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To work in Turkey, you must first have a job offer. Then your employer must apply for a work permit for you, as you make a simultaneous application as the person to be hired. You cannot work in Turkey without a work permit. There is a continuing requirement for qualified, native-speaking English teachers country-wide. Besides that, many multi-national corporations have positions in management, marketing, sales, translation, and various other professional and technical positions which require a foreign worker, or which are difficult to fill with a Turkish citizen. Some hotels and travel-related companies even have summer positions for foreign workers. Networking Ask both Turkish and expat friends and acquaintances for businesses who are interested in hiring a native English speaker, or someone with your qualifications. Business groups on LinkedIn and other networking sites also have local meetings and events where you can meet other Turkish and foreign professionals. Starting Your Own Business or Working Independently Work laws in Turkey allow for an entrepreneur to get an independent work permit in Turkey, but this option is for someone who has resided legally in Turkey for at least five years, and intends to start a company which will benefit the Turkish economy. For freelance working, especially online, the issue seems to involve the legal definition of "working in Turkey." From the legal advice we have received, if you don't get paid in Turkey or cut invoices in Turkey, or if you are not performing tasks for a specific person or company in Turkey for pay, then you are not "working in Turkey." We know of no cases where this legal advice has been tested, and this is solely based on legal opinions, not on legal precedents. So it is best to seek counsel from a Turkish legal professional before engaging in any type of freelance work while in Turkey. Joining in a Partnership You may meet a small-business owner in Turkey who asks you to come in as a partner. It is generally a bad idea to enter any business partnership with someone you don't know well in a business you won't control. Especially when your part involves paying money into a Turkish business. Maybe everything will go perfectly, but you will be at a significant disadvantage as opposed to your Turkish partner. And there is a good chance that what your Turkish partner really needs is your money-not your involvement. Once your money is committed, you may be in for a very unpleasant experience. Turks can be very friendly and charming, more so than you are probably used to. And it is not unusual for a Turk to tell you only positive aspects about their business, while withholding important negative information. And becoming a partner in a business, or even owning a business does not automatically entitle you to work there. You will still need to get a work permit. Working Illegally Don't do it. Especially in resort cities and towns, law enforcement officials occasionally enter businesses to see if there is anyone working there illegally. And as soon as a competitor finds out that your employer has hired you illegally, he or she will be likely to report it. If you are in Turkey on a tourist visa, you will likely be deported and forbidden to re-enter Turkey for five years. If you have a residence permit, you will probably receive a hefty fine (and possibly deported), not to mention to the penalties your employer will be facing for hiring you. See Also An Introduction to Work Permits Working in Turkey Forums External Links İşkur: This is Turkey's national job bank, which has offices in all provincial capitals. While it is primarily focused on Turkish workers, so being conversant in Turkish would be a requirement. You can search for a job in any province. Kariyer.net: Turkey job search site. Jobs in Istanbul: Specifically for native English-speakers. Yenibiris: A Turkey job search site. Craig's List Istanbul: Includes employment listings for Istanbul. Secret CV Turkey: For assistance in finding work in Turkey. Learn4Good.com Includes job listings. Career Jet Turkey Career Jet's Turkey jobs. Marmaris Recruitment: Recruits for many Turkish cities, not just Marmaris. MY Executive: For middle and upper level management and professional positions in Turkey. Turkey Talent: find jobs by industry, professions and locations across Turkey including Istanbul, Ankara, Izmir and beyond. 444 İK Consulting: Job listings and a CV bank for job seekers. Ministry of Labor and Social Security Labor Law in Turkey: An excellent source of information for a variety of labor law issues.

