FAQ — Work Permit

General

Do I need a work permit to work in Türkiye?

Yes. Foreign nationals must have a valid work permit to work legally in Türkiye. Working without a permit — even for a short period — is illegal and can result in deportation and an entry ban.

Can I work on a residence permit?

No. A residence permit does not authorise you to work. You need a separate work permit. If you already have a residence permit and your employer wants you to start working, apply for a work permit before you begin work.

Who applies for the work permit — me or my employer?

Your employer applies on your behalf. The employer submits the application to the Ministry of Labour (ÇSGB) through the e-Government system. Ikamet coordinates the entire process, working with both you and your employer to collect the required documents and file the application.

Eligibility

Does my employer need to be a Turkish company?

Yes. The sponsoring employer must be a registered Turkish company with a valid tax and social security registration.

Are there any restrictions on how many foreign employees a company can hire?

Yes. In general, for every foreign employee, the company must have at least 5 Turkish employees on its payroll. This is called the employer quota. There are exceptions for certain professions and company types — your agent will assess eligibility before starting the application.

I am self-employed. Can I get a work permit?

An independent work permit (bağımsız çalışma izni) exists for self-employed foreign nationals, but it requires you to already hold a valid Turkish residence permit and meet specific qualification criteria. Contact Ikamet to assess your eligibility.

Documents

What documents does my employer need to provide?

Company trade registry extract (güncel)
Tax certificate
Social security registration document
Last year’s corporate tax declaration and financial statements
Employer declaration form (Ikamet provides the template)
Signed employment contract (signed after the permit is approved — not before)

What documents do I need to provide?

Valid passport
Diploma or qualification documents — apostilled and translated by a sworn translator
CV
Biometric photo

Why can’t I sign the employment contract before the permit is approved?

Turkish labour law prohibits employment of a foreign national without a valid work permit. Signing an employment contract before the permit is approved technically constitutes employing someone without a permit. The contract must be dated after the permit is approved.

Process and timeline

How long does the work permit process take?

Document collection: 1–2 weeks
Ministry of Labour processing: 30–90 days (once the application is submitted)
Post-approval steps (if you are abroad): 2–4 weeks for visa and entry

The total timeline from starting the process to being legally authorised to work is typically 2–4 months.

I am currently outside Türkiye. Can I still apply?

Yes. If the permit is approved while you are abroad, you will need to obtain a work visa from the nearest Turkish consulate and enter Türkiye on that visa. Your agent will guide you through this step.

What happens after the permit is approved?

Your employer will collect the physical work permit card from the provincial labour office. You will receive a copy via the Ikamet portal and your agent will confirm the permit details and expiry date.

Renewals

When should I renew my work permit?

Apply to renew at least 60 days before your permit expires. Ikamet will send you a reminder 90 days before expiry. Your employer needs to be involved in the renewal — it follows the same process as the initial application.

What happens if my permit expires?

An expired work permit means you can no longer work legally. Working after expiry — even for one day — is a violation. Contact Ikamet immediately if your permit expiry is approaching and renewal has not started.

My work permit is employer-specific. What happens if I change jobs?

Work permits in Türkiye are tied to the specific employer named on the permit. If you change employers, you (and your new employer) must apply for a new work permit before you start with the new employer. Your agent will guide you through this transition.