Types of Work Permits

In the Law, No. 4817 on Work Permits of Foreigners, work permits are classified under four headings. These are periodic work permit, indefinite work permit, independent work permit and exceptional work permit.

Periodic Work Permit

A maximum of one year work permit may be obtained in the first application, provided that it is employed in a specific work place of a real or legal person or of a public institution or organization or in the workplaces of the same line of business, to the foreigner whose work permit application is evaluated positively, provided that it does not exceed the duration of the employment or service contract.

Indefinite Work Permit

Foreigners having a long-term residence permit or with at least eight years of legal work permit in Turkey may be eligible for indefinite work permit.

The foreigner who has an indefinite work permit shall enjoy all the rights provided by the long-term residence permit. The foreigner, who has an indefinite work permit, shall enjoy the rights granted to Turkish citizens except for the regulations in the special laws.

Independent Work Permit

Foreigners of professional professions may obtain independent work permits provided that the special conditions specified in other laws are met.

In the evaluation of the independent work permit in accordance with the International Labor Policy, the educational level, the professional experience, the contribution of science and technology, the impact of the activities or the investments in Turkey on the country's economy and employment, the share of capita l-if the person is a partner of a foreign company- of the foreigner and other issues determined by the Ministry in line with the recommendations of the International Labor Policy Advisory Board are taken into account.

Independent work permit is issued for a period of time.

Exceptional Work Permit

Unless otherwise is provided in the bilateral or multilateral agreements to which Turkey is a part;

Some foreigners may obtain work permits without being subject to the periods stipulated by the Law, taking into account the opinions of the relevant authorities, provided that they do not violate national legislation and comply with legislation on professional services.​

Foreigners who are married to a Turkish citizen, considered as a resident and their children, lost their Turkish citizenship, completed their education and came to turkey before their lawful age, European Union citizens and their spouses and children, working in Embassies, Consulates or in International organizations in Turkey and their spouses and their children, came for short-term objectives such as science, culture or sports and who are a key personnel may obtain work permits.