First application
Applying for a Turkish work permit for the first time
If you are going to work in Türkiye for the first time, or start with a new employer, your application is treated as a first application. Clarifying the right route, whether your employer meets the criteria and which documents you need before you apply prevents the most common mistakes.
Every day 09:00–19:00 · Türkiye time
At a glance
- Who applies
- Your employer in Türkiye (via e-Devlet with an e-signature)
- Route
- From within Türkiye (with a residence permit of at least 6 months) or from abroad (Turkish consulate)
- Assessment
- 30 days if the file is complete
- First permit
- Up to 1 year
Who is this page for?
- Foreign nationals getting their first work permit in Türkiye
- People starting with a new employer (an application with a different employer counts as a first application)
- Employers planning to hire foreign staff (details for employers)
You need an employer first
A work permit is issued for a specific employer and workplace. If you don't yet have an employer in Türkiye, you first need a job offer. We do not find jobs or recruit staff. If you plan to set up your own business, an independent work permit is assessed separately.
First, determine your route
Whether you hold a valid Turkish residence permit decides where the application starts.
From within Türkiye
- If you hold a residence permit issued for at least six months and still valid on the application date
- Your foreigner ID number starts with 99 or 98
- Your employer applies directly through the e-İzin system
- Guide: applying from within Türkiye
From abroad
- If you don't hold a valid Turkish residence permit
- You apply in person at the Turkish embassy or consulate general in the country where you are
- Your employer completes the application using the 16-digit reference number you receive
- Guide: applying from abroad
Sources
- Ministry of Labour — Application types(opens in a new tab) · Last checked:
- Ministry of Labour — FAQ(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.
What the employer has to meet
The Ministry assesses not only your qualifications but also the workplace that will employ you. The general criteria are:
- Turkish employees
- At least 5 Turkish citizens for each foreign employee
- Financial strength
- Paid-in capital of at least TRY 500,000, or net sales of at least TRY 8,000,000, or exports of at least USD 150,000
- Salary
- At least 1 to 5 times the gross minimum wage, depending on the role
New since 3 August 2026
For in-country applications on behalf of foreigners who have legally stayed in Türkiye for at least one year in the last three years (with a work permit, residence permit or international protection), the employment and financial criteria do not apply, for up to three such people per workplace.
Different rules apply in some sectors, such as IT, education, healthcare, tourism and manufacturing, and to some foreigners (for example those whose parent or child is a Turkish citizen, or holders of a long-term residence permit). See the employers page for details.
Source
Documents usually required
- Employment contract signed by the employer and the foreign employee
- Copy of your passport, with a certified translation if it is not in Latin script. The passport must be valid for at least 60 days on the application date.
- Diploma or provisional graduation certificate with a certified Turkish translation (mandatory for some professions)
- Biometric photo with a white background, taken within the last six months
- The company's latest Trade Registry Gazette showing its capital and shareholders
- Last year's balance sheet and income statement, certified by the tax office or a sworn financial adviser
Fields such as healthcare, education, tourism, aviation and engineering require additional documents like a pre-approval or recognition of your diploma. We'll list exactly what your file needs in the first conversation.
Sources
- Ministry of Labour — Documents(opens in a new tab) · Last checked:
- Ministry e-İzin information — Points to note when applying(opens in a new tab) · Last checked:
What happens after you apply?
- 1
Assessment
MinistryIf the file is complete, the Ministry finishes its assessment within 30 days. If additional documents are requested, the period starts again once they are uploaded. Other authorities may be consulted.
- 2
Decision
MinistryThe decision is sent to the email address given in the application and is also visible in the e-İzin system.
- 3
Fee payment
You or your employerOnce approved, the permit fee and card charge must be paid within 30 days of notification; otherwise the application is rejected. Current amounts
- 4
Card and starting work
EmployerThe work permit card is sent by PTT (Turkish Post) to the workplace. Social security registration and starting work must happen within one month: from the permit start date for in-country applications, or from your entry into Türkiye for applications from abroad.
Sources
- Ministry of Labour — FAQ(opens in a new tab) · Last checked:
- Ministry of Labour — Payment of fees and card charge(opens in a new tab) · Last checked:
How we help
What we do
- We work out the right route and permit type for your situation
- We check whether the employer meets the criteria before you apply
- We prepare a document list for you and your employer and review the documents before submission
- We support you step by step in preparing a complete e-İzin application
- We follow up on requests for additional documents and the decision
What we don't do
- We don't find jobs or recruit staff
- We don't guarantee approval; the Ministry decides
- We don't provide legal representation or litigation; where needed, we recommend consulting a lawyer
Frequently asked questions
Can I come to Türkiye as a tourist and apply for a work permit there?
As a rule, no. An in-country application requires a residence permit issued for at least six months and valid on the application date; a tourist stay does not meet this requirement. In that case the application goes through the Turkish consulate in the country where you are. The Ministry may allow certain groups it designates to apply from within Türkiye without a residence permit; tell us about your situation and we'll check which route applies.
Do I apply myself, or does my employer?
For an employer-based work permit, the employer applies through e-Devlet using the workplace's authorised user's own e-signature. If you apply from abroad, you take the first step at the consulate and your employer completes the application with your reference number. If you set up your own business, you apply for an independent work permit yourself.
How long does it take?
The Ministry completes its assessment of complete applications within 30 days. Preparing documents, the consulate appointment, requests for additional documents and opinions from other authorities can extend the overall timeline. We'll draw up a realistic schedule for your case in the first conversation.
What if the application is rejected?
You can object to a rejection through e-İzin within 30 days of notification; if the objection is also rejected, you can go to the administrative courts. A rejection does not prevent a new application once the reason has been addressed. We'll look at the reason and your options together; for objections and court proceedings we recommend working with a lawyer.
Let's clarify your route together
Describe your situation in a few lines on WhatsApp, or call us, and we'll explain which steps you need.
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.