Application and Required Documents You can apply for a work permit if you have been living in Turkey, with a residence permit, for at least six months. You must have a job offer or contract from an employer first. Both you and your employer must apply to the Çalışma ve Sosyal Güvenlik Bakanlığı (Ministry of Labor and Social Security) for most work permits. To work with a university, you must both apply to the Yüksek Öğretim Kurulu (Council of Higher Education, or YÖK). Both of the applications must be made within six business days of each other. As the employee, you will generally need: A work permit application form (which you can get at the Ministry of Labor) Your passport, with an expiration date at least 60 days beyond the expiration date of your work permit (which is usually one year) A translated and notarized copy of your passport Your university diploma and/or any certificates of training which qualify you for the job A translated and notarized copy of your university diploma and/or certificates of training Your residence permit, with at least 180 days of validity remaining Four photos One copy of the work contract You may be asked to provide other documents, depending on the type of job you are applying for. Within six business days before or after your application, your employer will apply, online, for your work permit. Once the printed application is complete, both you and your employer will sign it. If you aren't able to be at the workplace to sign the application, you can also send your employer a signed work contract, so he or she can submit it along with their application. Approval of your work permit should take around 30 days. See Also An Introduction to Work Permits Work Visas and Permits Forum

If you have a long-term residence permit (which requires a minimum of eight years of uninterrupted residence in Turkey), or if you have worked in Turkey for at least five years, without interruption, you may apply for an unlimited work permit. The unlimited work permit never expires, and you can change employers without having to apply for a new work permit. You will enjoy the same rights as a holder of a long-term residence permit. My Take on This: While the law says you can get an unlimited work permit after living in Turkey for eight years without having a long-term residence permit (which implies that you can then go directly to the Ministry of Labor and Social Security and apply for one), it is unlikely the Ministry of Labor and Social Security is going to give you one if you don't already have a long-term residence permit. This is because the unlimited work permit gives you all of the same rights you would have with a long-term residence permit, which requires documentation beyond the usual short-term residence permit (criminal records check, proof of perpetual income, proof you have not received social assistance in Turkey, and additional scrutiny). The Göç İdaresi Genel Müdürlüğü (Directorate General of Migration Management, or DGMM), already handles these things during long-term residence permit applications. So you will probably have to receive your long-term residence permit first, and after you receive it, then apply for your unlimited work permit. Reporting Requirements Even though you can work for any employer with an unlimited work permit, you must still report to the Ministry of Labor and Social Security what company you're working for, and if you change employers or if the address where you're working changes. You must report such changes within 15 business days or you will pay a fine. Interruptions in Residence To accumulate the five years of working or eight years of residence necessary to apply for an unlimited work permit, you must not be outside of Turkey for more than 180 days at a time during your work or residence period. If you are, this will be considered an interruption of residence or work, and when you return to Turkey, you will have to start accumulating your work or residence time all over again. If your work permit expires (for example, if you stop working for an employer) and you don't get another job with another work permit within six months, but continue to live in Turkey with a residence permit, this is also considered an interruption of your work period (but not your residence period). Exceptions: Annual leaves, absences due to occupational accidents or disease, other health issues or temporary physical disability, or periods of unemployment for which you receive unemployment insurance are not counted toward your time outside of Turkey. If this is your case, be sure to obtain documentary evidence to demonstrate to the Ministry of Labor and Social Security that your absence was due to one of these exceptions. Cancellation Your unlimited work permit may be canceled if your long-term residence permit is canceled. It may also be canceled if the reported circumstances under which you received the work permit are found to be false. Authority Unlimited work permits are issued according to law Number 6552, Article 6 (amended by article 22 on September 11, 2014). Useful Telephone Numbers You can contact the Ministry of Labor and Social Security using their national customer service number, which, from within Turkey, is 170. From outside of Turkey, call +90 216 170 1122. If you will be working at a University, contact the Council of Higher Education, at +90 312 298 7000. See Also Introduction to Work Permits Work Visas and Permits Forum

