Application for a work permit in Türkiye

The application for a work visa to Türkiye must be submitted by the foreign worker, and the work permit application process must be completed by the employer in Türkiye. A work permit in Türkiye is equivalent to a residence permit.

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A work permit is usually issued for a fixed period of one year. It can be extended or reduced depending on the validity period of the residence permit (if already in place), current market conditions and employment opportunities in the industrial sector, as well as the employer's requirements.

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After one year of work, the permit can be extended to three years, provided that it is for the same job with the same employer. It can then be extended for another three years and is valid for work with any employer, provided the profession remains the same.

Spouses and children of a foreigner who is legally working in Türkiye are entitled to a fixed-term work permit, provided that they have lived together continuously for at least five years.

How to apply for a work permit in Türkiye?

Within ten days of obtaining the visa at the Turkish embassy or consulate in the country of residence, your employer in Türkiye must complete an online application on the Turkish Ministry of Labor and Social Security (MLSS) website.

After filling out the application, the employer must send the necessary documents to the embassy by mail or in person. This must be completed within ten days of the interview and no more than six working days after completing the online application.

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What documents are required to obtain a work permit in Türkiye?

The employer in Türkiye must submit the following documents:

• Application letter for a work permit;
• Application form for foreign personnel;
• Turkish Trade Register Bulletin detailing the company's current shareholding and capital structure;
• Balance sheet and profit/loss report for the last year, certified by the tax inspectorate or certified accountant;
• Notarized power of attorney of a person authorized to submit an online application as a user on behalf of a legal entity or organization for the employment of a foreigner.

After submitting these documents, you and the employer just have to wait for your application to be processed.

If you have been legally working in Türkiye for at least five years or have legally resided in Türkiye for at least eight years without a break, you are eligible to apply for an unlimited work permit. This type of work permit allows you to work for any employer you want and move from one employer to another without having to obtain a new work permit.

An indefinite work permit gives foreigners the same rights and status as Turkish citizens, with the exception of:

- Rights to vote and hold public office;

- Rights to work as a civil servant;

- Obligation to serve in the army;

- Other restrictions provided by various laws and regulations, for example, restrictions in connection with the acquisition of real estate in certain areas.

This type of work permit is intended for entrepreneurs who intend to establish a company in Türkiye. This allows you to work for six months to create your company. Once your company is established, the work permit will be extended indefinitely. To be eligible, you must first have lived in Türkiye for at least five years without interruption. There is no set "process" for this type of work permit, and it will require the submission of a business plan, among other documents, to the Ministry of Labor and Social Security.

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How long does it take to process an application for a visa and work permit to Türkiye?

After your employer submits the necessary documents for a work permit in Türkiye, the Ministry needs a maximum of thirty days to make a decision.

The Ministry forwards the positive or negative decision on the work permit application to the relevant consulate of the Republic of Türkiye (via the Ministry of Foreign Affairs).

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After receiving a Turkish work visa

Once your application is approved, you have a maximum of one hundred and eighty days to enter Türkiye. As soon as you arrive in Türkiye, you must register with the address registry system in Türkiye within one month of your arrival.

The Turquoise Card program in Türkiye appeals to highly skilled foreign workers who wish to move to the country. Applicants who demonstrate that they can make a significant contribution to the Turkish economy or have expertise in the fields of technology or science can apply for a Turquoise Card.

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What is a turquoise map of Türkiye?

Similar to the Green Card in the US, the Turquoise Card refers to the "permanent right to work" in Türkiye. The Turquoise Card grants the holder a simplified work and residence permit, as well as a residence permit for his family.

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What are the criteria for applying for a turquoise card?

Applicants must meet one or more of the following criteria:

• Highly qualified foreigners whose educational level, professional knowledge and experience can be useful for the country;

• Highly qualified investors, who have high investment or export potential and can provide the country with jobs to a large extent;

• Scientists or researchers who contribute to the development of science and engineering development, as well as conduct research in the fields of industry and technology;

• Foreigners who have achieved international success in cultural, artistic and sports activities;

• Foreigners who contribute to the international recognition and popularization of Türkiye and Turkish culture.

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The Turquoise Card allows people to obtain work and residence permits in Türkiye without losing their citizenship in their home country. The Turquoise Card is a good option for foreigners who buy a property worth at least US$400,000 with citizenship criteria under the Türkiye Investment Program but do not wish to obtain citizenship or whose country does not allow dual citizenship.

