Work Permit for Foreigners under Temporary Protection (2025)

Foreigners under temporary protection can obtain a work permit in Turkey if they meet certain conditions and apply in accordance with the legislation. The process is subject to special rules such as a 6-month waiting period, 10% employment quota, prior authorization in some professions and SSI obligations.

General framework: Foreign Work Permit Guidelines

Step by step process: Work Permit Application Process

1) Who Can Apply? Basic Requirements

• Temporary protection identity document / foreigner identification number (99…);
• At least 6 months of temporary protection period has expired on the date of application;
• Prior authorization from the relevant institution for professions requiring prior authorization (health, education, academia):
  • Health: Ministry of Health,
  • Education Ministry of National Education,
  • Faculty members HIGHER EDUCATION COUNCIL.

Summary of basic requirements: Work Permit Requirements

2) Criteria to Consider (Quota and Fee)

• 10% quota: The number of persons under temporary protection in the same workplace cannot exceed 10% of Turkish employees.
  • If it is documented that there are no Turkish workers with the same qualifications, the quota can be extended.
• Workplaces with ≤10 employees may employ a maximum of 1 person.
• Wages below the minimum wage cannot be agreed.

Employer obligations: Foreign Work Permit Requirements for Employers

Fee/fee items: Work Permit Fees 2025

3) Application Procedure (e-Permit)

Who applies?

• Mostly employers apply; self-employed persons can also apply (tax number, room/registration documents required).

System:

• It is done by selecting the “Temporary Protection” module via e-Government / e-Permit.
• Employer registration (domestic services/SGK registration), foreigner’s ID-photo-contact, education/language, address-duty-wage, contract and workplace documents are uploaded.
• All information is confirmed by electronic signature.

Evaluation:

• Applications are evaluated in accordance with Law No. 6735 and secondary legislation; opinions are requested from relevant institutions when necessary.
• Negative conditions: Professions specific to Turkish citizens, lack of prior authorization, criteria not met, negative institutional opinion.

Details of the application steps: Work Permit Application Process

Application status tracking: Work Permit Inquiry

4) Post-Leave Notifications and SSI

• SSI employment declaration must be submitted within 30 days from the approval/date of the permit.
• SSI premium based earnings cannot be lower than the wage declared in the application.
• If a change of province is required, the Provincial Migration Managementis notified and the province of residence is updated.

SSI processes: SSI Notification and Work Permit for Foreigners

5) Seasonal Agriculture/Livestock

Work Permit Exemption

Temporary protection holders can work in seasonal agriculture or animal husbandry with work permit exemption.

• The application is made with a printed petition before the Provincial Directorate of İŞKUR.
• 6 months is still required; application in the province where the right to stay is grantedis essential ( travel permit if working in a different province, maximum 3 months).
• The printed exemption information form is not subject to fees/valuable paper.
• Exemption is only for agriculture/livestock.

Details Work Permit Exemption

6) Common Mistakes

• Applying before the 6 months are up,
• Application without prior authorization in professions requiring prior authorization,
• Registration with the wrong SSI registration number/address,
• Declaration of wages below the minimum wage,
• Failure to enter the SSI within 30 days,
• Sending files without quota certification(10%).

7) FAQs – Short Answers

• How long is the leave of absence? Usually 1 year (can be extended).
• Does the permit replace the residence permit? No; it does not replace a residence permit.
• What if the permit is denied? Appeal/re-application is possible within the framework of the law and regulations.
• How does the card arrive? After approval, it is sent to the workplace address via PTT.

Legal Basis

• Law No. 6458 on Foreigners and International Protection(Art. 91)
• Temporary Protection Regulation (Art. 29 of the Official Gazette)
• Law No. 6735 on International Labor Force ( art. 17)
• Regulation on Work Permits for Foreigners under Temporary Protection
• Relevant institutions: Ministry of Labor and Social Security – DGMM, Directorate of Migration Management , İŞKUR

Professional Support

Temporary protection files include sensitive checks such as quotas, prior authorization, provincial/SIGK registration and exemptions. Incorrect applications may be rejected. To prepare your file in full compliance with the legislation MFY Legal | Law Office you can contact their lawyers.