Last Updated on 14/09/2023
Turkey’s strategic location and developed economy, allowed it to attract international workers worldwide. With its various economic sectors, the job market offers many opportunities for both Turkish citizens and foreign nationals. However, foreigners willing to work legally in Turkey should apply for a work permit. Thus, they can benefit from their rights as legal workers in Turkey. We highly recommend foreigners considering working in Turkey read the following article to know how to get a work permit in Turkey.
Types of work permit in Turkey
According to the Turkish law of work, there are 4 different work permits in Turkey.
Definite period work permit
Accordingly to the international labor Law, foreign individuals can acquire a Definite period work permit in specific conditions. The work permit application must be approved for 1 year. Moreover, it shouldn’t exceed the period mentioned in the signed contract.
Foreigners can extend their work permit maximum for 3 years. Yet they must prove to continue working in the same workplace.
Indefinite period work permit
Foreigners can apply for an illimited work permit if they have had a work permit for at least eight years. Besides, they must have a long-term residency permit in Turkey.
Holders of Indefinite period work permits benefit almost of the same rights as Turkish citizens. However, they don’t have military service duty. They can’t work in government institutions or vote either.
Independent work permit
It is granted to foreigners willing to work independently and who have lived legally in Turkey for consecutive 5 years. During the application, the ministry of labor and Social security evaluates the education level and the applicant’s professional experience. It also examinate the benefits of the investment to be realized in the country’s economy.
Turquoise card
Foreigners who contribute to the country’s economy, science, technology, and industry are eligible for a Turquoise card. And so it is for those who invest and create jobs in Turkey. All rights granted to foreigners with a work permit for an unlimited term are available to holders of Turquoise Card. Spouses and children of Turquoise cardholders benefit from an indefinite residency permit.
The first 3 years after the Turquoise acquisition is considered an evaluation period. Holders who failed to prove the promised contributions will have a penalty by the Turquoise card cancellation. However, applicants who fulfill the expected contributions can apply for an indefinite Turquoise card within 6 months of the 3-year evaluation period.
Requirements of work permit in Turkey
The work permit eligibility in Turkey varies according to the sector and the company’s condition. It also depends on the foreign applicant’s status.
For employers:
Business owners willing to hire foreigners must fulfill certain conditions. They must prove that their company’s capital is the minimum worth 100,000 TRY. Besides, they must legally employ at least 5 Turkish citizens and prove it through the social security affiliation documents.
For employees:
Foreign tourists cannot apply for a work permit in Turkey. They must have a valid residence permit for at least 6 months at the date of the application. Otherwise, they have to apply abroad for a work visa before coming to Turkey.
Forbidden jobs for foreigners:
Specific fields are exclusive to Turkish citizens and forbidden for foreigners. These jobs are the following:
- Jobs in the medical and paramedical fields include:
- Dentistry and medicine
- Nursing
- Pharmacy
- Veterinary medicine
- General Directorate of Private health institutions
- Jobs in the legal and security fields
- Lawyer
- Public prosecutor
- Notary
- Security personnel
- Fish exporting and shipment
- Tourism guide
- Translator
Applying for a work permit in Turkey
The first thing you need to do is find a job in Turkey. You can find many job opening announcements on several Turkish websites. Some of them can be published in English. However, they are mostly in the Turkish language.
Get some practical ideas to find a job in Turkey.
To apply for a work permit, you have two choices: Apply from inside Turkey or abroad.
Suppose you live legally in Turkey and your residence permit is valid for at least 6 months. In that case, you can apply easily inside Turkey, submitting the required documents to the ministry of labor and social security.
Otherwise, you should apply first for a work visa in your residence country’s consulate or embassy of Turkey. Once in Turkey, you can continue the procedure and apply for a work permit.
Note that working illegally without a work permit in Turkey makes both the employee and the employers subject to specific penalties. Consequently, the foreign employee will be deported from the country and forbidden from entering Turkey for a specific period. While the employer will be penalized by paying an amend.
Benefits of Work permit in Turkey
Holders of work permits in Turkey benefit from many advantages for themselves and their families. First of all, a work permit is equivalent to a residence permit. So they will have the right to enter Turkey without a visa required.
Health insurance and Social Security
Once your work permit application is accepted, your employer must register you in the Social security and retirement plan system within 30 days. He will be paying the monthly fees. Thus, after a specific period, you will receive a pension. Moreover, thanks to your health insurance, you will be able to get medical treatments for free in all the state hospitals. You will also benefit from a reduction in most private ones. Moreover, your dependent family members will be covered too by your health insurance.
Residence for the family members
Foreign worker’s spouse and dependent children will get a residence permit. The family acquires the residence permit for one year, renewable as long as the work permit is valid.
Education for your children
Children of foreign holders of work permit in Turkey are eligible to study in all the public schools for free until 18. Moreover, there are various options for international schools in all the big cities.
Learn more about the education system in Turkey.
Eligibility for Turkish Citizenship application
Getting a work permit in Turkey makes you eligible for Turkish citizenship acquisition. Foreigners who have worked legally in Turkey for consecutive 5 years can apply for Turkish citizenship through work permit. They must demonstrate having a sufficient income to pay their families’ expenses.
Get more information about the acquisition of Turkish citizenship.
For further details or any needed assistance regarding the work permit procedure in Turkey, MEO Consultants offer you a complete advisory. To know more about our services, please click here. Don’t hesitate to contact us.
