Contents (14 sections)
Whether you want to hire a foreign national in Turkey or you are a foreigner who wants to work here legally, the first and most important step is obtaining a Turkey work permit. Fast Danışmanlık has advised employers and families across the Marmara Region, above all in Istanbul, Kocaeli, Bursa and Tekirdağ, since 2010. In this guide we bring together, in plain English, what you need to know to get a work permit in Turkey (officially Türkiye): the permit types, the 2026 assessment criteria, the required documents, the fees and the application steps.
If you are an employer: If you will employ foreign staff in a factory, hotel, restaurant, construction business, textile company, software firm or healthcare facility, go to our company work permit page, where we explain quotas, costs and the e-İzin steps with worked examples. If you are a family: Our caregiver work permit guide, written for working mothers, dual-career families and adult children looking for a caregiver for their parents, is made for you. If you are the foreign employee: read on, as this page explains the rules from both sides.
What is a Turkey work permit?
A Turkey work permit is the official authorization issued by the Ministry of Labour and Social Security (MoLSS) that allows a person who is not a Turkish citizen to work legally in Turkey, either as an employee or on a self-employed basis. It is based on the International Labour Force Law (No. 6735). As a rule, the application is filed by the employer through the Ministry's online e-İzin system, and a valid work permit also counts as a residence permit.
A fixed-term work permit is not issued to the person as such; it is tied to a specific employer and workplace. When a foreign employee changes jobs, a new application must be filed in the name of the new employer. A tourist visa, a student residence permit or a short-term residence permit does not by itself give anyone the right to work, and working on these documents leads to serious sanctions for both the foreign national and the employer.
Who needs a work permit in Turkey?
Every foreign national who will work in Turkey, whether for a salary or on their own account, must obtain a work permit or a work permit exemption before starting work. In this respect there is no difference between full-time, part-time and seasonal work.
- Foreign staff working for companies: Every position, including engineers, technicians, skilled tradespeople, cooks, sales specialists, software developers, doctors and nurses.
- Foreign partners working in their own company: Becoming a shareholder does not by itself give you the right to work; a partner who acts as a manager also needs a permit.
- People working in domestic services: Caregivers who will provide child care, elderly care or disability care, or look after a patient at home. Our foreign nanny guide, written for working mothers, explains this process from the family's point of view.
- Professionals who will run their own business: They are assessed under the independent work permit.
- Highly qualified foreigners: Academics, investors and experts in science and technology can apply for the Turquoise Card.
People who were Turkish citizens by birth, later gave up their citizenship with official permission and hold a Blue Card (Mavi Kart) can, as a rule, work without a work permit. On the other hand, some professions, such as practicing as a lawyer or a notary, are reserved by law for Turkish citizens; foreigners are not issued work permits in these fields.
Work permit vs. residence permit: what is the difference?
This is one of the most commonly confused topics. A residence permit gives you the right to stay in Turkey; a work permit gives you the right both to work and to stay.
| Topic | Residence permit | Work permit |
|---|---|---|
| Responsible authority | Presidency of Migration Management (PMM) | Ministry of Labour and Social Security |
| Right to work | No | Yes (for a specific employer and workplace) |
| Who applies? | The foreign national | As a rule, the employer |
| Does one replace the other? | Does not replace a work permit | Replaces a residence permit |
Types of work permits in Turkey
Choosing the right permit type is the first and most critical decision in any application. A file opened under the wrong type wastes time and increases the risk of rejection.
Fixed-term work permit
This is the most common type, and it is issued in connection with one employer. It is granted for up to 1 year on the first application, up to 2 years on the first extension with the same employer, and up to 3 years on subsequent extensions. Most company employees and foreign caregivers work under this permit.
Indefinite work permit
Foreigners who hold a long-term residence permit, or who have worked in Turkey for at least 8 years with a legal work permit, can apply. An indefinite work permit holder is not tied to a specific employer and enjoys many of the rights granted to Turkish citizens, with exceptions such as the right to vote and stand for election and the right to enter public service.
