The Foreign Personnel Work-Permit Process in Türkiye

A work permit must be obtained before a foreign national can be employed in Türkiye. As a rule the permit is granted following an official application process conducted by the employer, not by the employee. Managing that process properly substantially reduces both delays and negative outcomes.

The Underlying Logic

The process rests on three elements: the employer’s situation, the situation of the foreign national to be employed, and the nature of the position. Assessment expects these three to be consistent with one another. Where there is a clear mismatch between the position description and the candidate’s educational or experience documents, the process is likely to take longer.

Points to Clarify Before Starting

• Whether the person is already present in Türkiye
• Whether the application will be made from within the country or abroad
• The position description and the qualifications it requires
• The employer’s field of activity and existing staffing structure
• The salary level determined
• The contract term and working conditions

The Employer’s Role

Identifying the employee, evaluating them and deciding to hire rests entirely with the employer. The official application is likewise made by the employer or their authorised representative. The employer is responsible for the accuracy of all declarations.

How Long Does It Take?

No fixed timeframe can be given. Duration depends on the application type, the completeness of documents, the nature of the position and the assessing institution’s workload. The most common cause of delay is missing or incorrect documentation, which careful preparation largely prevents.

After the Decision

A positive decision is not the end of the process. Employment registration, SGK procedures, signing the contract and workplace compliance obligations all follow. These deadlines should not be missed.