Erdal Nuhbasa – Law and Consulting Firm – Legal Services
ERDAL NUHBASA
LAW AND CONSULTING FIRM
Erdal Nuhbasa – Law and Consulting Firm – Legal Services
ERDAL NUHBASA
LAW AND CONSULTING FIRM
A new regulation has been introduced in Turkey for foreigners wishing to work in domestic services. As of March 2025, an exceptional application process has been launched by the Ministry of Interior, allowing individuals who cannot schedule an appointment through the e-residence system to apply manually with a written petition.
In this context, firstly, a 6-month residence permit will be issued, and then a transition to legal status will be ensured by obtaining a work permit. So, what conditions must illegal foreigners fulfill in order to obtain a work permit by taking advantage of this amnesty? Here are the details.
Foreigners living in Turkey illegally are offered the opportunity to obtain work permits if they meet certain conditions. This process specifically covers illegal foreigners who want to work in domestic services and aims to provide legal status to those who fulfill certain criteria.
Below are the main requirements that illegal aliens must meet in order to benefit from this amnesty and obtain a work permit. The fulfillment of these conditions is of great importance for the positive outcome of the applications.
In order for an illegal foreigner to benefit from this amnesty, they must have entered Turkey legally. Those who entered illegally will not be able to benefit from this opportunity. Entry into Turkey with a passport or legal visa is a prerequisite for application.
The passport of the person who will apply for a residence permit and work permit must be valid for at least 8 months. Persons with a passport expiry of less than 8 months should renew their passport before applying.
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.
As of March 2025, the Ministry of Interior has introduced a new regulation requiring a notarized commitment document for foreign 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 is a mandatory requirement for this application.
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).
Employers who wish to hire a foreign worker in the home care sector must take full responsibility for ensuring that all legal requirements are met. This commitment is a crucial part of the work permit application process and serves as a guarantee that the employer will comply with Turkish labor and immigration laws.
By signing the declaration of commitment, the employer acknowledges their obligations, including the worker’s legal registration, social security procedures, and overall compliance with employment regulations. Failure to fulfill these responsibilities may lead to legal consequences.
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.
To obtain a manual appointment, foreigner or an authorized attorney must personally visit the Kumkapı Migration 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 Migration Office in person to complete the residence permit application.
2. Submission of Documents at the Migration Office
On the day of the appointment, both the employer and the foreign worker must personally visit the Migration Office to submit the required documents. If they cannot attend in person, they may authorize a lawyer to handle the application process on their behalf by granting a power of attorney.
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.
This amnesty offers a great opportunity for illegal foreigners who want to work in domestic services. Those who fulfill the requirements of legal entry, valid passport, clean criminal record and employer commitment will be able to obtain the right to work legally in Turkey. For illegal aliens who want to live and work permanently in Turkey, this process will be an important step for them to get rid of their illegal status.
If you have any questions or need assistance with residence permit, feel free to reach out. We will be happy to guide you through the process and ensure that you make a well-informed decision!