Independent work permit
This permit is for foreigners who will practice their profession or trade in their own name and on their own account, without being tied to an employer. The Ministry assesses the applicant's level of education, professional experience, contribution to science and technology, and the impact of the activity on the national economy and employment as a whole. The foreign national files the application personally.
Turquoise Card
The Turquoise Card is issued to qualified foreigners who stand out through their education, professional experience, contribution to science and technology, or investment. It grants an indefinite right to work, with the first 3 years serving as a transition period, and the cardholder's spouse and children are issued a document that replaces a residence permit. Turquoise Card holders can also benefit from a special route set out in the law for obtaining Turkish citizenship.
Work permit exemption
Certain activities, within the duration and scope set by the legislation, can be carried out with a work permit exemption instead of a work permit. Examples include the short-term installation, maintenance and repair of machinery or systems brought in from abroad, as well as certain scientific, cultural and sporting activities. An exemption also requires an application and has its own separate fee; starting work without a permit on the assumption that "it's only short-term anyway" carries the risk of sanctions.
| Permit type | Who is it for? | Duration | Who applies | 2026 fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fixed-term work permit | Foreigners who will work for one employer | 1 year on the first application, 2 and 3 years on extensions | Employer | 12,574.90 TL / year + 964 TL card |
| Indefinite work permit | Holders of a long-term residence permit or those with 8 years of legal work | Indefinite | Foreign national | 125,802.20 TL + 964 TL card |
| Independent work permit | Self-employed professionals | Period set by the Ministry | Foreign national | 125,802.20 TL + 964 TL card |
| Turquoise Card | Qualified foreigners, investors, academics | 3-year transition + indefinite | Foreign national | According to the current tariff |
| Work permit exemption | Short-term or special activities listed in the legislation | Limited to the duration of the activity | Depends on the activity | Separate exemption fee |
Turkey work permit assessment criteria (2026)
In every application, the Ministry examines both the workplace and the foreign national against set criteria. These criteria do not decide an application on their own, but most rejections stem from failing to meet one of them.
Employment criterion: 5 Turkish citizens for each foreigner
Workplaces that keep balance-sheet-based accounts must employ at least 5 Turkish citizens for each foreign national for whom a work permit is requested. For example, a workplace with 10 Turkish employees can apply for a maximum of 2 foreigners. Workplaces with net sales of 50,000,000 TL or more in the last year are exempt from this criterion for up to 5 foreigners.
To see your company's quota quickly, use our how many foreigners can my company employ calculator.
Financial criterion
- Newly established company: Paid-in capital must be at least 500,000 TL.
- Existing company: It is enough to meet one of these conditions: paid-in capital of 500,000 TL or net sales of 8,000,000 TL in the last year or exports of 150,000 USD.
Salary criterion and 2026 minimum thresholds
The salary paid to the foreign employee cannot be lower than a set multiple of the gross minimum wage in force on the application date, depending on the position. Based on the 2026 gross minimum wage of 33,030.00 TL, the minimum thresholds are as follows:
| Position group | Multiplier | Minimum monthly gross salary (2026) |
|---|---|---|
| Senior executive, pilot | 5× | 165,150 TL |
| Engineer, architect | 4× | 132,120 TL |
| Other managers | 3× | 99,090 TL |
| Jobs requiring expertise or skilled craftsmanship | 2× | 66,060 TL |
| Domestic services and other jobs | Not below the minimum wage | 33,030 TL |
Our foreign employee minimum salary calculator makes it easy to see the gross and net amounts for your position.
New flexibility from 3 August 2026
For foreigners who, within the last 3 years, have been in Turkey for at least 1 year with work, residence or international protection status, the employment and financial criteria are not applied for up to 3 foreigners per workplace. However, the number of foreigners with work permits cannot exceed the number of Turkish employees. We explain what this rule means for small businesses, with worked examples, in our employer work permit application guide.
