Turkish work permit: frequently asked questions

A work permit is issued by the Ministry of Labour and Social Security and gives a foreigner the right to work and reside in Türkiye. While valid, it counts as a residence permit; permits issued to international protection applicants, conditional refugees and people under temporary protection do not.

No. Except for refugee and subsidiary protection status, a residence permit alone doesn't give the right to work. You need a work permit or a work permit exemption before starting.

Some professions are reserved by law for Turkish citizens, such as lawyers, notaries, pharmacists, dentists, veterinarians, tourist guides, private security guards and certified accountants. The full list is on the Ministry's page (opens in a new tab).

Administrative fines apply to the foreign worker and the employer, and the foreigner is reported to the Ministry of Interior for deportation.

This can be assessed differently depending on the nature of the work, how long you stay in Türkiye and your residence status. A general answer would be misleading; tell us about your situation and we'll clarify which official route is relevant.

For an employer-based permit, the employer applies via e-Devlet using the workplace's authorised user's own e-signature. For an independent work permit, the foreigner applies.

From within Türkiye if you hold a valid residence permit issued for at least six months; otherwise through the Turkish consulate in the country where you are. Applying in Türkiye · Applying from abroad

The Ministry assesses complete applications within 30 days. If additional documents are requested, the period restarts once they are uploaded. Preparing documents and consulate appointments can extend the overall timeline.

Usually an employment contract, passport copy, diploma with translation, biometric photo, the company's trade registry gazette and last year's balance sheet. Some sectors need more. Details

You can object through e-İzin within 30 days of notification; if the objection is rejected, the administrative courts are open. You can also reapply once the reason has been addressed. We recommend working with a lawyer for legal proceedings.

A work permit is tied to a specific employer. The new employer files a new application, which counts as a first application. The former employer reports the end of employment to the Ministry within 15 days.

In the window that opens 60 days before expiry, and before the permit expires. An application after expiry is not treated as an extension. Extension guide

With the same employer, up to two years on the first extension and up to three years on later ones, also limited by your contract and passport validity.

If you applied in time, you can keep working in the same job and workplace for up to 90 days from the expiry date.

They depend on the permit type and duration and are set again each year; a card charge is also paid per document. 2026 fee table

Our fee depends on the type of application and the work we take on. After the first conversation we confirm the scope and fee in writing. Official fees are not included.

No. WorkPermitTurkey is an independent consultancy with no connection to the Ministry of Labour and Social Security or any other authority.

No. We don't provide job placement or recruitment; in Türkiye these services are reserved for private employment agencies licensed by İŞKUR. Once you have a job offer from an employer in Türkiye, we can support you with the work permit.

No. The Ministry decides and no consultant can guarantee the outcome. Our job is to help you apply through the right route, completely and on time.

No. We don't provide legal advice, representation or litigation. For legal proceedings, such as going to court after a rejection, we recommend working with a lawyer.

Because the process is largely electronic, we work by phone and WhatsApp, so you can reach us from any province of Türkiye, including Istanbul, Ankara, Izmir, Antalya and Bursa, or from abroad.

You don't need to send passport or ID photos in your first message; describing your situation is enough. We use your documents only for the service. We don't ask for your e-Devlet or e-signature passwords, and you shouldn't share them with anyone.