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.

"...İSTEMİN KONUSU: Danıştay Onuncu Dairesinin 31/03/2022 tarih ve E:2019/347, K:2022/1747 sayılı kararının temyizen incelenerek bozulması istenilmektedir...."
View Full Decision (Turkish)

2. Council of State Precedent Decision: Proportionality in Minimum Turkish Employee Requirement

Council of State, Administrative Cases Chambers Assembly – File: 2025/834, Decision: 2025/3241

Summary: It has been ruled that the minimum capital and five Turkish employee requirements set for foreign workers in specific fields of expertise or professional groups must be assessed fairly and reasonably on a case-by-case basis, in accordance with the principle of proportionality.

"...İSTEMİN KONUSU: Danıştay Sekizinci Dairesinin 22/01/2025 tarih ve E:2019/6120, K:2025/26 sayılı kararının, davacı tarafından maddi ve manevi tazminat istemi yönünden davanın reddine ilişkin kısmının, davalı idareler tarafından iptale ilişkin kısmının temyizen incelenerek bozulması karşılıklı olarak istenilmektedir...."
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3. Council of State Precedent Decision: Work Permit Cancellation Does Not Automatically Justify Deportation

Council of State, Administrative Cases Chambers Assembly – File: 2024/3069, Decision: 2025/3237

Summary: It has been confirmed that a deportation order cannot be issued solely on the grounds that a foreigner's work permit has been cancelled or not renewed. The existence of a concrete threat to public safety must be proven; cancellation of the work permit alone is insufficient to justify deportation.

"...İSTEMİN KONUSU : Danıştay Sekizinci Dairesinin 04/07/2024 tarih ve E:2017/5573, K:2024/4148 sayılı kararının aleyhlerine olan kısımlarının temyizen incelenerek bozulması taraflarca karşılıklı olarak istenilmektedir...."
View Full Decision (Turkish)