Last updated: September 2024`
With a high growth economy, strategic position between Europe and Asia, and a diversified job market, Turkey has become an appealing destination for foreign professionals. Knowing whether you want to work for a Turkish company, explore teaching, engineering, or business options, or start an enterprise, it is necessary to obtain a Turkey Working Visa. In this guide, find all the relevant information about the Turkey visa, including types, application procedure, and some essential information.
Definition of a Turkey Working Visa
A Turkey Working Visa is a permit which grants the right to work and live in Turkey legally. It's an integrated process where both a work permit and visa go together and require obtaining a visa before foreign employees begin to work in Turkey. The visa allows entrance in Turkey while a work permit is required for working legally.
A Turkey Work Visa permits a foreigner to work legally in Turkey, for either a Turkish company, a foreign company, or as a self-employed employee. The visa is usually granted for one year and can be renewed when it expires. The necessary authority that processes and approves work visa applications is the Ministry of Labor and Social Security (MLSS).
Work Visas and Permits in Turkey
Depending on the nature of the job and the qualifications of the employee, there are different types of work visas and permits in Turkey:
Temporary Work Permit
- Validity: Initially for one year and employer-dependent. It can be renewed for two years and then for three years with the same employer.
- Eligibility: Foreign nationals with an employment contract from a Turkish company can apply.
- Application Process: The application is submitted jointly by the employee and the Turkish employer.
Independent Work Permit
- Purpose: Granted to foreigners for independent work or for opening their own business in Turkey.
- Eligibility: Applicants must have lived in Turkey for at least five consecutive years, demonstrating that their business would contribute to the country's economy.
Permanent Work Permit
- Eligibility: Foreigners who have worked in Turkey for eight uninterrupted years or have resided in the country for at least eight consecutive years.
- Privileges: Holders enjoy all the rights of Turkish citizens, except for voting or being elected.
Turquoise Card
- Purpose: A special permit for highly qualified foreign professionals, researchers, or investors.
- Benefits: Fast-tracked process for applicants deemed valuable to Turkey's economy and culture. Permanent residency is granted after three years of successful employment.
Important Note
You will be required during the online application to select the sub-type of employment that best fits your job in Turkey. These include:
- Employment or Special Employment Purpose
- Assigned Lecturers/Academics
- Assigned Sportsperson
- Assigned Artists
- Free Zone Workers
- Assigned Journalists
- Montage and Repair Technicians
Who Needs to get a Turkey Work Visa?
Any foreign national who is to be employed in Turkey must obtain a work visa and a work permit. In some professions, however, additional permits will be required-for instance, for journalists or academics. Foreign nationals of all nationalities must have a work visa to be employed in employment that is to last either less or more than three months.
Exceptions to this include: Citizens of certain countries may enter Turkey for business purposes without a visa; however, they cannot work without a work permit.
Application Process for a Turkey Work Visa
The application process for a working visa for Turkey is two-tiered and involves coordination between the employee and employer. Here's how to apply:
Step 1. An offer of employment and application for a work visa
First, find a job or obtain a contract from an employer in Turkey. Later, apply for the work visa from the embassy or consulate in your home country, while your employer submits your application for a work permit to the Ministry of Labor.
Step 2: Consideration by the Ministry of Labor
The application of both you and your employer will be evaluated by the Ministry of Labor, and this evaluation generally takes from 10 to 30 days. After the approval of your application, it will issue your work permit.
Step 3: Enter Turkey and Register
On the approval of your work permit, you will be issued a work visa to enter Turkey, for which you will need to register with the Foreigners' Branch of the local Directorate of Security within a maximum period of 30 days after your arrival date for your residence permit.
Documents for a Working Visa in Turkey
At the time of application for a Turkish working visa, you'll be required to provide several documents at the consulate as well as to your employer in order to be sent to the Turkish Ministry of Labor. These are:
|
Document |
Description |
|
Valid Passport |
Passport valid for at least six months beyond the date of entry into Turkey. |
|
Work Visa Application Form |
Completed and signed application form for the work visa. |
|
Employment Contract or Job Offer |
A copy of the contract between the employee and the Turkish employer. |
|
Passport-sized Photos |
Recent, color photos that meet visa standards. |
|
Educational Certificates and Diplomas |
Certified copies of your qualifications and diplomas relevant to your job position. |
|
CV/Resume |
A detailed resume outlining your skills and work experience. |
|
Employer's Documents |
Proof of company registration, tax status, and employment needs provided by the Turkish employer. |
|
Proof of Health Insurance |
Valid health insurance covering your stay in Turkey. |
|
Application Fees |
Required fees to be paid at the time of application submission. |
|
Additional Documentation |
Other documents that may be required by the Turkish embassy or Ministry of Labor. |
Work Permit Processing Time and Fees
The processing time for the Turkey working visa will depend upon the workload at the Ministry of Labor and the consulate. The whole process generally takes:
Consulate processing of work visas:10-15 working days; Work permit approval from the Ministry of Labor: 10 to 30 days, depending on the complexity of the application and the time in the year. To avoid delays, it is recommended that applications be well in advance of their commencing date.
The fees for a Turkish working visa will depend on your nationality and the type of visa that you are applying for. Work Permit Application Fees is variable concerning the length of the work permit and the type of visa applied, whether temporary or permanent.
Additional Fees: There might be some additional fees relating to residence permits, among other administrative fees.
Work Permit Renewal in Turkey
A foreigner may obtain a renewal of a Turkish work permit before its expiry but not on the date of its expiration. A renewal application supported by an updated documentation needs to be filed at least 60 days prior to the expiration date of the relevant permit.
- First Renewal Application: A permit up to two years to continue working for the same employer.
- Second Renewal: Valid for a maximum of three years with the same or a different employer
- Permanent Work Permit: Foreigners who have been in continuous work or residence in Turkey for at least eight years, can apply for a permanent work permit which provides wider rights including freedom to change employers.
Working in Turkey Without a Permit
It is illegal to work in Turkey without a valid work permit. Foreign nationals who are found to be working without a permit may be subject to the following:
- Fines
- Deportation
- Bans from entering Turkey in the future
Employers who employ workers without obtaining the required work permits are also subject to heavy fines and penalties.
Securing a Turkey Working Visa
Obtaining a working visa in Turkey is the very important initial step one needs to consider in seeking employment in Turkey. The process, though constituted of several steps, is fairly straightforward if one prepares accordingly. Once you have secured an offer of employment, gathered all the documents, and worked closely with your employer, you can be assured of a smooth application process and will legally be able to work in Turkey.
Frequently Asked Questions
A Turkish work visa is a visa that allows foreign nationals to enter into Turkey for employment. It simply permits you to work for a company or organization.
Citizens of most countries can apply for a Turkish work visa. However, the particular eligibility criteria may change according to your nationality and the type of work you plan to do.
The period of validity of a Turkish work visa varies from a few days to several weeks, depending on the type of visa one is applying for and the period for which your employment contract was offered. It can take a few months, but it often takes several years.
This may be extended if your employment contract is extended. However, rules and procedures regarding the extension of the visa may vary.
The cost for a Turkish work visa varies depending on your nationality and the purpose of your visa. You can check from the official government website or any online visa checker to be sure about the current cost.
While some countries are in a position to apply online for a work visa, it often requires personally visiting an embassy or consulate to lodge your application.
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 September 2024; thus, some visa rules might change.