Who Needs a Work Permit?
Any foreign national who intends to work in Turkey — including as a shareholder, director, or employee of their own company — is legally required to hold a valid work permit. Simply owning or investing in a Turkish company does not exempt you from the work permit requirement.
You need a work permit if you:
- Plan to manage the day-to-day operations of your Turkish company
- Will sign documents, contracts, or make decisions on behalf of the company while in Turkey
- Intend to reside in Turkey for extended periods while running the business
You may NOT need a work permit if you:
- Have a Turkish business partner who manages all local operations
- Only visit Turkey occasionally for board meetings (under 90 days)
- Manage the company entirely from abroad via power of attorney
Types of Work Permits
Turkey offers several categories of work permits administered by the Ministry of Labour and Social Security (Çalışma ve Sosyal Güvenlik Bakanlığı):
1. Standard Work Permit (Çalışma İzni)
The most common type for foreign company owners and employees. Issued for a specific employer and position. Initially valid for 1 year, renewable for up to 3 years on subsequent applications.
2. Independent Work Permit (Bağımsız Çalışma İzni)
For foreign professionals working independently (freelancers, consultants). Requires at least 5 years of legal residence in Turkey. Not typically applicable to new investors.
3. Turquoise Card (Turkuaz Kart)
A premium long-term work and residence permit for qualified investors, executives, and professionals. Provides indefinite work authorization and most rights equivalent to Turkish citizenship. See details below.
4. Exceptional Work Permit
Issued to company shareholders who hold a minimum capital share and are appointed as directors. This is the most common route for foreign investors forming their own company.
Application Process
Step 1: Form your company first
The work permit application requires an active, registered Turkish company. Complete the company formation process before applying.
Step 2: Gather required documents
See the full document list below. All foreign documents must be apostilled and officially translated into Turkish.
Step 3: Submit the application
Applications are submitted online through the Ministry of Labour’s e-Government portal (e-Devlet) by the employer (your Turkish company). The company’s authorized representative or accountant typically handles this submission.
Step 4: Biometric data submission
After the online application is accepted, the applicant must provide biometric data (fingerprints, photo) at a local immigration office or Turkish consulate.
Step 5: Ministry review
The Ministry of Labour reviews the application and may request additional documents. The review involves coordination with the Ministry of Interior and relevant professional organizations.
Step 6: Receive approval
Upon approval, the work permit card is issued. The card serves as both a work permit and a residence permit — no separate residence permit application is needed.
Required Documents
| Document | Notes |
|---|---|
| Passport (original + notarized copy) | Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond the permit period |
| Passport-size photos (biometric) | White background, recent |
| Diploma or professional qualifications | Apostilled and translated into Turkish |
| Company trade registry gazette | Proves the company is legally registered |
| Company tax registration certificate | From the local tax office |
| SGK (social security) registration | Company must be registered with SGK |
| Employment contract or board resolution | Appointing the applicant as director/employee |
| Company financial statements | If the company has been operating for more than one year |
| Application form | Completed through the e-Government portal |
Important: For company shareholders applying as directors, a board resolution or articles of association showing their appointment as a manager/director is required.
Processing Time
| Permit Type | Typical Processing Time |
|---|---|
| Standard work permit | 4–8 weeks |
| Exceptional (shareholder/director) | 4–6 weeks |
| Turquoise Card | 8–16 weeks |
| Renewal | 2–4 weeks |
Applications may take longer if additional documents are requested or during peak periods (September–November).
Costs
| Fee | Amount (2026) |
|---|---|
| Work permit application fee | ~1,500 TRY |
| Work permit card fee | ~450 TRY |
| Residence permit card (if separate) | ~350 TRY |
| Professional service fee | $500–$1,500 |
Fees are updated annually by the Ministry. Professional service fees cover application preparation, document translation, and process management.
The Turquoise Card
The Turquoise Card is Turkey’s premium residency program, designed to attract high-value investors, executives, and skilled professionals. It provides:
- Indefinite work authorization in Turkey
- No employer restriction — work for any company or yourself
- Residence permit included — no separate application
- Path to citizenship — after holding the card, citizenship applications may be facilitated
- Spouse and dependents included under the same application
Turquoise Card eligibility for investors:
- Minimum $500,000 fixed capital investment in Turkey, or
- Employing at least 50 Turkish citizens, or
- Other criteria demonstrating exceptional contribution to the Turkish economy
The Turquoise Card is initially issued as a transitional card for 3 years, after which it becomes permanent if conditions are maintained.
Renewal Process
Work permits must be renewed before they expire. The renewal application should be submitted at least 2 months before the expiration date.
First renewal: May be issued for up to 2 years Second renewal: May be issued for up to 3 years After 8 years: Eligible for an indefinite work permit
The renewal process requires the same documentation as the initial application, plus evidence of tax compliance, SGK contributions, and continued business operations.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Applying before the company is registered. The work permit application requires a registered company and tax number.
- Not registering with SGK. Social security registration is mandatory for all employees, including foreign directors.
- Letting the permit expire. Working without a valid permit is illegal and can result in fines, deportation, and a re-entry ban.
- Missing the renewal deadline. Submit renewals at least 60 days before expiration.
- Incomplete translations. All foreign documents must be officially translated by a sworn translator (yeminli tercüman) in Turkey.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I work in Turkey while my permit is being processed?
No. You cannot legally work in Turkey until the work permit is approved and issued. Plan accordingly — many investors manage their initial operations remotely or through a local representative until the permit is received.
Does a work permit also serve as a residence permit?
Yes. Since 2014, work permits issued by the Ministry of Labour also function as residence permits. You do not need to apply for a separate residence permit.
Can my family join me in Turkey?
Yes. Family members (spouse and children under 18) can apply for dependent residence permits once your work permit is approved. They are not authorized to work unless they obtain their own work permits.