Republic of Türkiye · work sponsored · Leads to settlement
Turkey Work Permit (employer-sponsored)
By Sam Parks · Last reviewed:
Source check: all 1 official citation reconfirmed 13 September 2026
Employer-sponsored permit issued by the Ministry of Labour and Social Security that grants both the right to work and to reside in Türkiye for its validity period.
- Processing time
- Indicative: complete applications are evaluated within a defined statutory window; confirm the current timeframe on the official Ministry page.
- Government fees
- Indicative: work-permit and document fees are set by the Ministry and updated periodically; confirm current amounts on the official page before applying.
- Typical duration
- Definite permit up to one year initially, extendable; permanent work permit available after eight years legal work.
- Sponsorship required
- Yes
- Leads to permanent residency
- Yes
In short
As of 10 July 2026, the Turkey Work Permit (employer-sponsored) for Republic of Türkiye is a sponsor-led Turkey immigration route. Sources: official Republic of Türkiye government pages, reviewed 10 July 2026.
Cite this: https://visaatlas.org/visas/turkey/work-permit#answer
What is the Turkey Work Permit (employer-sponsored) in Republic of Türkiye?
Turkey Work Permit (employer-sponsored) is a sponsor-led Turkey route. Indicative government fees are Indicative: work-permit and document fees are set by the Ministry and updated periodically; confirm current amounts on the official page before applying; indicative processing time is Indicative: complete applications are evaluated within a defined statutory window; confirm the current timeframe on the official Ministry page; typical duration is Definite permit up to one year initially, extendable; permanent work permit available after eight years legal work. This route can lead to permanent residence.
Verified against Directorate General of International Labour Force on 1 June 2026.
Overview
The work permit is the standard route for foreigners employed by a Türkiye-based employer. The employer applies online through the e-permit system using a reference number the foreigner provides; the permit issued by the Directorate General of International Labour Force serves as both work authorisation and residence permit for its validity. An initial definite (fixed-term) permit is granted for up to one year, extendable to two then three years with the same employer; after eight years of legal work or with long-term residence, a permanent work permit becomes available.
Eligibility
Typical criteria
- ✓A valid employment relationship with a Türkiye-based employer who lodges the application.Directorate General of International Labour Force ↗
- ✓Employer applies through the e-permit system using the foreigner reference number.Directorate General of International Labour Force ↗
- ✓Passport, photograph, and a copy of the employment contract are submitted with the application.Directorate General of International Labour Force ↗
- ✓The role and employer meet the conditions assessed by the Directorate General of International Labour Force.Directorate General of International Labour Force ↗
Common blockers
- !No Türkiye-based employer willing to lodge and sponsor the application.Directorate General of International Labour Force ↗
- !Incomplete documentation, which suspends the statutory evaluation clock until supplied.Directorate General of International Labour Force ↗
- !Working before the permit is granted, which exposes the foreigner to criminal and administrative penalties.Directorate General of International Labour Force ↗
Typical evidence
- ·Valid passport.Directorate General of International Labour Force ↗
- ·Biometric photograph.Directorate General of International Labour Force ↗
- ·Copy of the employment contract.Directorate General of International Labour Force ↗
- ·Employer-side documentation requested through the e-permit system.Directorate General of International Labour Force ↗
Application pathway
Provide reference number to employer
The foreigner supplies a reference number so the Türkiye-based employer can begin the e-permit application.
Employer files via e-permit
The employer applies through the e-permit system and uploads the passport, photo, and employment contract.
Ministry evaluation
The Directorate General of International Labour Force evaluates the completed application within the statutory window.
Permit issued
On approval, the work permit grants the right to work and reside for its validity; extensions are filed with the same employer.
After approval: prepare for your next step
For Turkey Work Permit (employer-sponsored), use the actual decision and the issuing authority’s instructions to establish what has been granted. A successful application, permission to enter, permission to work and a residence document are not interchangeable.
- 1. Check the decision. Confirm the name, passport, status granted, start date and any next action. Resolve an error with the authority before relying on the document for travel or employment.
- 2. Establish the travel step. Read any entry window, activation, collection or in-country registration instruction. For an extension or change of status, do not assume leaving the country is required or safe while a further step remains pending.
- 3. Confirm what you may do. Agree the lawful start date and onboarding with the employer or sponsor. Check whether the permission names an employer, role or activity before changing the arrangement.
- 4. Organise the household. Check each accompanying person’s permission separately, then arrange healthcare, accommodation, access to money and the relevant local registrations. A tax number or bank account does not by itself prove a right to work.
- 5. Keep the ongoing conditions visible. Record the actual expiry, renewal process, permitted absences and any duty to report changes. An initial grant does not automatically establish permanent residence or citizenship.
Plan the practical side of your stay
Once you have checked the official route, you can prepare for day-to-day life in Turkey. These optional services are separate from the application and do not establish visa eligibility.
Official application links
Where to actually go next
These are the official pages to use for this route. Open them before preparing documents: the forms, fees, appointment systems, and sponsor steps can change without warning.
- Official guidanceApplicant + sponsorUse official Turkey Work Permit (employer-sponsored) route page ↗
Use this official page to confirm requirements and follow the government filing route for Turkey Work Permit (employer-sponsored).
Directorate General of International Labour Force · verified
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Frequently asked questions
Does the Turkey work permit also cover residence?+
Yes. The work permit issued by the Ministry of Labour and Social Security grants the right to both work and reside in Türkiye within its validity period, so a separate residence permit is not required for the permit holder while it is valid.
Who applies for the work permit - me or my employer?+
The Türkiye-based employer lodges the application through the e-permit system using a reference number you provide. You cannot self-apply for an employer-sponsored work permit from inside Türkiye.
How long do I have to work in Turkey before I can get a permanent work permit?+
An initial definite work permit is granted for up to one year, extendable to two then three years with the same employer. After eight years of legal work, or with long-term residence, a permanent work permit becomes available.
Can I start working in Turkey before my work permit is approved?+
No. Working before the permit is granted is a common reason applications are refused that exposes the foreigner to criminal and administrative penalties. You must wait until the permit is issued before beginning work.
What happens to my Turkey work permit application if documents are missing?+
Incomplete documentation suspends the statutory evaluation clock until the missing items are supplied, so the Directorate General of International Labour Force evaluates only a completed application. Submitting everything up front avoids delays.
Need tailored advice?
We do not provide legal advice. For an application that depends on your exact circumstances, consult a regulator-listed immigration advisor.
Find a regulated advisor in TurkeyHow we verified this
We check every figure on this page against the primary government source, record the date it was last checked, and re-check it on a regular schedule. Rules change, so always confirm time-sensitive details with the official source before you rely on them. Visa Atlas is an information-only publication and does not give legal advice.
Primary source: Directorate General of International Labour Force
Last checked: 1 June 2026