Work Permit in Türkiye – Updated 2025

The requirement to employ five Turkish workers per foreign employee are changed!

Foreigners wishing to work in Turkey must obtain a work permit under Law No. 5101 and its related regulations.
These rules define the application process, required documents, and permit types.

• How to Obtain a Work Permit?
  Application: Submitted online by the employer or employee to the Ministry of Labor and Social Security.
  Required Documents: Passport copy, employment contract, residence document, and employer’s company documents.
  Evaluation: The Ministry reviews applications, considering whether the position can be filled by local workers. Processing usually takes 30 days.
  Approval: If granted, the work permit is valid for a specific period and can be renewed.
  Work Permit Conditions & Exemptions
  The requirement to employ five Turkish workers per foreign employee has been lifted for certain cases.
  Foreigners residing legally in Turkey for at least three years (excluding student residence permits) are exempt from this rule.
  However, from the fourth foreign employee onwards, the employer must hire five Turkish citizens per additional foreign worker.Work Permit Renewal
  Applications must be submitted within 60 days before the permit expires.
  If not renewed, the foreigner must leave Turkey within 10 days.

  Work Permit Inquiry
  Applications and permit statuses can be checked via e-Government (e-Devlet) or the Ministry’s website.
  
  Required Documents

• For Foreigners: Employment contract, biometric photo, passport, diploma (if required).
• For Employers: Tax certificate, trade registry document, financial records, and sector-specific pre-authorization.Social Security & Insurance
  Foreign workers are subject to Turkish labor and social security laws.
  Insurance premiums are calculated based on gross salary, similar to Turkish employees.
  
  Independent Work Permit
  Allows foreigners to establish their own business in Turkey.
  Requires necessary business permits and approvals.

  – Work Permit Fees (2024)
  Work Permit Document Fee: 565 TL
  1-Year Work Permit Fee: 7,345 TL

  Work Permit Cancellation
  Can be revoked for reasons such as:

• Failure to enter Turkey within six months after obtaining the permit.
• Providing false information during application.
• Not complying with employment regulations.
• Staying outside Turkey beyond the permitted duration.

This summary provides key points on work permits for foreigners in Turkey, covering application, renewal, conditions, and exemptions.