Nanny Work Permit in Turkey: A 2026 Guide for Working Mothers and Couples

Your maternity leave is almost over, your return-to-work date is circled on the calendar, and one question keeps coming back: "Will my child be safe?" From Istanbul to Kocaeli and from Bursa to Tekirdağ, many working mothers and dual-career couples, including a growing number of expat and international families, answer that question with a nanny work permit in Turkey: a legal, safe and sustainable way to employ a foreign nanny. In this guide we put daycare, a local nanny and a foreign nanny side by side, and explain the application steps, the documents you need, the 2026 costs and the mistakes to avoid in plain language. If you are a nanny who wants to work legally in Turkey (officially Türkiye), you will find your side of the process here too.

What is a nanny work permit in Turkey?

A nanny work permit in Turkey is a work permit in the domestic services (household employment) category, issued by the Ministry of Labour and Social Security (MoLSS, known in Turkish as ÇSGB), that allows a family living in Turkey to legally employ a foreign national to care for their child. The mother or the father applies as the employer; the nanny is paid at least the minimum wage and is registered with the Social Security Institution (SGK), Turkey's state social insurance body.

This permit is the domestic-services application of the work permits granted under the International Labour Force Law (No. 6735). You can find the full scope of the service, who can apply and how we prepare files on our caregiver work permit page. In this article we look at the subject through the eyes of a working mother, or of a couple who both work, using the questions that come up in everyday family life.

What happens when maternity leave ends? The real dilemma of working families

For many mothers, the last weeks of maternity leave bring both the excitement of going back to work and the worry of leaving the baby. Help from grandparents is not always possible: they may have health problems of their own, they may live in another city (or, for many expat families, in another country altogether), or caring for a baby all day may simply wear them out.

Daycare (kreş) is not always a good fit either, given the baby's age, the admission conditions and the opening hours. For parents who work shifts or on-call duty, or who get stuck in evening traffic, daycare hours may not be long enough; for a couple commuting between the two sides of Istanbul, or between Gebze and Istanbul, that means a gap of several hours every day.

Things are no different for mothers who work from home and run both their job and their household. Looking after a baby while sitting in an online meeting does justice neither to the work nor to the baby. Where few local nannies are willing to live in, employing a foreign nanny through the legal route can bring peace of mind to the child and the parents alike.

Ask yourself these questions before you decide

• How old is your child, and how many hours of care do they need during the day?
• What are your and your spouse's working hours, commuting times and likely business trips?
• Do you need a live-in nanny or a live-out (daytime) nanny?
• Is there a room and a private space in your home that can be set aside for the nanny?
• Can you cover the nanny's wage, SGK contributions and the permit fee regularly, every month?
• Which language will you use with the nanny, and in which language environment do you want your child to grow up?

Daycare, a local nanny or a foreign nanny? A comparison table

There is no single "right" option for every family. The table below compares the three options on the points families ask about most. In the cost row we give official 2026 figures only for a legal foreign nanny; because daycare and local nanny fees vary widely by area and service, we assess those qualitatively.

Many families combine these options: once the child reaches a certain age, they go to daycare for half the day and spend the rest of it at home with the nanny. In the baby years, one-to-one attention and flexible hours are what tip the balance for most working couples.

Live-in nanny: who is it for, and what should you watch out for?

A live-in nanny is the most popular arrangement for families who leave very early in the morning, come home late, work on-call duty (in healthcare, aviation or shift-based manufacturing, for example) or travel often for work. For couples who work in Kocaeli's industrial zones or in Çorlu, Tekirdağ, and commute long distances, it also closes the gaps in the day.

But living in does not mean working 24 hours a day. The nanny also needs rest hours, a weekly day off and a space of their own. A well-rested nanny is more patient and attentive with your child.

Home setup checklist for a live-in nanny

• A separate, lockable, well-ventilated room for the nanny
• A bathroom arrangement they can use and a wardrobe for personal belongings
• Working hours written into the contract, and an agreement on how night wake-ups will be shared
• A weekly day off, and a family plan for who looks after the child on that day
• Clear rules on meals, use of the kitchen and having visitors
• A written list with emergency numbers, the pediatrician's contact details and your home address

Nanny work permit requirements in Turkey (2026)

Domestic-services work permits are assessed on their own terms, unlike the criteria applied to companies, such as "five Turkish employees for every foreigner" or a minimum paid-in capital. The Ministry reviews the file as a whole: who is applying, what the child needs, who the nanny is, and whether the family can keep up this commitment over time.

Who can be the applicant (employer)?

• Married couples: the mother or the father
• Divorced parents: the parent who has custody
• An adoptive mother or father
• The child's legal guardian
• A foster family
• Children born outside marriage: the child's mother, or the father who has legally acknowledged the child

In married couples where both partners work, either the mother or the father can apply. In practice, making the parent with the stronger documentable income the employer keeps the file simple; the other spouse's income documents can be submitted as supporting evidence. For a divorced parent, the key document is the final court decision showing custody.

