointment letter establishing your job position.
You must have updated documentation demonstrating academic and professional qualifications, such as university certificates or appropriate diplomas from related professional courses, which are required for eligibility.
You must have a valid passport to be allowed access to Turkey, regardless of your job position.
How Can I Get A Work Permit in Turkey?
To get a work visa in Turkey, you must first apply for a work permit and visa to the relevant foreign missions of the Republic of Turkey. However, if you are currently located in Turkey or have a residence permit that is valid for at least 6 months, you can also apply for a domestic work permit application.
To get a work visa in Turkey, you must have the necessary documents, such as:
- Valid international passport
- Visa application form
- Employment letter from the company
- Employment contract signed by the employer
- Updated resume
- Documents of academic and professional qualifications
- Medical insurance
- Two biometric photos
- Police clearance testimonial
- Proof of accommodation in Turkey
How Can I Apply For A Work Permit in Turkey?
There are two different application methods for getting a work permit in Turkey, depending on residence status:
1. Application In Turkey
Foreign citizens residing in Turkey are not obligated to get a work permit by applying to Turkish consulates outside the country. However, in order to get a work permit, these foreign citizens must have a valid residence permit for at least six months.
2. Application From Abroad
Foreigners must apply for work permits through Turkish embassies or consulates in their home countries or where they legally reside. If you are working for a foreign employer, you must first apply for a work visa at the relevant embassy or consulate and obtain a reference number. Then, the employer must upload the required documents and information to the system for approval. The work permit application is finalized once these steps are completed.
If you are not working for a foreign employer, the application process involves submitting the necessary documents and information to the relevant embassy or consulate, uploading them to the system, and getting approval.
Key points to include:
- If a work permit is granted, you must enter Turkey within six months of its start date. Failure to do so will result in the permit’s cancellation.
- You must have an electronic notification address for applications made on behalf of a foreign employee.
- Foreigners with an indefinite or independent work permit must report their electronic notification address to the Ministry within 30 days of starting work.
- Foreigners must begin working within one month of entering Turkey and no later than six months from the start date of the work permit.
What Are The Documents Required For Work Permit In Turkey?
To apply for a work permit, certain documents are required for both the company and the foreign employee candidate. These documents are delivered to the Ministry with the authorization assigned through the online system. Following the submission of the documents, the work permit application is evaluated.
- Contract of employment signed with the present date (The monthly wage should be expressed explicitly as XXXX Turkish Lira/monthly gross; a blue pen must be used for signatures.)
- Passport (Turkish translation and notarized copy)
- Diploma (Turkish translation and notarized copy of the diploma)
- Photo (scan passport size)
- Foreigner’s contact information (e-mail address/phone number)
- Reference number: The employee candidate must obtain a reference number by visiting the Turkish Consulate/Embassy in the country where he/she legally resides.
How Much Does A Work Permit Cost in Turkey?
Expenses for getting a work permit as of 2024 are as follows:
- Paper Cost 565.00 TL (17.55 USD)
- 1-Year Tuition Fee 7.345 TL + 565 TL = 7.910 TL (245.65 USD)
- 2-Year Tuition Fee 14.690 TL + 565 TL = 15.255 TL (473.75 USD)
- 3-Year Tuition Fee 22.035 TL + 565 TL = 22.600 TL (701.85 USD)
Does A Work Permit Replace A Residence Permit?
Yes. The purpose of a work permit and a residency permit are the same in Turkey. Therefore, after you receive your work permit, you don’t need to apply for a residence permit. You are allowed to live in Turkey without requiring a separate residence permit if you have a work permit. However, the residence permit immediately expires once the work permit does. So, it’s crucial to monitor the expiration date of your work permit and apply for a new residence permit within 60 days before it expires.
- After the work permit ends, you have up to ten days to renew your residence permit.
- Failing to apply within this period is considered a violation of residence rules and can lead to deportation.
What Are The Visa Requirements For Digital Nomads In Turkey?
To become a digital nomad in Turkey, eligible citizens from specified countries can apply for the Turkish Digital Nomad Visa.
Requirements include a valid passport, a university degree or equivalent certification, proof of employment in the digital nomad field through a contract or business agreement, a biometric photo, and evidence of a monthly income of $3,000 USD or $36,000 USD annually.
The application process involves determining eligibility, gathering required documents, choosing an application location either in Turkey or through a representative office, submitting the application online or via a third party, contacting the local Turkish consulate for assistance, and following the process for obtaining a regular e-visa if necessary.
If you want to learn more about being a digital nomad in Turkey, check out our related blog post!
How Do You Say “Work Permit” In Turkish?
Çalışma izni is the Turkish term for “work permit.” It refers to a legal authorization allowing individuals to work in Turkey, subject to certain conditions and regulations.
Vocabulary Related To Getting A Work Permit In Turkey
| English | Turkish |
|---|---|
| Immigration Office | Göç İdaresi |
| Digital Nomad Visa | Dijital Göçebe Vizesi |
| Turkish Consulate | Türk Konsolosluğu |
| Eligible citizens | Uygun vatandaşlar |
| Temporary work permit | Geçici çalışma izni |
| Application process | Başvuru süreci |
| Residence permit | Oturma izni |
| Passport | Pasaport |
Frequently Asked Questions On Getting Work Permit In Turkey
1. How long does it take to get a Turkey work permit?
The process for obtaining a work permit in Turkey typically takes between 4 to 6 weeks once all required documents are submitted correctly. This timeframe can vary depending on the workload of the Turkish Ministry of Labour and Social Security and the completeness of the application.
2. Can I convert a visitor visa to a work permit in Turkey?
No, you cannot directly convert a visitor visa to a work permit in Turkey. If you enter Turkey on a visitor visa, you will need to leave the country and apply for a work permit through a Turkish embassy or consulate in your home country or the country where you have legal residence.
3. Is it easy to get a Turkey work visa?
Getting a work visa for Turkey can be straightforward if all requirements are met. These include having a valid job offer from a Turkish employer willing to sponsor the permit, meeting job qualifications, and providing correct documentation such as a passport and employment contract. The employer must also prove that no suitable Turkish candidate is available for the job. The process involves several steps and requires cooperation from both the employee and employer, with accurate and complete documentation being crucial for a smooth application.
Final Words
After all, getting a work permit in Turkey requires fulfilling specific legal requirements and documentation. This includes securing a job with a registered Turkish company, maintaining a clean criminal record, and providing necessary academic and professional qualifications. You can apply domestically if you already reside in Turkey or through Turkish embassies abroad. If it sounds complicated, you can always hire a professional consultant who can help you with the legal process in Turkey!
