مجوز کار و اشتغال | سوالات متداول

Please Note:

The information below is provided for educational and informational purposes only. While we do our best to keep it up-to-date, laws, procedures, and requirements in Turkey are constantly evolving. Every case is unique — your situation may differ due to nationality, personal background, or recent legal changes.

hat’s why we always recommend speaking with the expert advisors first.

How can I get a work permit in Turkey as a foreigner? – To legally work in Turkey, you (and your employer) must apply for a work permit (çalışma izni) from the Ministry of Labor and Social. Typically, you need a job offer or contract from a Turkish employer, because the employer initiates the application online on your behalf. If you’re outside Turkey, you’ll apply for a work visa at a Turkish consulate once the Labor Ministry approves your work permit. If you’re inside Turkey on a valid residence permit (other than tourist), the employer can apply while you’re in-country. Required documents include your passport, biometric photos, diploma/degree (notarized translation), and for the employer: various company documents (tax registration, trade registry, etc.). Processing takes around 4–8 weeks. Once approved, you get a work permit card which also serves as your residence permit. In summary, the key is having an employer sponsor – you cannot get a work permit entirely on your own unless you set up your own company or qualify for certain independent work permit categories.
Do I need a job offer to apply for a Turkish work permit, or can I apply independently? – In most cases, you must have a Turkish employer sponsor your work permit application. The employer has to submit documents and meet criteria (like employing a minimum number of Turks). Independent work permits are rare – for example, as a foreigner you might apply on your own if you’re an entrepreneur setting up a company or a highly specialized freelancer, but these are complex and granted case-by-case. Generally, plan to secure a job first; then your employer will apply to get you permission to work. One exception: foreign spouses of Turkish citizens and long-term residents still need a work permit but their process may be easier – yet it still involves an application (often by the hiring company).
What are the requirements for a Turkish employer to hire a foreigner? – The company must meet certain criteria set by the Ministry of Labor. Key requirements: The employer must employ at least 5 Turkish citizens for every 1 foreign employee (5:1 quota). The company should have a minimum paid-in capital (usually 100,000 TL or more) or a certain level of gross sales or exports (or the foreigner’s salary should meet a certain threshold, often related to position – e.g. engineers or management level have higher minimum salary requirements). Some sectors have additional rules or quotas. The job role should ideally be one that cannot easily be filled by a Turkish national – for instance, foreign language teaching by a native speaker is common, or specialized technical roles. The employer must also be up to date on taxes and social security payments, as the work permit process will check the company’s compliance.
How long is a work permit valid and can it be renewed? – Initial work permits are typically issued for 1 year tied to the employer and job. You can renew for 2 years, then 3 years in subsequent extensions, as long as you still meet the requirements (employment continues, etc.). After 5 years of continuous work permits, you might qualify for an independent work permit or long-term residency, and after 8 years you could get a long-term residence permit which allows work without needing work permit renewals. The renewal process is similar to initial, but slightly simpler as long as your situation hasn’t changed – you apply through the online system before the current permit expires. Yes, you can keep renewing indefinitely as long as the criteria are met. (Also, if you change jobs, you need a new work permit for the new employer.)
Is a work permit also a residence permit? – Yes – a work permit, once approved, comes with a work permit ID card that serves as both your work authorization and your legal residence permit in Turkey during its validity. You don’t need to obtain a separate residence permit; the two are combined. However, if your work permit is canceled or expires and not renewed, you lose your legal residency as well (usually you’d then have 10 days to leave the country). So, the work permit is a “2-in-1” document.
Can my spouse and children come with me if I have a work permit? – Yes. Once you have a work permit (and thus are legally resident), your spouse and dependent children can apply for family residence permits to join you. You must show ability to support them (income, accommodation) and have valid health insurance for them. The family residence permit typically is granted for the same duration as your work permit. Note that a family residence does not allow your spouse to work; they would need to get their own work permit if they want to work. After 3 years on family residence, spouses could apply for work permits without the 5:1 employer quota condition (easing the process a bit). Overall, Turkey is family-friendly in that it allows reunification, but it’s not automatic – you do have to apply and provide documents (marriage certificate, birth certificates, etc., translated and notarized).
What is the difference between a work permit and a work visa? – A work visa is the visa you obtain from a Turkish consulate to travel to Turkey for the purpose of employment after your work permit is approved. A work permit is the actual approval from the Ministry of Labor that allows you to work. So basically, the sequence is: Employer applies for work permit; once it’s approved, if you are outside Turkey, you go to the Turkish consulate with that approval to get a work visa stamped in your passport to come to Turkey. When you arrive, that gets converted into the work permit card (residence permit card) as you register. If you are already in Turkey (with legal stay), the work permit approval itself lets you stay and work, and you just get the card. The visa is just for entry; the permit is for the right to work/reside.
