Work Permit

Work Permit

Work permt is a permission which is given by Ministry of Labour of Republic of Turkey to foreign employees and companies which would like to employ foreigners. There is four types of work permit as temporary, permanenet, independent and Turquoise cards. The work permit application could be done via https://ecalismaizni.csgb.gov.tr/#/eizin by using electronic signature of employer or by authorized consultancy firm on behalf of the employer. Foreigners cannot obtain work permit on behalf of themself, without employers.

Under contemporary globalization, inevitably labor markets have become increasingly integrated. In order to manage international labor mobility more effectively, especially in those emerging markets and developing countries, new labor migration policies have been established or the existing ones have been re-organized rapidly. At this point, achieving a right balance between the protection of local employment and the relaxation of barriers before high-skilled foreign labor has been the main concern of the state, which led to the introduction of effective tools in the management of international labor mobility.

2003 has been a remarkable year for Turkey to review its rules and principles dealing with the employment of foreign workers in Turkey. As one of the most popular destinations within the global labor market, Turkey has introduced and effectively has reformed a new system to control foreign labor immigration. In the purpose of centralization of work permits system under one code ‘Law no: 4817 on Work Permits of Foreigners’ was originally enacted on 27th February 2003, as the principal legislation in controlling entry of foreign nationals in the Turkish labor market. Subsequently the same year ‘Regulation on the Implementation of the Law on Work Permits for Foreigners’[1] has been introduced to set forth the rules and principles regarding the implementation of the Law on Work Permits of Foreigners. Furthermore, within the context of encouraging foreign direct investments, a new Foreign Direct Investment act was voted and became effective on 5th June 2003. Under the new FDI law, a special treatment is granted to the employment of expatriates with a separate regulation on the employment of expatriates under foreign direct investments. To encourage the employers to seek to employ high skilled foreign workers as well as to prevent informal foreign employment in Turkey, the past few years we have witnessed both systematical and procedural reforms in the Turkish legislation about the foreign labor immigration. Simplification of the eligibility conditions in work permit applications, adaptation of a new automated system for the work permit applications, a shortening in the period of the finalization of the work permit applications and a reduction in the procedural costs of applications might be considered main themes of the reform in the Turkish work permit system. There is no doubt that those further amendments have provided to the Turkish work permit system a more simplified, understandable and dynamic outlook.

The Law on Work Permits of Foreigners provides a legal framework about the employment of foreigners in Turkey by specifying  the rules and the principles to be applied at the procedures concerning work permits of foreigners. The law, in its relevant sections, specifies the types of work permits, outlines the exemptions and restrictions and formulates the rules about granting, extending, rejecting and canceling the working permissions.

The Turkish Ministry of Labor and Social Security is entitled as a competent authority in the work permit process of foreigners. However certain Ministries, Public Institutions and Organizations are also empowered to grant working permissions.  On the basis of their existing authorities arising from relevant Turkish legislation, Prime Ministry,Ministry of National Defense, Ministry of Health, Ministry of Economy , General Directorate of Free Zones and  Council of Higher Education have the competence to grant working permission for specific categories of professions.

As a general rule, individuals who have no citizenship bond with the Republic of Turkey, in order to either work dependently or independently, are obliged to have a valid working permission before they start to work.  Exceptionally, for the working periods no more than one month, in the state of necessity or for the sake of state benefits, by prior notification of relevant authorities and with the ministry approval, working permit may be given after starting to work.

Ata İnstitutonal Consultancy provides the service throughout whole Turkey including İstanbul, Ankara, Antalya, İzmir, Mugla, Bursa and Gaziantep. İf you have any questions, please feel free to contact us.

The rules and principles stipulated in the Law on Work Permits of Foreigners are applicable to the foreigners working dependently or independently in Turkey. Those foreigners who receive a job training and the natural and judicial persons that employ foreignersare included within the scope of Law No. 4817 as well. The term “foreigner” in general refers to a person who is not a Turkish citizen under the Turkish Citizenship Law.[1] However those Turkish citizens by birth who got permission to renounce citizenship from the Ministry of Interior are excluded from the scope of Law No. 4817. Moreover, press reporters who are subjected to Press Law, Members of Foreign Press Organs, foreigners who are exempted from working permission requirement in their employment in Turkey due to reciprocity principle, international and European Union laws and foreigners who are employed or granted with working permission by the other Ministries, Public Institutions and Organizations [2] are not included within the scope of the Law on Work Permits of Foreigners.

