For foreign nationals to work legally in Turkey, they must obtain a work permit under the International Labor Law No. 6735. Work permit applications are processed and evaluated by the Ministry of Labor and Social Security. The evaluation considers the foreigner's qualifications, the employer's financial standing, local labor market needs, and specific sector-related criteria.
1. Types of Work Permits in Turkey
Work permits in Turkey are classified based on duration and qualifications:
- Temporary Work Permit: Issued for up to 1 year on the first application for a specific workplace and profession. It can be extended for up to 2 years, and subsequently up to 3 years, provided the employee remains with the same employer.
- Permanent Work Permit: Foreigners who have legally resided in Turkey for at least 8 years continuously with a residence permit or have 8 years of total work permit duration can apply for a permanent work permit, granting most rights held by Turkish citizens.
- Independent Work Permit: Granted to foreign entrepreneurs who will establish a business and generate local employment, evaluated under economic contribution metrics.
2. Employer Criteria and the 5:1 Turkish-to-Foreign Employee Ratio
To qualify for a work permit, the employing company must meet strict financial and administrative criteria. The most critical requirement is the employment quota, which mandates that the employer must employ at least 5 Turkish citizens for every 1 foreign employee.
Additionally, the company must have a paid-up capital of at least 100,000 TL or satisfy minimum export/sales thresholds. Specific sectors like tourism, education, and domestic help have relaxed quota rules.
3. Work Permit Application Pathway
Work permit applications are submitted through two pathways:
- Domestic Applications: For foreigners holding a residence permit valid for at least 6 months, the application can be made directly online by the employer through the Ministry of Labor's portal.
- Overseas Applications: Initiated by the foreigner at the nearest Turkish Embassy or Consulate in their country of origin. The reference number obtained from the consulate is then used by the employer in Turkey to complete the online portal application.
4. Appeal and Annulment Against Rejections or Cancellations
If a work permit is rejected or cancelled, the employer or employee can file an administrative appeal to the Ministry within 30 days of notification. If the appeal is rejected, or directly as an alternative, an Annulment Lawsuit with a stay of execution request must be filed in Ankara Administrative Court within 60 days. Rulings by the Council of State confirm that the administration's discretionary power in work permits is not absolute and must rely on objective justifications.
Frequently Asked Questions
For detailed information and legal consultation, you can visit our Residency & Citizenship page, or request an appointment via our Contact page.
Does a work permit replace a residence permit in Turkey?
Yes. Under Law No. 6735, a valid work permit serves as a residence permit. The foreigner does not need to apply for a separate residence permit.
Can a foreigner work for a different employer with the same permit?
No. Temporary work permits are employer-specific. If the foreigner switches jobs, the new employer must apply for a new work permit from scratch.
Is a work permit required for foreign shareholders who are company directors?
Yes. Foreign shareholders who also hold active managerial roles (such as company director or board member) are legally required to obtain a work permit.
1. Council of State Precedent Decision: Discretionary Power in Work Permit Applications Is Not Absolute
Council of State, Administrative Cases Chambers Assembly – File: 2023/194, Decision: 2024/707
Summary: The administration's discretionary power in granting work permits to foreigners is not absolute. When a work permit application is rejected, objective and concrete grounds must be provided; a refusal based solely on administrative discretion without reasoning is unlawful.
"[…] it is one of the general principles of law that, according to the hierarchy of norms, regulations, circulars, communiqués and instructions, which rank below statute, may only concern the explanation of the exercise of a right conferred by statute, and that such texts may not contain provisions extending or restricting a right conferred by statute; as is apparent from the provisions of Law no. 2527 and its Implementing Regulation, in order for foreigners of Turkish descent to practise their profession and craft freely in Türkiye it is a requirement that they obtain a work permit under Law no. 2527 […] obtaining an “Identity Document Specific to Foreigners of Turkish Descent” is a precondition for the issue of a work permit within the scope of Law no. 2527 and its Implementing Regulation; in other words, it is not possible for persons who cannot obtain that identity document to obtain a work permit under Law no. 2527 […]" (from the reasoning of the 10th Chamber of the Council of State, upheld by the Plenary Session of Administrative Law Divisions)View Full Decision (Turkish)
(Translated excerpt; Turkish original is authoritative)