Right to Freelance Work for Citizens of Turkic States

With the new decree published under the signature of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, citizens of countries that are members of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS) can now be employed and engage in commercial activities in Türkiye without requiring a work permit or citizenship.

This regulation entered into force upon publication in the Official Gazette (No. 33043) dated October 10, 2025. The decision gained its legal basis through an amendment to the Law No. 2527 on the Freedom of Practice of Professions and Arts in Türkiye by Foreigners of Turkish Descent.

Scope and Purpose of the New Regulation

Under the published Presidential Decision No. 10476, citizens of Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan may freely establish businesses or be employed in Türkiye, excluding military and intelligence fields.

These individuals may also register with professional chambers on equal terms with Turkish citizens, but will not have voting rights.

This step was taken immediately after the 12th Summit held in Gebele (Azerbaijan) by the Organization of Turkic States, and aims to strengthen economic and employment integration across the Turkic world.

Legal Basis

This regulation is based on Law No. 2527 (Official Gazette published on 29/9/1981 – No. 17473) and the implementing regulation governing this law.

The following significant changes have been added to the regulation by the new decree:

🔹 “Determination of Turkish Descent” Article (Article 2/a)

Communities to be considered of Turkish descent will be determined by presidential decision.

🔹 Article 3 – Conditions of Work

For foreigners of Turkish descent to freely practice their professions and arts in Türkiye:

1. A residence permit must be granted by the Ministry of Interior,
2. They must meet the specific statutory qualifications for the profession,
3. Recognition of diploma equivalency,
4. No security concerns,
5. Creation of population (civil registry) records,
6. Registration with the relevant professional body,
7. Acceptance of document equivalency,
8. Belonging to a community determined by presidential decision,
9. Being unable to practice the profession in their own country,
10. Possessing ethnic and cultural distinction is required.

The regulation entered into force as of October 10, 2025.

It is being implemented by President Erdoğan.

Economic and Social Impacts

By facilitating labor mobility between Türkiye and the Turkic world, this regulation strengthens both economic and cultural ties.

Granting citizens of Turkish descent the right to freelance work in Türkiye will create new employment opportunities, particularly in the energy, construction, tourism, technology, and services sectors.

Members and Observers of the Organization of Turkic States

The states holding full membership and observer status in the Organization of Turkic States (OTS) are as follows:

Full Member States

Türkiye, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan

Observer States

Turkmenistan, Hungary, Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC)

For more information on the current organizational structure and member countries of the OTS, you can visit the official source:

👉 Organization Chart | Organization of Turkic States

Legal Assessment – MFY Legal Opinion

As MFY Legal | Law Firm, we believe this regulation will have significant implications at both individual and corporate levels.

Under the new regulation:

• Citizens of the Turkic States will be able to operate in Türkiye without needing to apply for a work permit,
• These individuals can progress more quickly in company formation and partnership processes,
• However, the exclusion of roles within military, intelligence, or public security must be carefully managed from a regulatory standpoint.

Case Study: Example of an Azerbaijani Entrepreneur

An Azerbaijani citizen born in Baku wishes to operate in Türkiye’s construction sector.

Thanks to the new regulation:

• No work permit application is required,
• They can establish a company and start commercial activities with Turkish partners. Only professional chamber registration and the required residence permit are sufficient. This will accelerate Turkish–Azerbaijani economic cooperation as of 2025.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Relevant Laws and Resources

• Law No. 2527 on Foreigners of Turkish Descent (mevzuat.gov.tr)
• Official Gazette – October 10, 2025, No. 33043 (resmigazete.gov.tr)
• Official Website of the Organization of Turkic States (turkicstates.org)

Contents You may also like

• Guide to Work Permit Applications in Türkiye
• Company Formation Process in Türkiye for Foreigners
• Turkish Citizenship by Investment

Conclusion

This decree is a significant step that will make Türkiye the economic hub of the Turkic world.

Citizens of Turkish descent will now be able to work and trade freely in Türkiye and contribute to the national economy.

👉 Contact MFY Legal | Law Office for expert legal support tailored to you.