Foreign Work Permit in Turkey 2025 | Requirements, Documents, Application & Fees

Foreigners’ Right to Work in Turkey | General Framework

The legal and safe employment of foreign nationals in Turkey depends on obtaining a work permit for both the employee and the employer. Incomplete/incorrect applications may result in administrative fines, refusal, and prolonged delays. This guide provides a step-by-step roadmap for application requirements, documents, process, fees and application.

What is a Foreign Work Permit?

It is an official permitissued by the Ministry of Labor and Social Security that allows a foreigner to work legally in Turkey within the scope of a specific employer/workplace and duration. SSI notification is made with the permit; in some cases, it is associated with the right of residence.

To see the detailed process flow step by step: Work Permit Application Process

Legal Basis

• Law No. 6735 on International Labor Force
• Related Regulations: Ministry of Labor and Social Security Guidelines on Work Permits for Foreigners
• Directorate of Migration Management regulations (residence/protection statuses)

Cite official sources for current requirements and procedures; legislation is subject to change.

Who can get a work permit?

Foreigners Working for Employers

E-application is made through the Ministry’s system with employer support.

– The employment contract, position, wage, duration must be specific.

Self-employed Foreigners (Entrepreneur/Self-Employed)

Special procedures for independent work with the status of company formation/partnership etc. Foreign company partner work permit

Long Term Residents / Blue Card Holders

There are some exceptional facilities; details in the relevant regulations.

International/Temporary Protection or Humanitarian Residents

Applications are possible with certain conditions and waiting periods.

Exceptional cases (Scientist, artist, athlete, investor, etc.)

Processes facilitated by law and international agreements.

• There are special procedures for the employment of domestic services and caregivers. For detailed information: Foreign work permit for domestic services
• Foreign students studying in Turkey can work part-time under certain conditions. For details Foreign student work permit
• Foreigners under temporary protection can also obtain permits for certain periods and sectors. See: Work permits for temporary protection holders
• Independent permit processes apply to foreigners who establish a company or become a partner: Foreign company partner work permit
• There are special regulations for foreigners who want to work in the field of health: Foreign doctor work permit, Foreign dentist work permit, Foreign nurse work permit
• For those who want to work in the education sector: Foreign teacher work permit

Application Requirements and Required Documents

General Conditions

• Legal presence of the foreigner in Turkey (visa/residence)
• Suitability of the position for foreign employment
• The employer is active and meets criteria such as minimum employment
• Full compliance with 6735 and related legislation

Full list of employer obligations: Work Permit Requirements

Documents Required from Foreigners

• Application form, passport, biometric photo
• Diploma/graduation ( sworn translation if required)
• Proof of residence / YKN (99…)
• Previous permits/relevant status documents

Documents Required from the Employer

• Petition, trade registry gazette, tax certificate
• Balance sheet/income statement for the last year
• SSI workplace no & declarations, authorized signature circular
• Employment contract/offer for the position

For work permit application requirements: Work Permit Requirements

For more information on employers’ SSI obligations, minimum employment criteria and specific responsibilities: Foreigner work permit requirements for employers

Details about SSI notification and registration processes: SSI notification and work permit for foreigners

Application Process: Domestic & International

Preliminary Preparation

Parties prepare complete/up-to-date documents; appropriate application type is determined.

Electronic Application

• Domestic: For foreigners with valid residence, the employer applies through the e-Government/Ministry system.
• Abroad: The foreigner obtains a reference through the Turkish Consulate; the employer completes the e-application in Turkey.

Evaluation

Ministry assessment typically ~30days; additional documents/information may be requested.

Approval, Visa and Card

When applying abroad, entry with a work visa → permission card is issued and delivered to the employer.

SSI and Startup

Employment notification and SSI registration are made. An extension application is mandatory at the end of the period.

• After a certain period of time, the right to work indefinitely can be acquired. Details Indefinite work permit conditions
• Exemptions are provided for some foreigners: Work permit exemption
• Step-by-step guide to the work permit application process: Work Permit Application Process
• To find out what to do for expired permits: Work permit extension application
• There is a separate procedure for first time applications from outside Turkey. Detailed Explanation Applying for a work permit from abroad

Fees, Valuable Paper and Payment Methods

2025 Fee Amounts (summary table)

• For a period of up to 1 year: 10.571,60 TL
• Term 1-2 years: 21.143,20 TL
• Term 2-3 years: 31,714.80 TL
• Term 3-4 years: 42,286.40 TL
• Term 4-5 years: 52.858,00 TL
• Indefinite / Independent: 105.760,60 TL
• Temporary protection (1 year): 3.932,70 TL

Valuable Paper Fee: 810.00 TL

Note Figures may change with legislative/notification updates; check the official tariff before applying.

Payment Methods (summary)

• Digital Tax Office: “Payment by Reference Number”; institution: Directorate General of International Labor Force; YKN (99…) and Transaction/Reference ID mandatory.
• Bank Branches: Ziraat, Halkbank, VakıfBank – correct account codes (fees: 9130, valuables: 9267), correct amount.
• Duration: If payment is not made within 30 days of notification, the application will be rejected.

For Detailed Information: Work Permit Fees (2025)

Work Permit Inquiry Methods

1. e-Government: Application/permit status screen (displayed after login).
2. Ministry Systems: Status tracking with reference number.
3. SMS/email Notifications: Instant notification of progress.
4. Document Verification: Validity check with card/carcode.

Detailed Work Permit Inquiry Guide

Common Mistakes & Practical Tips

Common Errors

• Missing/incorrect documents, untranslated diploma
• Wrong choice of application type (dependent/independent)
• Incomplete/outdated information in the employer/SIGK record
• Invalid visa/residency status
• Wrong account/underpayment or payment without reference
• Indefinite employment contract (position/wage/duration not clear)
• Neglecting system follow-up after application

Tips

• Regularly check current legislation.
• Complete the document with the pre-application checklist.
• Keep up to date with e-Government and respond to requests for additional documents in a timely manner.
• Make sure that the YKN/Reference/Transaction ID and codes are correct.
• When in doubt seek legal advice.

Work Permit Frequently Asked Questions

FAQ (Summary)

• Residence requirement for domestic application: Usually ≥ 6 months of residence is required.
• Cancellation of work permit → residence: Residence based on a work permit ends; if there is another valid residence, it continues.
• Students: Associate/undergraduate students after the first year and part-time; this limitation does not apply to graduate students.
• Professional athletes: Within the scope of exemption with eligibility/approval; application via the exemption system.
• International/conditional refugees: They can apply after 6 months.
• Address registration: Address registration is mandatory within 20 working days of entry into Turkey.
• Frequently asked questions about employing a caregiver or domestic helper: Foreign caregiver work permit
  

Full page of FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions

Professional Support & Contact

As MFY Legal | Law Firm:

• Work permit application & extension,
• Appeal against rejection,
• Employer compliance processes (minimum employment, contracts, SSI, payroll),
• We provide end-to-end support for official correspondence & document preparation.

Consult now: Work Permit Consulting