Foreigners who want to work in Turkey must obtain a work permit and in some cases a Turkey work visa to have the legal right to work. The work permit application process includes specific steps and documents and is updated every year. In this article, you will find detailed information about how to apply for a work permit in Turkey, who can apply, fees, legal regulations regarding work permits, and important points to consider.
What is a Work Permit and Who Can Apply?
Work permit in Turkey is a document that foreigners must obtain to legally work in Turkey. The work permit application in Turkey can be made by the foreign person themselves or their employer. However, who will make the application depends on the situation:
- Applications from Abroad: For foreigners living outside Turkey who want to work in Turkey, it is necessary to obtain a Turkey work visa along with a work permit. For the foreigner to enter and work in Turkey, they must first apply for a work visa from the relevant Turkish Embassy or Consulate. In this case, the employer makes the work permit application. When the work permit is approved, a work visa is issued for the foreign employee to enter Turkey.
- Points to Consider:
When applying from abroad, it is very important that the documents required to obtain a work visa are prepared completely and correctly. The employer needs to carefully follow the application processes. Also, not missing the deadlines set for the application process is critical to prevent the application from being rejected.
- Points to Consider:
- Applications from Within Turkey: If the foreign person resides in Turkey with a valid residence permit, they can apply directly. However, in this case, having an employment contract with an employer is still mandatory.
- Points to Consider:
Having a valid residence permit in Turkey is mandatory. Foreigners without a residence permit cannot apply from within Turkey. The employment contract must be official and valid.
- Points to Consider:
- Those Who Will Work in Domestic Services: For foreigners who will work in domestic services, the employer (homeowner) makes the work permit application.
- Points to Consider:
For foreigners who will work in domestic services, the employer must make the application. Also, it is important that the special documents required for work permits in this field are fully prepared.
- Points to Consider:
- Foreigners Under Temporary Protection and Refugees: Foreigners under temporary protection and persons with refugee status can also apply for work permits. However, for these applications to be valid, they depend on the protection status and the employment contract made with the employer.
- Points to Consider:
Special rules apply for those under temporary protection to obtain work permits. Attention should be paid to the protection status and application deadlines during the application.
- Points to Consider:
Work Permit Application Process in Turkey (2024)
Work permit applications in Turkey are generally made through the online systems of the Ministry of Labor and Social Security. Turkey work permit application guide for foreign workers includes the following steps:
- Filling Out the Electronic Application Form: The employer or foreign employee must fill out the application form electronically.
- Preparing Required Documents: Documents required for Turkey work permit application must be obtained completely. These include documents such as passport, residence permit, employment contract.
- Approval of Application: The application process usually takes a few weeks and if approved, a work permit is issued.
- Points to Consider:
It should be ensured that the documents are complete and correct. Any deficiency or error may cause the application to be rejected. Also, it is important to follow the dates and deadlines specified in the electronic application process.
Work Permit Application Duration
Work permit application duration varies between approximately 30 and 90 days from the date of application. This period may vary depending on whether the application is made from within or outside the country and whether the submitted documents are complete.
- Points to Consider:
It is critically important to submit documents completely and complete the application process within the application period. Also, since delays may occur due to high volume, it is recommended to make applications as soon as possible.
Required Documents for Turkey Work Permit (2024)
When applying for a work permit, the following documents must be prepared completely:
- Passport photocopy
- Residence permit (if the application is made from within Turkey)
- Employment contract issued by the employer
- Employee’s educational documents (diploma, certificate, etc.)
- Photograph
- Points to Consider:
The validity of documents should be checked and all documents should be submitted correctly. Especially the accuracy and validity of the passport and employment contract are important.
Turkey Work Permit Fees 2024
Turkey work permit fees vary depending on the duration and type of permit applied for. As of 2024, the work permit fees valid in Turkey are as follows:
- Fixed-Term Work Permit (1 Year):
- Work Permit Fee: 2,055.60 TL
- ID Card Fee: 458.00 TL
- Total: 2,513.60 TL
- Fixed-Term Work Permit (2 Years):
- Work Permit Fee: 4,111.10 TL
- ID Card Fee: 458.00 TL
- Total: 4,569.10 TL
- Fixed-Term Work Permit (3 Years):
- Work Permit Fee: 6,166.70 TL
- ID Card Fee: 458.00 TL
- Total: 6,624.70 TL
- Indefinite Work Permit:
- Work Permit Fee: 20,668.90 TL
- ID Card Fee: 458.00 TL
- Total: 21,126.90 TL
- Independent Work Permit:
- Work Permit Fee: 20,668.90 TL
- ID Card Fee: 458.00 TL
- Total: 21,126.90 TL
- Points to Consider:
Fees vary according to the type of application and the application will not be processed without payment. The process should be followed carefully to avoid any delay in payment of fees.
Legal Legislation Regarding Work Permits
The issuance of work permits in Turkey and the regulation of the process are governed by various laws and regulations. Here are the basic legal regulations regarding work permits in Turkey:
1. Law No. 6735 on International Labor Force
This law ensures the participation of foreigners who want to work in Turkey in the workforce and the regulation of work permits. Work permit applications can be made both from within and outside the country. The law also regulates details such as forms of employment, exceptional work permits, and indefinite work permits.
