Regarding work permits in Türkiye, one of the main concerns is finding a job and obtaining a work permit. Therefore, although our Turkish real estate website doesn't offer job placement or work permit application services, we've tried to provide this section because many of our clients want more information on this topic.

Do we need a work permit in Türkiye?

According to the law, as a foreigner, you need a work permit to work in Türkiye, and you can't just live in Türkiye., even if you have purchased property In Türkiye It doesn't allow you to work..

How to Obtain a Work Permit in Türkiye?

There are two ways to obtain a work permit in Türkiye.

1. Firstly, you need to work in a place where your employer applies for a work permit, insures you, and allows you to work legally. To do this, you must start working in a place that requires your expertise and employs at least 5 Turkish workers, so that your employer can legally apply for your work permit.
2. The second legal way to obtain a work permit in Türkiye is to create a business, meaning becoming your own employer, establishing a company, having 5 insured Turkish employees, and then formally applying for a work permit for yourself.

Turkey has a broad legal framework aimed at encouraging both local and foreign labor. There are specific procedures for foreigners wishing to obtain a work permit in Türkiye. Here are the steps to follow to obtain a work permit in Türkiye:

How to Apply for a Work Permit?

Employers of foreigners who have a residence permit in Türkiye for at least six (6) months can apply for an online work permit to the Ministry of Interior.

In cases where a foreign worker does not have a residence permit, they must apply for a work visa at the Turkish Republic's diplomatic mission in their country of origin. Then, they must inform their employer in Türkiye of the 16-digit reference number provided, and the employer must use this number to submit an online work permit application to the Ministry.

Requirements:

1. Prior to applying, the business owner who will create the SGK e-declaration registration must have an electronic signature in their own name.
2. An employment contract is drawn up and signed by both parties. Sample employment contracts are available on the website. (For applications from abroad, this contract must be signed in advance and submitted to our foreign mission when applying for a work visa.)
3. All application-related processes are carried out electronically via the e-government system using an electronic signature.
4. Application forms, petitions, or any other documents will not be sent to our General Directorate.
5. The application must be submitted by the employer or the foreign national working independently through the e-Government portal.www.turkiye.gov.tr or https://www.calismaizni.gov.tr(This will be done online.).
6. Applications for work permits and extensions for working in free zones are submitted to the Ministry of Trade. (Except for those under temporary protection)

First Step: Creating Employer Registration

The system contains three types of employer records.

1. Domestic Services Employer ((With the employer's Turkish Republic Identity Number)
2. A Foreigner Working in His Own Name and on His Own Account (starting with 99) (Foreigner with Turkish Republic Identity Number)
3. New Workplace / All Companies ((By the workplace's 26-digit SGK registration number and by the SGK e-declaration user)

Second Stage: Work Permit Application

After registering as an employer, you can proceed to the work permit application step.

Application Types

1. Domestic Initial Application: This is an application made for foreigners who have a valid residence permit in our country for at least six (6) months. In this case, the applicant's Turkish Foreign Identity Number starts with 99.
2. First Application from Abroad: If a foreigner does not have a residence permit, they apply for a work visa at a Turkish diplomatic mission in their country of origin. The applicant receives a 16-digit reference number from the diplomatic mission.
3. Application for International Protection: This application is for foreigners residing in our country under international protection and holding this status. The applicant possesses an international protection residence permit.
4. Temporary Protection Application: This application is for Syrian nationals residing in our country under temporary protection. The applicant holds a temporary protection residence permit.
5. Extension Application: This is an application for the extension of an existing work permit obtained from the Ministry. This application must be made within 2 (two) months prior to the expiration of the previous permit.

These application types vary depending on the different statuses of foreigners residing in Türkiye. Preparing the appropriate documents for the relevant application type and submitting the application on time contributes to a smooth process. Detailed information and required documents can be found on the Ministry's official website.

How long is the work permit valid for?

In Türkiye, a work permit application is initially valid for one year. You can then reapply for an extension of one or two years. Work permit cards in Türkiye are blue and differ from residence permit cards.

Why is it important to have a work permit in Türkiye?

Having a work permit in Türkiye allows you to both reside legally and work legally. You will benefit from social security insurance and also enjoy the advantages of having a credit card with a bank. However, the most important advantage of having a work permit is that you can apply for Turkish citizenship after 5 years.

However, along with the apparent advantages, you should also be aware of some disadvantages. Remember that illegal methods of obtaining invalid cards will only waste your time and money. Many people, at great expense, not only fail to obtain valid card authorization but also waste their time. Therefore, we recommend that you be cautious and consult reputable companies in this matter.

Work permit applications https://www.calismaizni.gov.tr/ This is done through the website.