How to Get Work Permit in Turkey?

In Turkey, it is possible to apply for a work permit either from within the country or from abroad. If you work in Turkey without a permit, you may face penalties such as entry bans and fines once detected during inspections. Therefore, it is crucial to be cautious and not work for any company operating in Turkey without a work permit. You can apply for a work permit either from within Turkey or through the Turkish consulate before arriving in the country. In this article, you will find information on the necessary documents for a work permit in Turkey, as well as how and where to apply.

Obtaining a work permit in Turkey is essential for both foreign nationals and expats who wish to live and work in the country legally. The process for acquiring a work permit involves submitting the necessary documents and meeting specific requirements, which can vary depending on many things. Whether you are applying from within Turkey or abroad through the Turkish embassy or consulate, understanding the application procedure is important to ensure compliance with Turkish labor laws.

How to apply for a work permit in Turkey from abroad?

If you live abroad and want to work in Turkey, it is possible to apply without coming to Turkey. The most important issue is to get an offer from a company that wants to work with you. So if there is no job offer, it is not possible to get a work permit. The application process from abroad to obtain a work permit in Turkey is generally as follows.

1. Get Job Offer and Make Employment Contract

The most important step in making an application from abroad is to get a job offer and make an employment contract. Remember that the employer will play a very active role in the application process, so beware of fake job offers or those who try to deceive you as an agent.

2. Apply Consulate for Work Visa

To start the work visa application process, you need to go to the Turkish consulate in your country. The following documents are required when applying for a work permit:

Your passport (valid for at least six months after the planned period of stay.)
Job offer letter from your employer.
Signed employment contract.
Supporting documents describing your position and responsibilities in Turkey.
Biometric photograph.
A completed application form, usually provided by the consulate.

Apart from these, consulates may also request extra documents that they will determine themselves. Therefore, do not forget to ask for the requested documents when making an appointment when you will apply for a work permit.

3. Employer’s Submission of Work Permit Application

After your application is submitted to the consulate, you will have a unique reference number from the consulate. Your employer in Turkey must submit an online work permit application using this number to the Turkish Ministry of Labor and Social Security (ÇSGB). The employer provides additional documents to strengthen your application, including:

A petition requesting the work permit.
A copy of the employment contract.
The company’s tax certificate, incorporation documents, and other relevant business details.
Proof of your qualifications, such as professional diplomas or certificates.

4. Review and Approval Process

The Ministry of Labor and Social Security will evaluate the application. The review period typically lasts between 30 – 90 days. If approved, the consulate will issue your work visa.

If your application is evaluated positively by the ministry, after the result is notified to you, the work permit fee and valuable paper fee will be deposited separately by the employer to the relevant bank accounts in Turkey. You are required to obtain a work visa after paying the required visa fee to the representative office of the Republic of Turkey to which you have applied.

5. Arriving Turkey and Obtaining Work Permit Card

Your work permit card will be sent by PTT Cargo to the workplace where you have an employment contract. You can track the whereabouts of your card by putting the number 268004 in front of your application number.

6. Complete the Registrations

Social Security Registration (SSI): Your employer must register you with Turkey’s Social Security Institution within 30 days since you are in Turkey.
Address Registration: After arriving, you must register your residential address with local authorities within 20 days.

To have much more information about registering address in Turkey you can check out my relevant article by clicking link below:

What is Address Registration and How to Do it?

Click Here to Read Article...

How to apply for a work permit when you are in Turkey?

Applying work permit is also possible for foreign nationals who are already in Turkey and meet the necessary requirements. First of all, you need to know that without a residency permit you will not be able to get work permit. So, this way is possible only foreigners who are living in Turkey with a valid residence card.

There are steps for both you and the employer to apply for a work permit in Turkey. Although most of the work is handled by the employer, briefly I will summarize the process for you to understand this process.

1. Hold a Valid Residence Permit in Turkey

In order to apply for a work permit in Turkey, you need to have a residence permit valid for at least 6 months. Work permit applications of persons with Temporary Protection Status are subject to different procedures. You cannot apply for a work permit with a tourist residence permit.

2. Preparation of Documents and Agreement with the Employer

As a first step, you need to make an employment contract with an employer. And after that there are some documents which needs to be prepared by employee and employer. Here are the documents you need to prepare together with the employer:

For employee;

Employment Contract
Copy of Passport
Copy of existing residence permit
Diploma or professional qualification certificates
1 biometric photograph

For the employer;

Tax Certificate
Trade Registry Gazette records
Certificate of Existence
Company Statement
Prior authorization certificate (If the foreigner is a health professional, a prior authorization certificate is obtained from the Ministry of Health; if the foreigner is an education professional, a prior authorization certificate is obtained from the Ministry of National Education).

3. Applying for a Work Permit Online

When you complete the documents I have listed above, your employer must enter the Work Permit Automation System for Foreigners via e-government and create a workplace record. Your employer must use e-signature to enter this automation system. It is possible to obtain the e-signature from the institutions authorized by the Information Technologies Authority.

For the work permit application, the employer must enter the “Make an Application” menu in the Automation System, then “Domestic Application” tab. After filling in the information and uploading the related documents employer must submit the application with e-signature

4. Evaluation of the Application

Work permit applications are usually processed between 15-60 days. Employer can check the application status through “Application Tracking Menu”.

5. Work Permit Approval and Card Delivery

If the application is approved by the Ministry of Labor and Social Security, the work permit fee and valuable paper fee, which will be notified to the employer, must be deposited separately in the relevant bank accounts.

The work permit card issued on behalf of the employee will be sent to workplace address by PTT Cargo. You can also track this delivery through PTT Cargo Tracking system with the 13-digit barcode number you will obtain by adding the number 268004 in front of your work permit application number.

6. Social Security Institution Application

The employer is obliged to apply to the Social Security Center within 30 days from the date of approval of the foreigner’s work permit and submit an insured employment declaration. The amount to be taken as basis for insurance premiums cannot be lower than the wage declared in the foreigner’s work permit application

Important Notice Missing documents or incorrect information may result in the application being rejected.

How to apply for a work permit extension?

Applying for a work permit extension in Turkey has the same procedure as the domestic application process. Extensions must be applied for within 60 days before the permit’s expiration but no later than its expiry date.

Employers are often responsible for initiating the application on behalf of employees. But, it is highly recommended that you should follow the expiry date and remind your employer to apply for extension 60 days before it is expired. During the application, ensure all documents are complete and accurate to avoid delays or rejections.

What are the important details about the work permit?

When applying for a work permit in Turkey, it is essential to note that the process must be supported and initiated by the employer. Document requirements can vary based on the job sector and position, so it is crucial to confirm the specific documentation needed for your application.

Providing accurate and complete information is vital to avoid delays or rejections. Additionally, staying updated with the latest regulations and requirements ensures a smooth application process. By following these steps, you can grant the work permit and begin your career in Turkey without complications.

In conclusion, obtaining or extending a work permit in Turkey requires careful attention to detail and compliance with legal requirements. Ensuring that all necessary documents are accurate and up-to-date is crucial for a successful application. As a lawyer experienced in work permit applications, I can provide guidance and support throughout the process, helping you navigate the complexities and avoid common pitfalls. If you have any questions or need assistance with your application, feel free to contact me for professional advice and reliable legal representation.