Foreign Work Permit: Who Can Apply? Required Documents and Application Process

Foreigners’ Right to Work and Legal Processes in Turkey

It is of utmost importance that foreign nationals and employers seeking employment in Turkey fulfill their legal obligations in full. A foreign work permit is a prerequisite for both employees and employers to legally and safely participate in the labor market in Turkey. It should be noted that incorrect or incomplete applications may result in serious administrative sanctions and penalties.

In this comprehensive guide, you can find step-by-step information on all legal processes related to foreign work permits , from the definition of a work permit to the application requirements, from the required documents to the current legislation. Our aim is to minimize any risks that our clients may face in their work and business life in Turkey and to ensure that they complete the process quickly and smoothly.

Our law office

• Work permit applications,
• Processes for appealing a refusal,
• Alignment with legislative changes,
• It offers professional support with its expert staff on employer obligations in the employment of foreign employees.

To obtain a legal work permit in Turkey or to legalize your current situation, please see the rest of our guide or contact us directly.

What is a Foreign Work Permit?

A foreign work permit is an official permit issued by the Ministry of Labor and Social Security to legally employ foreign nationals in Turkey. This permit is a basic legal requirement that ensures that both employees and employers comply with Turkish legislation.

Legal Basis

The main regulations regarding the ability of foreigners to work in Turkey are set out in the International Labor Law No. 6735. Under this law, foreign nationals are required to obtain a work permit in order to work in Turkey. Furthermore, the implementation and procedural principles are explained in detail in the relevant regulations and on the official website of the Ministry of Labor and Social Security.

• Law No. 6735 on International Labor Force
• Ministry of Labor and Social Security – Work Permits for Foreigners

Who Should Obtain a Work Permit?

According to Turkish legislation, all foreign nationals who wish to work in Turkey must obtain a work permit, except in exceptional cases. Foreigners working without a work permit and employers who employ them may face administrative fines and other legal sanctions. You can review the relevant legislation for details.

Scope of the Work Permit

A work permit is issued for a specific employer and workplace, usually for a limited period of time. With a work permit, foreign employees can legally work in Turkey with insurance and secure their rights. In addition, in some cases, a work permit may also bring residence permit rights. For detailed application and procedural information, please visit the Ministry of Labor and Social Security’s guide.

Who Can Obtain a Foreign Work Permit?

In order to obtain a work permit in Turkey, the applicant and the employer must comply with the provisions of the relevant legislation. According to Law No. 6735 on International Labor Force, the following persons can apply for a foreign work permit in general

1. Foreigners Working for an Employer in Turkey

Foreigners who wish to work for an employer in Turkey in a specific job position can apply for a work permit with the support of the employer. These applications are usually submitted by the employer through the e-Government Gateway or the Ministry of Labor and Social Security system.

2. Foreigners wishing to work in Turkey on their own behalf and account

Foreign nationals who wish to start their own business or operate as entrepreneurs may also apply for a work permit. Foreigners wishing to operate as self-employed persons or company owners are subject to special application procedures. For more information, please refer to the relevant page of the Ministry of Labor and Social Security.

3. Long Term Residents or Blue Card Holders

Foreigners who hold a long-term residence permit or Blue Card in Turkey may apply for a work permit. However, there are some exceptions for these individuals. You can find more information on the relevant legislation page of the Directorate of Migration Management.

4. International Protection or Humanitarian Residence Permit Holders

Foreign nationals with international protection, temporary protection or humanitarian residence permits may also apply for a work permit if they meet certain conditions. For details, the provisions of the International Labor Law and the relevant Regulation can be reviewed.

5. Exceptional Circumstances

There are exceptional application possibilities for certain occupational groups and foreigners as required by international agreements to which Turkey is a party or as specifically stated in the law. For example, simplified work permit procedures can be applied for scientists, artists, athletes or investors.

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Legal Bases and Official Sources:

• Law No. 6735 on International Labor Force
• Ministry of Labor and Social Security – Work Permits for Foreigners
• Directorate of Migration Management

Note

There may be specific requirements, document requirements and application processes for each type of application. You can contact our law firm for expert support depending on the type of your application.

What are the Work Permit Application Requirements and Required Documents?

