Turkey Work Permits & Visas: Employer Guide to Types & Sponsorship

Who Needs a Work Permit in Turkey?

In Turkey, all foreign nationals, except citizens of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, must obtain a work permit to engage in employment. This requirement applies to both short-term assignments and long-term employment contracts.

Employers are responsible for ensuring that foreign employees have the appropriate authorization before they begin work. Failure to secure a work permit may result in legal penalties, including fines and potential deportation of the employee.

Types of Work Visas in Turkey

Turkey offers several work visas tailored to meet various employment needs and professional roles.

Work Permit Application Process in Turkey (Step-by-step)

In Turkey, most work authorization is employer-driven, with the company submitting an online application to the Ministry of Labor and Social Security while the foreign national provides supporting documentation. The process and sequence can differ slightly depending on whether the candidate is applying from abroad or is already in Turkey with a valid residence permit.

• Step 1: The employer defines the role and confirms that it is eligible for sponsorship under Turkish labor and immigration rules. This typically includes preparing a detailed job description, salary offer that meets local standards, and confirming that the position aligns with the company’s registered business activities.
• Step 2: The employer gathers corporate documentation required for the online application. This may include trade registry records, tax registration certificates, signature circulars, financial statements, and proof that the company meets minimum capital and staffing thresholds where applicable.
• Step 3: The employer initiates the online work permit application through the Ministry of Labor and Social Security’s electronic system. During this step, the employer enters details about the company, the role, the foreign employee, and uploads the required supporting documents within the specified deadline.
• Step 4: The employee prepares personal documentation such as a valid passport, biometric photos, educational diplomas, CV, and any required translations or notarizations. If applying from abroad, the employee usually submits a work visa application at the relevant Turkish consulate within the time window linked to the employer’s online filing.
• Step 5: The Ministry reviews the application, may request clarifications, and decides whether to approve or refuse the work permit. During this period, authorities assess labor market considerations, company compliance history, and whether the role and candidate meet legal criteria.
• Step 6: Once approved, the employee obtains the work visa (if required) and travels to Turkey, or, if already in Turkey, updates their status as instructed. The work permit card is typically issued as a combined work and residence permit, and the employee must register their address and comply with any local registration requirements.
• Step 7: After arrival and activation of the permit, both employer and employee must ensure ongoing compliance, including working only in the approved role and location, respecting validity dates, and initiating renewals before expiry if the employment relationship continues.

Requirements and Eligibility for a Work Permit

Eligibility for a Turkish work permit depends on both the employer’s status and the foreign national’s qualifications and immigration position. Authorities look at the company’s financial health, staffing levels, and compliance record, as well as the individual’s skills and the nature of the role.

Common requirments inlcude:

• Corporate eligibility and good standing: The sponsoring company generally must be duly registered in Turkey, have up-to-date tax and social security filings, and meet minimum capital or turnover thresholds where applicable. This helps demonstrate that the business is genuine and capable of employing foreign staff.
• Appropriate job role and salary: The position should align with the company’s registered activities and meet any sector-specific rules. Authorities may expect the salary to be at or above certain benchmarks to ensure fair treatment and to avoid undercutting the local labor market.
• Qualified foreign national: The employee is usually expected to have relevant education, professional experience, or specialized skills for the role. Diplomas and certificates may need to be translated, notarized, or, in some cases, legalized or apostilled.
• Valid passport and legal status: The foreign national must hold a passport with sufficient validity and, where applying in-country, maintain lawful immigration status throughout the process. This reduces the risk of gaps in authorization or the need to depart and reapply from abroad.
• Complete and accurate documentation: Both employer and employee must provide accurate information and supporting evidence, such as photos, contracts, and corporate records. Incomplete or inconsistent filings are a common cause of delays or refusals.
• Compliance with sector-specific rules: Certain industries, such as education, health care, or regulated professions, may require additional licenses, professional registrations, or clearances. Meeting these conditions is essential before a work permit can be granted.

