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.
| Visa Type | Description |
| Employment Purpose/Special Employment Purpose | For general employment positions with a Turkish employer. |
| Assigned Lecturers/Academics | For academic positions in Turkish educational institutions. |
| Assigned Sportsperson | For athletes contracted to Turkish sports organizations. |
| Assigned Artists | For artists invited to perform or work in Turkey. |
| Assigned Free Zone Workers | For employees working in Turkey's free zones. |
| Assigned Journalists | For foreign journalists assigned to Turkey. |
| Montage and Repairman Purposes | For technicians involved in assembly and repair tasks. |
Common Hiring Scenarios for Turkey
When hiring talent in Turkey, employers typically choose one of three pathways depending on the role, duration, & legal requirements. Below are the most common models.
Use Case 1: Sponsoring a Foreign Employee via Work Permit or Visa
This is the most common route for companies hiring full-time foreign talent in Turkey. To sponsor this visa, an employer (or Playroll as the Employer of Record) must have a registered legal entity in-country and issue a compliant offer of employment.
Key Employer Considerations:
- Sponsorship is required — contractors or freelancers cannot apply under this visa.
- Employees must remain in the approved work location unless authorized to relocate or change employers.
- Processing timelines vary (approximately 4-8 weeks on average), depending on the consulate or embassy.
This is best for: Long-term roles with in-office or hybrid presence in Turkey.
Use Case 2: Hiring a Foreign Contractor in Turkey
Independent professionals in Turkey can legally work with international clients without employer sponsorship, but must comply with local tax registration and reporting laws.
With Playroll’s Contractor Management solution, you can:
- Draft fully compliant local contractor agreements.
- Automate contractor invoicing and cross-border payments, in Uzbekistani Som (UZS) or USD.
- Mitigate risk of permanent establishment and contractor misclassification.
This is best for: Freelancers, consultants or project-based roles, especially if the worker already lives in Turkey.
Use Case 3: Relocating an Existing Employee to Turkey
Transferring an existing team member to Turkey? You’ll still need to navigate the same visa and payroll setup process. Even if the employee works for you elsewhere, a local employer of record is required to stay compliant.
EOR’s, like Playroll, handle all local steps, including:
- Work permit sponsorship and immigration paperwork,
- Registration with local authorities and payroll systems,
- Enrollment in mandatory benefits and statutory schemes.
This is best for: Internal transfers or remote-first companies looking to expand into Asia, or talent retention offerings for global mobility programs.
Requirements for a Work Permit in Turkey
Employers and foreign workers must meet specific criteria to ensure compliance with Turkish regulations when applying for a work permit.
- Valid Passport: Must be valid for at least six months beyond the intended stay and have two blank pages.
- Job Offer Letter: An employment contract detailing job responsibilities, salary, and duration of employment.
- Health Insurance: Proof of valid health insurance covering the stay in Turkey.
- Application Form: A completed and accurate application form is required.
- Biometric Photos: Recent passport-sized photos meeting Turkey’s specifications.
Turkey Work Permit Application Process
- Step 1: The foreign employee must secure a confirmed job offer from a Turkish employer.
- Step 2: The employer submits an application to the Turkish Ministry of Labor and Social Security (MLSS).
- Step 3: The employee applies for a work visa at the Turkish consulate in their home country.
- Step 4: Both parties provide supporting documents, including the employment contract and valid passport.
- Step 5: The MLSS reviews the application, which may take up to 30 days.
- Step 6: Upon approval, the employee receives a work permit and visa, allowing legal employment and residency.
Process for Visa Sponsorship in Turkey
Employers must sponsor foreign workers by submitting a work permit application to the Ministry of Labor and Social Security. Concurrently, employees apply for a work visa through Turkish consulates abroad. This ensures compliance with immigration and labor laws.
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 Type | Application Fee |
| Temporary Work Permit (1 year) | €119 |
| Temporary Work Permit (2 years) | €238 |
| Permanent Work Permit | €1,189 |
| Independent Work Permit | €1,189 |
| Valuable Paper Fee | €14 |
Processing Time for a Work Permit or Visa in Turkey
The processing time for work permits and visas in Turkey typically ranges from 4 to 8 weeks. This timeline depends on factors such as the completeness of the application, responsiveness of both the employer and employee, and the workload of Turkish authorities. Employers should start the process well in advance to account for potential delays.
Work Permit Renewal Periods in Turkey
Work permits in Turkey are initially valid for one year. Upon renewal, they can be extended for up to two years and later for three years. After eight consecutive years of legal employment, foreign nationals may apply for an indefinite work permit. Employers should ensure that renewal applications are submitted at least 60 days before the current permit expires to avoid interruptions.
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.
Common Challenges and Tips for Employers Hiring in Turkey
Employers hiring foreign nationals in Turkey face several challenges that need careful management. Here are some common obstacles and solutions:
- Bureaucratic Procedures: Work permit applications can be time-consuming. Employers should allocate sufficient time and resources to meet deadlines.
- Compliance with Labor Laws: Turkish labor laws mandate specific wages, benefits, and contracts. Employers should ensure compliance to avoid penalties.
- Language Barriers: Official documents and communications are primarily in Turkish. Employers may need translation services for accuracy.
- Cultural Integration: Employers should offer cultural training to help international employees adjust to the Turkish work environment.
.svg)
.svg)
.svg)
.svg)
.svg)
.svg)
.svg)
.svg)
.svg)
.svg)
.svg)
Back
.svg)
.svg)
.png)
.webp)
.svg)