Turkey has emerged as a dynamic destination for international professionals seeking career growth, cross-cultural experience, and an exciting work-life balance. With its strategic location bridging Europe and Asia, a rapidly developing economy, and vibrant metropolitan centers like Istanbul, Ankara, and Izmir, Turkey offers more than just job opportunities; it offers a unique gateway to both professional and personal enrichment.
The Turkish Work Permit program is tailored for skilled foreigners who wish to contribute to Turkey’s growing industries, from finance and tech to tourism, education, and healthcare. Whether you’re planning to build a long-term career, gain international experience, or explore life in a culturally rich environment, working in Turkey is a step toward global mobility. A valid work permit not only grants you legal employment status but also is a residence permit, allowing you to enjoy the full spectrum of benefits of living and working in Turkey.
In this ultimate guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about obtaining a Work Permit and Residence Permit in Turkey in 2025. From eligibility and application steps to required documents, timelines, and practical tips, this guide is designed to help you navigate the process smoothly.
What Is a Work Permit in Turkey?
A work permit in Turkey is an official authorization granted by the Turkish government that allows foreign nationals to legally work within the country. It is issued by the Ministry of Labor and Social Security (Çalışma ve Sosyal Güvenlik Bakanlığı) and is mandatory for foreigners who wish to be employed, run a business, or provide services in Turkey.
An approved work permit grants the foreign national the legal right to work and automatically serves as a residence permit, allowing the holder to legally reside in Turkey for the duration of the work permit. This is explicitly regulated under Article 27 of Law No. 6458 on Foreigners and International Protection, which states that a “Work Permit Document” is considered equivalent to a residence permit as long as it remains valid. However, it is important to note that this equivalence does not apply to work permits issued to foreigners under Temporary Protection or International Protection application status.
Typically, work permits are granted for 1 year initially and may be extended to 2 years, 3 years, and eventually to indefinite duration depending on eligibility and employment continuity. However, under Article 7 of Law No. 6735, applications for the extension of a work permit must be submitted starting 60 days before the expiration date, and no later than the expiration itself. Once the permit has expired, no renewal can be made, and a new application must be submitted via the Turkish consulate in the foreigner’s home country or country of permanent residence.
Furthermore, standard work permits are employer-specific, meaning they are linked to a particular employer and job position. Therefore, if the foreign national wishes to change employers, a new work permit application must be submitted, either with the current employer’s consent or by waiting for the existing permit to expire and applying from abroad as required.
Who Can Apply for a Work Permit?
In Turkey, work permit applications must be made by the employer. Foreign nationals cannot submit a work permit application on their own unless they are shareholders or directors of a company.
A foreigner can work in Turkey either as a skilled or unskilled employee in a Turkish company or as a caregiver (such as in childcare or elderly care) for Turkish citizens. In all cases, the legal employer is the one who initiates the application process.
Where Can the Application Be Made?
Work permit applications can be made whether the foreigner is in Turkey or in their home country.
If the foreigner already holds a valid residence permit in Turkey with more than 6 months duration, the employer can apply for the work permit directly without the need for the foreigner to leave Turkey. However, if the foreigner does not have a valid residence permit, they must first return to their home country and apply for a reference number at the Turkish Embassy to begin the process.
Step-by-Step Guide of Work Permit Application
The first step is for the foreign national to apply to the Turkish consulate intheir home country in order to obtain a work permit reference number. Certain documents are required at this stage, which must be submitted during an appointment at the relevant Turkish embassy or consulate.
Once the reference number is issued, we proceed to submit the online work permit application to the Ministry of Labor and Social Security on behalf of the employer. Please note that we must be officially authorized by the employer to carry out this step.
After submission, the Ministry evaluates the application. If it is approved, the result is communicated via email and SMS. We then inform both the employer and the employee, and the work permit tax payment must be completed before proceeding further.
Following the tax payment, the foreign national must visit the Turkish consulate again to obtain the work permit sticker visa, which will be affixed to their passport. With this visa, the applicant can enter Turkey and later collect their official work permit card from the employer’s registered address.
Address Registration and Closed Neighborhood Restrictions
Foreign nationals entering Turkey with a valid work permit are not subject to closed neighborhood (kapalı mahalle) restrictions when it comes to registering their address. This exemption also applies to their family members arriving under dependent or family residence permits. In other words, foreign workers and their families can reside and register their address in any neighborhood, including those that are otherwise restricted for other categories of foreign residents.
However, upon arrival in Turkey, the foreign national must register their address within 20 days at the relevant Population Directorate (Nüfus Müdürlüğü). The address registration procedure for individuals arriving from abroad with a work permit follows the same process as for other foreign nationals holding valid residence status.
Failure to register the address within the legal timeframe may lead to administrative penalties or complications with residence status, so timely registration is strongly advised.
Changing Employers in Turkey on a Work Permit
Foreign nationals working in Turkey under a valid work permit have the right to change employers, but this process must be carried out in accordance with Turkish labor and immigration laws. There are two legal options available when a foreigner wants to change their employer:
1. Employer Consent (With Mutual Agreement)
If the employee and the current employer agree, the employer can provide a written consent (muvafakatname) stating that they allow the foreign national to leave the job and work elsewhere. This consent is submitted with a new work permit application by the new employer. This route is faster and more straightforward, as the foreigner remains legally employed and the transition between employers is smoother.
