🇹🇷 Turkey · Work Visa
Work permit categories, eligibility, sponsorship, application steps, and processing times.
Quick answer
Foreigners need a work permit to work in Türkiye, which also serves as a residence permit; the Ministry of Labour and Social Security issues it, usually on the employer's application. A Turquoise Card suits qualified professionals.
Work permits are issued by the Ministry of Labour and Social Security; entry and residence are handled by the Presidency of Migration Management. The work permit also serves as a residence permit.
- Employers apply for the work permit, which doubles as a residence permit.
- The Turquoise Card offers long-term work rights to qualifying professionals.
- Applications are processed through the Ministry of Labour's online system.
Step-by-step
- 1
Secure a job and confirm eligibility
Secure a job with a Turkish employer; the work permit is employer-tied and the company must meet criteria (such as a ratio of Turkish employees and capital).
- 2
Apply for a work visa if abroad
If you are outside Turkey, apply for a work visa at a Turkish consulate; the employer then files the domestic application within ten working days.
- 3
Employer applies to the Ministry
The employer applies for the work permit to the Ministry of Labour and Social Security via the e-permit system.
- 4
Receive the work permit
The work permit, once approved, also serves as a residence permit for its duration.
- 5
Enter and register
Enter Turkey (or convert in-country), get a foreigner ID number, and register your address.
- 6
Renew and consider long-term status
Renew the work permit before expiry; long-term residence and, later, citizenship may become possible.
Checklist
- Job with a Turkish employer (company meets criteria)
- Work visa at the consulate (if applying from abroad)
- Employer e-permit application (Ministry of Labour and Social Security)
- Work permit approved (also a residence permit)
- Foreigner ID number
- Address registration
- Social security (SGK) enrolment
- Long-term status pathway considered
Official authorities
- Ministry of Labour and Social Security
Work permits.
- Presidency of Migration Management
Entry and residence.
Frequently asked questions
Who applies for a Turkish work permit?
Usually the employer applies to the Ministry of Labour and Social Security; the work permit also serves as your residence permit.
What is the Turquoise Card?
A long-term permit for highly-qualified professionals, investors and researchers, offering indefinite work rights.
Are there quota rules?
Employers often must meet a ratio of Turkish to foreign staff and a minimum-capital condition; some categories are exempt.
Official-information aggregation, not legal advice. Always verify on the authority's own site.