Applying for a Work Permit Extension (2025) | Step-by-Step Guide

Summary Work permit extension applications must be submitted through the e-Government / e-Permit system within 2 months prior to the expiration date of the permit and before the permit expires. Extension applications submitted after the expiration date will not be processed.

Maximum 1 year for the first application. Same employer;

• 1st extension: maximum 2 years
• subsequent extensions: up to 3 years The transition to a different employer is subject to the provisions of the initial application.

Related basic pages:

Work Permit Application Process – Work Permit Conditions – Work Permit Fees (2025 ) – Work Permit Inquiry – SSI Notification of Foreigners

1) Timing Rules

• Start window: An extension can be applied for 2 months before the end of the leave.
• Deadline: The application must be completed with e-signature before the permit expires.
• If the deadline has expired: The extension request will not be processed; if there is no valid residence, the foreigner must leave the country within 10 days.
• Abroad scenario: Apply the visa/step setup in the guide on Applying for a Work Permit Abroad (first application instead of extension).

2) Evaluation Criteria for Extension

The Ministry examines the situation of the foreigner in the previous permit period and the performance of the employer together:

• In terms of foreigner: Actual work, SSI premiums/premium-based earnings, job/position suitability.
• For the employer: Contribution to the economy and employment, financial status of the company, taxes paid, compliance with legislation, continuation of sectoral prior authorizations, if any.
• Pre-authorization/room requirements (health, education, academia, TMMOB/TTB, etc.) should be updated if necessary:
  • Foreign Doctor – Foreign Dentist – Foreign Nurse – Foreign Teacher

3) Application Steps via e-Government / e-Permit

1. Login to the system: e-Government → Work Permits for Foreigners (employer or authorized).
2. Application type: “Extension” is selected; it is associated with the existing permit information.
3. Information update: Workplace title/registration, SSI registration number and address (compatible with the National Address System) are checked.
4. Document upload: (see list below) PDF/JPG.
5. Fees Fees + valuable paper are payable in accordance with the Work Permit Fees (2025 ).
6. Tracking: File status and possible additional document requests are monitored from the system.
7. Card delivery: After approval, the leave card is sent to the workplace address via PTT.

4) Required Documents (Sample List)

Workplace/Employer:

• Tax plate, Trade Registry Gazette, signature circular
• Balance sheet and income statement for the last year (for those on a balance sheet basis)
• SSI registration information and employee list (when required)

Foreign Employee:

• Passport and biometric photo
• Existing work permit information
• Current employment contract/job description (salary, position, address)
• Sector-specific prior authorization/room documents (if applicable)

Notes for Foreign Company Partner/Owner:

• Capital, partnership and employment annotations are also taken into account in the extension (see Foreign Employment Requirements for the Employer and Foreign Company Partner).

5) Social Security and Post-Leave Obligations

• Extension approval → SSI procedures are completed within 30 days.
• Prime earnings cannot be lower than the wage declared in the application.
• For SSI processes and exceptions: SSI Notification of Foreigners

6) Most Common Reasons for Rejection (Checklist)

• Late application (after the permit expires)
• Incomplete/incompatible SSI notification, low earnings based on premium
• Incorrect SSI registration number / address mismatch
• Outdated sectoral prior authorization/room conditions
• Weak financial statements, tax/premium payables
• Failure to prove capital-employment criteria in company partner files

7) FAQs – Quick Answers

• When can I apply? 2 months before the end of the leave; definitely before the end of the leave.
• What happens if the permit expires? Extension is not processed; exit within 10 days if there is no valid residence.
• Changing employer? This counts as the first application.
• How long is the extension period? At the same employer, the 1st extension is 2 years, subsequent extensions are 3 years.
• Does it replace residency? A work permit replaces residence, but Indefinite Work Permit subject to different conditions.

Related Guides

• Work Permit Application Process
• Work Permit Conditions
• Work Permit Fees (2025)
• Work Permit Inquiry
• Conditions for Indefinite Work Permit
• Application from Abroad
• Conditions for Employers to Employ Foreigners

Professional Support

Timing, SSI compliance, financial indicators and sectoral prior authorizations are critical for extensions. Contact MFY Legal | Law Firm lawyers to finalize your case with confidence; we will manage the timeline, document set and e-Permit process for you from start to finish.