Erdal Nuhbasa – Law and Consulting Firm – Legal Services
Erdal Nuhbasa – Law and Consulting Firm – Legal Services
Amnesty for illegal foreigners wishing to work in domestic services has some rules. As of March 2025, the amnesty application process has been started by the Ministry of Interior, allowing foreigners who cannot schedule an appointment through the e-residence system to apply manually with a written petition. Amnesty for residence permit in Turkey still continues in 2026 and requirements have become more flexible.
Amnesty for Foreigners are possible after getting 6-month residence permit is issued, and then a transition to legal status will be ensured by obtaining a work permit. So, what are the conditions for illegal foreigners to obtain a work permit by taking advantage of this amnesty?
Here are the details for Amnesty for Foreigners in Turkey (2026)
Foreigners living in Turkey illegally have the opportunity to be legal by getting work permit if they meet certain conditions. This amnesty process is only valid for illegal foreigners who want to work in domestic services. For other type of work you can’t apply to amnesty.
Below are the main requirements that illegal foreigners must meet in order to benefit from this amnesty and obtain a work permit. You must fulfill these conditions to be able to apply amnesty.
In order for an illegal foreigner to benefit from this amnesty, you must have entered Turkey legally. If you entered illegally you will not be able to benefit from this opportunity. Entry into Turkey with a passport or legal visa is a must for application.
The passport of the foreigner who will apply for a residence permit and work permit must be valid for at least 8 months. Foreigners with a passport expiry of less than 8 months should renew their passport before applying
The applicant must have a clean criminal record. Foreigner must not have been convicted of any criminal offense and must not have any restraining order (entry ban, deportation order, etc.). The Migration Management Authority checks the applicants’ criminal records.
You also must not have been taken to a deportation center or entered the country under a conditional status.
In order to obtain a work permit, the foreigner to be employed in domestic services must obtain a letter of undertaking from the employer. This letter of undertaking is an official document in which the employer declares that he/she will employ the foreign employee for a certain period of time and will act in accordance with the working conditions. The employer must provide this letter of undertaking in order to complete the application process.
The employer will be required to show proof of income, such as earning at least four times the minimum wage.
The foreigner must be employed in domestic services—such as childcare, elderly care, or patient care—or must be applying to work in this specific field.
IMPORTANT: Amnesty eligibility requirements have become more flexible, and foreigners who become illegal recently may also be eligible to apply.
As of March 2025, the Ministry of Interior has introduced a new regulation requiring a notarized commitment document (taahhütname) for workers employed in domestic services. The Directorate of Migration Management has enabled manual applications for foreigners who are unable to book an appointment through the e-residence system. However, submitting a notarized declaration of commitment (undetaking letter) is a mandatory requirement for this application.
If the person who will give undertaking letter is married, their spouse must also sign the letter. This document serves as a formal agreement in which the employer assumes responsibility for the foreign worker and commits to completing the work permit process. The employer must first apply for the foreign worker’s residence permit, followed by the work permit and social security registration. Failure to comply with these obligations may result in legal consequences under the Turkish Penal Code (TCK).
The employer must follow all Turkish labor and immigration rules. By signing the official commitment form, the employer promises to register the worker legally and handle their social security. If the employer fails to fulfill these duties, they will face legal penalties.
The key commitments of the employer are outlined as follows:
NOTE: This commitment can only be used once, and if the foreign worker does not obtain a work permit, they will remain classified as an irregular migrant.
The process of obtaining a residence and work permit for foreign workers in domestic services consists of several steps. The employee is responsible for ensuring that each stage is completed correctly.
1. Requesting a Manual Appointment from the Immigration Office (Göç İdaresi)
To obtain a manual appointment, foreigner or an authorized attorney must personally visit the Immigration Office and submit the following documents:
After submitting these documents, an SMS will be sent to the registered phone number with the appointment date and time. On the day of the appointment, the foreign worker and employer must visit the Immigration Office in person to complete the residence permit application. Since June 2025, Amnesty Applications are now being accepted by the Provincial Directorate of Migration Management located on Vatan Street in Istanbul which is known as “Vatan Caddesi Göç İdaresi”
2. Submission of Documents at the Immigration Office
On the day of the appointment, both the employer and the foreign worker must personally visit the Immigration Office to submit the required documents. The required documents may vary depending on the specific circumstances of both the foreign national and the employer.
3. Work Permit Application
Once the residence permit is obtained, the employer must apply for the work permit through the e-Government (e-Devlet) system. After completing the necessary documents, the work permit application is processed. Once approved, the foreign worker can legally start working in domestic services.
Notarial undertaking can be revoked at any time by the person who issued it. Turkish law does not require the issuer to remain indefinitely responsible, especially if circumstances have changed or if the relationship with the foreign individual has ended.
1. Visit Any Notary Public
2. Prepare a Statement: Your declaration should include:
3. Submit to the Immigration Office (Göç İdaresi): After the notarial revocation is issued, you should file a petition with the local Directorate of Migration Management. Attach a copy of your notarial statement and formally request that your undertaking be removed from their records.
4. Official Notification by the Notary
The notary will also send your revocation to the Directorate through official channels, reinforcing your written submission.
Once your revocation is recorded by the Directorate of Migration Management, the foreign national can no longer use your undertaking in any official procedures, including residency applications or extensions.
This amnesty gives a very big opportunity for illegal foreigners in Turkey who are working or wishing to work in the domestic services. If you meet all criterias — legal entry, valid passport, a clean criminal record, and letter of undertaking — may be eligible to obtain legal work permit.
Eligibility depends on the applicable rules and the individual circumstances of each case. For illegal foreigners seeking to live and work in Turkey on a long-term basis, this is a good opportunity.
“When does the amnesty end in Turkey for domestic services?” Although the question is among the questions that often come to us, the end date of this application is not yet clear. So, it is still ON.
If you have any questions or need assistance with amnesty or residence permit, feel free to reach out.
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