Introduction

Foreigners who want to work in Turkey are required to get a work permit. To get your work permit, you are required to submit needed documents and follow certain stages within the timeframe of your work permit. The applications for work permits are made through the e-Government portal of Turkey (turkiye.gov.tr). The online work permit application system allows users to fill out the online application form and upload the required documents. After the online application is made, the employer is required to make a direct application to the Ministry of Labor and Social Security in person. The process will be finalized within 30 days, and the applicant will be informed by e-mail.

The Application Process for Foreigners Residing Outside of Turkey

Foreigners residing outside Turkey must apply for work permits from the consulates of the Republic of Turkey in their country of residence or citizenship. After the initial application, the employer should handle both online and direct applications to the Ministry of Labor and Social Security in Turkey within 10 working days. As soon as the Ministry approves the application, foreigners must apply for their work visa to the consulates of the Republic of Turkey in their country within 90 days. After you obtain your work permit, you can use your valid working permissions as residence permits as well.

The Application Process for Foreigners Residing in Turkey

Foreigners who have a residence permit valid for at least 6 months can make their applications to the Ministry of Labor and Social Security directly. Employer applications also need to be made directly to the Ministry. As soon as the online application is submitted, the employer should make the direct application to the Ministry within 6 working days.

Work Permit Extension Applications

Work permit extension applications were also made to the Ministry of Labor and Social Security. The process is the same with internal applications; after submitting the online application, the direct application should be made to the Ministry within 6 working days. Extension of work permit applications should be filed 2 months before or 15 days after the expiry date of the work permit. After 15 15-day period, the foreigner is no longer allowed to request an extension of the work permit and needs to make a new initial application.

For more info on a work permit in Turkey, you can also check Entry Visa and Work Permits