In order to apply for a foreign work permit in Turkey, the applicant and the employer must fulfill certain legal requirements. The application process and required documents may vary depending on the type of application and whether the application is made from Turkey or abroad. General application requirements and the most frequently requested documents are listed below.

General Application Requirements

• The foreigner must be legally present in Turkey (visa, residence permit, etc.).
• The job position to be applied for is suitable for foreign employment.
• The employer meets the criteria specified in the legislation (such as the workplace being active, employing a certain number of Turkish citizens).
• Compliance with the International Labor Law No. 6735 and other legal conditions specified in the relevant regulations.

Documents Required for Application

Although it varies according to the type of application, basically the following documents are requested:

Documents Required from the Foreigner to Work

• Application form
• Passport photocopy
• Biometric photo
• Diploma or graduation certificate (with Turkish translation, if required)
• Proof of visa or residence permit (if applicable)
• Foreigner ID number (for those residing in Turkey)
• Previous work permits or other relevant documents, if any

Documents Required from the Employer

• Application petition
• Current trade registry gazette of the company
• Tax plate
• Balance sheet and profit and loss statement for the last year
• SSI workplace registration number and breakdown
• Signature circular of the company official
• SSI declarations of Turkish employees
• Employment contract or offer letter for the position

It is of great importance that the documents are up-to-date and complete. You can find an up-to-date list of all documents required for the application on the official page of the Ministry of Labor and Social Security.

Application Process and Considerations

Applications are usually made electronically through the e-Government Gateway or directly through the online system of the Ministry of Labor and Social Security. For applications from abroad, the process can be initiated through the Turkish Consulate to which the foreign employee is affiliated.

Submitting incomplete or incorrect documents in the evaluation of the application may lead to a prolonged process or rejection of the application. Therefore, each step must be followed carefully and documents must be prepared in full.

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Legal Bases and Sources:

• Law No. 6735 on International Labor Force
• Ministry of Labor and Social Security – Work Permits for Foreigners
• e-Government Gateway – Work Permit Applications

Note

Depending on the type of application, additional documents or special conditions may apply. You can contact our law firm for the most accurate information and professional support specific to your situation.

Work Permit Application Process

Applying for a foreign work permit in Turkey is a multi-step process that requires complete and accurate completion of legal procedures. How the application is made may vary depending on whether the applicant is located in Turkey or abroad. Here is the general application process:

1. Preparation and Document Collection

Prior to the application, both the foreign employee and the employer must prepare the necessary documents and meet the criteria required by the Ministry of Labor and Social Security. It is of great importance that the documents are complete, up-to-date and accurate for the application to be finalized positively.

2. Electronic Application (Domestic and International)

• Domestic Application: For foreigners with a valid residence permit in Turkey, applications are made directly by the employer online through the e-Government Gateway or theMinistry’s system.
• Application from Abroad:Foreigners who do not have a residence permit in Turkey and who will apply for the first time start the process by applying to the Turkish consulates in their home countries. With the reference number given from the consulate, the employer completes the electronic application in Turkey.

3. Evaluation of the Application

Applications are reviewed by the Ministry of Labor and Social Security within an average of 30 days. During this process, missing or additional information/documentation may be requested. You can follow the application process online via e-Government.

4. Finalization and Issuance of the Permit

If the application is approved, a work permit is issued and forwarded to the applicant. For applications from abroad, after approval, the foreigner is issued a “work visa” and enters Turkey. The work permit card is then issued and delivered to the employer.

5. Initiation of Work Permit and SSI Procedures

After obtaining a work permit, it is mandatory for the foreign employee to start work and to be registered with the Social Security Institution (SSI). The work permit is valid for the granted period and an extension application must be made when it expires.

Note

Errors or omissions in the application process may cause the process to be prolonged or rejected. You can contact our office for professional legal support at all stages.

Work Permit Fees and Charges (2025)

Foreign nationals in Turkey are required to pay certain fees and valuable paper fees in order to obtain a work permit. These fees are determined within the framework of the Law No. 492 on Fees and Law No. 210 on Valuable Papers and are updated every year through communiqués published in the Official Gazette.

