Work Permit Types

Different types of work permits that can be applied for foreigners to access the labour market in Türkiye are defined in the International Labour Force Law No. 6735, which entered into force after being published in the Official Gazette No. 29800 dated 13.08.2016.

1. Definite (Fix-term) Work Permit

If the application for a work permit is positively evaluated, the foreigner is granted a work permit valid for up to one year at the first application, provided that he/she works in a specific workplace belonging to a real or legal person or public institution or organisation, or in their workplaces in the same line of business, in a specific job and under an employer, provided that it does not exceed the duration of the employment or service contract.

A definite work permit can be extended if an extension application is made within the legal period. If the work permit extension application is positively evaluated, the foreigner is granted a work permit for up to two years in the first extension application and up to three years in subsequent extension applications, under the same employer. However, applications to work for a different employer are considered within the scope of the first application.

2. Permanent Work Permit

Foreigners who have a long-term residence permit in Türkiye or a legal work permit for at least eight years can apply for a permanent work permit. However, fulfilment of the application conditions does not provide an absolute right to the foreigner.

A foreigner with a permanent work permit, benefits from all the rights provided by a long-term residence permit. Foreigners who have a permanent work permit benefit from the rights granted to Turkish citizens, except for the regulations in special laws, provided that their acquired rights regarding social security are reserved and they are subject to the relevant legislation in the use of these rights.

A foreigner with a permanent work permit does not have the right to elect, be elected and hold public office and is not obliged to perform military service.

Permanent work permit documents are renewed at the end of every five years as of the start date of the work permit. The application for renewal shall be made within six months before the expiry of the five-year period from the start date of the permanent work permit and in any case before the expiry date.

3. Independent Work Permit

It is a work permit issued on behalf of the foreigner without being affiliated to an employer and gives the foreigner the right to work on his/her own behalf and account in Türkiye. Independent work permit is issued for a definite period of time.

An independent work permit is evaluated in line with the international labour force policy, taking into account the foreigner's level of education, professional experience, contribution to science and technology, the impact of his/her activity or investment in Türkiye on the country's economy and employment, his/her capital share if he/she is a company partner and other issues to be determined by the Ministry in line with the recommendations of the International Labour Force Advisory Board.

4. Turquoise Card

In line with the international labour force policy, a Turquoise Card is issued to foreigners whose applications are deemed appropriate based on their level of education, professional experience, contribution to science and technology, the impact of their activities or investments in Türkiye on the national economy and employment, and the recommendations of the International Labour Force Advisory Board and the procedures and principles determined by the Ministry. The foreigner holding a Turquoise Card shall benefit from the rights provided by the permanent work permit regulated in the Law.

According to the provisions of the legislation, the spouse and dependent children of the Turquoise Card holder are given a document showing that they are relatives of the Turquoise Card holder and this document substitute the residence permit.

Foreigners under temporary protection are excluded from the Turquoise Card application.