What Is an Independent Work Permit?
While most work permits in Turkey are employer-sponsored, a distinct category exists for foreign nationals who wish to work for themselves: the independent work permit (bağımsız çalışma izni). This permit allows a foreign national to operate as a self-employed individual, run their own business, or practise a profession independently — without being tied to a Turkish employer.
The independent work permit is regulated under the International Labour Force Law (No. 6735) and its implementing regulations. It is assessed differently from the standard work permit, and the eligibility bar is considerably higher.
Who Is the Independent Work Permit For?
The independent work permit is appropriate for:
- Freelance professionals (consultants, translators, designers, writers, engineers) who want to invoice clients directly
- Foreign entrepreneurs who wish to operate a sole proprietorship (şahıs şirketi) in Turkey
- Self-employed artisans or tradespeople
- Foreign professionals in regulated professions who have obtained equivalency and wish to practice independently (subject to professional chamber approval)
- Foreign investors managing their own investments personally
It is not suitable for:
- Directors or shareholders of a limited company (şirket) who also draw a salary — these individuals need a standard employer-sponsored work permit, with their own company as the employer
- Digital nomads working exclusively for foreign clients from Turkey (a different legal grey area — see below)
Eligibility Conditions
The independent work permit has substantially stricter eligibility criteria than the employer-sponsored permit:
1. Five Years of Continuous Lawful Residence
The applicant must have resided lawfully and continuously in Turkey for at least 5 years immediately before the application. All types of residence permit count toward this period, including short-term, family and student permits, as well as work permits. Periods spent in Turkey on a tourist visa or visa-free entry do not count.
Continuous means without gaps: spending more than 6 consecutive months outside Turkey in any single year breaks the continuity.
2. Sufficient Income and Financial Means
The applicant must demonstrate that they have a viable economic activity that will generate sufficient income. This is assessed on a case-by-case basis. Evidence typically includes:
- A business plan describing the nature of the self-employment
- Client contracts or letters of intent
- Bank statements showing financial stability
- Prior income from the proposed activity (if already operating in a limited capacity)
The Ministry will consider whether the proposed self-employment is likely to generate income at least equivalent to the foreign worker minimum salary of 49,545 TRY gross per month in 2026, though the exact standard is not rigidly fixed for independent applicants.
3. No Threat to Public Order or Public Security
The same background requirements that apply to standard work permits apply here. A clean criminal record is essential.
4. Profession-Specific Conditions
For regulated professions, additional approval from the relevant professional association or ministry may be required. For example:
- Medical professionals: Turkish Medical Association (TTB) approval
- Lawyers: Turkish Bar Association approval — note that advocacy is restricted to Turkish citizens, so independent legal practice is generally not available to foreigners
- Architects and engineers: relevant Chamber of Engineers or Architects approval
Required Documents
| Document | Notes |
|---|---|
| Application petition | Prepared via the e-Government portal |
| Valid passport | Notarised Turkish translation of all relevant pages |
| 5-year residence history | Copies of all consecutive residence/work permits |
| Biometric photographs | 2 photos taken within the last 6 months |
| Business plan | Detailed description of the proposed self-employment activity |
| Proof of financial means | Bank statements for last 6–12 months |
| Professional certificates | Apostilled and with notarised Turkish translation |
| Diploma equivalency | Required for regulated professions |
| Health insurance | Valid throughout Turkey |
| Criminal record certificates | Both Turkish and home-country records |
Application Process
Unlike the standard work permit, the applicant themselves (rather than an employer) submits the independent work permit application. The process is:
- Log into the e-Government portal (turkiye.gov.tr) with your existing credentials (foreigners with a residence permit can access e-Government using their FIN — Yabancı Kimlik Numarası).
- Navigate to the Ministry of Labour work permit section and select "Independent Work Permit Application."
- Complete the online form with details of the proposed self-employment.
- Upload all required documents.
- Pay the permit fee.
2026 Fees
| Duration | Permit Fee | Card 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 |
Processing time is typically 30 to 60 business days — longer than the standard work permit because the Ministry conducts a more detailed assessment of the business case.
Tax and Social Security Obligations
An independent work permit does not automatically handle your tax and SGK obligations. Self-employed foreign nationals in Turkey must:
- Register with the tax office (vergi dairesi) as a sole proprietor and obtain a tax identification number
- File quarterly VAT returns and annual income tax declarations
- Register with SGK as a self-employed person (Bağ-Kur) and pay social security premiums
- Issue official receipts (fatura) to clients — informal payments are not compliant
Failure to fulfil these obligations is a separate legal risk from immigration compliance.
What About Digital Nomads?
Turkey does not currently have a dedicated digital nomad visa. Foreign nationals who work remotely exclusively for foreign clients (with no Turkish clients or Turkish-sourced income) occupy a legal grey area. Some choose to remain on periodic tourist or short-term residence permits, paying taxes in their home country. This approach carries risk as Turkish tax law taxes residents on worldwide income. A tax and immigration lawyer should be consulted before adopting this approach.
Independent Permit vs. Standard Work Permit via Your Own Company
A common alternative to the independent work permit is establishing a Turkish limited company (limited şirketi) and then applying for a standard work permit with your own company as the employer. This avoids the 5-year residence requirement but comes with company setup and compliance costs. Which route is better depends on your specific circumstances, and professional advice is recommended.
Thinking about self-employment in Turkey? Deniz Kurumsal Danışmanlık advises on the best permit structure for self-employed foreign nationals and manages the full application process.
Contact: denizkurumsal.com | +90 533 319 74 90
Related: How to Get a Work Permit Turkey 2026 · Work Permit vs Residence Permit Turkey · Long-Term Residence Permit Turkey