If an elderly relative living in your home also needs care, the applicant and document rules for that care are different; we cover the details in our elderly and sick caregiver work permit guide.

How does the Ministry assess the application?

The main factors MoLSS takes into account in domestic-services applications are:

• The age and health of the child to be cared for
• The nanny's education, care experience and knowledge of Turkish
• The nanny's previous residence or work history in Turkey
• The nanny's marital status and age
• The nature of the work, meaning that the job description genuinely is childcare
• The employer's socio-economic situation, assets and regular monthly income

The wage requirement

The wage of a foreign nanny working in domestic services cannot be lower than the minimum wage. In 2026 the gross minimum wage is 33,030.00 TL, and the net amount the nanny takes home is 28,075.50 TL. A higher wage can be agreed; what matters is that the wage in the contract matches the SGK declaration and what is actually paid. If you are the nanny, this rule also protects you: your employer cannot pay you less than the minimum wage.

Applying from inside Turkey or from abroad?

The type of application depends on where the nanny candidate is right now and on their legal status in Turkey. The general Turkey work permit rules apply at this point too, and applications are processed through the e-İzin system, the online work permit platform of the Ministry of Labour and Social Security.

If the nanny candidate is already in Turkey, first check what type of residence permit they hold and how long it has left to run. If less than six months remain, or if the candidate is in Turkey as a tourist without a residence permit, an application from inside Turkey is not possible; in that case, plan an application from abroad.

Step by step: employing a nanny legally

1. Needs and eligibility analysis

   The first step is to clarify who the applicant will be, the child's age and care needs, the family's income structure, and whether the nanny will live in or work during the day only.

2. Pre-check of the nanny candidate

   Passport validity, any residence permit, past overstays (visa violations) and entry bans are checked; this is where surprise refusals are prevented.

3. Preparing the documents

   The family's and the nanny's documents are collected, and translations and certifications are completed.

4. Filing the application

   For an application from inside Turkey, the employer applies through the e-İzin system. For an application from abroad, the nanny applies to the consulate and the employer uploads the documents to the system within 10 days.

5. Assessment and requests for additional documents

   Complete applications are decided within 30 days. If the Ministry asks for more documents, it takes longer, so having a complete file at the very first upload is a big advantage.

6. Approval and fee payment

   After the approval notice, the work permit fee and card fee must be paid within 30 days. If the fee is not paid on time, the application is refused or not processed.

7. SGK registration and starting work

   When the permit takes effect, the nanny is registered with SGK and starts work legally. A nanny coming from abroad first enters Turkey on a work visa.

8. Tracking the calendar and renewal

   On a first application, the permit is granted for a maximum of 1 year. A renewal (extension) application can be filed starting 60 days before the permit expires and must be completed before the permit runs out.

Example scenario: A couple living in Gebze, both working full time, are looking for a live-in nanny for their eight-month-old baby. Because the candidate is in their home country, an application from abroad is made: the candidate applies to the consulate, the father, as the employer, uploads the documents to the system within 10 days, the fee is paid after approval, and the nanny is registered with SGK once they arrive in Turkey.

Documents required for a nanny work permit in Turkey

The document list can vary with the Ministry's current practice and your family's situation, and it is normal for extra documents to be requested depending on the file. For an expat family, for example, the family-status documents may look different from those of Turkish citizens, so we confirm the exact list for each family. The lists below show the documents most often needed in childcare applications.

For the mother / father (employer)

• Identity details and a civil registry record (nüfus kayıt örneği) showing the family structure
• Civil registry details of the child (or children) to be cared for
• If you are divorced, the final court decision showing custody; in cases of adoption, guardianship or foster care, the relevant decision or document
• Income documents: payslips for recent months and an SGK service statement (record of insured employment); if you are self-employed, your tax registration certificate and income tax return
• Bank statements and any asset documents (such as a title deed (TAPU) or vehicle registration)
• Proof of address, plus the title deed or rental agreement for the home you live in
• The employment contract to be signed with the nanny, showing childcare as the job description
• A medical report if your child has special care needs

For the nanny candidate

• A passport valid for longer than the permit period, plus a copy
• A recent biometric photo
• A diploma or education certificate; where needed, with an apostille or consular legalization and a sworn Turkish translation
• Reference letters and a CV showing childcare experience
• Any child development, first aid or care certificates
• For an application from inside Turkey, a valid residence permit card
• A recent medical report, if the family asks for one

Income assessment: "How much do we need to earn?"

This is the question families ask most, and the answer surprises many people: in foreign nanny applications there is no fixed "minimum family income" figure set in the legislation. The Ministry assesses the employer's socio-economic situation, assets and regular monthly income together.

