Discover the essential steps, document requirements, and permit types for obtaining a work permit in Turkey. Learn how CKAY Law Firm assists foreign workers through the legal process for secure employment.
What is a Work Permit in Turkey?
Foreigners who wish to work in Turkey are required to obtain a work permit or work permit exemption before legally starting employment. This permit is issued as an official document by the Ministry of Labor and Social Security. The document grants foreigners the right to work and reside in Turkey during its validity period, essentially serving as a residence permit as well. However, work permits issued to foreign applicants for international protection, conditional refugee status, or temporary protection do not substitute for residence permits. Foreigners working without a valid work permit or exemption are subject to criminal and administrative sanctions.
What Are the Types of Limited and Unlimited Work Permits in Turkey?
A limited work permit is issued in accordance with the employment or service contract between the employer and employee and is valid for a maximum period of one year, not exceeding the contract duration. In the limited work permit category, an independent work permit is issued to foreigners without being tied to a specific employer, allowing them to work on their own account in Turkey. Various criteria, such as international workforce policy, educational background, professional experience, contribution to science and technology, and similar qualifications, may justify the issuance of an independent work permit.
An unlimited work permit, on the other hand, is issued to foreigners without employer ties, granting them the right to work and reside indefinitely in Turkey. To apply for this permit, foreigners must hold a long-term residence permit in Turkey or have had a valid work permit for at least eight years. However, meeting these conditions does not guarantee the right to an unlimited work permit. The documents for an unlimited work permit are renewed every five years, and the renewal application must be submitted within six months before the five-year term expires.
What Are The Required Documents For Applying For a Work Permit in Turkey?
- Copy of Passport,
- Certified Turkish translation of the diploma or provisional graduation certificate by A sworn translator or official authorities,
- Turkey Trade Registry Gazette showing the most recent capital and shareholder structure of the company,
- Last year’s balance sheet and profit/loss statement approved by the tax office or certified public accountant.
Required Documents For Foreigners Working in The Education Sector
- A document from the Ministry of National Education (MEB) proving the professional qualification of foreigners working in private educational institutions affiliated with MEB (Pre-Authorization Document).
- “Institution Opening and Teaching Authorization” and “License” issued by the Ministry of National Education for private educational institutions employing foreign staff.
- Work permits for foreigners in household services (education, cleaning, etc.) are limited to elderly, patient, and child care services only.
Required Documents For Foreigners Working in The Health Sector
- A pre-authorization document from the Provincial Directorate of Health proving the professional qualification of foreign healthcare personnel in private health institutions affiliated with the Ministry of Health
- An activity permit was obtained from the Provincial Directorate of Health for private healthcare institutions employing foreign staff.
Required Documents For Foreigners Working in the Tourism and Entertainment Sector
- Business and Investment Certificate issued by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism for businesses with tourism operating licenses, or a Certificate of Activity from the Chamber of Commerce if the business lacks such a license.
- Certified Turkish translation of the Bonafide Document (if the foreign national is applying as an artist, they must have an international reputation or have previously worked at the same level in other countries; the Bonafide Document should bear an apostille stamp under the Hague Convention of 1961 or be certified by the Consulate).
- Employment contract prepared in Turkish and in the foreigner’s language, with a wet-ink signature.
- Operating license from the Ministry of Culture and Tourism.
Required Documents For Foreigners Working in The Engineering and Architecture Sector
- For foreigners seeking work permits in the professional services field as engineers/architects and educated abroad, a “Diploma or Provisional Graduation Equivalency Certificate” obtained in accordance with the Regulation on Equivalency of Foreign Higher Education Diplomas, in line with Articles 3 and 7/p of Law No. 2547.
- Payroll proving the employment of Turkish nationals in the same profession for legal entities employing foreign specialists as engineers, architects, or urban planners.
How Are Work Permit Applications Evaluated and Concluded in Turkey?
Applications are evaluated based on relevant criteria and international labor policies. If an application is completed correctly and all documents and information are provided, the evaluation process is finalized within thirty days. The thirty-day period starts on the date the application is completed online or, if additional documents are requested, on the date they are uploaded to the system. During the evaluation process, the Ministry may consult relevant public institutions and professional organizations of a public nature when deemed necessary. The Ministry’s decision (positive or negative) on the work permit application is sent to the electronic mail address provided at the time of application. For applications from abroad, the results are also sent online to the relevant consulate. The outcome of the application can also be viewed in the e-Permit system.
Foreigners with work permits must fulfill social security obligations in line with the full-time employment and salary commitment made at the time of application. For applications submitted within Turkey, the foreigner is required to commence work within one month from the start date of the work permit, fulfilling all obligations under the relevant regulations. For applications submitted from abroad, the foreigner must begin working within one month from the date of entry to Turkey, and in any case, no later than six months from the start date of the work permit, fulfilling all obligations under the relevant regulations.
Conclusion
The work permit application process in Turkey is subject to complex legal regulations that foreign employees must comply with to work legally. Meeting the requirements of the Ministry of Labor and Social Security, providing complete documentation, and adhering to all details of the process are critically important for foreign workers to obtain a secure work permit. At this point, CKAY, with its experience in the field and expert legal team, provides guidance at every stage of the application, helping to ensure that the correct documents and necessary information are completed on time. This brings a significant advantage in terms of accurate and expedited handling of the processes.