The limited-time work permit is the type of permit most foreigners get. After receiving a job offer from a Turkish company while either inside Turkey or outside of Turkey. If inside Turkey, an application is made directly to the Çalışma ve Sosyal Güvenlik Bakanlığı (Ministry of Labor and Social Security, or CSGB), by both the employer and the job applicant. If outside of Turkey, the employer makes the same application to the CSGB, while the job applicant applies for a work visa at a local Turkish embassy or consulate, so they can come to Turkey for the job. It is called a limited-time work permit because it has a maximum duration of one year, after which the employer and employee must extend it, or the employee must leave Turkey or apply for a residence permit. Approval Criteria The CSGB looks at several factors before deciding whether or not to grant a work permit, such as the general economy and business environment. The two major factors which will determine whether or not you receive a work permit are: 1. If there is an unemployed and qualified Turkish citizen who can do the same job This normally makes a job waiting tables or mixing drinks in a resort town out of the question, since there are plenty of Turks who are qualified to do the same thing. But for jobs like teaching English at a language school, native speakers are needed, and few Turkish citizens are native speakers of English. There are also other jobs which may require specialized skills and education which are not common in Turkey, making them difficult to fill with Turkish citizens. 2. If the employer has already employed at least five Turkish citizens If the employer already has at least five Turkish citizens working, the employer can hire one foreigner, without regard to whether or not a qualified Turkish citizen can do the job. For every five Turkish citizens an employer hires, he or she can hire one foreigner without meeting any of the above conditions. Work Permit Applications The application for your work permit will actually be made by your prospective employer. You will, more or less simultaneously, make a separate application as a individual being hired by that company. If you are outside of Turkey, this will include applying for a work visa, which will enable you to enter Turkey for the purpose of employment. Your application, and your employer's application, must occur within ten business days of each other. If you are applying from inside Turkey, both applications must occur within six business days of each other. You cannot apply for a work permit without having accepted a job offer from a Turkish employer. Work Permit Extensions Your employer should provide you the necessary information for extending your work permit as the expiration date approaches. The process is the same as first-time applications. Extensions need to be filed no later than fifteen days after the expiration of your current work permit. Once your application is made, you may continue working until you receive your new work permit. Useful Telephone Numbers You can contact the Ministry of Labor and Social Security using their national customer service number, which, from within Turkey, is 170. From outside of Turkey, call +90 216 170 1122. If you will be working at a University, contact the Council of Higher Education, at +90 312 298 7000. See Also Work Visas and Permits Forum External Links Turkey International Workforce Law: A PDF document law No. 6735, dated 28 July 2016. Turkish Labor Law: A website dedicated to everything having to do with working in Turkey, including labor law, social security law, and work permits. Çalışma ve Sosyal Güvenlik Bakanlığı: The website for Turkey's Ministry of Labor and Social Security. For work permit applications and questions, click Yabancı Çalışma İzni Başvuru. While the main site has an English translation, these pages do not.

Independent work permits are also called "entrepreneurial work permits." If you have been living in Turkey for at least five years without interruption, and want to start a Turkish company, you can get a work permit as an entrepreneur. This involves making an application to the Çalışma ve Sosyal Güvenlik Bakanlığı (Ministry of Labor and Social Security). If they are convinced that your company can provide jobs or help the economy, they will grant a "Certificate of Application for Independent Work Permit." This is valid for six months, which gives you time to set up your company. Once the company is established and registered, you will be given an unlimited work permit. Besides the application for the independent work permit, the documents required may vary, but must include at least a business plan which covers: What business activities you will engage in How the business will contribute to the Turkish national economy How your company will make enough money to continue your activities Shareholders involved with the company Useful Telephone Numbers You can contact the Ministry of Labor and Social Security using their national customer service number, which, from within Turkey, is 170. From outside of Turkey, call +90 216 170 1122. See Also Work Visa and Permits Forum

I am getting a work permit. Will I also need a residence permit? No. Your work permit will also serve as your residence permit. What fees are involved in getting a work permit? You have to pay a residence permit fee, and a work permit fee. These amounts depend on the type of work permit you are applying for, and your home country. A good employer will usually pay these fees for you. Are there situations where I would not need a work permit? Yes. If you are visiting Turkey to establish business connections, and while doing so you are not being paid by a Turkish company or issuing invoices in Turkey, you can do so with your visa. If you want to remain in Turkey beyond the duration of your visa, you can continue to do so with a short-term residence permit. You also do not need a work permit if you are working as an unpaid intern. Can I work as a freelancer without a work permit? According to the legal advice we have received, the issue concerns whether or not you are "working in Turkey." If you are not performing work, for pay, for a Turkish employer, and if you are not cutting invoices, and if you are not being paid in Turkey, then you don't meet the definition of "working in Turkey." But be advised, this legal advice has not been tested. Nobody we know of has been "caught" working as a freelancer, then determined to not be meeting the definition of "working in Turkey." Because this is a grey area, consult a Turkish lawyer regarding your status as a freelancer. Are their professions which are prohibited for foreigners? Yes. See professions in Turkey which are prohibited for foreigners. I have had both work permits and residence permits. Now I am applying for a long-term residence permit. Does the time I lived in Turkey with a work permit count towards the amount of time I need to have lived in Turkey to get a long-term residence permit? Yes. If you have lived in Turkey for eight years or more, with either residence or work permits, you can apply for a long-term residence permit. Long-term residence permit holders are also entitled to an unlimited work permit, which does not expire. Who issues the