Foreigners exempt from the criteria
The assessment criteria are not applied, or are applied flexibly, to the following groups:
- Those whose mother, father or child is a Turkish citizen
- Those who have been married to a Turkish citizen for at least 3 years
- Holders of a long-term residence permit or a humanitarian residence permit
- Victims of human trafficking and holders of a stateless person identity card
- Those who have been in Turkey for at least 8 years on certain permits (from 3 August 2026)
- Foreigners of Turkish descent (subject to conditions) and citizens of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC)
Documents required for a Turkey work permit
The document list varies with the type of application, the position and the sector. The list below is the basic framework for company applications. Domestic services applications require different paperwork, such as the family's income documents, a health report for the person receiving care and civil registry records showing the family relationship; we have prepared that list separately on our caregiver work permit page.
Documents required from the employer
- Application form and employment contract signed by the employer and the foreign employee
- Balance sheet and income statement for the last year (certified by a certified public accountant or the tax office)
- Trade Registry Gazette showing the latest capital and shareholding structure
- List of authorized signatories (signature circular)
- Social Security Institution (SGK) records showing the number of Turkish employees
- For regulated professions such as healthcare and education, pre-approval from the relevant authority
Documents required from the foreign employee
- Passport valid beyond the requested permit period, plus a photocopy
- Recent biometric photo
- Diploma or graduation certificate; an equivalence certificate for professions that require one
- CV and documents showing work experience
- For in-country applications, a residence permit valid for at least 6 months
- For applications from abroad, the reference number issued by the consulate
Diplomas and other documents issued abroad must carry an apostille or consular legalization, and a sworn translation must be prepared. Completing these steps before you apply prevents the delays caused by a request for missing documents.
How to apply for a work permit from inside Turkey
If the foreign national is already in Turkey and holds a residence permit valid for at least 6 months, the application can be filed from inside the country. As a rule, a student residence permit is not considered sufficient for this purpose.
- Preliminary assessment
We check the workplace's employment, financial and salary criteria, as well as the type and remaining validity of the foreign national's residence permit.
- Preparing the documents
The employer's and the foreign employee's documents, the employment contract and any required translations are completed in full.
- e-İzin application
The employer logs in to the MoLSS e-İzin system with an e-Devlet (Turkish e-government) password or an e-signature, enters the information and uploads the documents.
- Follow-up and missing documents
If the Ministry asks for additional documents, they are supplied promptly. Complete applications are decided within 30 days.
- Approval and fee payment
After the approval notification, the fee and card fee are paid within 30 days; if payment is not made, the permit is not processed.
- Card and SGK registration
The work permit card is issued, the employer files the SGK employment start notification, and the foreign employee can start working legally.
How to apply for a work permit from abroad
If the foreign national is in their home country, or does not have a valid residence permit in Turkey with enough time remaining, the application is handled from abroad.
- Consulate application
The foreign national applies for a work visa at the Turkish consulate in the country where they live and receives a reference number.
- Employer uploads the documents
Using this reference number, the employer logs in to the e-İzin system and uploads the documents within 10 days.
- Ministry assessment
The file is reviewed against the criteria; any request for missing documents is answered.
- Approval and fee
After approval, the fee and card fee are paid within 30 days.
- Work visa and entry
The consulate issues the work visa, and the foreign national enters Turkey on this visa.
- SGK and starting work
The employer completes the SGK registration; because the work permit replaces a residence permit, no separate residence application is needed.
| Topic | In-country application | Application from abroad |
|---|---|---|
| Where is the foreign national? | In Turkey, with a residence permit valid for at least 6 months | In their home country or a third country |
| Who takes the first step? | The employer (e-İzin) | The foreign national (consulate) |
| Critical deadline | Remaining validity of the residence permit | The employer uploading documents within 10 days |
| Starting work | After approval and payment of the fee | After entering Turkey on the work visa |
1) Putting the foreign national to work "on a trial basis" before approval is issued. 2) Applying from inside Turkey without checking how much time is left on the residence permit. 3) Confusing gross and net pay in the employment contract and falling below the salary criterion. 4) Leaving the fee payment until the last day after approval. 5) Putting off the extension application until a few days before the permit expires. All of these mistakes can be avoided with a short check before you apply.
