Turkey Work Visa

Applications for work permits from abroad are made through the Foreign Representative Office of the Republic of Turkey of the country where the foreigner is a national or permanent resident. Applications for work permits are made to the Ministry of Labour and Social Security and in case of a positive result The Foreigner is granted work permits. A work permit is also a substitute for a residence permit.

If the application for work permit from abroad is approved by the Ministry of Labour and Social Security, the foreigner must come to Turkey on a work visa. The work visa is issued by Turkey’s representative office abroad and is subject to charges. Foreign entry visa fee, work permit fee and residence fee are charged. “Work legitimate visa” for entry purposes is issued for a maximum period of 90 days since he will be resident with a work permit after arriving in foreign country.

How To Obtain A Work Visa In Turkey?

Foreigners who come to Turkey in order to work abroad must obtain a work visa. As stated in our article entitled work permit, work permit is issued by the Ministry of Labour and Social Security as a rule. However, work permits for foreigners working in free zones are issued by the Ministry of Economy and academic personnel working in higher education institutions by the Council of Higher Education.

Application for work permit is made to the relevant ministry in 2 ways, both domestic and foreign. The foreigner who will apply for a work permit from abroad must first have an agreement with a work place operating in Turkey. The foreigner who has an agreement with the employer must apply for a work permit by submitting the work or service contract concluded between them to the Foreign Office of the Republic of Turkey. The reference number is given to the foreigner whose application is accepted within 10 days. After the foreigner informs the employer of this reference number, the application for work permit is made by the employer. If the application for work permit from abroad is approved by the Ministry of Labour and Social Security, the foreigner must obtain a work legitimate visa from the foreign agency before coming to Turkey.

Who Is Exempt From Work Visa?

Those who are exempt from work permits in accordance with the bilateral or multiple treaties to which Turkey is a party;
Foreigners who come to Turkey temporarily for less than one month for scientific, cultural and artistic activities and for less than 4 months for sporting activities;
Foreigners who come to Turkey to repair and maintain imported machinery, to install and to provide training;
Foreigners who come to Turkey to provide training on the use of goods and services imported or exported from Turkey;
Foreigners who come to the show in fairs and circuses by fulfilling certain conditions;
Foreigners who come to universities, public institutions and institutions in order to increase their knowledge and manners, provided that the duration of education is determined and not exceed 2 years in total;
Foreigners who declare to the relevant institutions that they can serve and contribute to Turkey in socio-cultural and technological fields and education issues;
Foreigners coming to Turkey under the European Union Education and Youth Programme;
Foreigners who are interned as part of intern student;
Foreigners who represent tour operators in Turkey (can not work for more than 8 months);
Athletes (footballers) and coaches whose demands are deemed appropriate by the Football Association or the General Directorate of Youth and Sports;
Foreigners who are registered with the Turkish international ship registry and who have served on ships not working in the coasting line have received the certificate of conformity.;
Foreign experts authorized in the European Union Financial Cooperation programs of Turkey.
How Long Is A Work Visa Valid In Turkey?

If the application for work permit from abroad to the Ministry of Labour and Social Security is approved by the Ministry, the foreign national must come to Turkey by obtaining a work visa. Work visas are issued for a maximum of 90 days. This visa is issued for entry purposes and a declaration of entry to SSI must be made no later than 30 days after the entry of the foreigner into the country. Since the work permit issued by the Ministry of labour and Social Security also replaces the residence permit, there is no need for the person to request a residence permit.

How To Extend A Work Visa In Turkey?

A work visa is issued for foreigners to enter Turkey. The work permit card sent by mail to the employer by the Ministry of Labour and Social Security is delivered to the foreigner after the foreigner comes to the country and starts work. Work permit is given for 1 year in the first application. The first extension application is given for a maximum of 2 years and the second extension application for a maximum of 3 years. The employer must apply for an extension to the Ministry of Labour and Social Security before the work permit expires. In this case, it is not necessary for the foreigner to return to his country and obtain a work visa because the application for work permit will be made from his home country. Therefore, there is no work visa extension process.

Documents Required For Work Visa?

It is important for foreigners applying for work visas to present a work or service contract signed between them and the employer. Foreigners applying for a work visa must have the following documents ready.

Passport or substitute valid document;
1 Biometric Photo;
Contract of employment or service.