work permits? The Çalışma ve Sosyal Güvenlik Bakanlığı (Ministry of Labor and Social Security) issues work permits in most cases. If you work in a free zone, the Ekonomi Bakanlığı (Ministry of the Economy) issues it. If you work at a university, the Yükseköğretim Kurulu (YÖK, or Council of Higher Education) issues it. If you are working at a school, cultural association or religious institution affiliated with your country's embassy or consulate, the work permit will be issued by the Dişişleri Bakanlığı (Ministry of Foreign Affairs). What can happen if I work without a work permit? Working without a work permit is not a good idea. The authorities do spot inspections for employees without work permits (often these are based on a complaint by a competing business). Besides your employer facing a hefty fine for each employee working illegally, you will also be fined. You may also face deportation from Turkey and a ban from re-entering Turkey for up to five years. All expenses associated with your deportation must be paid by your employer. Under what conditions might my work permit application be rejected? If the Ministry of Labor and Social Security decides: The situation in the business market and economy make it inappropriate to approve it There is a Turkish citizen who can do the same job at the same level of quality, and that person is able to report for the job within the next four weeks You are believed to be a threat to national security, public order, or health, or the award of a work permit would be in any way against the public interest. You are banned from entering Turkey or are pending deportation. And also, the Ministry of Labor and Social Security can just say "no," for any other reason they see fit. Under what conditions might my work permit be canceled? Your work permit may be canceled if: The circumstances under which you received the work permit no longer exist You violate the conditions of the work permit, for example, you work for another employer without permission, or work in a prohibited business sector Any of the information provided by you or your employer, during your application, is found to be false Your passport or document serving as a passport cannot be renewed A deportation decision has been made against you You are outside of Turkey for more than six months at a time.* *Except for "force majeure" reasons, that is, if your absence is caused by a situation beyond your control. In this case, be sure to bring any documents proving that the situation was beyond your control when you return to Turkey. What can I do if my work permit application is rejected, or my work permit is canceled? If either of these happen, the government organization involved will provide you with a letter stating the reason for the rejection or cancellation, and provide you with information about how to appeal. This will first be an appeal to the organization itself. If the appeal is rejected, you can then go to the Turkish court system. How can I check to see if my work permit has been cancelled? The easiest way is to download an app at your mobile phone's app store. It's called "CSGB Yabancılar Uygulaması." After you've downloaded it, press the "Yabancı İzin Sorgula" option. Enter your foreigner ID number, and it will tell you the status of your work permit. How can I contact the Ministry of Social Security with other questions? You can call their free national customer service number from any telephone in Turkey, which is 170. From outside of Turkey, call +90 216 170 1122. International call charges will apply. See Also An Introduction to Work Permits Work Visas and Permits Forum

To work in Turkey, you must have a work permit. Most work permits are issued by the Çalışma ve Sosyal Güvenlik Bakanlığı (Ministry of Labor and Social Security). For workers in free zones, they are issued by the Ekonomi Bakanlığı (Ministry of the Economy). For workers in educational institutions, they are issued by the Milli Eğitim Bakanlığı (Ministry of National Education). Your work permit will be in the form of an identification card, which will also be your residence permit. Work permits in Turkey are governed by Law Number 4817, under Article 4. Types of Work Permits There are two major categories of work permits: work permits for a definite period of time, and work permits for an indefinite period of time, such as the independent work permit and the unlimited work permit. Category 1: Dependent Work Permits for a Definite Period of Time This is the kind of work permit most foreigners get. It is "dependent" because the worker must have an employer to get work permission. It is subject to a "definite period of time" because it is only issued for one year, and it has to be extended each year after that. You can apply for this type of work permit from outside or inside of Turkey. Applying from Outside of Turkey If you are outside of Turkey, you must get a job offer letter and/or contract first. Then, in coordination with your employer, you must submit a work visa application at a Turkish embassy or consulate in your home country or where you legally reside. Your application, and your employer's application, must happen within ten business days of each other. After the employer's application, and your application are approved, you will get your work visa, which you will use to travel to Turkey, receive your work permit, and go to work. Learn more about applying for a work permit from outside of Turkey. Applying from Inside of Turkey If you are inside Turkey, and have completed at least six months of legal residence, you can also apply for a work permit. Again, you must first have a job offer from an employer. The requirements and process is the same as for an application from outside of Turkey, except that you and your employer will make your applications directly to the Çalışma ve Sosyal Güvenlik Bakanlığı (Ministry of Labor and Social Security), since there is no need for you to get a work visa (since you are already in Turkey). When you apply from inside of Turkey, your employer, and your, must submit your applications within six business days of each other. Learn more about applying for a work permit from inside of Turkey. Category 2: Independent Work Permits for an Indefinite Period of Time This category of work permits are "independent," because the you don't have to have a specific employer