Work Permit Exemption (2025) | Full Guide

A work permit exemption is a special status granted to a foreigner by an official document issued by the Ministry, which grants the foreigner the right to work and reside in Turkey for a certain period and scope without a work permit. Main basis Law No. 6735 on International Labor Force and Implementing Regulationis.

Short reminder: The exemption replaces the residence permit, but the duration of the exemption does not count towards the duration of either the legal work permit or the residence permit. When the period expires, so does the exempt residence permit.

For related concepts:

Work Permit Conditions – Work Permit Application Process – Application from Abroad – Social Security Notification of Foreigners

1) Who is exempt and under what circumstances?

ICC Implementation Directive Art. 48 major exemptions (summary):

• Short-term technical visits for training/installation/delivery/repair (e.g. installation-maintenance-training of imported machinery; usually maximum 3 months).
• Cross-border service providers (usually no more than 3 months).
• Diplomatic/consular staff and staff of affiliated institutions, posts in foreign cultural/religious/school institutions(Foreign Affairs channel).
• Seasonal agriculture and animal husbandry ( maximum 6 months in the province/jobs determined by the General Directorate).
• Fixed-term activity within the scope of professional service (architect/engineer/urban planner – if it exceeds 1 month, work permit conditions come into play: recognition/temporary membership of the chamber, etc.).

Note Exemption cannot be extended. Re-apply for the same exemption;

• 6 months for types Art.48/1-(b) and (c) (3 months technical/cross-border),
• other exemptions have a 12-month waiting rule.

2) Exemption ≠ Indefinite Freedom

• Scope and duration are written on your document. It can be issued part-time; in which sectors/jobs/occupations part-time work can be done is announced by the General Directorate.
• It is issued for at least 60 days less than the validity of the passport.
• If your work will exceed the exemption period, a work permit is mandatory: Work Permit.

3) Application Procedures and Time Periods

A) Domestic Application

• It is done through e-Muafiyet (emuafiyet.csgb.gov.tr) within 30 days of entry and without exceeding the visa/visa exemption.
• If the evaluation is positive, an Exemption Certificate is issued.

B) Application Abroad

• Application to the Turkish foreign representation in the country where the foreigner is a citizen/legal resident → forwarded from the system to the Ministry → if deemed appropriate, an Exemption Certificate is issued.

C) Foreign Affairs Channel (Special Cases)

• Diplomatic/consular staff, affiliated cultural/religious/school institutions, etc. apply through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

You cannot have two applications at the same time. A different application is not accepted when there is an existing exemption review.

4) Documents (Summary)

• Biometric photo, valid passport (or replacement document),
• Training/workplace information and documents to prove it,
• Evidentiary documents specific to the type of exemption (technical training contract, delivery/installation documents, seasonal work forms, etc.).
• Foreign Affairs favorable opinion process in diplomatic/consular files.

5) Fee/Fee and Document Submission

• For exemptions up to 3 months, no fee is charged ( only the valuable paper fee if you want a document).
• For exemptions of 3 months or more, fee + valuable paper is charged.
• Payment notification comes by registered e-mail; if not paid within 30 days, the application will be rejected.
• Payments are made through the Digital Tax Office (with reference number) or through contracted banks.

6) SSI and Notification Obligations

• Foreigners working with exemption and their employers fulfill their SSI obligations in accordance with Law No. 5510 in accordance with the declared wage and type of work.
• Situations such as start/end/cancellation are notified to the Ministry within 15 days (via the system).
• Exemptions of up to 3 months are exempt from the notification obligation.
• SSI details: SSI Notification of Foreigners.

7) Rejection and Appeal

Examples of reasons for refusal:

• False/falsifying documents, violation of international labor policy,
• Application for professions reserved for Turks,
• Violation of time rules (30 days/domestic, 6-12 month waiting period),
• National security/public order/health hazard,
• Citizenship of an unrecognized country with the exception of foreign affairs,
• Exemption out of scope activity.

Appeal It is made through the system within 30 days from the notification. In case of rejection, administrative judicial remedy is open.

8) Family, Union and Entry-Exit

• Exemption replaces residence and allows multiple entry and exit.
• Family members do not directly qualify for the exemption; a residence application is also required.
• Union membership is possible for exemption holders.

9) Special Applications

A) Seasonal Agriculture (Tea/Nut) – 6 Provinces, Up to 6 Months

Exemption for a maximum of 6 months for tea/hazelnut agriculture in Artvin, Rize, Trabzon, Giresun, Ordu, Samsun provinces.

Application e-Exemption (emuafiyet.csgb.gov.tr)

Documents: Biometric photo, passport, Seasonal Agriculture Exemption Form, service contract and ÇKS certificate.

B) Foreign Shepherd/Livestock Manager in Livestock (as of 12.06.2025)

• Prerequisites (minimum): 200 ovine / 100 beef cattle / 50 dairy cattle / 75 mixed cattle.
• Employment of 1 foreigner for each threshold ( maximum 3 in the same enterprise).
• Applications are evaluated through e-Permit (work permit) and by taking the opinion of the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry.
• See general framework: Foreign Employment Requirements for Employers.

10) Frequently Asked Questions (Quick)

• Can the exemption be extended? No. If necessary, a work permit is obtained at the end of the period.
• Re-application for the same exemption? 3-month wait for 6 months for technical/cross-border and 12 months for others.
• Does residence count? Yes, but it is not added to the duration calculation.
• Can a family benefit? No; separate residence application is required.
• Can it be part-time? Yes; the scope is according to the GM announcement.
• Is SSI compulsory? Yes; on the wage/type you declare according to 5510.

Related Posts

• Work Permit Application Process
• Work Permit Conditions
• Work Permit Application from Abroad
• Work Permit Fees (2025)
• Work Permit Inquiry
• Temporary Protection – Labor
• Foreign Student – Study

Professional Support

Exemption files are error-proof in duration / scope / SSI and payment steps. Contact MFY Legal | Law Firm lawyers to complete your file risk-free and fast; we will manage the application strategy, document control and appeal processes end-to-end.