2. Law No. 6458 on Foreigners and International Protection
It regulates the principles regarding residence permits and international protection applications of foreigners in Turkey. For foreigners to obtain work permits in Turkey, they may first need to obtain a residence permit under this law.
3. Work Permit Regulation
The detailed regulation of applications and processes regarding work permits is made by the Work Permit Regulation. This regulation regulates the application, examination, and finalization processes of work permits. It also covers issues such as exceptional situations and independent work permits.
What to Do If Work Permit Is Rejected?
In case of rejection of work permit applications, foreigners have ways to appeal or file a lawsuit against this decision by using their legal rights. When a work permit application is rejected, it is important to first understand the reason for rejection and take legal steps accordingly. The legal remedies that can be applied against rejected work permit applications can be explained as follows:
- Examination of Rejection Reason:
When a work permit application is rejected, a written notification regarding the rejection reasons is sent to the applicant by the Ministry of Labor and Social Security. Examination of the rejection reason is critically important for the appeal or lawsuit process to be conducted correctly.
- Points to Consider:
The rejection reason should be carefully examined and what was done wrong in the application process should be understood. Since rejection decisions may be made due to missing documents or procedural errors, these deficiencies need to be corrected.
- Administrative Appeal:
The foreigner or employer who wants to appeal the rejection of the work permit application can appeal to the Ministry of Labor and Social Security within 30 days from the notification of the decision.
- Points to Consider:
If the application is not made within the appeal period, the right to appeal may be lost. The appeal petition and missing documents must be prepared completely and in accordance with the law.
- Recourse to Judicial Remedy (Administrative Lawsuit):
If the rejection decision continues as a result of the administrative appeal or the application is directly rejected, a lawsuit can be filed in the Administrative Court within 60 days from the notification of the decision.
- Points to Consider:
The lawsuit process should be conducted with an expert lawyer. The lawsuit petition should be prepared based on legal grounds and a stay of execution can be requested.
Relationship Between Residence Permit and Work Permit
Foreigners who want to obtain a work permit in Turkey must first have a residence permit. The work permit application is a process that can be made after obtaining a residence permit. A residence permit is a basic status that allows foreigners to legally stay in Turkey and is one of the prerequisites for applying for a work permit.
For detailed information about residence permits, you can review our article titled Residence Permit in Turkey: Application Process and Required Conditions.
Can a Work Permit Be Obtained Without a Residence Permit?
A work permit application cannot be made without a residence permit. It is mandatory for people planning to obtain a work permit to have a residence permit. However, in some cases, residence permit and work permit applications can be made simultaneously. This process is especially valid for work permit applications made from outside Turkey.
Important Points for Work Permit Application with Residence Permit:
- Currency of Your Documents: The validity period of your residence permit document must not have expired.
- Application Type: Foreigners residing in Turkey can request a work permit by applying to the Ministry of Labor and Social Security with a residence permit.
- Application Process: After obtaining a residence permit, a work permit application must be made within 30 days.
For more information and details, our Residence Permit Article can guide you.
Why Should You Work With Us?
Work permit application in Turkey includes many steps and legal requirements. This process can be complex and providing incorrect or incomplete information can lead to rejection of the application. For applications to be successfully concluded, they need to be prepared correctly, deadlines need to be carefully followed, and legal processes need to be fully understood.
Here are some reasons to work with us:
- Expertise and Experience:
We have a team that has been specialized in foreigners law, work permit, and residence permit applications in Turkey for years. Thanks to our deep knowledge of foreigners law, we prepare your applications in the best way. We closely follow the relevant legislation and reflect every new development in your process. - Individual and Professional Approach:
Each of our clients’ situation is different. Therefore, we offer personalized solutions according to your needs. We manage your application process in the most efficient way by determining the best strategy suitable for your situation. We follow the process completely on your behalf and minimize errors. - Fast and Reliable Results:
We are experienced in quickly concluding work permit applications for foreign workers and employers. We constantly monitor the transaction process and inform you at every step. We develop effective strategies to conclude your applications as soon as possible. - Legal Support Against Application Rejection:
When your application is rejected, we are with you in legal processes. We defend your rights in the best way by providing legal support in administrative appeal and lawsuit processes. We also prepare a strong legal defense for lawsuits to be filed in court. - Transparency and Communication:
We are in constant communication with you at every step of the process. We regularly inform you about what stage your application is at and what steps have been taken. We always answer your questions and offer you complete transparency.
In Conclusion
In this guide for those who want to obtain a work permit in Turkey, we have detailed the application process, who can apply, the documents required for a work permit, and the fees. The work permit application process for foreign workers in Turkey should be followed step by step and applications should be prepared carefully. We are with you with our professional team to offer you the most accurate solutions. We would be happy to guide you in the process of obtaining a work permit in Turkey.
Issues such as residence permits, work permits, citizenship applications, and deportation decisions in Turkey are evaluated within the scope of foreigners law. For detailed information about the legal rights and processes of foreigners, Ankara Foreigners Law Lawyer you can visit our page.