In practice, the question being asked is this: can this family pay the nanny's wage and contributions every month and still support itself? Since the monthly employer cost of a legal nanny in 2026 is at least 40,874.63 TL, showing that your income comfortably carries this expense strengthens the file.

How to document your income correctly

• Salaried parents: recent payslips and an SGK service statement show that the income is regular.
• Dual-career families: the income documents of the spouse who is not the applicant can also be added as supporting documents showing the household's financial strength.
• Self-employed parents or company partners: the tax registration certificate, income tax returns and company records carry the most weight.
• Additional income and assets: rental income, title deeds, vehicle registrations and bank deposits complete the picture of the family's overall situation.

What should you look for when choosing a nanny?

However flawless the legal process, choosing the right person is the foundation of everything. Writing down the qualities you are looking for at the start helps you avoid hasty decisions.

References and experience

Find out which age groups the candidate has looked after before, for how many years and with which families. If possible, talk to previous families yourself; do not settle for written references alone. Caring for a newborn and accompanying a school-age child call for different skills.

Turkish language skills and communication

The nanny's Turkish is one of the factors the Ministry considers in its assessment, and in daily life it is vital. So that the nanny can call 112 (Turkey's emergency number) in an emergency, give directions to your home and understand the pediatrician's instructions, it is important for safety to choose a candidate who speaks at least basic Turkish. This holds even if your family speaks English or another language at home.

Health and hygiene

Asking someone who will be in close contact with babies and young children for a recent medical report or general check-up results is the family's most natural right. Hygiene habits, smoking and the candidate's approach to nutrition should also be discussed openly in the interview.

Trust, character and fit with your family

Patience, calmness, a sense of responsibility and the way the candidate communicates with your child tell you far more than any document. Discuss your approach to parenting (screen time, sleep routine, nutrition, setting limits) openly with the candidate and make sure you can find common ground.

How should you plan a "trial period"?

Many families want a trial period first. But having a nanny work in your home before the work permit is issued, even if you call it a "trial", counts as unauthorized employment. Move the getting-to-know-you stage to before the application: hold video calls, call the references and arrange a short introduction with your child. A reasonable trial-period clause in the contract will then give both sides flexibility once the permit has been approved.

Questions you can ask in the interview

• Which ages of children have you worked with before, and for how long?
• What is the first thing you do if a child has a high fever or puts a small object in their mouth?
• Have you had first aid training?
• How do you keep track of a baby's sleep and feeding routine?
• How do you feel about living in and about the weekly day-off arrangement?
• How long are you planning to work in Turkey?

If you are the nanny, expect questions like these and have your references, certificates and a clear account of your experience ready. It is just as reasonable for you to ask the family about working hours, your weekly day off and your room before you agree to anything.

Employment contract and SGK: your responsibilities as a household employer

When you obtain a work permit for a foreign nanny, you legally become a household employer. That means signing a written employment contract, paying the wage on time, making SGK declarations in full and respecting the nanny's rights.

Because domestic services are excluded from the scope of the Labour Law (No. 4857), the relationship between you and the nanny is governed mainly by the service contract provisions of the Turkish Code of Obligations and by the contract you sign. That is why it matters so much that the contract is clear, detailed and written so that both sides can understand it.

What the contract must include

• The parties' identity details and the work address
• Job description: childcare (stating the name and age of the child to be cared for)
• Gross and net wage, payment day and payment method (payment into a bank account is recommended)
• Daily working hours, rest breaks and the weekly day off
• Annual leave and working on public holidays
• For a live-in nanny, the terms on the room, meals and house rules
• Confidentiality, family privacy and a ban on sharing photos of the child
• Termination of the contract and notice periods

What happens on the SGK side?

When the permit takes effect, the nanny is registered with SGK and contributions are paid regularly every month. SGK registration also gives the nanny health coverage: in case of illness or an accident, they can access healthcare through legal channels. Paying the wage into a bank account is the soundest method, because it documents both sides' rights. If you are the nanny, a written contract, SGK registration and payment into your own bank account are what protect you.

Sample monthly and annual cost for 2026

The example below shows the legal first-year cost of a foreign nanny working full time on the minimum wage. The calculation is based on the most cautious scenario, the employer cost without incentives; whether any contribution discount or incentive can be applied should be assessed separately.

Because income tax and stamp duty exemptions apply to the minimum wage, nothing is deducted from the nanny's net wage for these taxes. At the first renewal, the permit can be obtained for a maximum of 2 years; under the 2026 tariff the 2-year fee is 25,149.80 TL, plus the card fee.

On top of these, budget for variable costs such as flights and visa expenses, translation and notary costs, and room and board for a live-in nanny. To see your own scenario, use our foreign caregiver cost calculator; to check the fee amounts only, use our work permit fee calculator.