Turkey work permit fees and costs for 2026
The fixed-term work permit fee is calculated per year: for permits of up to 1 year, the full annual fee is paid. A card fee is charged separately for each permit.
| Permit type and duration | Fee | Card fee | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fixed-term permit (1 year) | 12,574.90 TL | 964.00 TL | 13,538.90 TL |
| Fixed-term permit (2 years, extension) | 25,149.80 TL | 964.00 TL | 26,113.80 TL |
| Fixed-term permit (3 years, extension) | 37,724.70 TL | 964.00 TL | 38,688.70 TL |
| Indefinite work permit | 125,802.20 TL | 964.00 TL | 126,766.20 TL |
| Independent work permit | 125,802.20 TL | 964.00 TL | 126,766.20 TL |
Amounts apply to 2026 and are updated when the legislation changes. A separate fee schedule applies to work permit exemptions.
If the fee and card fee are not paid within 30 days of the Ministry's approval, the application is rejected or not processed. We recommend planning the payment on the day the approval comes through.
To see your total budget, including salary, SGK contributions and fees, use our work permit fee and cost calculator.
Free calculatorTurkey Work Permit Fee Calculator 2026Calculate fixed-term, indefinite and independent work permit fees and the card fee with the 2026 tariff, and see the…How long does a Turkey work permit take?
By law, complete applications are decided within 30 days. If the Ministry requests missing documents or additional information, this period is extended until the documents are supplied. That is why the real driver of the timeline is whether the file is complete the first time.
- Preparation: The time needed to collect documents and complete translations and certifications varies from file to file.
- Assessment: For a complete file, the legal period is 30 days.
- Fee: It must be paid within 30 days of approval; paying early speeds up the process.
- Applications from abroad: Allow additional time for the consulate appointment and visa procedures.
The status of the application is tracked in the e-İzin system; requests for missing documents, approvals and rejection notices all appear there. We check every file regularly and pass on any request from the Ministry to you as quickly as possible. This lets you plan your hiring schedule, your project start date or your caregiver's first working day realistically.
Extending a work permit in Turkey
An extension application can be filed starting 60 days before the permit expires and must be completed before the permit runs out. An expired permit cannot be extended; a new application is required, which puts the foreign national's right to stay in Turkey at risk.
- With the same employer, a permit of up to 2 years can be granted on the first extension and up to 3 years on subsequent extensions.
- The employment, financial and salary criteria are assessed again for the extension.
- The salary reported to SGK is expected to match the salary declared in the application.
- A foreign national who completes a total of 8 years on a legal work permit can apply for an indefinite work permit.
A foreign national whose employment ends and who wants to stay in Turkey needs to switch to a suitable type of residence permit; we plan this transition so that no time is lost.
Work permit rejection reasons and appeals
The most common reasons for rejection
- Not meeting the requirement of 5 Turkish citizens for each foreigner
- Not meeting the paid-in capital, net sales or export criterion
- The salary offered falling below the salary criterion for the position
- The foreign national's diploma and experience not matching the position
- For in-country applications, a residence permit valid for less than 6 months, or a student residence permit
- Missing, contradictory or uncertified documents
- An entry ban, restriction code or public order obstacle concerning the foreign national
- The fee not being paid within 30 days of approval
Appealing a rejection decision
An objection to a rejection decision can be filed with the Ministry within 30 days of the date of notification. If the objection is also rejected, the route to the administrative courts is open. We support you in preparing the objection petition; at the lawsuit stage, the process is handled through our partner attorneys under our immigration law support service. In most cases, removing the reason for rejection and filing a new, stronger application produces results faster.
The risks of employing foreigners without a permit
Employing a foreign national even for a few days before the work permit is approved counts as illegal employment. Separate, substantial administrative fines are imposed on both the employer and the foreign national, and these fines increase every year in line with the revaluation rate.