In accordance with the article 15 of the Law on Work Permits of Foreigners, certain professions are reserved only for Turkish citizens. Different legal instruments in Turkey, prohibit foreigners to work either dependently or independently in  certain professions and occupations. Foreigners are not allowed to work; (i) as attorney[3] (ii)  as notary public[4] (iii) as security guard at private or public institutions[5] (iv) as customs broker and assistant customs broker[6] (v) as dentist, midwife and nurse[7] (vi) as pharmacist[8] (vii) as Veterinarian [9] (vii) as director in private hospitals[10].

Moreover in accordance with Turkish Cabotage Law[11]

“The right to catch or obtain fish, oysters, mussels, sponges, pearls, coral, mother-or-pearl and the like, extract sand, gravel and the like, extract and salvage sunken ships and vessels or shipwrecks and the like either on the surface or on the bottom of the sea, perform diving, searching, piloting and maritime supply, work as captain, secretary, crew or workman or in another capacity on Turkish maritime vessels, and carry out wharf porterage or any type of maritime business, within Turkish continental waters, shall belong exclusively to Turkish nationals.”

Additionally, law no: 6458 on Foreigners and Internal Protection defines the cases in which foreigners may not apply for work permit. Article 27(2) of law no: 6458 states that the following foreigners (who are defined in the article 7 of the law no: 6458) may not apply for work permit.

 “i) it is determined that his or her passport, passport substituting document, visa or residence permit or work permit is absent or fraudulent; or that he or she has obtained these permits fraudulently, ii) he or she does not hold a passport or a passport substitute document which is valid for at least sixty days as of the expiry of visa, visa exemption or residence permit, iii) he or she falls under the scope of the foreigners listed under the first paragraph of Article 15, without prejudice to the second paragraph of Article 15 of this Law, and regardless of whether or not he or she is exempted from a visa.”


[1] Law No. 5901 Date of Enactment: 29.05.2009 Published in the Official Gazette on 12 June 2009, No. 27256

[2] Law No. 4817, Art. 2

[3] Law No. 1136 on Attorneys

[4] Law No. 1512 on Notary Public

[5] Law No. 2495 on the Protection and Security of Certain Institutions and Organizations, as security guards at private or public institutions.

[6] Articles 227 and 228 of Law No. 4458 on Customs.

[7] Law no: 1219 on the Practice of Medicine and its Branches

[8] Law No. 6197 on Pharmacies and Pharmacists

[9] Law No. 6343 on the Pursuit of Veterinary Medicine Profession,

Establishment and Duties of Turkish Veterinary Medical Association and Veterinary Medical Chambers,

[10] Private Hospitals Act No. 2219

[11] Law No. 815 Date of Enactment: 19.4.1926 Published in the Official Gazette 0n 29 April 1926, No. 359

Ata Kurumsal

Ata Institutional Consulting is a leading consultancy company in its field, with expert personnel, with 12 years of experience, providing residence permit, work permit, Turkish citizenship consultancy and corporate consultancy services to foreigners. Ata Instiutional Consultancy

523 Comments

  1. Hi,

    My work visa is going to be cancelled shortly and I’ve read that I can’t apply for a Short Term Residency Permit (Tourist) for 12 months from the date of cancellation. Is this the case? Where can I read the formal rules on this?

    I know that I can leave when my Work Permit is cancelled and return with the e-visa 90/180 rule in place…but am I correct to understand my options if I want to are to remain here longer are to:

    a) obtain a job with a work visa
    b) wait until the post cancellation year passes and apply for residency
    c) return on a e-visa and leave again for at least 3 months after the e-visa runs out

    I guess that I would not be eligible for a Short Term Residency Permit (Business) if I am just a job seeker?

    Thanks in advance!
    Cheers,

    1. Dear Mr Jo,

      Unfortunately since the 23rd of January 2017 Foreign Citizens whose Work Permit get cancelled will not be able to apply for a Touristic Residency Permit for one year from the cancellation date. Unfortunately there is no law or regulation regarding this practice. For further information you should call the “157”.

      The options you stated are correct. You should also note you are also eligible if you apply for a Family Residency Permit. Lastly, the Business Short Term Residency Permit is only for Foreign Citizens which aim to do business in Turkey and not for Job Seekers.

