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Work permit application

We prepare all the paperwork on both the employer and employee side, file the application under the correct category, and follow up on the outcome on your behalf.

For foreign nationals who wish to operate or be employed in Türkiye, several permit types provide a legal basis for the right to work. Each application type is subject to specific criteria according to the nature of the investment and the qualifications of the personnel.

Scope of service

1
First Application (Fixed-Term Work Permit)
The principal application for foreign nationals wishing to work for an employer in Türkiye. On the initial approval, the work permit is granted for up to one year, valid for a specific workplace, business, and occupation.

Legal Conditions & Evaluation

  • Employment Quota: at least 5 Turkish citizens must be employed at the workplace for each foreign national to be employed.
  • Financial Capacity: the company's paid-in capital must be at least 100,000 TL, or its gross sales/exports must meet the statutory thresholds.
  • Salary Balance: the salary paid to the foreign national must be commensurate with the role and qualifications (set at specific multiples of the minimum wage).
2
Independent Work Permit
A permit granted to foreign professionals who will work in Türkiye on their own account. It enables foreign entrepreneurs to establish and run their own business on a legal footing.

Legal Conditions & Evaluation

  • Scoring System: subject to a scoring assessment based on education level, professional experience, contribution to science and technology, and the investment's impact on the Turkish economy.
  • Strategic Alignment: the alignment of the foreign national's field of activity with international labour policy and the financial strength of the investment are the core evaluation criteria.
3
Exceptional Work Permit
A priority category granted to foreign nationals holding the special statuses defined by law, without strict adherence to general criteria such as the employment quota and capital requirement.

Legal Conditions & Evaluation

  • Scope: spouses of Turkish citizens, employees holding "Key Personnel" status, and foreign nationals of Turkish descent fall within this category.
  • Merit Basis: streamlined processes apply to those with outstanding scientific, cultural, or artistic achievement and to specialists involved in projects of strategic importance.
4
Turquoise Card
A prestigious status created for the highly qualified workforce, scientists, and strategic investors. It grants extensive rights to both the investor and their family.

Legal Conditions & Evaluation

  • Indefinite Rights: issued with the first three years constituting a "transition period"; afterwards, it provides indefinite work rights to the foreigner and residence rights to spouses and children.
  • Selective Criteria: approval is granted through a comprehensive evaluation of academic background, professional experience, and the volume of the investment.
5
Work Permit Renewal Application
An application made before the current permit expires that ensures continuity of the right to work. It is a legal requirement to initiate the procedure no earlier than 60 days before the permit's expiry date.

Legal Conditions & Evaluation

  • Process Management: with the same employer, the first renewal may extend the permit by up to two years and subsequent applications by up to three years.
  • Continuity & Compliance: uninterrupted social-security premium payments, no outstanding tax debt, and continued qualification for the role are required.

How we work

  1. 1Initial consultation and case analysis
  2. 2Document checklist and preparation
  3. 3Submission of the application
  4. 4Follow-up and delivery

Frequently Asked Questions

Who applies for a Turkish work permit — employer or employee?

For first applications, the Turkey-based employer applies through e-Devlet to the Ministry of Labour. The foreign employee must also obtain a work visa from a Turkish consulate abroad.

Who is eligible for an independent work permit?

Foreign nationals running their own business in Turkey, meeting capital, turnover and activity criteria defined by the regulations, can apply for an independent work permit.

What is the Turquoise Card?

The Turquoise Card is a special status granting indefinite work and residence rights to highly qualified foreigners — investors, scientists, artists and internationally recognised professionals.

What happens if a work permit is rejected?

You have a 30-day window to file an objection. If the rejection is due to missing documents, you may reapply within 6 months. We manage the entire process.

Let's discuss this service in detail

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