Expats eager to obtain work permits for Turkey should be prepared for a process defined by a high degree of paperwork and precise coordination. It is not a simple task and requires a patient, methodical approach from both the applicant and their sponsoring employer.
Requesting a work permit is a dual application process, which can be a surprise to many. Both the expat employee and the sponsoring employer must submit their respective documents to the relevant authorities within 10 days of each other. The expat submits their work visa application to their nearest Turkish consulate, while the employer in Turkey simultaneously files the work permit application with the Ministry of Labour and Social Security.
A company’s application is evaluated on several criteria, including its financial standing and its ratio of Turkish to foreign employees (often a ‘5-to-1’ rule is required). While not a strict requirement, applications are strongest when the individual possesses a specific skill not readily available in the local labour market. Only a legally registered business entity in Turkey can sponsor and submit a work permit application.
For standard employment, you must have a firm job offer before this process can even begin. The only significant exception is for remote workers applying under the Digital Nomad Visa scheme, which requires proof of foreign income rather than a local job offer.
Note that the Turkish government specifically bans foreign nationals from working in several protected job categories, primarily in the legal and medical fields (such as lawyers, notaries, dentists, and pharmacists).
Visas and Residence Permits for Turkey
Types of work permits for Turkey
There are several types of work permits for Turkey, each suiting a different situation. The vast majority of expats will start with a Definite Period Work Permit (Süreli Çalışma İzni). This is the standard permit, typically granted for one year and strictly tied to a specific employer and role. If an extension is approved, it can be for up to two years, and subsequent extensions for up to three years.
After eight consecutive years of legal work and residency, you can apply for an Indefinite Period Work Permit (Süresiz Çalışma İzni), which offers far more flexibility. Turkey also offers an Independent Work Permit for professionals working on their own account, although these are rarely issued. A far more accessible option is the Digital Nomad Visa (introduced in 2024), which allows qualifying remote workers to reside in Turkey without a local sponsor. Finally, the prestigious Turquoise Card is available for highly skilled professionals, high-level investors, or individuals in science, technology, and the arts.
Applying for a work permit for Turkey
The process for applying for a work permit for Turkey is a two-part system. The work permit itself is processed within Turkey by the Ministry of Labour and Social Security, based on the employer’s application. The corresponding work visa is granted outside Turkey by a Consulate of the Turkish Republic, based on the employee’s application. Application processes can differ for specific sectors, such as education or healthcare, which may require pre-approval from their own ministries.
The employer’s application is far more than a simple letter. The company must submit a comprehensive dossier to the Ministry, which includes the application form, the employee’s signed contract, and a range of corporate documents. This typically includes the company’s most recent Trade Registry Gazette, a recent balance sheet and profit/loss statement, and proof of its current tax standing. The employee’s own submission to the consulate will include their passport and contract, as well as a translated and apostilled diploma.
Once the Ministry has all the correct documents, its official processing time is 30 days. However, expats report that the entire process from the initial consulate visit to approval can take 60 to 90 days. Applicants should therefore plan for a wait of two to three months. Once approved and you have arrived in Turkey, the work permit card (çalışma izni) you receive is dual purpose, as it also legally functions as your residence permit.
Useful links
- e-Permit System (Employer Application Portal)
- Directorate General of International Labour Force
- Turkish Consular Procedures (Visa Pre-Application)
- Official Turquoise Card Information
Please note that visa and work permit regulations are subject to change at short notice, and expats should contact their nearest Turkish consulate for the latest information.