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Deep Dive: Turkey’s New Work Permit Rules for Expats
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The Turkish work permit in Turkey system has seen significant regulatory changes recently, especially for foreign nationals residing in the country. These changes aim to ease the process of obtaining a work permit in Turkey by eliminating the requirement to employ five Turkish citizens for certain individuals. This article will explore the new eligibility criteria, the areas foreign nationals in Turkey can work, the specifics of employment in domestic services, and the obligations and exceptions employers must consider. These updates reflect a broader effort to make it easier for foreign nationals in Turkey who have been living in Turkey for an extended period to participate in the workforce and contribute to the economy.

Introduction to Recent Changes in Work Permit Regulations

The Turkish government has introduced changes to work permit in Turkey regulations, providing significant relief to many foreign nationals in Turkey residing in Turkey. Specifically, foreign nationals in Turkey who have legally resided in Turkey for at least three years out of the last five years are no longer required to meet the stringent criteria of employing five Turkish citizens to obtain a work permit in Turkey. This amendment greatly facilitates the integration of foreign nationals in Turkey into the Turkish job market, allowing for more flexibility in employment and entrepreneurship opportunities.

  1. Who Benefits from This Change? The new regulations apply to foreign nationals in Turkey who have lived in Turkey legally for at least three of the last five years. Notably, this applies to those holding a valid permit in Turkey, a residence permit (excluding student permits), or an international protection identity. The exemption allows them to apply for a work permit in Turkey without needing to employ Turkish citizens or meet financial adequacy requirements, such as a specific paid-up capital for the business. This change is particularly beneficial for small businesses that struggle to meet these requirements.
  2. Key Limitations: While this regulatory shift offers considerable flexibility, it has some limitations. For instance, the exemption is capped at three foreign nationals in Turkey per business. This means that after employing three foreign nationals in Turkey, standard requirements come back into play, including the need to employ Turkish citizens and fulfill financial criteria.
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From couriers to teachers, stylists, developers, real estate agents, and creatives, Turkey offers thriving opportunities for expat professionals and small business owners.

Work Permits in Domestic Services

  1. Areas of Employment for Foreign Workers: Foreigners are permitted to work in specific areas within domestic services in Turkey, primarily focusing on childcare, elderly care, and patient care services in Turkey. These roles aim to support the families who require personal assistance in managing their daily household needs. However, foreign nationals in Turkey are not permitted to work in other roles such as cleaning, kitchen assistance, or general housework.
  2. Criteria for Employing Foreigners in Domestic Services: For childcare, elderly care, and patient care roles, the employers can be first or second-degree relatives. This is a new addition, as previously only first-degree relatives could employ foreign nationals in Turkey in these services. For example, a grandchild, sibling, or grandparent can now act as the employer for elderly care, providing much-needed flexibility in familial caregiving arrangements.

Application Process and Considerations

  1. Application Evaluation Criteria: The Ministry of Labor meticulously evaluates each work permit in Turkey application. In cases involving domestic services, the ministry assesses various factors, such as the health condition of the person needing care and the suitability of the foreign caregiver. For child care, the child should typically be under 12 years of age, while for elderly care, the recipient should be over 65 years old and in need of assistance as indicated by a medical report.
  2. Caregiver Qualifications: The caregiver's experience and qualifications play a critical role in the success of the application. For example, a caregiver with relevant training, such as pedagogy for childcare, or with experience and references from similar roles will have a higher chance of approval. Additionally, those who have previously resided or worked in Turkey also receive preferential consideration.

Changes in Work Permit Transfers and Force Majeure Cases

  1. Restrictions on Changing Employers: Foreign caregivers who wish to change employers must adhere to a six-month restriction period from the start date of the initial work permit in Turkey. This restriction generally means that unless there are exceptional circumstances, such as the death or serious illness of the person being cared for (referred to as force majeure situations), the caregiver must wait six months before switching employers.
  2. Force Majeure Exceptions: Force majeure circumstances include situations like a natural disaster, the death of the patient, or other unpredictable events beyond one’s control. If a caregiver faces such circumstances, they are permitted to change employers without waiting for the usual six-month period. This flexibility provides an essential safety net for foreign workers whose circumstances may unexpectedly change.

