Foreigners living in Turkey or abroad must obtain a work permit to work in Turkey. A work permit is a document issued by the Ministry of Labor and Social Security. It grants residence and work permits to foreigners within its validity period.
Work permit applications to the Ministry of Labor and Social Security are made through an enterprise. There is no permit system that allows foreigners to work in any workplace they want. A foreigner cannot apply for a work permit on his own without an employer. Foreigners who have a residence permit for at least six months in Turkey must apply for a work permit in Turkey. Foreigners who do not have a valid residence permit must apply for a work permit from their home country. They must make online applications through the Turkish embassy or consulate in their countries. The application is made personally by the employer or an authorized consultancy firm. If all documents are submitted duly, the Ministry will conclude the processes positively or negatively within 30 days. The procedures and principles regarding work permits vary according to the person and the sector. If the Ministry approves the application, the work permit is approved after the state fees are paid and the work permit card is sent to the workplace address. Foreigners whose applications are approved must enter Turkey within 180 days from the issuance of the permit and register to the Address Registry System in Turkey within 20 business days after the entrance.
Applications from Abroad
During the application, the foreigner will submit the employment contract, invitation letter, and other necessary documents to the foreign representative of Turkey in his country. Upon acceptance of the application, the reference number given by the representative shall be sent to the employer in Turkey. The employer will apply for a work permit with this reference number. After the foreigner makes the application to the representation office, the employer in Turkey must apply online within 10 business days.
Applications from Turkey
Foreigners with a residence permit in Turkey make their applications through the website to the Ministry of Labor and Social Security. The employer must apply for an online work permit within the residence permit period. After the online application is completed, it will be printed out and signed by the employer official and the foreigner. The application form and other documents required for the application must be submitted to the Ministry of Labor and Social Security within 6 working days following the online application.