2025 Work Permit Fee Amounts

As of 2025, the work permit fee amounts are as follows

Leave Type / Duration	Fee Amount (TL)
Term / Up to 1 year (including 1 year)	10.571,60
Duration / More than 1 year and 2 years	21.143,20
Duration / more than 2 years and 3 years	31.714,80
Duration / more than 3 years and 4 years	42.286,40
Duration / more than 4 years and 5 years	52.858,00
Indefinite Work Permit	105.760,60
Independent Work Permit	105.760,60
Temporary Protection Work Permit / 1 Year (Standard)	3.932,70

Note: In case the work permit document is lost, a fee equal to half of the previously collected fee is charged for its reissuance.

2025 Valuable Paper Fee

Since work permit documents are covered by the Law No. 210 on Valuable Papers, applicants are required to pay an additional valuable paper fee.

• Valuable Paper Fee: 810.00 TL

Payment Methods

Work permit fees and valuable paper fees can be paid by the following methods

1. Credit Card Payment:
   • Payment can be made through the Digital Tax Office using the “Payment with Reference Number” option.
   • Select “General Directorate of International Labor Force” as the name of the institution and enter the T.R. Foreigner Identification Number starting with 99 and the Transaction (Reference ID) Number sent via e-mail.
2. Payment through Contracted Banks:
   • Payments can be made through the branches of T.C. Ziraat Bank, T. Halk Bank and T. Vakıflar Bank.
   • Payments must be made in full to the account codes below, declaring the foreigner’s Turkish Foreigner Identification Number starting with 99:
     • Work Permit Fee Amount: To account 9130
     • Valuable Paper Fee: To account 9267
   • If more or less than the requested amount is deposited, the transaction cannot be finalized.

Important Note: Fees and valuable paper fees must be paid within 30 days from the date of notification to the applicant. Otherwise, the work permit application will be rejected.

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Legal Bases and Official Sources:

• Ministry of Labor and Social Security – Payment of Fees and Valuable Paper Fees
• Digital Tax Office – Payment by Reference Number

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This information is based on official sources valid as of 2025. You can contact our law firm for detailed information and professional support on current legislation and practices for your work permit applications.

Work Permit Inquiry Methods

The validity of foreign work permits obtained in Turkey and the status of the application process can be inquired online. Both applicants and employers can easily track the status of work permits through several different methods.

1. Inquiry via e-Government

The result of the work permit application and the current permit status can be inquired through the e-Government Gateway.

• e-Government Work Permit Inquiry Screen
• After logging into the system, information about the application and permit details can be viewed.

2. Ministry of Labor and Social Security Online Systems

The applicant or employer can also track the status of the application on the official website of the Ministry of Labor and Social Security.

It is possible to make an inquiry with the reference number given by the Ministry.

3. Application Process Notifications

Applicants are notified via SMS or e-mail at every stage of the application. Thus, applicants can be informed instantly about the developments in the application process.

4. Physical Document Control

The accuracy and validity of an existing work permit document can be checked on the official query screens through the number and QR code on the document.

Frequently Asked Questions – Work Permit

1. How many months/years of residence permit do I have to have in order to apply for a work permit?

For domestic work permit applications, the foreigner must have a residence permit valid for at least six months. Applications are made through the e-Permit system.

2. If my work permit is canceled, is my residence permit also canceled?

In the event that a work permit or work permit exemption becomes invalid for any reason, the right of residence attached to it expires. However, foreigners who have a valid residence permit for a reason other than a work permit shall retain the validity of such residence permits.

3. I have a work permit. Can I study in Turkey?

Foreigners holding a work permit may benefit from the rights provided by both a work permit and a student residence permit if they meet the conditions for obtaining a student residence permit.

4. Do foreigners need to make any notification when a work permit is considered as a residence permit?

A work permit or work permit exemption replaces a residence permit as per Article 27 of Law No. 6458. Foreigners who come to Turkey with a work permit must apply to the Provincial Directorate of Migration Management within twenty working days at the latest from the date of entry and register in the address registration system.

5. I am under temporary protection, can I get a work permit?

Foreigners under temporary protection may apply for a work permit or work permit exemption six months after the date of issuance of the temporary protection identity document.

