In Turkey the work permit is applied for by the employer, not the employee, and it is tied to that employer and workplace. This single feature explains most of the difficulties that arise.
Who Applies
Where the foreign national is abroad, the application begins at a Turkish consulate and is completed by the employer in Turkey. Where the person already holds a residence permit valid for at least six months, the employer may apply directly from within Turkey.
The permit is granted for a specific employer, occupation and workplace. Changing employer requires a new application; the existing permit does not transfer.
A work permit issued under these rules also serves as a residence permit for its duration, so a separate residence permit is not required in parallel.
Employer Conditions
The evaluation looks at the employer as much as the employee. The criteria applied in practice include a required ratio of Turkish employees to each foreign worker, a minimum level of paid-up capital or turnover, and a salary proportionate to the role and consistent with the statutory minimum.
Certain professions are reserved to Turkish citizens by law — advocacy, notarial office and some health and security occupations among them. No permit is available for these regardless of the employer's position.
Working Without a Permit
Employing a foreign national without a permit exposes the employer to administrative fines, repeated for each worker and increased on repetition, together with liability for accommodation and removal costs.
The employee's position is often misunderstood: the absence of a permit does not deprive the worker of accrued employment claims. Wages, overtime and other entitlements for work actually performed remain recoverable, and the illegality of the arrangement is attributed principally to the employer.
Refusal and Termination of Employment
A refusal may be challenged by administrative objection and, failing that, before the administrative court within the statutory period.
Where employment ends, the employer must notify the authorities. The permit ceases to serve as a basis for residence, and continued stay requires a separate residence permit — an application that should be made without waiting for the expiry of the old document.
Frequently Asked Questions
No. The application is made by the employer, although it may begin with a consular application where you are abroad.
No. The permit is tied to the employer and workplace; a new application is required.
Claims for work actually performed are not extinguished by the absence of a permit. The regulatory breach is attributed principally to the employer.
A work permit serves as a residence permit for its duration. A separate permit is needed once employment ends.