2. Without Employer Consent (No Mutual Agreement)
If the current employer refuses to provide consent, the foreign national must resign and wait until the work permit expires. According to Turkish regulations, the foreigner then has 10 days after the work permit expiration to apply for a short-term residence permit (kısa dönem ikamet izni), which is valid for up to 6 months. During this time, they can legally remain in Turkey and search for a new employer. Once a new employer is found, a new work permit application can be submitted.
It is crucial to apply for the short-term residence permit within 10 days after the work permit ends; otherwise, the foreigner may become undocumented and face legal penalties, including fines or entry bans. The short-term permit essentially provides a legal bridge between jobs for foreigners who want to remain in Turkey and continue working under new employment.
Employer and Company Criteria for Work Permit Applications in Turkey
According to the Ministry of Labor and Social Security, To obtain a work permit for a foreign national, Turkish employers must meet certain minimum requirements. These evaluation criteria ensure that the employment of foreigners aligns with national labor market needs.
General Company Criteria
- At least 5 Turkish employees must be employed at the workplace where the foreigner will work.
- The company must have a minimum paid-in capital of 500,000 TL.
- If the foreign national is applying as a partner of the company, their individual share must be at least 500,000 TL.
Exceptions to General Criteria
- If the company’s net annual sales exceed 50 million TL, the requirement to employ 5 Turkish citizens is waived (up to 5 foreign employees).
- If the company’s net annual sales exceed 8 million TL or if the company has exported at least USD 150,000, the 500,000 TL capital requirement is waived.
- If the foreign national has legally resided in Turkey for at least 3 years (with residence or work permit, excluding student residence), the 5 Turkish employee and 500,000 TL capital requirements do not apply — up to 3 foreign employees.
However, the number of foreign employees cannot exceed the number of Turkish employees in the company under this exception.
Minimum Salary Thresholds for Foreign Employees
The employer must offer salaries according to the foreigner’s professional qualification, not less than the following multiples of the minimum wage:
- 5x minimum wage → Executives, pilots
- 4x minimum wage → Engineers, architects
- 3x minimum wage → Other managerial positions
- 2x minimum wage → Specialized or skilled labor
- 1x minimum wage → Household workers, unskilled labor
Sector-Based Exceptions
Special provisions apply to certain industries, such as:
- IT and technology
- Education
- Healthcare
- Tourism
- Household services (domestic workers)
- Public-private partnership projects (PPP)
- Research and development (R&D)
- Civil aviation
- Foreign students (part-time work options under certain conditions)
Detailed information on sector-specific exceptions can be found on the official website:
https://www.calismaizni.gov.tr/calisma-izni-hakkinda/calisma-izni-degerlendirme-kriterleri/
Specific Requirements for Foreign Shareholders (Company Partners)
- Must own at least 20% of company shares, and
- Their personal capital contribution must be minimum 500,000 TL.
Work permits issued to shareholder-partners are often granted with a six-month condition, during which the 5 Turkish employee rule does not apply. However, from the 7th month onward, the company must fulfill the Turkish employment criteria.
If the foreign capital invested exceeds USD 100,000, the 20% shareholding and Turkish employee conditions may be waived.
Additional Exemptions (No Employment/Capital Requirements)
Foreigners in the following categories are exempt from company and employment-based restrictions:
- Parents, spouses, or children of Turkish citizens
- Holders of long-term residence permits
- Foreigners married to Turkish citizens for at least 3 years
- Turkish descendants (Türk soylular)
- TRNC (Northern Cyprus) citizens
- Holders of humanitarian residence permits
Fees and Costs Breakdown
The full cost of the work permit application includes multiple components. Our service fee is $600 in total — $300 is paid in advance, and the remaining $300 is paid only if the application is successful.
If the payment is made through our corporate bank account, a 20% VAT will be added to the total fee.
In addition to our service fee, applicants should expect:
- Embassy reference number fee: $100–$300 (varies by embassy)
- Work permit tax after approval: Approximately $250
- Social security payments: Varies depending on the foreigner’s salary
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Can a foreigner apply for a work permit by themselves in Turkey?
No. Work permit applications must be submitted by a Turkish employer. Foreigners can’t apply on their own unless they are shareholders or company directors.
2.What if I don’t have a residence permit in Turkey?
You must return to your home country and apply for a work permit through the Turkish Embassy by obtaining a reference number.
3. How long is a Turkish work permit valid?
The initial permit is typically granted for 1 year. It can be extended to 2, 3, or even indefinite periods depending on eligibility.
4. Is the work permit also a residence permit?
Yes. Once your work permit is approved, it automatically acts as a residence permit valid for the duration of employment.
5. Can I change jobs in Turkey while holding a work permit?
Yes, but you must apply for a new work permit. Either your old employer provides consent (muvafakat), or you wait until your current permit expires and apply for a short-term residence permit to bridge the gap.
6. What happens if my work permit application is rejected?
You will not be allowed to work legally in Turkey. You may reapply with updated documentation or consult your legal advisor for alternative options.
7. Do I need to know Turkish to get a work permit?
Not necessarily, but some employers may require Turkish proficiency depending on the job type, especially in customer-facing roles.
8. Can my family come with me if I get a work permit?
Yes, once you have a valid residence/work permit, your spouse and children can apply for family residence permits.
9.What are the social security obligations for foreign employees?
All foreign employees must be registered with the Turkish Social Security Institution (SGK), and premiums are paid based on their salary.
10. Can you apply for a work permit for me directly?
We cannot apply directly for a foreign employee. The applicant must first secure an employment offer from a Turkish employer. Once an employer is confirmed, we provide full assistance with the work permit application process for both the employer and the foreign national.