6. I am in Turkey with refugee status, can I get a work permit?

Foreigners who have refugee or subsidiary protection status may work independently or dependently from the date of their status, without prejudice to the provisions of other legislation regarding the jobs and professions in which they may not work. The refugee or subsidiary protection status holder identity document also replaces the work permit and this is written on the identity document.

7. I am a student in Turkey, where do I apply for a work permit?

Foreign students enrolled in formal education programs at a higher education institution in Turkey may work provided that they obtain a work permit. Students studying at associate degree and undergraduate level may apply for a work permit after the completion of the first year of their studies and may work part-time in accordance with Labor Law No. 4857. These restrictions do not apply to graduate students enrolled in formal education programs.

8. Do we need a work permit for foreign soccer players?

Professional athletes and sports personnel are considered within the scope of work permit exemption for the duration of their contracts by obtaining a certificate of eligibility/approval from the Ministry of Youth and Sports. This exemption gives the foreigner the right to work and reside in Turkey. Applications can be made at https://emuafiyet.csgb.gov.tr/.

9. I am an international protection applicant, can I get a work permit?

An international protection applicant or a conditional refugee status holder may apply for a work permit six months after the date of the international protection application.

Common Mistakes and Tips for Applying for a Work Permit

Small mistakes in foreign work permit applications can lead to a prolonged process or rejection of the application. In particular, changes in the legislation and procedures carried out without being familiar with the details of the application may lead to loss of time and cost for both the employee and the employer. Therefore, the following important points should be taken into consideration.

Common Mistakes

1. Incomplete or Incorrect Documentation:Failure to include all required documents in the application file, incomplete or outdated documents in cases where original documents should be submitted instead of photocopies may result in rejection of the application.
2. Choosing the Wrong Application Type: Thetype of application differs depending on whether the foreigner will work independently or for an employer. Applications in the wrong category are automatically invalid.
3. Errors in Employer Information or SSI Records: Errors or outdated information in company information, trade registry, SSI records and Turkish employee declarations may lead to the cancellation of the application.
4. Lack of Valid Residence or Visa Period: Failure to meet the condition of the foreigner’s legal presence in Turkey at the time of application will cause the application to be rejected from the system.
5. Incorrect Deposit of Fees and Valuable Paper Fees:Incomplete or incorrect deposit of work permit fees to the wrong account code or not deposited in accordance with the application number will cause the transaction to be invalid.
6. Unclear Labor Contract: Failure to clearly specify information such as duties, position, wages and duration in the contract between the employer and the foreigner may have negative consequences in the examination.
7. Negligent Post-Application Follow-Up: Failure to regularly monitor the e-Government or the Ministry’s system for the outcome of the application or missing document requests may cause the process to end negatively.

Tips

• Follow Current Legislation: Regularly follow current announcements and legislative amendments published on the websites ofthe Ministry of Labor and Social Security and the Directorate of Migration Management.
• Prepare Complete Documents:Create a pre-application checklist to ensure that all requested documents are up-to-date, legible and accurate.
• Regularly check the system after the application:After the application is completed, regularly check the status of the application and possible additional document requests.
• Make Payments Correctly: Make sure that the application number, foreign ID number and name information are entered correctly in the explanation section of the payment of fees and valuable paper fees.
• Seek Expert Assistance if Needed:If you are unsure about the complexity of the application or changes in legislation, seek professional advice from a specialized law firm.

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Remember:

Even a small mistake can lead to the cancellation of the entire process and loss of time. In your foreign work permit applications, it will be advantageous to get support from a team of experts in the field to carry out the processes in the healthiest way.

Expert Support and Communication

The process of applying for a foreign work permit in Turkey can be complex and time-consuming due to frequent changes in legislation and varying application details. If you want your application to be concluded quickly, completely and smoothly, it is of utmost importance to seek professional support from an expert law firm.

MFY Legal;

• Work permit application and extension procedures,
• Appeal processes in case of rejection,
• Compliance with foreign employment legislation in your company,
• We provide our clients with reliable consultancy and advocacy services in all official correspondence and document preparation matters in accordance with the latest legislation.

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Contact us now to get professional support for your work permit applications and share your questions directly with our expert lawyers.

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