Securing a work permit in Turkey is a crucial step for those seeking employment opportunities in this vibrant and culturally rich country. Navigating the process requires careful consideration of the necessary documentation and regulations.
Is it hard to get a work permit in Turkey?
Obtaining a work permit in Turkey is essential for foreign nationals seeking employment in the country's diverse job market. Without a valid work permit visa, individuals cannot legally work in Turkey, where job opportunities span industries such as tourism, agriculture, cosmetic treatment, defense, and manufacturing. The process involves applying for a work visa, which can be extended for two years, accompanied by obtaining a work permit. Different visa categories cater to specific job roles, and the application process includes submitting various documents, such as a job offer, passport, diploma, and proof of means of subsistence. Employers play a crucial role by submitting required documents on behalf of employees for work permit issuance. The application process includes submitting documents to the Ministry of Family, Labor, and Social Services and ensuring timely communication between the employee and employer throughout the process.
Can you use resident permit to work in Turkey?
No, a residence permit alone does not grant the right to work in Turkey. For employment, foreign nationals must obtain a separate work permit and work visa. The work permit is typically obtained through the employer, who submits the necessary documents to the Turkish Ministry of Labor and Social Security. It's important to follow the specific procedures for obtaining both a work permit and visa to legally work in Turkey.
Turkey work permit visa: requirements and documents
To apply for a Turkey work visa, employees must provide various documents during the interview, including:
1. A completed application form.
2. A passport with a validity of at least six months upon arrival.
3. Two recent passport-sized photos.
4. Valid police clearance certifying no criminal involvement.
5. Official job offer or contract detailing job specifics.
6. Copy of diploma or provisional graduation certificate.
7. Sworn translation of the graduation or diploma certificate.
8. Comprehensive medical insurance for the entire stay.
9. Proof of accommodation in Turkey, either a rent agreement or property proof.
10. Evidence of means of subsistence, indicating a minimum daily spend of €50.
11. Proof of roundtrip airplane tickets for embassy presentation on the interview day.
For a Turkey work permit, the employer must submit the following on behalf of the employee:
1. Completed work permit application letter.
2. Foreign personnel application form.
3. Trade Registry Gazette of Turkey containing organizational details.
4. Balance sheet and profit/loss statement certified by the tax office or a relevantly certified public accountant.
5. Notarized power of attorney for the authorized person filing the online application.
1. A completed application form.
2. A passport with a validity of at least six months upon arrival.
3. Two recent passport-sized photos.
4. Valid police clearance certifying no criminal involvement.
5. Official job offer or contract detailing job specifics.
6. Copy of diploma or provisional graduation certificate.
7. Sworn translation of the graduation or diploma certificate.
8. Comprehensive medical insurance for the entire stay.
9. Proof of accommodation in Turkey, either a rent agreement or property proof.
10. Evidence of means of subsistence, indicating a minimum daily spend of €50.
11. Proof of roundtrip airplane tickets for embassy presentation on the interview day.
For a Turkey work permit, the employer must submit the following on behalf of the employee:
1. Completed work permit application letter.
2. Foreign personnel application form.
3. Trade Registry Gazette of Turkey containing organizational details.
4. Balance sheet and profit/loss statement certified by the tax office or a relevantly certified public accountant.
5. Notarized power of attorney for the authorized person filing the online application.
Student work permit in Turkey: nuances
Undergraduates become eligible for a work permit only upon completing their initial university year, exclusively for part-time roles, and restricted to positions beyond the university campus. Conversely, graduate students can secure a work permit starting in their first year, applicable for both full-time and part-time employment, with the condition that the jobs are external to the university/campus environment.
Work permit in Turkey for business owner
For company owners, the work permit, termed "investor residence," offers various advantages, including free medical treatment in state hospitals, eligibility for a pension at the age of sixty, and the prospect of obtaining citizenship after five years of residence. Children can benefit from free education, and there are additional privileges bestowed upon work permit holders by the Turkish government.
Company owners are granted flexibility, with no obligation to employ five Turks within the first year of their company's establishment. This expedited permission allows immediate work in Turkey after opening a company. Moreover, family members can easily be included in the residence permit, enjoying the same advantages.
Obtaining a work permit in Turkey can be achieved through two methods. The first involves establishing a company in Turkey, making the applicant eligible for residence or work permits as a company manager or owner. This approach, while offering significant advantages, necessitates compliance with company establishment requirements, such as capital valuation.
The second method involves obtaining a work permit as an employee within a Turkish company. In this case, the company is responsible for submitting the work permit application on behalf of the foreign employee. Requirements include a minimum company capital, a specific ratio of Turkish employees to foreign employees, and compliance with tax and social insurance obligations.
Ultimately, the process entails collaboration with a chartered accountant to ensure adherence to legal and financial prerequisites. Once the necessary conditions are met, the company owner can apply for a work permit for foreign workers, and the results are typically revealed within 30-45 days, leading to the issuance of a residence permit, commonly referred to as a "work permit."
Company owners are granted flexibility, with no obligation to employ five Turks within the first year of their company's establishment. This expedited permission allows immediate work in Turkey after opening a company. Moreover, family members can easily be included in the residence permit, enjoying the same advantages.
Obtaining a work permit in Turkey can be achieved through two methods. The first involves establishing a company in Turkey, making the applicant eligible for residence or work permits as a company manager or owner. This approach, while offering significant advantages, necessitates compliance with company establishment requirements, such as capital valuation.
The second method involves obtaining a work permit as an employee within a Turkish company. In this case, the company is responsible for submitting the work permit application on behalf of the foreign employee. Requirements include a minimum company capital, a specific ratio of Turkish employees to foreign employees, and compliance with tax and social insurance obligations.
