Complete Guide: How to Obtain a Work Permit in Türkiye in 2026?

Securing a work permit in Türkiye in 2026 requires a partner who understands the nuances of the Ministry of Labor’s evaluation criteria. Since 2017, Finlexia Turkish Accounting Firm has empowered thousands of international clients to live and work legally in Istanbul and beyond.

Türkiye remains one of the most attractive destinations for foreign professionals, investors, and multinational companies in 2026. Its strategic location, dynamic economy, and business-friendly reforms continue to draw international talent. However, working legally in Türkiye requires strict compliance with Turkish immigration and labor regulations.

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At Finlexia Turkish Accounting Firm, a top-tier full-service accounting firm based in Istanbul and providing company formation and governance services in multiple languages since 2017, we regularly advise foreign nationals and employers on how to obtain a work permit in Türkiye efficiently and lawfully.

What Is a Work Permit in Türkiye?

A Turkish work permit is an official authorization issued by the Ministry of Labor and Social Security (MLSS) allowing a foreign national to work legally in Türkiye for a specific employer, position, and duration.

A valid work permit also functions as a residence permit, eliminating the need to apply separately for short- or long-term residence during its validity.

Who Needs a Work Permit in Türkiye?

In general, all foreign nationals must obtain a work permit before starting any form of employment in Türkiye, whether salaried or self-employed. This includes:

• Foreign employees of Turkish companies
• Foreign managers and directors
• Foreign shareholders actively working in the company
• Freelancers and independent professionals

Certain diplomatic, academic, or short-term technical activities may be exempt, but these are limited and highly specific.

Types of Work Permits in Türkiye

1. Definite-Term (Standard) Work Permit

This is the most common permit type. It is typically issued for one year initially and may be extended for two and then three years if employment continues uninterrupted.

2. Indefinite (Permanent) Work Permit

Foreigners who have legally worked in Türkiye for at least eight years or resided for long-term residence status may apply for an indefinite work permit.

3. Independent Work Permit

Designed for entrepreneurs and self-employed professionals who can demonstrate economic contribution, professional competence, and financial sustainability.

4. Turquoise Card

A special permit for highly qualified professionals, investors, scientists, and artists, offering long-term residence and work rights with simplified procedures.

Who Applies for the Work Permit?

The employer is legally responsible for initiating the work permit application. Individual applications without an employer sponsor are not accepted, except for independent work permits.

For foreign investors, the application is usually submitted through a Turkish company, commonly structured as a limited liability company or a joint-stock company, depending on the scale and nature of the business.

Where and How to Apply for a Work Permit in Türkiye

Application from Abroad

If the foreign national is outside Türkiye:

1. The applicant applies at a Turkish consulate in their home country.
2. The employer submits the online work permit application to the MLSS within 10 days of the consular application.

Application from Within Türkiye

If the foreign national holds a valid residence permit (excluding short-term tourism):

• The employer applies directly online through the MLSS system.

Key Eligibility Criteria for Employers

The Ministry applies strict evaluation standards. In 2026, the core criteria include:

• Minimum capital requirement: Typically TRY 500,000 paid-in capital
• Employment ratio: Five Turkish employees per foreign employee (with limited exceptions)
• Company financial stability
• Relevance of the foreigner’s role and qualifications

Professional legal support from experienced company formation lawyers is crucial to meeting these thresholds without delays or rejection.

New Financial Criteria for 2026

One of the most significant updates for 2026 involves the financial health of the employing entity. The Ministry has moved away from older, lower thresholds to ensure that sponsoring companies are robust and sustainable.

Capital and Turnover Requirements

For a company to sponsor a foreign employee, it must meet at least one of the following updated criteria:

1. Paid-in Capital: The company’s paid-in capital must be at least 500,000 TRY.
2. Annual Turnover: If the capital is lower, the company must demonstrate gross sales of at least 8 million TRY in the previous fiscal year.
3. Export Value: Alternatively, the company must have an export value of at least $150,000 USD in the last year.

Whether you are managing a limited liability company or a joint-stock company, these figures are non-negotiable for 2026 applications.

The “5-to-1” Turkish Employment Rule

A cornerstone of Turkish labor policy is the protection of the local workforce. For every one foreign national employed, the company must employ at least five Turkish citizens who are registered with the Social Security Institution (SGK).

Pro Tip for Shareholders: If you are a shareholder-director of your own company, the “5-to-1” rule is waived for the first six months of your initial permit to allow the business to scale. However, by the time of your first renewal, the five Turkish employees must be on the payroll.

Minimum Salary Requirements (2026)

The salary offered to a foreign employee must reflect their position and the current minimum wage. As of January 1, 2026, the gross minimum wage has been adjusted. Employers must pay the following multiples based on the role:

Required Documents for a Turkish Work Permit

From the Employer

• Trade Registry Gazette
• Tax certificate
• Signature circulars
• Activity certificate
• Employment contract

From the Foreign Employee

• Passport copy
• Diploma or professional qualification
• Biometric photograph
• Employment contract

All foreign documents must be notarized, apostilled, and officially translated into Turkish.

Work Permit Processing Time in Türkiye

Once the application is complete, the MLSS typically issues a decision within 30 days. However, incomplete documentation or sector-specific scrutiny may extend this timeframe.

Upon approval:

• The work permit card is issued
• Social security registration must be completed within 30 days
• Salary payments must comply with minimum wage thresholds

Common Reasons for Work Permit Rejection

Work permit applications are frequently rejected due to:

• Failure to meet capital or employee ratio requirements
• Inadequate job description or qualifications mismatch
• Missing or improperly legalized documents
• Non-compliance with sectoral restrictions

Strategic legal planning at the company formation stage significantly reduces these risks, especially when establishing a business through company formation in Türkiye.

Work Permits for Company Owners and Directors

Foreign shareholders who actively work in their companies must also obtain a work permit. This applies particularly to:

• Managing directors
• Board members with executive authority

The company structure—whether a limited liability company or joint-stock company—directly affects eligibility and compliance obligations.

Renewals and Extensions

Work permits must be renewed before expiration. Renewal applications may be submitted up to 60 days prior to expiry and must demonstrate continued compliance with employment and financial requirements.

Why Professional Legal Support Matters

Work permit regulations in Türkiye are dynamic and closely monitored by authorities. Even minor procedural errors can result in rejection, fines, or future application bans.

At Finlexia Turkish Accounting Firm, we offer end-to-end legal services, including:

• Strategic company structuring
• Work permit applications and renewals
• Compliance audits and employment law advisory
• Multilingual legal representation for foreign investors and professionals

Contact us to Obtain a Work Permit in Türkiye

Successfully obtaining a work permit in Türkiye requires expertise, precision, and comprehensive knowledge of Turkish immigration and labor law. Since 2017, Finlexia Turkish Accounting Firm has been Istanbul’s trusted partner for foreign nationals and international businesses navigating Türkiye’s legal landscape.

Our multilingual team of specialized attorneys provides personalized guidance through every stage of the work permit process, from initial consultation through final approval and beyond.

If you are planning to work, invest, or employ foreign professionals in Türkiye, we strongly recommend seeking professional legal guidance. Finlexia Turkish Accounting Firm, based in Istanbul and serving international clients since 2017, stands ready to assist you with all aspects of Turkish work permits, company formation, and corporate governance. Contact us today to ensure a smooth, compliant, and efficient process.