- For the employer: An administrative fine per foreign employee, sanctions for uninsured employment under SGK legislation, and the obligation to cover the foreign national's travel costs back to their home country.
- For the foreign national: An administrative fine, deportation and the risk of an entry ban on Turkey.
- For business operations: Sudden disruption of work during an inspection and a negative assessment in future applications.
If one of your employees has an entry ban, the entry ban removal process needs to be assessed first. We cover the mistakes employers commonly make and the logic behind the fines in detail in our guide to hiring foreign employees.
Work permit services in the Marmara Region
The Marmara Region has the highest concentration of foreign employment in Turkey. Because demand from industry, tourism and domestic services varies from city to city, we prepare every file with local needs in mind.
Istanbul
We handle foreign staff applications for software, finance, tourism, healthcare and trading companies, as well as caregiver applications for working families. For details, see our work permit service in Istanbul.
Kocaeli and Gebze
For the organized industrial zones in Gebze and Dilovası, we plan quotas and salary criteria for engineer, technician and skilled tradesperson positions. You can find region-specific information on our Kocaeli service region page.
Bursa
We support companies in the automotive supply industry, textiles and the İnegöl furniture sector that use the export criterion. We design work permit processes in Bursa around local needs.
Tekirdağ and Çorlu
We manage group staff applications for textile, food and logistics companies in Çorlu and Çerkezköy. Our Tekirdağ service region page summarizes these processes.
We also serve clients in Sakarya, Yalova, Balıkesir, Çanakkale, Edirne, Kırklareli and Bilecik. Because the process is largely electronic, you can receive remote consultancy from any province in Turkey.
Why Fast Danışmanlık?
- 16 years of experience since 2010: We follow changes in work permit legislation closely and prepare your file according to the current rules.
- Pre-application assessment: We check the criteria from the start and resolve risky points before you apply.
- A complete file: A complete file maximizes your chances of approval; we cannot promise approval, because the decision rests with the Ministry.
- Deadline tracking: We track fee payment, SGK notification and extension dates on your behalf.
- A one-stop solution: We are also by your side for residence permits, citizenship and what comes after a rejection.
To review your file together, contact us by phone or WhatsApp at +90 542 392 90 92. We also recommend following the MoLSS work permit portal for official announcements.
Work Permit: frequently asked questions
By law, complete applications are decided within 30 days. If missing documents are requested, the period is extended until they are supplied; for applications from abroad, additional time is needed for consulate and visa procedures.
Fixed-term work permit applications are filed by the employer. For independent work permits, indefinite work permits and the Turquoise Card, the foreign national files the application personally.
To apply from inside Turkey, the foreign national must hold a residence permit valid for at least 6 months, and a tourist visa does not meet this requirement. In this case, the application is filed from abroad through the Turkish consulate in the foreign national's home country.
Yes. A valid work permit counts as a residence permit; a foreign national with a work permit does not need to obtain a separate residence permit.
For a 1-year fixed-term work permit, you pay a total of 13,538.90 TL: a 12,574.90 TL fee plus a 964 TL card fee. The fee for indefinite and independent work permits is 125,802.20 TL.
An objection to the rejection can be filed with the Ministry within 30 days of notification; if the objection is also rejected, the route to the administrative courts is open. If the reason for rejection can be resolved, filing a new application often produces results faster.
A fixed-term work permit is tied to a specific employer. When the foreign national changes jobs, a new application must be filed in the name of the new employer, and the former employer must report the departure within the legal deadline.
An extension application can be filed starting 60 days before the permit expires and must be completed before it runs out. Once the permit has expired, it cannot be extended and a new application is required.
As a rule, a student residence permit is not considered sufficient for a work permit application filed from inside Turkey. Because special rules apply to students, we recommend reviewing your situation with us before you apply.
Yes. On the general route to citizenship, the period that counts is 5 years on an uninterrupted work permit, counted back from the application date; even a one-month gap between two permits resets the count. You can find the requirements and how the period is calculated in detail on our Turkish citizenship application page.