to get work permission. It is "indefinite" because it doesn't have to be renewed every year. However, certain reporting requirements exist. For example, you will need to report any changes of employer, and changes of address. There are two types independent, and indefinite, work permits. Unlimited Work Permits If you have legally worked in Turkey for at least five years, or legally lived in Turkey for at least eight years, without interruption, you are eligible to apply for an unlimited work permit. This type of work permit enables you to work for any employer you want, and change from employer to employer without having to get a new work permit. Learn more about unlimited work permits. Independent Work Permits This type of work permit is for entrepreneurs, who intend to set up a company in Turkey. It enables you to work for six months to set up your company. Once your company is established, your work permit will be extended with an indefinite duration. To be eligible, you must first live in Turkey for at least five years without interruption. There isn't a set "process" for this type of work permit, and it will require submitting a business plan, among other documents, to the Ministry of Labor and Social Security. Learn more about independent work permits. Restricted Professions Some professions may only be practiced by Turkish citizens. They are: Dentist, midwife, nurse, or pharmacist Veterinarian Hospital Director Lawyer Public Notary Security Guard Sea Captain, Merman, Fisherman, or Diver Customs Consultant. Turkey Work Permit Fees for 2018 Work Permit Type Work Permit Fee Work Permit for a Definite Period of Time (One Year) 615.20 TL Work Permit for an Indefinite Period of Time 6152.00 TL Independent Work Permit 6152.00 TL All applicants must also pay a card fee of 72 TL. Your Work Permit is Only for a Single Employer If you have a dependent work permit, you cannot change from one employer to another with the same work permit. If you get another job, you will have to get another work permit to work for your new employer. If you have an independent work permit, and change employers (or change your address), you must notify the local office of the Ministry of Labor and Social Security. Useful Telephone Numbers You can contact the Ministry of Labor and Social Security using their national customer service number, which, from within Turkey, is 170. From outside of Turkey, call +90 216 170 1122. If you will be working at a University, contact the Council of Higher Education, at +90 312 298 7000. See Also How to Get a Work Visa Finding a Job in Turkey: Our article on finding employment, with plenty of links to the various job search websites of Turkey. Turkey Work Visas and Work Permits Forum: An entire forum devoted to work visas and work permits. If you have questions, ask them there.

If you want to come to Turkey for work, you must first have a job offer letter or a contract from an employer in Turkey. Once you have that, go to a Turkish embassy or consulate in your home country (or the country where you legally reside) and apply for a work visa. The whole process involves three basic steps. Step 1: Receive Your Job Offer Letter or Employment Contract and Apply for a Work Visa Once you have your letter or contract offer, go to a Turkish Embassy or Consulate and submit your portion of the work permit application, and apply for a work visa. You will need: Work visa application, which you can get from the embassy or consulate Your passport, with an expiration date at least 60 days beyond the expiration date of your work permit (which is usually one year) A translated and notarized copy of your passport * Your university diploma and/or any certificates of training which qualify you for the job A translated and notarized copy of your university diploma and/or certificates of training * Four photos A copy of the work contract You may be asked to provide other documents, depending on the type of job you are applying for. * For the notarized translation, the embassy or consulate will tell you where to go to have this done. There are usually qualified and government-certified Turkish translators and noters (notaries) who work around Turkish embassies and consulates. Once the Turkish embassy or consulate has your application package, they will send the application to the government organization responsible for approving your work permit, which is usually the Çalışma ve Sosyal Güvenlik Bakanlığı (Ministry of Labor and Social Security). Step 2: The Company Applies for Your Work Permit As are applying for your work visa at the Turkish embassy or consulate, your employer will apply for your work permit, using an online system. They will both upload and send by mail various documents. One of these documents must be either the printout from the online system, signed by you and your employer together, or the printout with their signature and a work contract signed by you. Important! The company must apply for your work permit within ten business days before or after you apply for your work visa at the embassy or consulate. Your work visa application, and the work permit application made by your employer will take up to 30 days to process. The embassy or consulate will then e-mail or call you when it is ready. Or if they don't do that, they will tell you, on the day you make your application, when to come back and pick it up. Step 3: Pick Up Your Work Visa and Come to Turkey When you are told to do so, go back to the Turkish embassy or consulate and pick up your work visa. The work visa will be a one-time entry visa specifically for incoming workers. It is a large sticker which will be glued onto one of the pages in your passport. You must have this visa, and not a tourist visa, to enter Turkey for work. Once you're in Turkey, your will receive your work permit. Your work permit will also be your residence permit. Authority Work permits in Turkey are governed by Article 4817 of the Foreigner's Work Permit Law. Useful Telephone Numbers You can contact the Ministry of Labor and Social Security using their national customer service number, which, from within Turkey, is 170. From outside of Turkey, call +90 216 170 1122. If you will be working at a University, contact the Council of Higher Education, at +90 312 298 7000. See Also An Introduction to Work Permits Work Visas and Permits Forum