Working in Türkiye: Work Permits, Work Visas and the Turquoise Card

Türkiye’s large economy, its position between Europe, Asia and the Middle East, and the growth of sectors such as tourism, technology, engineering, education and manufacturing attract thousands of foreign professionals every year, and most of them need a Turkey work permit. Working legally in Türkiye, however, requires a work permit — and the rules are strict for both employees and employers. This guide explains who needs a permit, the different types available, including the Turquoise Card, and how the application process works.

Do You Need a Turkey Work Permit?

Yes, for almost any paid activity carried out in Türkiye. Working without a permit exposes both the worker and the employer to fines, and the foreign worker to removal and a possible entry ban. A tourist visa, an eVisa or a visa exemption never authorises employment.

There are limited exemptions for short, specific activities, including:

• scientific, cultural or artistic activities of less than one month, and sporting activities of less than four months, by people who live abroad;
• installation, maintenance, repair or training linked to imported machinery, for a total of up to three months per year;
• representatives of foreign tour operators, for contracts of up to eight months;
• participants in recognised European Union education and youth programmes or approved international trainee programmes.

Business visitors are a separate case. Attending meetings, negotiating contracts, visiting suppliers or exhibiting at a trade fair is business travel, not employment, and eligible nationalities can do it on an eVisa.

The Four Types of Turkish Work Permit

Temporary (Fixed-Term) Work Permit

The most common permit, tied to a specific employer and position. A first permit is usually granted for up to one year, then extended for longer periods if the employment continues with the same employer. Changing employer generally requires a new permit.

Indefinite Work Permit

Available to foreigners who hold a long-term residence permit or who have held legal work permits for at least eight years. It is not tied to a single employer and gives a stable, long-term right to work, although some sector-specific rules still apply.

Independent Work Permit

For self-employed professionals and business owners who want to work on their own account. It generally requires at least five years of legal residence in Türkiye, and the authorities assess the applicant’s education, professional experience and expected contribution to the economy and to employment.

The Turquoise Card

The Turquoise Card (Turkuaz Kart) is Türkiye’s programme for highly qualified people. It is open to:

• highly qualified professionals, judged on education, salary level and expertise in demand;
• investors whose projects bring significant investment, exports or jobs;
• internationally recognised scientists and researchers;
• people with recognised international success in culture, the arts or sport.

Applications are assessed on a points system. The card is first issued with a three-year transitional period, during which the holder’s activity is monitored; after that, the transitional record can be removed on application and the card becomes indefinite. Holders enjoy the rights associated with an indefinite work permit, and their spouse and dependent children receive a document that serves as a residence permit.

What Employers Must Show

Turkish employers who hire foreign staff generally have to meet several conditions, which are assessed with every application:

• a minimum level of paid-up capital, turnover or exports;
• the employment of a set number of Turkish citizens for each foreign employee — typically five to one;
• a salary for the foreign employee that matches the level of the position;
• a genuine need for the foreigner’s skills.

Exceptions apply to some categories, such as company shareholders, certain sectors and Turquoise Card holders.

How to Apply for a Turkey Work Permit

Applying From Abroad

1. Secure a job offer and an employment contract with a Turkish employer.
2. Apply for a work visa at the Turkish embassy or consulate in your country of nationality or residence, using the pre-application system.
3. Your employer submits the online work permit application and company documents to the Ministry of Labour and Social Security, normally within ten working days of your consular application.
4. The Ministry examines the file; complete applications are generally decided within about thirty days.
5. Once approved, you collect your work visa and travel to Türkiye. The work visa is used to enter the country and allows a stay of up to 90 days.
6. Your work permit card then serves as your residence permit. Register your address and make sure your employer registers you with the social security institution.

Applying From Inside Türkiye

Foreigners who already hold a valid residence permit with at least six months of validity can usually apply from inside Türkiye, through their employer. Some permit types, including certain student permits, follow special rules. Our residence permit guide explains the permit types in detail.

Regulated and Restricted Professions

Some regulated professions remain reserved for Turkish citizens or require formal recognition of foreign qualifications before you can practise. If you work in a field such as healthcare, law or engineering, confirm the position before you accept an offer or resign from your current job.

Your Rights as a Work Permit Holder

• Your work permit counts as your residence permit — no separate application is needed.
• Your spouse and children can apply for family residence permits.
• You are registered with social security and covered by the public health system.
• Years worked legally count towards long-term residence, an indefinite work permit and citizenship.

Working Remotely for a Foreign Company

If you are employed by a company outside Türkiye, or work for foreign clients as a freelancer, the digital nomad programme may suit you better than a Turkish work permit. Read our guide to the Türkiye digital nomad visa.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I look for work on an eVisa?

You can attend interviews and meetings during a business or tourist visit, but you cannot start working. Applications are usually made from abroad unless you already hold a qualifying residence permit. Plan your trip with our eVisa requirements checklist and apply online.

Can my spouse work too?

A family residence permit does not include the right to work. Your spouse needs a work permit of their own.

What happens if I change jobs?

For temporary permits, a new employer generally means a new permit application.

Does a work permit lead to citizenship?

Legal residence on a work permit counts towards the five years required for naturalisation. See our Turkish citizenship guide.

Which visa do I need for a short business trip?

For meetings and fairs, eligible nationalities use the eVisa. Our overview of Turkish visa types compares all categories.

Travelling soon? Apply for your Turkey eVisa online in a few minutes — our specialists check every detail before submission.

Visa and immigration rules can change, so always confirm the current requirements for your nationality and situation before you travel or apply.