Welcome to our guide on obtaining a work permit in Turkey! If you have been considering moving and obtaining a work permit in Turkey, this material is for you.
Turkey is a country with a rich culture, beautiful landscapes, and interesting employment opportunities. However, for foreign citizens wishing to work in Turkey, there are specific rules and procedures that need to be taken into account.
In this article, I will explain in detail how to obtain a work permit in Turkey, what types of permits exist, and what you need to know to successfully find a job in this wonderful country.
Once you receive a residence permit, you may wonder, ‘Does a residence permit in Turkey grant the right to work?’ A temporary residence permit in Turkey does not automatically give the right to employment. To work legally, you will need to obtain a separate work permit in Turkey.
Let’s break down the steps you need to take for this.
Work visa or residence permit: what to choose?
If you plan to work in Turkey, you will face an important choice: obtaining a work visa or a residence permit. These two documents are often confused, but each has its own features and requirements.
A work visa for Turkey is a document that allows foreign citizens to work legally in the country. You can obtain such a visa only after you have found an employer willing to hire you. The employer must apply to the Ministry of Labor of Turkey and confirm that you meet all the requirements for the position.
On the other hand, a residence permit (RP) in Turkey allows you to reside in the country for a specified period but does not automatically grant the right to work. If you have an RP and want to work, you will still have to apply for a work permit.
This means that having an RP does not exempt you from the need to go through the process of obtaining a work visa or work permit.
What are the conditions for obtaining a work permit?
To obtain a work permit in Turkey, you need to meet several important conditions.
First, you must have an employer who is willing to provide you with a job and navigate all the necessary bureaucratic procedures.
Second, you will need to provide specific documents, such as your passport, photographs, and proof of your qualifications.
The main focus during the application process is to convince the Ministry of Labor that you are suitable for the offered position and that there are no Turkish citizens who could fill that position. That is why the process of obtaining a work permit can be quite complicated and requires careful preparation.
Types of Work Permits in Turkey
Now let’s take a look at the types of work permits available in Turkey. Each has its own features and conditions.
Temporary Work Permit is the most common type of permit. It is issued for a period of up to one year and can be extended if you have a valid contract with your employer.
Permanent Work Permit is granted to foreigners who have been living and working in Turkey for a long time. This permit is issued for up to eight years and provides more rights and opportunities for employment.
Independent Work Permit is intended for those who want to start their own business in Turkey or work for themselves. To obtain this permit, you need to submit a business plan and prove that your project will benefit the country’s economy.
Turquoise Card is a special type of permit that grants the right to work and reside in Turkey on a permanent basis. It is issued to highly qualified professionals and investors who can make a significant contribution to the development of the Turkish economy.
Requirements for Companies to Hire Foreign Employees
When hiring foreign citizens in Turkey, companies must meet certain requirements set by the government. This is necessary to ensure the legality of labor relations and protect the local labor market.
The Ministry of Labor imposes a number of requirements on firms that wish to employ foreigners. One of the main conditions is for the company to have a certain number of Turkish employees. Typically, there should be five Turkish citizens for each foreign employee. This rule is aimed at preventing the replacement of local workers with foreigners.
Additionally, companies must be financially stable and have no outstanding tax or social security debt. They are also required to prove that the foreign employee is necessary to perform specific tasks and that no suitable candidates could be found among local residents. These requirements include providing financial reports and other supporting documents.
What is Expected from Candidates When Applying for a Work Permit?
Applying for a work permit in Turkey requires candidates to meet several conditions and provide specific documents.
First, the candidate must have a valid passport and meet the qualification requirements specified in the job offer.
The candidate must also provide copies of diplomas and certificates verifying their professional skills. If the applicant is already in Turkey, they must have a valid residence permit or another document confirming the legality of their stay in the country.
It is also important to prepare medical certificates and documents confirming the absence of any criminal record. These documents are necessary to ensure the safety and health of all parties involved in the labor process.
Process of Obtaining a Work Permit as an Employee of a Company
Now let’s take a closer look at the process of obtaining a work permit if you are getting employed by a Turkish company.
How to Apply for a Work Permit in Turkey?
The application for a work permit in Turkey can be made from within the country or from outside it. Let’s explore both options.
Application Process for Foreigners Outside Turkey
If you are outside of Turkey, the first step is to find an employer who is willing to offer you a job. After this, the employer must apply to the Ministry of Labor and obtain preliminary approval to hire a foreign employee. Once the preliminary approval is obtained, you must apply for a work visa at the Turkish consulate in your country.
Application Process for Foreigners Inside Turkey
If you are already in Turkey with a valid residence permit, the application process will be somewhat simpler. You do not need to leave the country to apply. Instead, your employer can apply directly to the Ministry of Labor, and you will be issued a work permit after all checks and submission of necessary documents.
The first and foremost condition for applying for a work permit from within Turkey is to have a valid residence permit. Without this document, you will not be able to apply for a work permit.
What Should Be the Next Steps?
After submitting the application to the Ministry of Labor, you will need to wait for it to be reviewed. During this time, your application will be checked for compliance with all requirements, and verifications will be conducted regarding your qualifications and documents.
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Timeframe for Obtaining a Work Permit
The process of reviewing a work permit application can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months, depending on the complexity of the case and the workload of the Ministry of Labor. Typically, this timeframe is around 30-60 days.
How Much Does a Work Visa for Turkey Cost?
The cost of a work visa for Turkey can vary depending on the type of visa and the duration of stay. Generally, the amount ranges from $200 to $600, including all administrative and consular fees.
Consequences for Employers Hiring Foreign Employees
Employers who hire foreign employees must be prepared for additional costs and administrative burdens. They are required to comply with all legal requirements and regularly report to the Ministry of Labor. Failure to comply with these requirements may result in fines and other legal consequences.
Process of Obtaining a Work Permit for Founders and Partners of a Company
For those planning to open their own business in Turkey or become a partner in an existing company, the process of obtaining a work permit also has its unique aspects.
Establishing a company or partnering with an existing firm opens up additional opportunities but also requires adherence to certain formalities and the submission of specific documents.
Extending a Work Visa in Turkey
Once you have obtained a work visa in Turkey, you need to keep track of its expiration date. The validity of a work visa is usually one year, after which it needs to be renewed. The renewal process involves resubmitting documents and confirming that your employment in Turkey is ongoing.
To extend your work visa, you must apply at least 60 days before your current permit expires. Your employer must confirm that you are still employed with their company, and you will need to provide all necessary documents and pay administrative fees.
Reasons for Refusal of a Work Visa in Turkey
Unfortunately, not all applications for a work visa in Turkey are approved. The Ministry of Labor may deny a visa for several reasons. The most common reasons for refusal include an incomplete set of documents, the applicant not meeting the qualification requirements, and the presence of Turkish citizens who could perform the same job.
If you are denied a work visa, it is important to carefully review the reasons for the refusal and address any shortcomings before reapplying. In some cases, you can appeal the decision and provide additional documents that support your qualifications and the necessity of your employment.
Conclusion
Moving to Turkey and working in this amazing country is a wonderful opportunity for professional and personal growth.
However, the process of obtaining a work permit requires careful preparation and adherence to all formalities. Understanding all the nuances and requirements will help you successfully navigate this process and enjoy life and work in Turkey.
For more detailed information, please contact us through our website, and we will help you make the right choice!
