Turkey
June 2010
This summary is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered an authoritative guide on how to obtain work authorization in Turkey. The intent is to give the reader a general overview of the process only. Procedures and requirements may have changed since the writing of this article or may have been inaccurately characterized in it. For current and detailed information regarding the topics below, as well as documentary requirements, processing times, post-arrival and departure requirements, penalties for non-compliance, allowances for accompanying family members, and any other information pertaining to your specific needs, please contact your Pro-Link GLOBAL immigration professional.
Overview
The majority of foreign nationals visiting Turkey must obtain a visa to enter the country. Turkish immigration laws promulgate four types of visas: tourist, business, education, and work visas. These visas may be for single entry, multiple entries, or transit purposes.
BUSINESS VISITOR
Business visitors must obtain a “business visa” to enter Turkey. Business visitors may not engage in substantive work and may not be compensated in Turkey.
Although Turkey grants visa-exempt status to some countries, all business visitors must obtain a business visa to enter Turkey. However, Turkey immigration law allows nationals from designated countries to obtain their business visas at the port of entry, while requiring others to obtain their business visas at the Turkish consulates abroad. For example, Canadian and EU Member State citizens may obtain their business visas at the port of entry in Turkey, while U.S. citizens must obtain business visas at the Turkish embassy abroad with jurisdiction over their place of residence prior to arriving in Turkey.
Please check with the Turkish embassy with jurisdiction over your place of residence for a complete list of foreign nationals that must obtain their business visas prior to arrival in Turkey.
Basic Requirements - All business visitors must obtain a business visa prior to entering Turkey. Some foreign nationals, however, may obtain their business visa at the port of entry. Please check with the Turkish embassy with jurisdiction over your place of residence for a complete list of foreign nationals that may obtain their business visa at the port of entry in Turkey.
Whether they apply at the port of entry or a consulate abroad, all business visitors must provide a passport valid for at least three months and a letter from the foreign company detailing the business activities to be performed in Turkey.
Business visitors may apply at consulates abroad in person, via mail, or via courier service.
Estimated Processing Times - Processing times for business visa applications submitted at consulates vary from two days to a week.
Maximum Time On Visa -The period of validity for business visas varies from 30 to 90 days, depending on nationality.
Post-Entry & Post-Exit Requirements - There are no post-entry or post-exit registration requirements for business visitors.
EMPLOYMENT AUTHORIZATION
Basic Requirements - All foreign nationals intending to engage in substantive work in Turkey must obtain a work permit prior to arriving in Turkey. In addition to obtaining a work permit, foreign nationals must also apply for a work visa and residence permit in order to legally work in Turkey.
Process Overview - The process for obtaining a Turkish work and residence permit involves a three step process summarized below
- Step 1: Foreign National Submits Application at Consulate
A foreign national wishing to work in Turkey must first submit a work permit application at the Turkish consulate with jurisdiction over the foreign national’s place of residence. The consulate will then forward the application to the Turkish Ministry of Labor.
- Step 2: The Prospective Employer in Turkey Submits a Work Permit Application
Up to ten days before or after the foreign national submits the work permit application to the consulate abroad (i.e. within a 20 day timeframe), the prospective employer in Turkey must submit a work permit application to the Ministry of Labor and the Social Security Office.
The Ministry of Labor and the Social Security Office will determine whether to grant the work permit based on the current labor market conditions and the extent of any recruiting efforts by the prospective employer in Turkey.
Upon approval by the Ministry of Labor, the foreign national must submit a valid original passport and a processing fee to the consulate abroad. The consulate will then issue an employer-specific work permit. The work permit will not be valid until a resident permit is issued.
- Step 3: Foreign National Applies for a Residence Permit in Turkey
Within 30 days of arriving in Turkey, the foreign national must apply for a residence permit at the Local Security Department. Because a resident permit must be obtained before starting employment in Turkey, a work permit is not valid until a resident permit is issued.
Processing Times - Work permits are generally processed within up to three months.
Period of Validity - Work permits are valid for one year, but may be extended for up to three years. Residence permits are valid for one year and may be extended to coincide with any work permit renewals.
Pre-Entry & Post-Entry Requirements - All foreign nationals arriving in Turkey with work permits must register and apply for a residence permit with the Local Security Department. Work permits are not valid unless the foreign national secures a residence permit.
Foreign nationals must notify the Ministry of Labor within 15 days following the date they start or stop working. All foreign nationals are also required to report to the Ministry of Labor any change in employment circumstances.
Employers must also notify the Ministry of Labor within 15 days of the date the foreign national begins or terminates work.
Family Members (Spouse | Dependents) - Turkish immigration law grants spouses and children the status of “dependents.” Turkey does not recognize common law or same-sex partners. Dependents wishing to visit Turkey must obtain their own tourist visas. Dependents are subject to the same application process as the principal applicant.
Spouses | Dependents Right to Work - Turkish immigration law grants spouses and dependent children the right to work for a definite period of time if they have resided with the principal applicant in Turkey legally and without interruption (i.e. no absences for longer than six months) for at least five years.
