Complete Guide to Turkey Work Permit: For Foreign Entrepreneurs and Employees

Foreign nationals planning to work legally in Türkiye or manage their own registered businesses must obtain an official work permit issued by the Ministry of Labour and Social Security. Under Turkish International Labour Law, a valid work permit also doubles as a residence permit, eliminating the need to apply for a separate residence visa.

Work Permit Application Pathways and Requirements #

Work permit applications are processed based on the applicant's current residency status and corporate role:

• Domestic Applications (Inside Türkiye): Available to foreign nationals holding a valid Turkish residence permit with at least 6 months of validity remaining. The employing Turkish company submits the application directly via the Ministry’s online portal.

• International Applications (Outside Türkiye): Applicants with no prior residence permit initiate the process at the Turkish Embassy or Consulate in their country of residence. Once the applicant obtains a 16-digit reference number from the consulate, the employer completes the file online in Türkiye.

• Employment and Capital Criteria: Employers must generally employ at least 5 Turkish citizens for each foreign employee sponsored. For foreign company shareholders, specific paid-in capital requirements and revenue/export thresholds must be met before filing.

• Turquoise Card Scheme: Designed for high-skilled professionals, scientists, tech talents, and major investors, granting an indefinite right to work and live in Türkiye along with family members.

Essential Documents Required for the Application #

• Valid Passport: Original passport with at least 60 days of validity beyond the requested permit duration, along with a certified Turkish translation.

• Employment Contract: Signed labor agreement between the hiring entity and the foreign employee, or official company registration records for foreign business owners.

• Apostilled Diploma / Degree Certificate: Translated into Turkish and notarized.

• Corporate Documentation: Updated Tax Plate (Vergi Levhası), Trade Registry Gazette (Ticaret Sicil Gazetesi), Activity Certificate (Faaliyet Belgesi), and the most recent balance sheet approved by the tax office.

• Biometric Photo: Digital passport-style photo meeting official requirements.

Setting Up a Company and the Role of Virtual Offices #

Foreign entrepreneurs seeking a work permit as company partners must first complete the formal incorporation of a Limited Liability Company (LLC / Ltd. Şti.) or a Joint Stock Company (A.Ş.). Every business registered in Türkiye is legally required to provide a verified commercial address.

Choosing a prestigious virtual office in central business districts across Istanbul (such as Ataşehir, Bakırköy, or Beylikdüzü) and İzmir streamlines the incorporation process. A registered virtual office allows foreign founders to fulfill tax office inspection requirements, manage official legal notices, and establish corporate standing without the overhead of long-term physical leases. Once the company is legally registered, the business documents serve as the foundation for a successful work permit application.