General Questions Regarding Work Permit in Turkey 2023
In Turkey, the term “work permit” refers to permission to practice a profession in Turkey and work residency. With some exceptions, foreigners wishing to work in Turkey are required to obtain a work permit. If you don’t know how to get a work visa in Turkey, you may face disharmony as well as all the beautiful aspects of the country. Let’s learn together what is required for a visa and the most curious issues.
FAQ on Work Permit in Turkey
Turkey, connecting Europe and Asia and boasting a world-renowned cultural, natural, and gastronomic heritage, offers a high quality of life. However, if you intend to live and work here, you need both a work visa and a residence permit in Turkey. Since the work permit can be obtained through your employer, you need to get a job offer or employment contract from a Turkish company before applying. It is only in this manner that it is possible to apply.
These steps can take a long time to complete and may require you to already be employed: so you should not wait until the last minute and we advise you to carry them out before you start living in Turkey.
Work or residence permits can be renewed several times and it is possible to obtain permanent residence status in Turkey after 8 consecutive years abroad.
Local employers must fulfill a certain set of conditions in order to employ foreign workers:
- The company must employ five Turkish citizens for each foreign employee.
- The company where the foreigner will work must have a capital of at least 100,000 Turkish Liras or a turnover of 800,000 Turkish Liras or more, or exports of 250,000 US Dollars or more.
- The salary paid to the foreign worker according to his/her position must be in accordance with the Turkish minimum wage at the time.
Can I apply for a residence permit when my work permit is about to expire?
In the last 60 days before your work permit ends, you can apply for a residence permit that fits your needs.
Do I need to get a residence permit after getting a work permit?
No, it is not necessary. Work permits valid in Turkey are also valid as residence permits. Accordingly, foreigners with a valid work permit do not need to obtain a residence permit.
If the work permit is revoked, will the residence permit also be revoked?
A work permit replaces a residence permit, so a residence permit is not required as long as it lasts. 10 days before the expiration or cancellation of the work permit, the foreigner can apply for a residence permit according to the purpose of stay. If a foreigner has both a work permit and a residence permit, and the work permit is canceled, the residence permit is not revoked, and it allows the foreigner to stay legally. The person can stay legally until the expiration date of the residence permit.
How can I get a permanent residence permit in Turkey?
The most “guaranteed” pathway to obtaining a permanent residence permit in Turkey is via citizenship by investment. Any foreigner who owns real estate or shares in property ownership (house, apartment) is eligible for a renewable residence permit. And unlike other types of residence permits, the refusal of a residence permit is rare if all the necessary documents are submitted. The owner’s spouse and children under the age of 18 are entitled to this residence as companions.
Documents required to apply for a residence permit by purchasing real estate in Turkey
- Deed
- Earthquake insurance
- Passport valid for at least six months
- Family declaration certified by the Turkish Embassy in the country of origin. Health insurance for each family member from a hospital in Turkey.
You can find all the information you need to apply for a residence permit on the Mornvest Citizenship by Investment page. Feel free to contact us; our real estate consultants will be happy to assist you.
