Work permits given to foreigners in Turkey are regulated by the International Labor Law No. 6735.
Work permit types are divided into two as PERIODIC and INDEMNITE in terms of duration:
- Temporary work permit;
It is a work permit given to a foreigner for a maximum period of 1 YEAR so that he/she can legally work for an employer in Turkey.
It is mandatory to apply for an extension to extend the work permit issued by the Ministry for a period of 1 year near its expiration.
As a result of the first extension application, the foreigner's work permit can be extended for UP TO 2 YEARS.
With a second extension application, the work permit can be extended for up to 3 YEARS.
An important point to consider in extension applications is that extension applications are intended for foreigners who will continue to work for the same employer.
The application made by a foreigner who wants to work for a new employer will be accepted as a new application, not as an extension application.
- Indefinite work permit;
The so-called permit type is only possible for foreigners who fall into one of the two groups listed in the law.
Foreigners who can apply for an indefinite work permit:
- Those who have a long-term residence permit
- Foreigners who have received a legal work permit in Turkey for at least 8 years.
The advantage of an indefinite work permit is that there are no restrictions as in a temporary work permit.
Foreigners can work independently or for more than one employer with an indefinite work permit, provided that they notify the ministry that issued the permit in due time.
Another advantage of the indefinite work permit is that it provides the foreigner with almost the same opportunities as Turkish citizens, except for some rights and duties.
Foreigners with an indefinite work permit are exempt from the rights and duties that are only granted to citizens, such as voting and participating in elections.
Work permit types are divided into two, not only in terms of duration but also in terms of whether they are dependent or independent.
- Work permits given to affiliated employees are temporary or indefinite work permits for an employer in Turkey, as mentioned above.
- Independent work permit is the type of work permit provided to foreigners who want to work in Turkey on their own behalf and account. Foreigners who can apply for this work permit are listed in the legislation:
- Professionals to be determined by the General Directorate,
- Cross-border service providers working independently or affiliated with an employer established abroad, whose activities in Turkey will exceed the periods stipulated in the first paragraph of Article 48,
- Established in accordance with the Turkish Commercial Code No. 6102 dated 13/1/2011; Foreigners who are directors of limited companies who are company partners, board members who are company partners of joint-stock companies, and foreigners who are managers and general partners of limited companies whose capital is divided into shares,
- Company partners and managers of other companies established in accordance with Law No. 6102
Foreigners can apply for an independent work permit.