      Best Regards,
      ExpatGuideTurkey Team

  2. Dear Sir/Madame

    To whom this may concern
    I am glad to have come across this website.I have so many unanswered questions.I hope that I can have some answered or guided to the correct channels.
    I have the intention to stay in Turkey as well as work in Turkey.I have been applying for work from here but really I am finding this to be tedious and not
    productive.I was unaware of the fraudulent websites that I was sending my information to.
    I am a South African citizen and I am really in search of an admin, reception, nanny, housekeeping, restaurant and hotel positions.I applied for a few jobs and actually was contacted by a potential employer.I then came to know that they did not consider me because of the hassle/difficulties with paper work and payments to employ me.Is it really so impossible for South African citizens to get employment in Turkey?Please can you help me.
    Am I allowed to go to Turkey and then apply for work while I am there?What type of visa will I then require?What will the procedure than be?.Can I apply for my own work permit?Am I allowed to work as a nanny, housekeeper etc in Turkey in a household or in a hotel?

    I thank you

    1. Dear Mr Latifah,

      Application for Work Permit can be both made domestically and from abroad. You should note that your required to have a Valid Residenyc Permit in order to make a domestical application.

      In order to get a Reisdency Permit in Turkey you are mostly required to enter the Turkish territory with a Valid touristic Visa. Once your enterred Turkey we can start the Procedure for the Residency Permit. You will also need to show a valid adress in Turkey.

      Lastly, once the work permit has been approved in the Ministry of Labor and Social Security in Turkey the applicant must pay a governmental Fee at the Consulate. The Fees for the Work Permit Visa change depending on the country where the application has been made. For further information about the Fee you should check with the Consulate where you are going to do the application.

      Best Regards,
      ExpatGuideTurkey Team

  3. My work permit has been cancelled. I understand I have 10 days to complete the online residence permit application. My question is, what happens if my address changes between when I complete the online application and my appointment at the GÖÇ office? Thanks in advance for your reply.

    1. Dear Mr Greg,

      If your adress change between the application and appointment at the immigration office, you should show proof of your new adress at your appointment and tell the officer you changed your adress.

      Best Regards,
      ExpatGuideTurkey Team

  4. Dear Sir/Mam,

    I want to bring you notice that me and my wife want temporary residence permit for at least 2 years . we are Indian citizen living in New Delhi by profession I am working as a software engineer and having graduate engineering degree.We want to migrate as soon as possible.

    I have some docubt:
    1: Can I search job according to my profile and is it legal to work with temporary residence card.
    2. how much fund require to get 2 years residence permit.
    3.what are benefits of get to temporary residence card.

    1. Dear Mr Shiraj,

      You can find the answers to your questions bellow :

      1) Yes you can enter the Turkish territory and look for a Job with a Touristic Visa and even Residency Permit. However you are not allowed to Work with a Residency Permit. In order to work legally in Turkey you will have to apply for a Work Permit.

      2) The 2 year residency permit can be hard to obtain, since the officers wish to see a proof of your settlement in Turkey(OWning a home, having relatives etc…). However you can easily obtain a reisdency permit of 1 year. You will only have to renew it the second year etc.

      3) With a Residency Permit Card. Your are allowed to stay and live in Turkey untill the expiration of your Residency Permit. It also make you eligible for a Work Permit. You cannot apply for a Work Permit if you have not a Residency Permit.

      Best Regards,
      ExpatGuideTurkey Team

  5. Dear sir/madam
    I am a 33 year old pharmacist with dual citizenships of Iran and United States currently living in the United States. I have been thinking about moving to Turkey but I have no idea about the rules and regulations over there. Where should I begin the process? Can I work as a pharmacist in Turkey? Considering my dual citizenships, am I already eligible to live and work legally in Turkey? Do I need a work permit? In order to work as a pharmacist do I need to pass any board exams?
    I would be very grateful if you could provide me with some information and help me in this process.
    I deeply appreciate your help in advance and look forward to hearing back from you.
    Sincerely,
    Golsar Mir

    1. Dear Sir/Madam,

      You should first note that some profession are restricted to Turkish Citizens only in Turkey. Unfortunately Foreign Citizens cannot work as a pharmatist in Turkey.

      Also Foreign citizen wishing to work in are required to get a work permit no matter the profession they are going to do. Lastly, some profession are required to pass competency exams in order to be eligible for the work permit.

      Best Regards,
      ExpatGuideTurkey Team

  6. My daughtér dad a teachers work permit to Feb 17. There were problems at the school and she left in June. Another school want to employ her. Her wp is still valid at moment. Can the new school apply for a wp within 10 days of the current wp being ended ? Or does she need to apply for residency and then they apply for the wp ? Is she likely to get residency ?

