If you're in Türkiye
Getting a work permit while living in Türkiye
If you are in Türkiye on a valid residence permit, the work permit application can be made from within the country. A residence permit on its own does not give you the right to work: you need a work permit or a work permit exemption before you start.
Every day 09:00–19:00 · Türkiye time
At a glance
- Key requirement
- A residence permit of at least 6 months, valid on the application date
- ID
- A foreigner ID number starting with 99 or 98
- Who applies
- Your employer, via e-Devlet with an e-signature
- New relief
- Since 3 August 2026, employer criteria relaxed for some applicants
Requirements for an in-country application
- A residence permit issued in your name for at least six months and valid on the application date
- A foreigner ID number starting with 99 or 98
- An employment contract signed with the employer
- An e-signature in the name of the employer's social security (SGK e-bildirge) user who files the application
The Ministry may allow certain foreigners it designates to apply from within Türkiye without a residence permit, provided they are legally present. We can check together whether that applies to you.
Sources
- Ministry of Labour — Application types(opens in a new tab) · Last checked:
- Ministry of Labour — FAQ(opens in a new tab) · Last checked:
- Ministry e-İzin information — Points to note when applying(opens in a new tab) · Last checked:
Residence permit vs. work permit
Residence permit
- Gives you the right to stay in Türkiye
- Issued by the migration authority
- As a rule, does not give the right to work
Work permit
- Gives the right to work for a specific employer and workplace
- Issued by the Ministry of Labour and Social Security
- While valid, also counts as a residence permit
Holders of refugee or subsidiary protection status can work without a work permit. There are separate application types for international protection applicants, conditional refugees and people under temporary protection.
Sources
- Ministry of Labour — FAQ(opens in a new tab) · Last checked:
- Ministry of Labour — Application types(opens in a new tab) · Last checked:
Your situation doesn't quite fit these rules?
Send us a few lines and we'll check together which rules apply to you.
The August 2026 change: for people with a year in Türkiye
Employer criteria relaxed for in-country applications
If you have legally stayed in Türkiye for at least one year within the three years before the application (with a work permit, residence permit or international protection), the employment and financial criteria do not apply to the workplace for your in-country application. This applies to up to three people per workplace, and the number of foreign employees may not exceed the number of Turkish employees.
The salary criterion and other requirements still apply. In addition, foreigners who have been in Türkiye for at least eight years with work or various residence permits are exempt from the employment, financial and salary criteria. These rules don't create an absolute right; the Ministry still assesses the application.
Source
Special cases
- Students
- Associate and bachelor's students can work part-time after completing their first year; this limit doesn't apply to postgraduate students.
- Changing employer
- You can't work for another employer on your current permit; a new employer needs a new (first) application.
- Turkish family ties
- Foreigners whose parent or child is a Turkish citizen, and those married to a Turkish citizen for at least three years, are exempt from the employer and salary criteria.
- Long-term residence
- Long-term residence permit holders are exempt from the criteria and can also apply for an indefinite work permit.
Sources
- Ministry of Labour — Work permit evaluation criteria(opens in a new tab) · Last checked:
- Ministry of Labour — FAQ(opens in a new tab) · Last checked:
How we help
What we do
- We identify the right route based on your residence permit type and duration
- We check exemptions that may apply to you, such as the August 2026 relief
- We prepare the documents and the e-İzin application together with your employer
- We remind you of the social security and notification deadlines after approval
What we don't do
- We can't influence residence permit decisions; these lie with the migration authority
- We don't find jobs for you
- We don't guarantee the outcome
Frequently asked questions
Can I work on my student residence permit?
A residence permit alone doesn't give the right to work. If you're an associate or bachelor's student in Türkiye, a work permit application for part-time work can be made after you complete your first year; postgraduate students aren't subject to this one-year limit. The employer still files the application.
My residence permit is shorter than six months. What can I do?
An in-country application requires a residence permit issued for at least six months and still valid. If you don't meet this, your options depend on your situation; let's look at them together.
What happens to my work permit if I leave my job?
The employer notifies the Ministry within 15 days that employment has ended and terminates the permit. Working for a new employer requires a new application. If you plan to stay in Türkiye, check whether you still have a valid right of residence.
Let's check the right route for you
Briefly tell us your residence permit type, its expiry date and your employer, and we'll explain which rules apply to you.
Every day 09:00–19:00 · Türkiye time
We are an independent consultancy, not a government office. Work permit decisions are made by the Turkish Ministry of Labour and Social Security.