Foreigners who want to work in Turkey must apply to the Turkish Ministry of Labor and Social Security in order to obtain a work permit.
Application at Turkish Embassy in Relevant Country
The applicant who does not have a residence permit in Turkey or who cannot apply for a residence permit in Turkey has to apply for a work visa at the Turkish Consulate in his/her own country. After submitting the application documents, the Turkish Consulate will provide him/her with a reference number. We will complete the application using this reference number and the required documents. After the ministry finalizes the application positively, the applicant must go to the Turkish Consulate again to get the work visa stamp on their passport.
Important note: The company must create a workplace registration on the Ministry of Labor page using an electronic signature and a registered e-mail (KEP).
We provide 24/7 support with our team for all processes. RL Immigration & Relocation Office maintains up-to-date knowledge of changes in immigration laws and regulations.
Required documents to be submited to Turkish Consulate of applicant’s country
- Application form (One printed copy of the online application form, signed by both the employer and the employee) – will be prepared by us
- Work agreement (Between the worker and the company) – will be prepared by us.
- Copy of the passport(If the passport is not printed in the Latin alphabet, an official translation must be attached.)
- The Trade Registry Gazette of the company (Detailing the current shareholding and capital structure of the entity.)
- Notarized sworn translation of the diploma or provisional graduation certificate
- Company’s certificate of activity
- Criminal record of the applicant
- Two photos of the applicant
- Company’s signature circulars
- Tax registration certificate
- Address registration documents ( may be requested )
Note: The list of required documents is not fixed and may change after the application file is examined.
Application Through Residence Permit:
If an applicant has a valid residence permit for at least six months in Turkey, the work permit application can be made directly to the Turkish Ministry of Labor and Social Security. Therefore, there is no need to obtain a work visa.
This process may take 2 to 3 months due to the ministry’s workload.
Note: A foreign employee will not be legally entitled to work in Turkey until the work permit application procedure is fully completed.
Independent Work Permit
Foreign professionals in certain fields may be granted an independent work permit for a limited period, provided that they meet the required conditions.
The Ministry of Labor evaluates applicants based on their professional experience, education level, contribution to technology and science, and the economic and employment impact of their activities in Turkey.
The initial work permit is granted for a maximum of one year. Upon renewal, it can be extended for two years, followed by an extension of three years. The renewal process begins two months before the expiration date of the current work permit.
TThe fines for illegal foreign workers are as follows (for in 2025)
A foreignerwho works in a company without a work permit will be fined 32.654 TL
A foreigner who works independently without a work permit will be fined 65.352 TL
Employers who employ foreigners who do not have a work permit will be fined 81.683 TL ( for each foreign employee)
If a foreigner , works for a company and the relevant company does not notify authorities in due time are also subject to fines 5.423 TL ( This amount must be paid by the company for each foreign employee)
In case of repetition of these acts, the administrative fines are doubled.
Turquoise Card:
This card can be issued to the following foreigners:
Foreigners who contribute to the international recognition and promotion of Turkey and Turkish culture, acting at the international level in matters related to Turkey’s national interests.
Foreigners considered highly qualified investors based on their investment or export level, the scale of employment they create, their contribution to scientific and technological development, and similar factors.
Foreigners considered a highly qualified workforce based on their education level, professional knowledge and experience, contribution to science and technology, and similar qualifications.
Scientists or researchers who contribute to scientific and technological advancements or conduct studies and research in fields of science, industry, and technology that are strategically important for the country at an international level.
Foreigners who have achieved international success in cultural, artistic, or sports activities.
Application Process:
The Turquoise Card application can be submitted within Turkey through the system or from abroad via the Turkish embassy or a Turkish foreign representation in the applicant’s country of citizenship or legal residence.
- Applications submitted from abroad: The relevant information and documents are transmitted electronically to the Ministry by the Turkish foreign representation.
- Applications within Turkey: A foreigner legally residing in Turkey can apply directly through the system using their foreigner identification number.
- Authorized intermediary institutions: The application can also be submitted by an authorized intermediary institution on behalf of the applicant, either in Turkey or abroad.
- Completion of the application: The application process is finalized by uploading the required documents to the system.
Note: For the residence permit application of the relatives of a Turquoise Card holder, the following documents must be attached to the application file:
For children: A document proving custody or dependent status.
For the spouse: A document proving the marriage bond.
Application Documents:
- Application petition
- Copy of the foreigner’s passport or an equivalent document
- Certificate of conformity obtained from the relevant public institution (if applicable)
Note: The list of required documents is not fixed and may change after the application file is examined.
RL Immigration & Relocation Office maintains up-to-date knowledge of changes in the laws.and regulations