Employment Balancing Requirements

  1. Balancing Foreign and Turkish Employees: Another crucial point to understand is the balancing requirement for foreign and Turkish employees. The number of foreign employees cannot exceed the number of Turkish employees in the same workplace. For instance, if an employer has two Turkish employees, they can employ up to two foreign workers. This balance must be maintained consistently, ensuring that the employment of foreign workers is proportional to the Turkish workforce.
  2. Financial Adequacy for Additional Foreign Employees: For employers wishing to hire more than three foreign employees, standard requirements come back into effect. This means the employer must meet financial adequacy standards for work permits and hire five Turkish citizens for every foreign worker beyond the initial three. For instance, if a business wishes to employ five foreign nationals in Turkey, they must have at least ten Turkish citizens on staff for the additional two foreign workers.
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Starting January 1, 2025, setting up a company will require a minimum capital of 500,000 TL. Additionally, foreigners investing $100,000 in a company can be exempt from certain criteria and obtain a work permit.

Conclusion: Actionable Takeaways

The recent changes to Turkey’s work permit in Turkey regulations provide significant opportunities for foreign nationals who have resided in the country for extended periods. By removing the requirement to employ five Turkish citizens, the government has eased the process for obtaining work permits, especially for small businesses and domestic services. However, it is crucial to understand the limitations, such as the cap on the number of foreign nationals in Turkey that can be exempt and the necessity to maintain a balance between Turkish and foreign employees.

Actionable Steps

  1. Check Eligibility: If you have lived in Turkey for three out of the last five years and hold a valid residence or work permit in Turkey, you may be eligible for this new exemption.
  2. Prepare Documentation: Gather the necessary documents, including proof of residency, work experience, and any health-related reports if applying for domestic service roles.
  3. Understand Employer Requirements: Ensure that your prospective employer understands the requirements, particularly the balance between foreign and Turkish employees and any limitations on numbers. For more information, check out our detailed guide on employer requirements for hiring foreign workers.
  4. Consult Ikamet for Expert Guidance: For personalized assistance and to navigate these changes effectively, consider contacting Ikamet, the most prominent resource for expats in Turkey for immigration, real estate, and insurance services. Visit our contact page or our services overview to get started. Ikamet can provide tailored advice and support to help ensure a smooth and successful work permit in Turkey application.
  5. Stay Informed: As the regulations are still evolving, staying informed about any further changes will help in leveraging these opportunities effectively. For the latest updates on Turkish immigration and work permit laws, visit our resource page on recent regulatory changes. For the latest updates on Turkish immigration and work permit in Turkey laws, visit our resource page on recent regulatory changes.

This new regulation is a step forward in integrating foreign workers into the Turkish economy, offering them more flexibility and opportunities to contribute meaningfully. Employers and foreign workers alike should take advantage of these changes to foster a more inclusive work environment in Turkey. For more detailed guidance on your specific situation, reach out to Ikamet—we are here to help you build a better future in Turkey.

FAQ: Simplified Work Permit Rules in Turkey

What are the recent changes to the Turkish work permit system?

The Turkish government has simplified the work permit process for foreign nationals who have legally resided in Turkey for at least three of the past five years. These individuals are no longer required to employ five Turkish citizens to obtain a work permit, making it easier for them to work or start a business in Turkey.

Who is eligible for these changes?

Foreign nationals who have legally resided in Turkey for a minimum of three years within the last five years and hold a valid work permit, residence permit (excluding student permits), or international protection identity are eligible.

Are there any limitations to this new exemption?

Yes, the exemption has a limit of three foreign nationals per business. Once a business employs three foreign nationals under this exemption, standard requirements, such as employing Turkish citizens and meeting financial criteria, apply to any additional foreign hires.

Can foreign nationals work in domestic services in Turkey?

Yes, foreign nationals can work in specific domestic service areas, including childcare, elderly care, and patient care. However, they are not permitted to work in other domestic roles like cleaning, kitchen assistance, or general housework.

What are the criteria for employing foreigners in domestic services?

Employers in domestic service roles can be first or second-degree relatives of the foreign national. The Ministry of Labor evaluates applications based on factors like the care recipient's health condition, the caregiver's suitability, and the age of the individual needing care (under 12 for childcare, over 65 for elderly care).

Can foreign caregivers switch employers in Turkey?

Foreign caregivers must adhere to a six-month restriction period from their initial work permit start date before changing employers. However, exceptions are made for force majeure situations like natural disasters, the death of the person being cared for, or other unforeseen circumstances.

Is there a requirement to balance foreign and Turkish employees?

Yes, the number of foreign employees cannot exceed the number of Turkish employees within the same workplace. This balance ensures proportional employment opportunities for both Turkish citizens and foreign nationals.

What should foreign nationals and employers do to benefit from these changes?

Foreign nationals should check their eligibility and gather necessary documentation. Employers should understand the requirements, especially the balance between foreign and Turkish employees. Seeking guidance from immigration experts like Ikamet can be beneficial for a smooth application process.