Work Permit in Turkey: Application Process & Legal Requirements

General rules regarding the employment of foreigners in Turkey are regulated under the International Labor Law No. 6735. Foreign individuals can apply for a work permit either from abroad via Turkish diplomatic missions or domestically. Foreigners currently residing in Turkey with a valid residence permit for at least 6 months are eligible to apply domestically.

For international entrepreneurs incorporating a Turkish company, obtaining work authorization for foreign shareholders and appointed board members is a fundamental requirement to ensure legal business operations.

Required Documents from the Employer

1. 1. The official employment contract signed between the foreign worker and the employing entity.
2. 2. Turkish Trade Registry Gazette showing the latest shareholding structure and paid-in capital of the organization.
3. 3. Balance sheet and profit/loss statement for the previous fiscal year, certified by the Tax Office or a Certified Public Accountant (SMMM).
4. 4. Documentation proving project execution rights for consortia or organizations undertaking international public tenders.
5. 5. Payroll records confirming the employment of Turkish engineers, architects, or qualified contractors within firms offering engineering and consultancy services.
6. 6. Notarized Power of Attorney (PoA) authorizing the electronic system user to submit applications on behalf of the employer organization.
7. 7. Preliminary permission certificates obtained from competent ministries for regulated professions (e.g., Ministry of Health for medical staff, Ministry of National Education for educational staff).

Required Documents from the Employee

1. 1. Copy of the foreign employee’s valid passport.
2. 2. Sworn Turkish translation and notarized copy of the diploma or graduation certificate.
3. 3. Biometric passport photograph of the applicant.

Criteria for Employer Companies & Foreign Personnel

When foreign investors review how to set up a company in Turkey, understanding work permit quotas is paramount. The primary legal criteria include:

• • Employment Quota: At least five (5) Turkish citizens must be employed on the company payroll for every foreign employee requesting a work permit.
• • Financial Thresholds: The employer entity must have a paid-in capital of at least TRY 100,000, gross annual sales of at least TRY 800,000, or an export volume of at least USD 250,000 in the previous year. You can read more about minimum capital limits and shareholder requirements in our dedicated cost guide.
• • Exemptions: Financial threshold rules do not apply to non-profit associations or foundations. Quota rules are waived for domestic airlines' Turkish offices, educational institutions, and household care services.
• • Shareholder Criteria: A foreign company partner applying for a work permit must own at least 20% of the company capital, representing no less than TRY 40,000.
• • Wage Thresholds: Monthly remuneration paid to foreign employees must align with their professional duties relative to the prevailing national minimum wage:
  • - 6.5 times the minimum wage for senior managers and pilots.
  • - 4 times the minimum wage for branch managers, engineers, and architects.
  • - 3 times the minimum wage for teachers, specialists, and technical experts.
  • - 1.5 times the minimum wage for general personnel and trade specialists.
• • Tourism & Specialized Services: Certified tourism establishments, thermal hotels, and licensed spa centers employing specialist therapists are subject to specific Ministry evaluation standards.
• • Entertainment Sector Quota Adjustments: Entertainment companies employing at least ten (10) Turkish citizens can benefit from flexible employment quotas for specialized performers and technicians.

Special Regulation for Foreign Engineers and Architects

Work permits for foreign engineers and architects fall under qualified workforce provisions (Article 16/1/a and Article 20 of Law No. 6735). Applications are sent directly to the Ministry of Labor and Social Security, which consults the Union of Chambers of Turkish Engineers and Architects (TMMOB) during the evaluation process.

Companies making major contributions to science, technology, or the national economy may apply for work permit exemptions on behalf of expert foreign engineering personnel.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the Turkish citizen employment quota for a work permit?

The standard legal requirement under International Labor Law is that at least five (5) Turkish citizens must be employed on the company payroll for every foreign employee requesting a work permit.

Can foreign company shareholders apply for a work permit in Turkey?

Yes, a foreign company partner can apply for a work permit provided they own at least 20% of the company capital, representing no less than TRY 40,000.

Can I apply for a Turkish work permit domestically from inside Turkey?

Yes, foreign nationals holding a valid residence permit for at least 6 months are eligible to submit a domestic work permit application within Turkey.

Navigating work permit requirements, workforce quotas, and Ministry submissions requires thorough compliance management. At Legal Turkey, our employment and immigration attorneys ensure your corporate personnel and foreign executives achieve legal work status smoothly. Contact Legal Turkey today for professional guidance.