Work Permit Processing Time in Turkey

Processing times for Turkish work permits and related visas can vary depending on the type of authorization, the applicant’s location, and the workload of the authorities. Seasonal peaks and additional security or background checks can also affect timelines.

The typical processing time for a work permit or visa in Turkey can vary depending on whether the application is lodged from abroad or within Turkey, the completeness of the file, and whether any additional checks are required. Generally, you can expect the following timelines:

• Temporary Residence or Work Permit: Often processed in approximately 4 to 8 weeks after all required documents are submitted and the online application is finalized, though some cases may be faster or slower.
• Permanent Residence: May take around 6 to 12 months or longer, reflecting more extensive background checks, eligibility assessments, and the need for a complete and well-documented application.
• Short-Term Business or Work Visas: Frequently processed in about 2 to 4 weeks after submission of a complete application, especially for business meetings, short technical assignments, or training visits.

Expected Processing Timeline: Employer vs Employee

While each case is unique, you can roughly map the work permit process into weekly milestones that show how responsibilities shift between employer and employee.

• Week 1: Employer confirms the role, gathers corporate documents, and aligns on the offer and start date with the candidate.
• Week 2: Employer submits the online work permit application and uploads company documentation, while the employee prepares personal documents and translations.
• Week 3: Employee files any required work visa application at the Turkish consulate abroad or completes in-country steps if eligible, and both parties respond promptly to any document requests.
• Week 4: Authorities review the application; employer and employee monitor status and provide clarifications if requested.
• Week 5: If approved, the employee receives the visa (if applicable), finalizes travel plans, and the employer prepares for onboarding and social security registration.
• Week 6: Employee arrives in Turkey, activates the work and residence permit as instructed, and completes local registrations such as address registration.
• Weeks 7–8: Employer and employee verify that all records (social security, payroll, internal HR systems) reflect the correct permit details and diarize renewal dates.

Who Does What During Turkey Work Permit Sponsorship?

• Employers are responsible for: Defining the role, confirming that it can be sponsored, preparing and submitting the online work permit application, paying applicable government fees, and ensuring compliance with Turkish labor, tax, and immigration rules. They must also monitor expiry dates, initiate renewals in good time, and keep corporate records up to date.
• Employee is responsible for: Providing accurate personal information and supporting documents, including passports, diplomas, and photos, and arranging any required translations or notarizations. They must also attend consular appointments or interviews, maintain valid immigration status, and comply with the specific terms of the work permit, such as employer, job title, and location.

Work Permit Renewal Periods in Turkey

Initial Turkish work permits are often granted for up to one year, with the possibility of renewal for longer periods if the employment relationship continues and all legal conditions remain satisfied. Renewals generally need to be filed before the current permit expires, and authorities may require updated corporate and personal documentation to confirm that eligibility criteria are still met.

In practice, many employers start the renewal process several months before expiry to allow time for document collection, internal approvals, and government processing. Practice may vary by sector and region, so it is important to check current guidance from the Ministry of Labor and Social Security or consult local immigration counsel, and to set internal reminders so that no employee’s authorization lapses inadvertently.

What Are the Fees for a Work Permit or Visa in Turkey?

The cost of work permits and visas in Turkey depends on the type and duration of the permit.

Visa Requirements for Digital Nomads in Turkey

Turkey currently does not offer a specific visa for digital nomads. Most remote workers enter Turkey on a tourist visa, which allows stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period. However, working under a tourist visa is not permitted.

For longer stays, digital nomads can apply for a short-term residence permit, valid for up to one year, although it does not grant work authorization. Employers should ensure remote workers comply with Turkish laws to avoid penalties.

 
• Valid Passport: Must be valid for at least six months with blank pages.
• Health Insurance: Coverage for the duration of the stay.
• Proof of Income: Demonstrate sufficient financial means to support the stay.
• Residence Address: Proof of accommodation in Turkey.

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