Why might a work permit application be rejected? – Common reasons include incomplete or incorrect documentation, the employer not meeting the 5:1 ratio or financial criteria, the position could be filled by a local (like if it’s not a specialist role, authorities might deny to protect local employment), or applicant’s qualifications not matching the job. Other rejections happen if the employer’s paperwork (like tax records, social security payments for Turks) isn’t in order. Salary offered must also meet a minimum based on job type – if an employer offers a very low salary for a foreigner, it may be rejected. In 2025, for example, a foreigner in a high-skilled role must be paid a certain multiple of minimum wage; failing that can cause rejection. Sometimes timing issues (application filed too late or after the person already came on a tourist visa without proper steps) can cause denial. Often, working with an immigration law professional can help avoid these pitfalls by ensuring everything is aligned with requirements.
How much does it cost to get a work permit (fees)? – There are government fees for the work permit card and work permit itself which vary by the type/duration and the foreigner’s nationality. As of 2025, the work permit fee ranges roughly from 10,000 TRY to 105,000 TRY – the lower end for short-term/one-year permits for many nationalities, and higher end for longer term or certain country citizens. (These fees are updated annually; for example a one-year permit fee might be around $140, plus a card printing fee ~$15, whereas longer or special permits cost more.) Often employers pay these fees on behalf of the employee. Additionally, if you hire a law firm or consultancy to handle it, their service fees would add to the cost. Always check the latest fee schedule on the Ministry’s site as Turkey adjusts these fees frequently due to inflation.
Can I change jobs in Turkey once I have a work permit? – Not freely. A work permit is tied to your specific employer for a specific job. If you want to change jobs, your new employer must apply for a new work permit for you. You cannot transfer the permit to them; they have to go through the application process (though if you haven’t exhausted certain time limits it might be slightly simpler). You also can’t legally work the gap between jobs – when you resign or are terminated, your current work permit will be canceled (employer notifies ministry). You typically then have a short grace period to either leave Turkey or apply for another status (or the new employer files a new permit promptly). Changing jobs frequently can be tricky because you need to coordinate the timing so you maintain legal status. After a continuous 5-year work period (with any employers) you could apply for an independent permit but that’s uncommon.
Are there jobs that foreigners are not allowed to do in Turkey? – Yes. Certain professions are closed to foreigners by law to protect those fields for Turkish nationals. These include: doctor (in public sector; foreigners can work in private hospitals in some cases), dentist, pharmacist, veterinarian, lawyer (representation in court requires Turkish citizenship), notary, security guard, customs broker, and a few others. Also, roles in maritime piloting or fishing in Turkish waters are restricted. Tourist guide requires special permission. Apart from these regulated professions, foreigners can work in a wide array of jobs – common jobs foreigners do include English teaching, IT, tourism/hospitality management, export-import, marketing for international firms, etc. Always verify if your profession has a localization requirement.
Can I work remotely in Turkey (digital nomad) without a work permit? – If you are working remotely for a foreign company (earning income abroad), Turkey currently doesn’t have a formal “digital nomad visa,” but many people in this situation use a short-term residence permit (e.g. on the basis of having enough financial means or renting long-term) to live in Turkey. Legally, any work performed in Turkey would require a work permit – however, the concept of digital nomads is a grey area since the work is not for a Turkish entity. Many foreign remote workers stay on tourist visas (for up to 90 days) or get a residence permit not tied to a job (like a one-year touristic residence permit or student permit by enrolling in language school). It’s somewhat tolerated as long as you’re not taking a job from a local economy. That said, officially you cannot be “employed” in Turkey without a permit, even if the employer is foreign, but enforcement is practically nonexistent for genuine remote online work. The safe route is to obtain a residency (not a work permit) if you want to base yourself in Turkey and work online for a foreign income.
Can I start my own business in Turkey and get a work permit for myself? – Yes, it’s possible. You would need to register a company in Turkey (like a Limited Company) and then the company (where you are owner or partner) applies to hire you as its employee in a managerial role. However, the company will need to meet the normal work permit criteria – after the first 6 months of operation, it should employ 5 Turkish staff for you to keep your work permit active. There’s also a minimum capital requirement (at least 100,000 TL capital or certain revenue) for the company to be eligible to hire a foreign employee (which would be you). In the first 6 months, new companies get a bit of leeway for not meeting the 5 Turkish employees rule yet, but by the time of renewal it’s needed. Alternatively, Turkey has an “independent work permit” concept for entrepreneurs, but it still looks at criteria like benefit to Turkish economy. Many foreign entrepreneurs do this: set up company, invest, hire a few locals, and obtain a work permit as the company’s GM. It’s doable but ensure you have a solid business plan and resources.
What is a Turquoise Card? – The Turquoise Card is a special Turkish residence/work permit for highly skilled individuals, investors, or scientists that offers a path to indefinite work and residence rights (it’s similar to a “talent visa”). It’s aimed at people who have notable achievements or will invest heavily (job creators). Initially, it’s given conditionally for 3 years, and if the holder fulfills certain criteria, it becomes permanent. Turquoise Card holders enjoy rights almost like a citizen (except voting and military), and their spouse and children get residence permits. One benefit: Turquoise card holders do not need a separate work permit to work – they can work for any employer or on their own. It effectively removes the need for the 5:1 quota, etc. However, qualifying is tough – typically you need to either invest a large sum, create jobs, or have outstanding professional/academic skills recognized internationally. It’s an option to consider if you’re a high net worth individual or expert talent; otherwise, the standard work permit is the usual route.

Work Permits & Employment | FAQs