Erdal Nuhbasa – Law and Consulting Firm – Legal Services
Erdal Nuhbasa – Law and Consulting Firm – Legal Services
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. Amnesty in Turkey continues in 2026 and you will read updated information in this article.
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 conditions must illegal foreigners fulfill in order 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 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 foreigners 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 9 months. Persons with a passport expiry of less than 9 months should renew their passport before applying
The applicant must have a clean criminal record. He/she 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 scrutinizes 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.
You must be working in or applying to work in domestic services (such as caring for children, the elderly, or the sick).
IMPORTANT: The foreigner must have been in an illegal status before 01.10.2024. If your residence permit application is denied during 2025, you cannot apply for the amnesty.
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).
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.
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 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. 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 Directorate of Migration Management (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 presents a valuable opportunity for undocumented foreigners working or wishing to work in the domestic services sector in Türkiye. Individuals who meet certain criteria — such as legal entry into the country, possession of a valid passport, a clean criminal record, and a formal commitment from an employer — may be eligible to obtain legal work authorization. For illegal foreigners seeking to live and work in Türkiye on a long-term basis, this process represents a critical step toward regularizing their legal status.
“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.
If you are eligible for this amnesty and want to ensure a secure and efficient application process, we recommend seeking legal support. A licensed attorney can guide you through the steps, help you prepare the correct documentation, and represent your interests before the relevant authorities.
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!
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