Amounts are valid for 2026 and are updated when the legislation changes.

Free calculatorForeign Caregiver Cost in Turkey: 2026 CalculatorCalculate a foreign caregiver's net salary, the SGK employer share, the monthly employer cost and the first-year total…

Changing nannies and the 6-month rule

A foreign nanny's work permit is tied to a specific employer and workplace, which means your family and your home. When the nanny leaves, the permit ends for that employment relationship; if you want to work with a new nanny, you have to file a new application.

What should you do if your nanny leaves?

• Deregister the nanny from SGK (file the SGK exit).
• Notify the Ministry through the e-İzin system without delay that the employment has ended; the legal notification periods are short.
• Settle the nanny's wages, leave and other entitlements in line with the contract, and keep records.
• Plan the application for the new candidate so that there is no gap in your child's care.

What does the 6-month rule mean for families?

If a nanny who came to Turkey through an application from abroad applies, within 6 months of their start date, to move to another employer from inside Turkey, the application is usually refused unless there is force majeure. This rule matters for families in two ways:

• If you brought your nanny from abroad: the rule makes it harder for a nanny you brought over, with time, effort and expense, to move to another family shortly afterwards, so it protects you.
• If you are thinking of taking over a nanny from another family: always check when and how the candidate came to Turkey. An application for a nanny who has not yet completed six months will most likely be unsuccessful.

If you are the nanny and came to Turkey through an application from abroad, plan on staying with the family that brought you for at least your first six months; an earlier move to another employer is usually refused unless there is force majeure.

The risks of employing a nanny illegally

"Everyone does it this way" is the most dangerous thing about employing a nanny without a permit. An off-the-books arrangement may look easy and cheap in the first months, but the risks are serious, both financially and for your child's safety.

• Administrative fines: when unauthorized employment is detected, a high administrative fine per foreigner is imposed separately on the employer and on the foreigner; these amounts rise every year by the revaluation rate.
• Deportation and entry ban: the nanny can be deported and may face an entry ban to Turkey. That means your child could suddenly be left without a nanny one day.
• Return costs: the employer may have to cover the foreigner's costs of returning to their home country.
• Uninsured employment: work not declared to SGK can also lead to SGK penalties and a retroactive contribution burden.
• Accident and illness risk: if an uninsured nanny has an accident or falls ill, there is both a health coverage problem and employer liability.
• Trust and identity checks: entrusting your child to someone who has not been through the checks of the legal process leaves a serious uncertainty.

If you are the nanny, working without a permit puts you at risk too: a fine, deportation, an entry ban that can stop you from coming back to Turkey, and no health coverage if something happens to you at work.

How does the process work with Fast Danışmanlık?

Fast Danışmanlık has been working with families and employers on foreign work permits and residence procedures since 2010. With 16 years of experience, we aim to prepare nanny work permit files completely, the first time.

1. Initial consultation

   By phone or WhatsApp (+90 542 392 90 92), we listen to your family's situation, your child's needs and the nanny candidate's status.

2. Eligibility and risk analysis

   We assess who the applicant will be, whether to apply from inside Turkey or from abroad, and risk factors such as the 6-month rule or past violations.

3. A personalized document list

   We prepare a document list specific to you and the nanny, and guide you on the documents that need translation and certification.

4. Contract and application file

   We complete the file with a draft employment contract whose job description, wage and working conditions comply with the legislation, and we prepare and track the application through the e-İzin system.

5. Approval, fee and SGK

   After approval, we plan together to make sure the fee is paid on time and the SGK registration is completed correctly.

6. Renewal and change tracking

   We remind you about renewal 60 days before the permit expires, and we map out the way forward when things change, such as a change of nanny or a move.

Because we run the process largely remotely, it does not add to the load of busy working families. Alongside caregiver work permit support in Istanbul, we serve Gebze, İzmit and Darıca through our work permit consultancy in Kocaeli, as well as Bursa, Tekirdağ, Sakarya and the other Marmara provinces, and we accept applications online from anywhere in Turkey. If an application is refused, objections and lawsuits are handled through our partner attorneys.

Summary: why Fast Danışmanlık?

Your child's care cannot be put on hold. A nanny work permit means choosing the right applicant, documenting your income correctly, bringing the nanny in through the right route and managing the permit on schedule. We are with you at every one of these steps.

• 16 years of experience in foreign work permits, caregiver permits and residence procedures since 2010
• A process that can be run remotely, built around the time constraints of working mothers and dual-career families
• Preparation focused on maximizing the chance of approval with a complete file
• Continuity for renewals, changes of nanny and residence matters
• Marmara Region first, with service across Turkey

For a roadmap tailored to your family, take a look at our caregiver work permit service, and for any other questions, see our frequently asked questions page.