Last updated: 19 July 2026
Who Submits a Turkish Work Permit Application?
A foreign national generally needs a work permit or a legally recognised exemption before working in Türkiye. In employer-dependent applications, the process involves both the foreign worker and the Turkish employer. The foreign national provides identity, education and professional documents, while the employer submits the employment contract, company records and workplace information through the e-Permit system.
Foreign workers and employers consulting an Antalya lawyer or a Serik lawyer should first determine whether the application will be made from abroad or inside Türkiye. The required steps and documents differ, and a valid residence permit by itself does not authorise employment.
Application from Abroad
An overseas application generally begins when the foreign national applies for a work permit and work visa at the competent Turkish embassy or consulate. The applicant receives a reference number, which the employer uses to complete the online application to the Ministry of Labour and Social Security through the e-Permit system.
The worker and employer stages must be completed within the current system periods. A consular application left without the employer’s electronic submission will not become a complete work-permit file.
Application from Inside Türkiye
A domestic application is generally available for a foreign national who holds a valid residence permit issued for at least six months. The employer submits the application electronically. Special categories, international-protection statuses and temporary-protection holders follow their own rules and should not be treated as ordinary domestic applications.
A tourist or other short-term status may not always satisfy the domestic-application conditions merely because a foreign identity number exists. The current residence document and category should be checked before employment begins.
Documents Commonly Required from the Foreign Worker
| Document | Purpose | Important point |
|---|---|---|
| Passport or travel document | Proves identity and nationality | The scan must be readable and current; translation may be required. |
| Biometric photograph | Used for the permit record and card | It should comply with current system specifications. |
| Employment contract | Shows position, salary, workplace and signatures | The duties and remuneration must match the application. |
| Diploma or professional certificate | Supports education and occupational qualifications | Legalisation, translation or equivalency may be required. |
| Residence permit | Supports a domestic application | It should generally be valid and issued for at least six months. |
| Sector-specific authorisation | Shows permission for regulated work | Health, education, engineering and other professions may require prior approval. |
Documents Commonly Required from the Employer
The employer generally submits the signed employment contract, tax-registration information, trade-registry records, activity documents, balance-sheet or turnover information where applicable and proof of electronic authorisation. The exact list changes according to whether the employer is a company, association, foundation, educational institution, household or public body.
The Ministry evaluates workplace financial capacity, the number of Turkish employees, the foreign worker’s salary, occupational qualifications and sector-specific criteria. Exemptions and special evaluation rules may apply to certain occupations, investments, senior managers, Turkish-origin foreigners and other categories.
Salary and Employment Criteria
The salary declared in the application must satisfy the current minimum multiples or sector rules for the position. A manager, engineer, teacher, domestic worker and ordinary employee may be subject to different criteria. Declaring a salary that is not actually paid may create labour, tax and social-security liability.
Current evaluation criteria should be checked on the Ministry’s official page because financial thresholds and exemptions can be updated.
Professional Recognition and Restricted Occupations
Some professions are reserved for Turkish citizens, while others require diploma equivalency, preliminary permission or registration with a professional authority. Health professionals and educators may need approvals from the relevant ministry before the work-permit application can be completed.
A foreign diploma does not automatically authorise practice of a regulated profession. Translation, apostille or consular legalisation and equivalency procedures should be started early.
What Happens After Approval?
After approval, the permit fee and valuable-paper fee must be paid within the period stated in the official notification. Failure to pay may lead to refusal or cancellation of the approval process. The permit card is then issued and delivered through the official system.
A work permit generally serves as a residence permit during its validity. A person who enters Türkiye with an overseas work permit must comply with entry, address-registration and social-security obligations. The employer should complete social-security registration within the statutory time.
Can the Worker Start Before Approval?
No. Submission of an application does not generally authorise employment before approval, unless a special law provides otherwise. Employing a foreign national without a permit may lead to administrative fines, social-security assessments and removal-related costs.
Extension, Change of Employer and Cancellation
An extension should be filed through the official system before the existing permit expires and within the permitted application window. A work permit is commonly connected to a specific employer, workplace and occupation. Changing the employer usually requires a new application rather than a simple address update.
Termination of employment, company closure, failure to begin work or use of false documents may lead to cancellation. The employer and worker should make the required notifications promptly.
Work Permit and Residence Permit Compared
| Issue | Residence permit | Work permit |
|---|---|---|
| Main right | Lawful residence for the approved purpose | Lawful work and residence within the permit conditions |
| Authority | Migration Management authorities | Ministry of Labour and Social Security |
| Right to work | Does not arise automatically | Exists within the employer, occupation and period stated |
| Domestic application role | A qualifying six-month permit may support an in-country application | Approval creates the right to work |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a residence permit enough to work in Türkiye?
No. A work permit or recognised exemption is generally required.
Can every residence-permit holder apply from inside Türkiye?
No. A domestic application generally requires a valid permit issued for at least six months, subject to category-specific rules and exceptions.
Who submits the online application?
In an employer-dependent case, the Turkish employer or authorised representative submits through the e-Permit system.
Does a work permit replace a residence permit?
It generally functions as a residence permit during its validity, subject to exceptions for some protection statuses.
Can the worker begin after the application is filed?
Generally no. Work should begin only after approval and completion of the required registrations.
Is diploma equivalency always required?
Not for every job. It is important for regulated professions, positions requiring formal education and applications where the Ministry requests it.
Can the same permit be used after changing employers?
Usually no. Employer-dependent permits require a new application for a different employer.
Preparing the Worker and Employer Documents Together
A work-permit file succeeds through consistent worker qualifications, employer records, salary and sector criteria. Attorney Selin ÖNEM KONUR, through Likya Legal Consultancy, can review the application route and required documents for the individual employment relationship. For assistance, contact us.
This article provides general information about Turkish work permits. Document lists, evaluation criteria, fees and sector rules may change and should be checked through the current official system.
