Last updated: January 2025
Its strategic location between Europe and Asia has made Turkey the center of international business, trade, and investment. A Business Visa is generally the surest way to guarantee one's entry and stay in Turkey, whether for attending meetings, negotiating deals, or studying business opportunities in the country. This article presents a clear guide on the understanding of the Turkish Visa, requirements, application, and some helpful tips toward business travelers.
An Overview of Turkish Business Visa
A Turkish Business Visa is actually a category of short-stay visa that permits foreign nationals to travel for the purpose of business in Turkey. This visa is intended for professionals traveling to Turkey on purpose such as to:
- Attend business meetings or conferences
- Negotiate deals or contracts
- Explore investment opportunities
- Attend trade fairs or exhibitions
- Undergo professional or commercial activities
NOTE: The business visa only allows for short-term stays and does not permit work or long-term employment in Turkey. If you're going for work, you'll need a work visa.
Who Requires a Turkish Business Visa?
Depending on your nationality, you may or may not need a business visa to enter Turkey. While the citizens of some countries are visa-exempt, others can apply for an e-Visa and some are required to go through with a business visa via the relevant embassy or consulate.
Visa-exempt countries include Germany, France, Japan, among others, where nationals can enter for business matters in Turkey, with the possibility of staying as long as 90 days within a period of 180 days, without a visa. E-Visa eligible countries: The US, Canada, Australia, and most European Union countries can apply online for an electronic visa, or e-Visa, for the business visit.
How to Apply for a Turkish Business Visa
The method of application for a Turkish business visa varies according to one's nationality. The following describes how one can apply, based on the kind of visa one requires:
Application for a Turkish Business E-Visa
- Check Eligibility: Log in at the official website for e-Visa to check whether your nationality is eligible.
- Online Application: An Turkish E-Visa online application form needs to be filled out with one's personal information, specifically name, nationality, and passport number, plus one's purpose of visit.
- Pay Visa Fee: You can make an online payment through credit/debit cards. The amount will be different for different nationalities. Once processed, your e-Visa will be sent via email within minutes. Print a copy out and carry it with you on your travels.
How to Apply for a Turkish Business Visa through the Consulate
In the case of nationalities subject to a consular visa, the procedure is to submit your application to an embassy or consulate. Here's how to do it:
- Make an Appointment: Call the nearest consulate to make an appointment for your visa application.
- Application Form: Business visa application forms can be downloaded from the consulate's website or obtained in person.
- Required Documents to be Submitted: Gather and submit all necessary documents for the stated purpose.
- Interview at Consulate (if any): An interview may be required at the consulate in the case of some applicants.
- Processing Time: The period of processing takes from 5 to 15 working days. The exact duration depends on the particular consulate and the specific case.
Documents Required for a Turkish Business Visa
Depending on whether you apply online or at the consulate, you will need to provide a set of documents in support of your application. The usual required documents include:
|
Requirement |
Details |
|
Valid Passport |
Your passport must be valid for at least six months from the date of entry into Turkey. |
|
Visa Application Form |
A completed and signed visa application form. |
|
Passport-Sized Photos |
Recent passport-style photographs are required. |
|
Business Invitation Letter |
A letter from the Turkish organization or company inviting you for business purposes. It should include details of the business, duration of stay, and contact information. |
|
Proof of Accommodation |
Provide hotel reservations or details about where you will stay in Turkey. |
|
Flight Itinerary |
Proof of round-trip flight bookings or onward travel arrangements. |
|
Proof of Sufficient Funds |
A document showing you have enough funds for your stay, such as bank statements or a letter from a business sponsor. |
|
Proof of Employment/Business Ownership |
Written confirmation from your employer or proof of business ownership, along with details about the purpose of the business visit. |
|
Travel Insurance |
Optional but highly recommended. Some consulates require it to cover potential medical emergencies. |
|
Additional Documents |
Other documents may be required depending on your nationality and personal situation. |
Turkey Business Visa Fees
The cost of obtaining a Turkish business visa is subject to the type of visa for which you are applying and your country of origin.
- E-Visa Fees: the Turkish visa fees vary depending on your country of origin.
- Consular Visa Fees: The fee for a consular business visa is usually higher and depends on the applicant's nationality. The consular visa application fees are non-refundable, even if the application for a visa was rejected.
It is recommended that you verify the exact chargeable fee of the visa from the embassy or the official e-Visa website before submission.
Duration and Validity of the Turkish Business Visa
A Turkish business visa is usually issued, with its validity period being 90 days within a period of 180 days. That is, you can stay in Turkey for a period not to exceed 90 days within six months. Some visas are issued for single entry, while others allow multiple entries depending on your nationality and the type of visa applied for.
Extensions: In general, a Turkish business visa cannot be extended. This would normally require re-application after leaving Turkey or advice on other types of residence permit.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Applying for a Business Visa to Turkey
Following are some common errors most people make while applying for a business visa to Turkey:
|
Common Mistake |
Explanation |
|
Insufficient or Incorrect Application Form |
Ensure all details in the application form are accurate and complete. Errors or missing information can result in delays or visa rejection. |
|
Invalid Passport |
Your passport must be valid for at least six months from the date of entry into Turkey. Passports near expiration are likely to be denied. |
|
Missing Business Invitation Letter |
A business invitation letter from a Turkish company is required. It should clearly state the purpose, duration of stay, and include contact details. |
|
Lack of Proof of Funds |
You must demonstrate sufficient financial resources for your stay in Turkey. Incomplete bank statements or sponsorship letters can lead to denial. |
|
Lack of Proof of Accommodation |
Hotel reservations or proof of accommodation are necessary. Without these, authorities may doubt your travel plans. |
|
Unclear Travel Purpose |
Clearly define the purpose of your business trip. Provide documents that confirm your business activities, such as proof of employment or ownership. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Business visas allow foreigners to enter Turkey for business trips, such as attending meetings, conferences, or negotiations.
One can make the application online via the e-Visa system if the applicant is from an eligible nationality or at the nearest consulate/embassy by submitting the required documents.
The documents usually required are a valid passport, correctly filled in the visa application form, business invitation letter from any Turkish company, proof of accommodation, flight itinerary, proof of sufficient funds, passport-sized photos.
Generally, both the tourist and business visas are not extendable. In most cases, if you need an extended amount of time, you will need to leave the country and reapply for a new visa.
The period will differ with the type of visa and nationality, but generally, business visas allow for 90 days within a 180-day period.
Not all nationalities need to get travel insurance, but it is always good in case something medically critical happens during your visit.
Disclaimer: The information on this page is for general guidance and subject to change. For current information, refer to the official websites or the official Turkish e-Visa portal before lodging an application. Please note that this page was last updated in January 2025; thus, some visa rules or fees might change.
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