What Is a Turkish Work Permit and Who Needs It?
Any foreign national who intends to work legally in Turkey — whether employed by a Turkish company or a foreign company operating in Turkey — must hold a valid work permit issued by the Ministry of Labour and Social Security (ÇSGB). Working without a permit is a criminal offence for both the employee and the employer, and can result in deportation and significant administrative fines.
The work permit also functions as a residence permit under Turkish law. Once your work permit card is issued, you do not need a separate residence permit for the duration of your employment. This makes the work permit one of the most important documents for foreigners living and working in Turkey.
The Three-Stage Application Process
| Stage | Who Acts | Timeline |
|---|---|---|
| Stage 1 — e-Government Application | Employer | Day 1 |
| Stage 2 — Document Review | Ministry of Labour | Within 30 days |
| Stage 3 — Evaluation and Decision | Ministry of Labour | 15–30 business days |
Stage 1: Employer Submits the Online Application
The work permit application in Turkey is employer-driven. The foreign employee cannot apply independently (unless applying for an independent/self-employment permit). The employer must:
- Log into the e-Government portal at turkiye.gov.tr using their KEP (Registered Electronic Mail) or e-signature credentials.
- Navigate to the Ministry of Labour and Social Security work permit application section.
- Complete the online application form with the employee's personal details, the proposed role, and the salary.
- Upload all required employer and employee documents in PDF format.
- Pay the application fee online.
It is critical that the employer declares the correct gross salary on the form. In 2026, the minimum gross salary for a foreign worker is 49,545 TRY (1.5 times the national minimum wage of 33,030 TRY). Applications listing a lower salary will be rejected.
Stage 2: Document Review by the Ministry
After submission, the Ministry reviews the application to check for completeness. If any document is missing or incorrect, the system sends an automatic notification and the applicant has 30 days to supply the missing materials. Failure to respond within this window will result in automatic rejection.
Typical reasons for a deficiency notice include:
- Diploma not apostilled or not translated by a sworn translator
- Passport validity too short (must be valid for at least 60 days beyond the permit end date)
- Health insurance policy that does not cover all of Turkey
- SGK employee list not matching the number of foreign workers already employed
Stage 3: Evaluation and Permit Card
Once all documents are accepted, the Ministry evaluates the application. Processing takes 15 to 30 business days for straightforward cases. Complex sectors (healthcare, education, security) may take longer. If approved, the physical work permit card is printed and dispatched to the employer's registered address via PTT (Turkish postal service).
Full List of Required Documents
From the Employer
- Online application petition (generated automatically by e-Government)
- Signed balance sheet and income statement for the previous fiscal year
- Trade Registry Gazette notice of company establishment
- Current company activity certificate from the Trade Registry Office
- SGK-registered employee list for the most recent month
- Signed employment contract
From the Foreign Employee
- Notarised Turkish translation of passport (passport valid ≥ 18 months)
- Apostilled diploma or professional certificate with notarised Turkish translation
- Biometric photograph (taken within the last 6 months)
- Health insurance policy valid throughout Turkey
- Any previous Turkish work permit (if renewing or changing employers)
2026 Work Permit Fees
| Permit Duration | Permit Fee | Document Fee | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Up to 1 year | 12,574.90 TRY | 964.00 TRY | 13,538.90 TRY |
| 1–2 years | 25,149.80 TRY | 964.00 TRY | 26,113.80 TRY |
| 2–3 years | 37,724.70 TRY | 964.00 TRY | 38,688.70 TRY |
| Indefinite | 125,802.20 TRY | 964.00 TRY | 126,766.20 TRY |
Source: Official Gazette dated 31.12.2025 — csgb.gov.tr/uigm
Fees are paid during the online application and are non-refundable even if the application is rejected.
Key Rules to Avoid Rejection
SGK Employee Ratio: For every one foreign national employed, the company must have at least five Turkish citizens registered with the Social Security Institution. Companies with fewer than five Turkish employees will not be approved unless a sector-specific exemption applies.
Diploma Equivalency: For regulated professions such as engineering, medicine, law, and architecture, the foreign employee must obtain a diploma equivalency certificate from the relevant Turkish authority (YÖK for academic qualifications, professional chambers for vocational ones).
Single Employer Restriction: A Turkish work permit is tied to a specific employer and a specific workplace. If the foreign employee changes jobs, a new work permit application must be filed by the new employer.
After Receiving the Permit
Once the permit card arrives, the employee must register their address with the local Population Directorate (Nüfus Müdürlüğü) within 20 working days. Failure to register can create complications at renewal.
For extensions, the employer must apply at least 60 days before the current permit expires. Late renewal applications risk a gap in legal status.
Need professional assistance? Deniz Kurumsal Danışmanlık manages the entire work permit process on behalf of employers and foreign employees — from document preparation to delivery.
Contact: denizkurumsal.com | +90 533 319 74 90
Related: Work Permit Required Documents 2026 · Work Permit Renewal 2026 · Minimum Wage for Foreign Workers