There are different types of work permits in Turkey for foreigners to apply. Foreigners, depending on their qualifications and situations can apply for; fixed term, indefinite term, independent, exceptional work permits. Foreigners can also apply for Turquoise Card in specific cases.
What is Fixed Term Work Permit?
Fixed term work permit is granted for a maximum duration of 1 year, depending on the duration of the foreigner's service contract or the work to be done, at the first application to work in a specific workplace or business belonging to a specific employer or workplaces in the same line of work of the same employer.
In the case of a fixed term work permit, the foreigner is granted a work permit for a maximum of two years in the first extension application, and up to three years in the subsequent extension applications, depending on the same employer.
What is the Indefinite Term Work Permit?
Foreigners who have a long term residence permit or legal work permit for at least 8 years can apply for indefinite term work permit. Foreigners who have indefinite term work permit benefit from the rights granted to Turkish citizens excluding the obligation to do military service, right to elect and be elected, became a public official without prejudice to the vested rights regarding social security.
The foreigner's fulfillment of the application conditions does not provide absolute right to the foreigner.
What is Independent Work Permit?
Independent work permit is for foreigners who want to work on their own behalf in Turkey independently. At the same time shareholders who work in senior management in companies established in Turkey can apply for independent work permit. Foreigners of specific professions can be granted an independent work permit, provided that the special conditions specified in other laws are met.
In evaluation of the independent work permit in accordance with the international labor policy foreigners’; education, professional experience, contribution to science and technology, the impact of his/her activity or investment in Turkey on the economy and employment opportunities in Turkey, capital share if he/she is a shareholder as well as other matters to be determined by the Ministry in accordance with the recommendations of the International Labor Policy Advisory Board are taken into consideration.
What is the exceptional work permit?
Exceptional work permit is issued for foreigners who have the qualifications specified in the law according to the international labor policy.
Exceptional work permit is given to the foreigners mentioned below:
Considered as a qualified investor in terms of contribution to science and technology, investment or export level, size of employment it will provide and similar features,
Evaluated as qualified investor according to their contribution in science and technology, investment or export level, size of the employment they will provide and similar traits,
Employed in a project carried out in Turkey by their employer for a temporary period,
Reported to be of Turkish origin by the Ministry of Internal Affairs or Ministry of Foreign Affairs,
Citizen of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus,
Citizen of an EU member state,
Pursuant to Law No. 6458, applicant for international protection, conditional refugee, temporary protection or stateless or victim of human trafficking benefiting from the victim support process,
Married to a Turkish citizen and living with his/her spouse in Turkey within marriage union,
Working in the representation offices of foreign states and international organizations in Turkey without diplomatic immunity,
Coming to Turkey for scientific, cultural, artistic or sportive purposes with international success in his/her field,
Cross-border service providers.