Foreigners Law

For companies wishing to employ foreigners as employers in Turkey, applying for a foreign work permit involves serious obligations.

In Turkey, it is possible to employ foreign teachers in private schools and international institutions. However, the process is not limited to the application for a work permit as in other professions. Higher Education Council (YÖK) equivalency certificate, prior authorization certificate and Ministry of National Education (MoNE) approval processes are mandatory for teachers. 1) Legal…

In Turkey, employment opportunities for foreign nationals in the field of health are recognized to a certain extent. The nursing profession is one of the fields that is clearly regulated in laws and regulations.

Short summary It is not possible for foreign nationals to practice dentistry clinically (patient examination/diagnosis/treatment, title of “dentist”) in Turkey.

Foreign physicians can work in private health institutions (private hospitals, medical centers, etc.) in Turkey by obtaining a work permit from the Ministry of Labor and Social Security (ÇSGB) after the Ministry of Health’s prior authorization process is completed.

Foreigners who establish a company in Turkey or become a partner in an existing company must obtain a work permit in order to work in their own company. The evaluation is based on capital/partnership ratio, local employment, financial competence and compliance with the legislation.

Foreigners under temporary protection can obtain a work permit in Turkey if they meet certain conditions and apply in accordance with the legislation.

Foreign students enrolled in formal education at a higher education institution in Turkey may work provided that they obtain a work permit.

Turkey has special procedures for employers wishing to employ foreigners in domestic services. This includes childcare, elderly care, patient care and domestic cleaning services.

In order to apply for a foreign work permit in Turkey, both the foreigner and the employer must fulfill certain legal requirements.