Step-by-Step Guide to Obtaining a Work Permit in Türkiye
Türkiye (Turkey) has become an attractive destination for foreign professionals, investors, and skilled workers, thanks to its strategic location, growing economy, and dynamic labor market. However, working legally in Türkiye requires obtaining a valid work permit, regulated under Law No. 6735 on the International Labor Force.
1. Determine Your Eligibility and Permit Type
Before applying, you must determine which type of work permit suits your situation. The main categories are:
In most cases, a valid job offer from a Turkish employer is required before applying. Exceptions apply for independent professionals or investors.
Employers in Türkiye must show that:
There are two main ways to apply for a work permit:
A. Application from Abroad
If you are legally residing in Türkiye (with a valid residence permit of at least 6 months, excluding student residence permits), your employer can directly apply to the MoLSS without your leaving the country.
4. Prepare Required Documents
For the Employee:
5. Submit the Application
Once the permit is issued:
Working without a valid permit may result in:
Applying for a work permit in Türkiye requires careful attention to legal requirements and documentation. Employers and foreigners alike should follow the official guidelines and timelines provided by the Turkish Ministry of Labor and Social Security.
You can work with us to manage your work permit process smoothly and successfully.
14.06.2025
Dr. Sadettin Orhan
Labor and Social Security Expert
Former Social Security Inspector
Türkiye (Turkey) has become an attractive destination for foreign professionals, investors, and skilled workers, thanks to its strategic location, growing economy, and dynamic labor market. However, working legally in Türkiye requires obtaining a valid work permit, regulated under Law No. 6735 on the International Labor Force.
1. Determine Your Eligibility and Permit Type
Before applying, you must determine which type of work permit suits your situation. The main categories are:
- Temporary Work Permit: Granted up to 1 year for initial applications.
- Permanent Work Permit: For foreigners residing legally in Türkiye for 8 years (or working for 6 consecutive years).
- Independent Work Permit: For self-employed professionals meeting certain economic and sectoral criteria.
- Turquoise Card: For highly skilled workers, scientists, artists, athletes, or investors.
- Exceptional Work Permit: For foreigners under specific statuses (e.g., company shareholders, graduates of Turkish universities).
In most cases, a valid job offer from a Turkish employer is required before applying. Exceptions apply for independent professionals or investors.
Employers in Türkiye must show that:
- The position cannot easily be filled by a Turkish citizen.
- The company meets certain criteria (e.g., employing at least 5 Turkish citizens for each foreign employee).
There are two main ways to apply for a work permit:
A. Application from Abroad
- Step 1: Get a job offer from a Turkish employer.
- Step 2: Apply for a work visa at the nearest Turkish Consulate in your home country, submitting required documents such as:
- Passport
- Employment contract
- Visa application form
- Step 3: The employer in Türkiye submits an online work permit application via the Ministry of Labor and Social Security (MoLSS) system within 10 business days after your visa application.
If you are legally residing in Türkiye (with a valid residence permit of at least 6 months, excluding student residence permits), your employer can directly apply to the MoLSS without your leaving the country.
4. Prepare Required Documents
For the Employee:
- Passport copy
- Biometric photo
- Degree or diploma (translated into Turkish)
- CV/resume
- Employment contract
- Application petition
- Trade registry gazette
- Tax certificate
- Social Security records
- Signature circular
5. Submit the Application
- The employer applies online via the MoLSS system.
- Application processing time: typically 30 days.
- Both the employer and employee must ensure that all data and documents match and are submitted on time.
- From abroad: You will receive a "Work Visa" from the consulate, enter Türkiye, and receive your work permit card from the Turkish postal service (PTT).
- From Türkiye: Your work permit card is mailed directly to your registered address.
Once the permit is issued:
- The employer must register the employee with the Turkish Social Security Institution (SGK) within 30 days.
- Social security premiums must be regularly paid by the employer.
- Initial work permits are granted for up to 1 year.
- Renewals can extend this period to 2 or 3 years.
- Applications for renewal must be made within 60 days before expiry.
Working without a valid permit may result in:
- Administrative fines for both the employer and employee
- Deportation for the foreigner
- Possible business activity restrictions for the employer
- Foreign shareholders can apply for exceptional or independent work permits.
- Investors making significant capital contributions may qualify for the Turquoise Card.
Applying for a work permit in Türkiye requires careful attention to legal requirements and documentation. Employers and foreigners alike should follow the official guidelines and timelines provided by the Turkish Ministry of Labor and Social Security.
You can work with us to manage your work permit process smoothly and successfully.
14.06.2025
Dr. Sadettin Orhan
Labor and Social Security Expert
Former Social Security Inspector
