Official Information

Turkey Work Permit

All the information you need to legally work in Turkey under Law No. 4817 on Work Permits for Foreigners.

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Permit Types

Result in Days

3 Years

For Indefinite Permit

170

ALO Work Hotline

What Is a Work Permit?

A work permit is the official authorization document issued by the Ministry of Labour and Social Security that allows foreign nationals to work for an employer or independently in Turkey. A valid work permit also serves as a residence permit. Foreigners wishing to work in Turkey must obtain this permit before starting employment.

Work Permit Types

Review the types of work permits under Law No. 4817.

Dependent Work Permit

Employer applies

This is the most common permit type for foreigners who will work under an employer. The application is made by the employer via e-Government or the e-Work Permit system.

Permit durations:

Up to 1 year for the initial application
Up to 2 years for the first renewal
Up to 3 years for subsequent renewals
Valid for the same employer or sector

Independent Work Permit

Self-employed professionals

This permit type is granted to foreigners who will work on their own behalf and account. Professional competence and contribution to Turkey are required.

Application requirements:

Minimum 5 years of residence permit requirement
Professional competence certificate
Economic contribution assessment
Ministry has discretionary authority

Indefinite Work Permit

Long-term residence holders

This indefinite permit is granted to foreigners who have legally resided in Turkey for at least 8 consecutive years or held a work permit for a total of 6 years.

Granted rights:

Indefinite right to work
No employer or sector restrictions
Serves as a long-term residence permit
Full access to social security benefits

Exceptional Work Permit

Special statuses

This work permit is granted to foreigners with certain statuses (those married to Turkish citizens, refugees, investors, etc.) without the standard requirements.

Who can benefit?

Foreigners married to Turkish citizens
Refugees and subsidiary protection holders
Foreigners making major investments
International organization employees

Turquoise Card

Highly qualified foreigners

This is a special status equivalent to an indefinite work permit, granted to highly qualified foreigners based on education, skills, professional experience, and economic contribution criteria.

Application criteria:

International academic publications/patent holder
High income level (3x+ minimum wage)
Investment or export contribution
Permanent status after 3-year transition period

Short-Term Work

Projects and temporary assignments

This is a fixed-term permit type granted to foreigners who will work in Turkey for a specific project, training, or temporary assignment.

Typical use cases:

Assembly and technical service assignments
Training and consulting projects
International company transfers
Seasonal agricultural workers

Application Process

How to apply step by step through the e-Work Permit system?

Employer Application

The employer logs in with their e-Government password at ecalismaizni.csgb.gov.tr and creates the application.

Document Upload

Required documents are uploaded through the system. Additional time may be granted by the administration for missing documents.

Ministry Evaluation

The Ministry of Labour and Social Security finalizes the application within a maximum of 30 days.

Permit Card Delivery

The approved work permit card is sent by mail to the workplace address. The card also serves as a residence permit.

General Application Documents

Documents generally required for applications submitted by the employer:

Passport Copy

All pages of the foreigner's valid passport

Biometric Photograph

Taken within the last 6 months, compliant with biometric standards

Employment Contract or Offer Letter

Signed by both the employer and the foreigner

Diploma or Professional Competence Certificate

With apostille and notarized Turkish translation

Workplace Tax Registration and Signature Circular

Current documents belonging to the employer

SGK Workplace Registration Certificate

Employer's social security registration

Trade Registry Gazette

Company's establishment and latest status announcements

Quota Rule

The number of foreign employees in a workplace cannot exceed 20% of the total workforce. For the first foreign employee, a minimum of 5 Turkish citizens must be employed.

Renewal Application

A renewal application can be submitted no later than 60 days and no earlier than 2 months before the work permit expires. Working with an expired permit results in administrative fines.

Work Permit = Residence Permit

If you hold a valid work permit, you do not need to obtain a separate residence permit. The work permit card serves as a residence permit.

Frequently Asked Questions

The most commonly asked topics during the work permit process

Who submits the work permit application?

For domestic applications, the employer logs into the e-Work Permit system with their e-Government password and creates the application. For overseas applications, the foreigner first obtains a visa from the Turkish consulate, and then the employer submits the application through the system.

How long does it take to receive a work permit?

The Ministry is required to finalize complete applications within a maximum of 30 days. Additional time may be granted for missing documents. In practice, the average processing time is 15-20 business days.

What is the penalty for working without a permit?

Administrative fines are imposed on both the foreigner working without a permit and the employer who employs them. A deportation order may also be issued for the foreigner. Fine amounts are updated annually.

What should be done when changing employers?

The current work permit is tied to a specific employer. When changing employers, a new work permit application must be submitted by the new employer. The previous permit is not valid at the new workplace.

Which professions are exempt from work permits?

Diplomats, international organization personnel, certain educational institution teachers, and some individuals with special statuses may be exempt from work permits. The scope of exemption is determined by the Ministry.

How can I obtain a Turquoise Card?

Foreigners with international academic work, high income levels, investment or export contributions can apply for the Turquoise Card. The first 3 years are considered a transition period; permanent status is obtained after this period.

Would You Like Professional Support?

Our expert team is by your side every step of the way during your work permit process. Book an appointment to ensure your application is completed accurately and completely.

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Kaynak: T.C. Çalışma ve Sosyal Güvenlik Bakanlığı (csgb.gov.tr) | ecalismaizni.csgb.gov.tr