Work permit application
Work permit application: your checklist
Choose where you apply from, who the employer is and whether this is a first application or an extension. You will see the usual route and documents.
General list; depending on the profession and sector, the Ministry may request further documents.
Work permit application in Turkey: process, documents and review time
Work permit application in Turkey is made under International Labour Force Law No. 6735: the employer files it online in the e-İzin system of the Ministry of Labour and Social Security. If the employee is already in Turkey with a valid residence permit, the employer applies directly; if the employee lives abroad, they first apply for a work visa at a Turkish consulate. The first permit is issued for up to 1 year, and complete files are usually reviewed in about 30 days.
Work permit application from inside Turkey
Foreigners who hold a valid residence permit can obtain a work permit without leaving Turkey. The employer opens the application in e-İzin and uploads the company documents; the employee provides personal documents and the signed employment contract. A tourist visa or a visa-free stay is not enough for an application from inside the country.
Students in associate or bachelor programmes face specific limits; see student residence permit.
Applying from abroad with a work visa
Apply for a work visa
The employee applies for a work visa at the Turkish consulate and receives a reference number.
Employer files online
Within a short deadline the employer files the application in e-İzin using that reference number.
Ministry decision
The Ministry reviews the complete file and announces the result.
Entry and start of work
After approval the visa is issued; registration with social security (SGK) is mandatory after arrival.
Documents for a work permit application
- Employee: passport, biometric photo, signed employment contract, diploma or certificates.
- Regulated professions: recognition of the degree, for example in medicine or engineering.
- Company employer: trade registry gazette, balance sheet or tax return, number of employees.
- Private employer: personal documents and the reason for the need, for example for domestic workers.
- Foreign documents: with apostille or consular legalisation and a certified Turkish translation.
How a work permit application is assessed
- Turkish employees: as a rule, at least 5 Turkish employees are required for each foreign employee.
- Financial strength of the employer: paid-in capital of at least 500,000 TL, or gross sales of at least 8 million TL, or exports of at least 150,000 USD.
- Salary: appropriate for the position and at least the multiple of the minimum wage set for that job group (for example 5×, 4×, 3× or 2×, depending on the role).
- Qualifications: education and experience must match the position.
These criteria follow the Ministry’s assessment principles and differ for partners and managers; see work permit for company partners.
Validity and extension
- First permit: up to 1 year with the same employer.
- First extension: up to 2 years; later extensions up to 3 years.
- Timing: apply within the 60 days before expiry and in any case before the expiry date.
- Indefinite permit: possible after long-term lawful residence and work under the statutory conditions.
- Change of employer: requires a new application.
Investors and highly qualified people may also consider the Turquoise Card.
Refusal and objection
An objection to the Ministry can be filed within 30 days of notification of a refusal. If the objection is rejected, a lawsuit can be filed at the administrative court; see administrative cases for foreigners. Common reasons for refusal:
- The employer does not meet the criteria on employees, capital or sales.
- Documents are missing or not translated or certified.
- The salary does not fit the position.
Work permit application: frequently asked questions
Who files the application?
The employer files it in the e-İzin system; the employee provides the personal documents.
How long does the review take?
Complete files are usually reviewed in about 30 days; requests for additional documents extend this. No specific duration is promised.
Can I apply from inside Turkey on a tourist visa?
No. Applying from inside Turkey requires a valid residence permit; otherwise the route is through the consulate.
Do I also need a residence permit?
No. A valid work permit replaces the residence permit.
This guide is based on the official legislation of the Republic of Türkiye and was last updated on .
This page provides general information and is not a substitute for legal advice on a specific case. No particular outcome of any application or proceeding is promised.
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