How to apply for a turquoise card?

The application can be submitted directly in Türkiye or abroad through the legal offices of Türkiye. If the applicant is already in Türkiye, he/she can apply directly in the online application system using his/her foreign identification number. If the applicant is abroad, the application will be submitted through the legal offices of Türkiye in the country of residence, and all documents will be transferred to the Ministry of Türkiye in electronic form.

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What documents are required to issue a turquoise card?

• Application form;

• Passport;

• Certificate of compliance obtained from the relevant state institution to confirm compliance;

Depending on the application criteria, the following documents should also be submitted;

• Foreign diploma, employment contract, resume or letter of appointment, work experience and an internationally recognized document confirming knowledge of languages ​​other than your mother tongue, etc.

• Investors must provide documents on investment volume, employment level, export volume, financial capacity, cash balance, employment level, export credit, financial solvency, business region, sector, and other business-related documents.

• Scholars and researchers must provide diplomas, documents relating to academic careers and titles, training or licensure, and information about any trademark or proprietary material.

• Candidates in the field of culture, art or sports need to prove their success at the national or international level.

• Foreigners who have contributed to the recognition or popularization of Türkiye or its culture: documents relating to the activities at the international level, information on promotional activities, ideas and works of art, duration, sustainability, continuity and area of ​​influence, etc.

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How is an application for a Turquoise card evaluated?

Applications for the Turquoise Card are evaluated according to a point-based system established in accordance with the criteria defined by the Directorate General of International Labor. Candidates must obtain a sufficient number of points within the defined evaluation system. Officials reviewing the application may also obtain references from faculty, institutions, and organizations relevant to the field or area of ​​expertise based on the applicant's professional skills.

The evaluation system is based on:

• Levels of education;

• Prestige of the higher educational institution;

• Amount of salary;

• Experience of the institution;

• Levels of knowledge or professional experience.

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If a foreigner applies as a qualified investor, the following is also assessed:

• The level of export activity or employment;

• Investment level;

• Character of the region and business;

• Movable or immovable property in Türkiye;

• Similar criteria demonstrating their intellectual or industrial property rights and qualifications.

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If the applicant is applying as a scientist or researcher, the assessment is based on:

1. Academic rank;
2. Participation in national or international institutions in the field of science and technology;
3. Participation in national or international organizations with registered trademarks, patents, or licenses;
4. Innovative activities.

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The calculation of points in sports applications is based on the national or international achievements of the club of which the applicant is a member and the status of the foreign athlete. Entrepreneurs must confirm recognition of their work and national or international awards.

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What is the validity period of the turquoise card?

The first three years of Turquoise card ownership are called a "transition period", during which an appointed specialist will monitor the cardholder's activities and obligations at home and abroad. The appointed specialist will also prepare reports every twelve months according to the established criteria defined by the Directorate General.

If the designated specialist requires any additional information or documents, the cardholder must provide them within 15 days of receiving the request. If there are discrepancies in the reports, the cardholder has three months to correct them. Failure to do so will result in the card being canceled.

Requests for cancellation of the transition period are submitted within the last 180 days of the three years. Once approved before the end of the three-year transition period, the turquoise card becomes permanent. If the application is not submitted within this period, the Turquoise Card becomes invalid.

For more information on obtaining the Turquoise card, please visit the site.

A refugee can apply for a work permit six months after the date of submission of the application for national protection. The identity card of a refugee or a person with secondary protection replaces a work permit and this is noted on the identity card. There is no need to submit another application for a Turkish work permit to the Ministry of Labor of the Republic of Türkiye.

The identity card must be valid for at least 30 days after submitting the documents. Foreigners who meet these requirements and enjoy international protection must sign an employment contract with their employer. The employer registers an account at https://www.turkiye.gov.tr/ and enters information about the foreigner under international protection and uploads the necessary documents. If the permit is confirmed as a result of an online or written application, a work permit fee is charged.

After making the payment to the relevant account number, the applicant can start working for the employer in Türkiye. The social protection body is notified by the employer about the employee's insurance entry. Monthly premium payments are made on the basis of charges declared to the Ministry of Labor and Social Protection of the Population. The wages of employees cannot be lower than the legal Turkish minimum wage index.