Ultimately, the process entails collaboration with a chartered accountant to ensure adherence to legal and financial prerequisites. Once the necessary conditions are met, the company owner can apply for a work permit for foreign workers, and the results are typically revealed within 30-45 days, leading to the issuance of a residence permit, commonly referred to as a "work permit."
Self-employed work permit in Turkey
Typically, securing a work permit or visa in Turkey involves sponsorship by a local company. However, if you aspire to be self-employed or operate as a digital nomad, obtaining an independent work permit is feasible but comes with specific criteria and limitations.
An independent work permit, with a finite validity period, hinges on factors such as your education, professional experience, contributions to science and technology, and the impact on the national economy. If you are a shareholder in a foreign company, the capital you invest in Turkey also plays a role.
To apply for an independent work permit, you must have legally resided in Turkey for at least 5 uninterrupted years, positively impacting local employment and contributing to economic development. The opinions of relevant authorities regarding the "added value" of your work are considered during evaluation.
Foreigners with a valid residence permit of at least 6 months, excluding educational permits, can apply directly to the Ministry of Labor and Social Security. Unfortunately, periods spent as a student in Turkey are not counted toward the 5-year residency requirement. However, if your family has resided and received education in Turkey during this period, their time as students will be considered.
Upon submission of necessary documents, the ministry will evaluate your application, providing a response within a month. If approved, you'll receive an "Independent Work Permit Application Document" valid for three months. During this period, you must establish your workplace and submit trade registry records to receive the independent work permit.
In case of rejection, authorities will be informed to assess residency status and prevent unauthorized stays in the country.
An independent work permit, with a finite validity period, hinges on factors such as your education, professional experience, contributions to science and technology, and the impact on the national economy. If you are a shareholder in a foreign company, the capital you invest in Turkey also plays a role.
To apply for an independent work permit, you must have legally resided in Turkey for at least 5 uninterrupted years, positively impacting local employment and contributing to economic development. The opinions of relevant authorities regarding the "added value" of your work are considered during evaluation.
Foreigners with a valid residence permit of at least 6 months, excluding educational permits, can apply directly to the Ministry of Labor and Social Security. Unfortunately, periods spent as a student in Turkey are not counted toward the 5-year residency requirement. However, if your family has resided and received education in Turkey during this period, their time as students will be considered.
Upon submission of necessary documents, the ministry will evaluate your application, providing a response within a month. If approved, you'll receive an "Independent Work Permit Application Document" valid for three months. During this period, you must establish your workplace and submit trade registry records to receive the independent work permit.
In case of rejection, authorities will be informed to assess residency status and prevent unauthorized stays in the country.
Work permit of Turkey for Russians
The evaluation criteria for work permits are outlined in the International Labor Code (Law No. 6735) and its implementing Regulation. Employers must fulfill specific requirements set by the Ministry to obtain a work permit. One such requirement is the obligation for employers to hire at least five Turkish nationals for each foreign national they intend to employ. Additionally, the employer's financial standing is considered, with a minimum paid-up capital of TRY 100,000, gross sales of at least TRY 800,000, or exports totaling at least USD 250,000 in the previous year.
While these criteria may seem stringent, the Ministry does grant exceptions in certain cases. Although employers are generally expected to meet the specified criteria, exceptions can be made based on various factors.
The application process for work permits is categorized into two types: applications from abroad and domestic applications. Foreign nationals not legally residing in Turkey must initiate their application process from abroad, starting with a work visa application. This application must be submitted within 30 days of receiving the reference code generated during the visa application, although the actual timeframe in practice may be shorter.
While these criteria may seem stringent, the Ministry does grant exceptions in certain cases. Although employers are generally expected to meet the specified criteria, exceptions can be made based on various factors.
The application process for work permits is categorized into two types: applications from abroad and domestic applications. Foreign nationals not legally residing in Turkey must initiate their application process from abroad, starting with a work visa application. This application must be submitted within 30 days of receiving the reference code generated during the visa application, although the actual timeframe in practice may be shorter.
How long does it take to receive a reference number Turkey work permit?
The issuance of a reference number for a Turkey work permit typically takes 2-3 days. You can expect to receive an email containing the reference number within this timeframe.
Work permit in Turkey: cost
Temporary Work Permit Certificate for a duration of up to one year costs 140 units. For a Work Permit Certificate valid for up to two years, the fee is 280 units. A Work Permit Certificate with a validity of up to three years is priced at 420 units. For a Permanent Work Permit Certificate or an Independent Work Permit Certificate, the fee is 1401 units each. Additionally, a Valuable Paper Fee of 16 units is applicable for each certificate issued.
Work permit in Turkey: renewal process
After the initial one-year period, the work permit may be extended for up to two years if the foreign national continues working in the same workplace and position. Following a total working period of three years (1+2), the work permit can be further extended for a maximum of three years, allowing the foreign national to work in the same role but with any employer. Individuals who have legally resided in Turkey for at least eight consecutive years or those with a cumulative six years of employment under a work permit are eligible to apply for indefinite work permits.
Applications for term extensions should be submitted a maximum of two months before the permit's expiration. In some cases, applications filed within fifteen days after the permit's expiration may still be processed. However, applications submitted beyond this timeframe are subject to the same procedures as those applying for the first time.
Applications for term extensions should be submitted a maximum of two months before the permit's expiration. In some cases, applications filed within fifteen days after the permit's expiration may still be processed. However, applications submitted beyond this timeframe are subject to the same procedures as those applying for the first time.