    1. Dear Sir/Madam,

      The Transfer of the Work Permit to another employer can only be done while the previous work permit is still valid. You cannot make a transfer application if your previous work permit has been cancelled. If your work permit has been cancelled you will have to apply for a residency permit and then apply for a new work permit. You have 10 days after the cancellation of the work permit to apply for a new residency permit.
      You should note that foreign citizen whose work permit has been cancelled might not be granted a residency permit after the cancellation of the work permit. If so an abroad application for the work permit can be done.
      For further information related to our fee and procedure please contact us by mail or phone.

      Best Regards,
      ExpatGuideTurkey Team

  7. selam,

    I’m Egyptian working here with blue card since Dec 2016 and my company may terminate my contract next month. does it mean that my blue card also will expire after that? or it still will be valid for one year?

    *one more thing, if I want to keep this card valid for more years, is there any opportunity to do that?
    *does the validity of this card has things to do with salary and social deduction?

    I’m available on my mobile if you want to talk to me .

    Thanks,
    M.Ashour

    1. Dear Mr Mohamed,

      The Work Permit Car(Blue Card) is given to you with the condition of you being employed in determined employer and job position. If your employer terminate you employment contract they also need to cancel your work permit.
      You cannot extend or keep your work permit card. You can only apply for a transfer if you can find a new employer in Turkey in which case your work permit card will be transferred to a new employer.
      The validity of the work permit has nothing to do with the salary or social status. It is an objective card only given to foreigner wish to work in Turkey and who could find an employer in Turkey.

      Best Regards,
      ExpatGuideTurkey Team

      1. Thanks for your reply,
        So if I found another employer, how long does it take to get permanent card and after how long I can apply for citizenship!?

        One more thing, in your website it’s mentioned that I need to buy a property with at least 500 USD to get permanent residence. From my poor knowledge I came to know that any property (Daire) no certain value can help getting 5 yeaes residency, where is the truth here!

        Regards,
        M.Ashour

        1. Dear Mr Mohamed,

          According to the Turkish law of Citizenship you are allowed to apply for the Turkish Citizenship after holding a residency permit or work permit during 5 years without interuption. For further information you can check our we page related to the Citizenship for further information :
          https://www.expatguideturkey.com/exceptional-turkish-citizenship-application-for-foreign-investors/

          You cannot apply for a 5 year residency permit even with a property in Turkey. Owning a property will only help you during the residency permit application. Also owning a property with a value of 500 USD will not provide you a permanent residency permitç

          Best Regards,
          ExpatGuideTurkey Team

  8. Hi there,

    I have recently moved to Turkey. I work for a global company that has 3 tiers (global, regional and local markets) around the globe including Istanbul. I am planning on transferring to the Turkish element of the company, and receiving my Turkish working VISA after formal job offer. Long term I wish to work, for the global element of the company say 4 months after I transfer to the Turkish element. Would my employer have to remain the Turkish local market office or can I accept offers from an international non-Turkish employer to work in Turkey under the working VISA. Also how long does someone need to work for one employer before they switch to another?

    Best,
    Ben

    1. Dear Mr. Ben,

      As work permit could be issued only by local company or registered branch in Turkey, thus in case if you get any job offer from international employer who doesnt have any local branch it will be impossible get work permit and employ foreigner here legally.
      İn this case we can suggest you our payroll umbrella service, for further details kindly ask you to visit our webpage https://www.expatguideturkey.com/payroll-accounting-in-turkey/
      Regarding the transfer application from one employer to another, there is no time limit in this procedure.

      If there will be any questions, please feel free to contact us.
      Best regards,
      ExpatGuideTurkey team

  9. Good evening,

    My name is Fran and i am a spaniard working here in Istanbul. I am gonna leave my school, meanwhile i try to search another one for the next year. My work permit will be cancelled on 1st september, and a have two questions about it.

    1) If i find a new job, can my papers be transfer to the new employer, and he can take care of my work permit?

    2) If i cannot find a job, can i apply for a new residence visa to stay in the country?

    Thanks in advance.

    Best regards

    1. Dear Mr Fran,

      We already answered your inquiry from mail. Please check your mail box in order to get the answer to your inquiry.

      Best Regards,
      ExpatGuideTurkey Team

  10. I am a Native English teacher and have been working at a language school for two years. I have a work permit. I would like to apply for a teaching position at another language school. Is it possible to transfer my work permit to another employer? If so, what does it entail? Many thanks for your assistance in advance.

    1. Dear Sir,

      Thank you very much for your email.

      yes, it is possible to make a transfer application from one employer to another. However, please inform your current employer to not cancell your work permit untill new application will be approved. İf you would like to, our company may assist with the work permit transfer application. For further information, please feel free to contact us by 444 7 284

      Thank you,

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