SSI Notification and Work Permit for Foreign Employees (2025)

Employment of foreign workers in Turkey is only work permit but also through the fulfillment of social security obligations. SSI notifications for employers and foreign employees must be made in accordance with the provisions of the Social Security and General Health Insurance Law No. 5510 and deadlines must be strictly adhered to.

1. Notification Obligations

• Start and end of work: The commencement and expiry of the work permit or exemption must be notified to the Ministry within 15 days.
• SSI notification: The SSI must be logged within 30 days of the start date of the work permit.
• For foreign applications: The foreigner must start working within 1 month from the date of entry into Turkey.

For the detailed process, see Work Permit Application Process.

2. Notification Periods to SSI

• For applications from Turkey: 1 month from the start date of the work permit.
• For applications from abroad: 1 month from the date of entry and in any case 6 months from the start of the permit.
• Difference in notification date: If the start date of the work permit differs from the date of notification of the document to the employer, SSI notification can be made within 30 days of the notification.

3. International Social Security Conventions

Social security agreements to which Turkey is a party are reserved.

• In this context, employees from contracting countries are exempt from SSI obligations for certain periods.
• For example, foreigners who are sent to Turkey for a job based on a mutual agreement may not be subject to SSI for certain periods.

For detailed information, see here. Work Permit Exemption.

4. Missing Day and Premium Notifications

Missing days to be reported to the SSI are only accepted for valid reasons:

• Sickness report (from workplace physician/health service provider)
• Certificates of detention or arrest
• Official documents such as strike, lockout, natural disaster
• Cases listed in Article 74 of Labor Law No. 4857 (birth, etc.)

In addition, even if unpaid leave is taken, SSI premium notifications should continue to be made, except for leaves granted to female employees due to childbirth.

5. Failure of the Foreign Employee to Start Working

• The foreigner never starts working despite obtaining a work permit,
• Cancel the permit and go abroad,
• Temporary presence abroad

In such cases, the employer may be exempted from administrative sanctions by documenting the justification.

6. Considerations for Employers

• Work permit validity date and SSI notification must be compatible.
• Notifications must be made electronically in a timely manner.
• During extension periods (see Work Permit Extension Application), both SSI and Ministry notifications must be made simultaneously.
• Entering the wrong SSI number, address or date can result in administrative fines.

7. FAQs – Short Answers

• Does a work permit replace residence? Yes. The work permit also replaces the residence permit; there is no need to apply for residence separately.
• Is the foreign student subject to SSI? Yes, students working under the Foreign Student Work Permit are also subject to SSI.
• Is a foreign worker in domestic services reported to the SSI? Yes, for details see Foreign Work Permit in Domestic Services.

Professional Support

SSI notifications for foreign employees are one of the most critical stages of the work permit process. Failure or delay may result in serious administrative fines for the employer.

You can contact MFY Legal | Law Office lawyers to prepare your file completely.