Obtaining a work permit in Türkiye
Turkey, a country with rich historical and cultural attractions, pristine nature and a growing economy, has become a popular destination for immigrants, tourists and investors in recent years. If you also wish to live and work in this ancient land, without a doubt, the first step will be to obtain a “Turkey Work Permit” or “Chalishma Ezin”.
In this article, we intend to comprehensively review the different methods of obtaining a work permit in Türkiye. In this post, we are going to review the work permit (Chalishma Ezin) in Turkey, part two. If you haven’t seen the first part, you can read it here.
Obtaining a work permit in Türkiye
Three main ways to obtain a work permit in Türkiye:
To enter the Turkish labor market and legally operate in this country, there are three main paths ahead of you:
Employment method:
In this way, you can apply for a work permit by finding a Turkish employer and signing a work contract. Your employer is obliged to do all the administrative steps related to obtaining a work permit for you and submit the necessary documents to the labor office.
- required documents:
- Valid passport with at least 6 months validity
- 4 personal photos
- Completed work permit application form
- Valid employment contract with Turkish employer
- Clearances
- Valid health insurance
Steps to do the work:
Your employer is obliged to submit the work permit application form along with the necessary documents to the labor department.
After reviewing the documents, the labor department will decide whether or not to issue a work permit.
If a work permit is issued, you will be given a work permit card (chalishma eizin).
Work permit validity:
The validity of the work permit is usually 1 to 3 years and can be renewed after its expiration.
Advantages of the employee method:
Job security: With a valid work contract, you will benefit from job rights and benefits such as insurance and vacation.
No need for initial capital: Unlike other methods, you will not need an initial investment to start working.
Disadvantages of the employee method:
Restrictions on choosing a job: Your job will be limited to the offers of employers.
Relatively long administrative process: Obtaining a work permit through the employer may take time.
Important points in the employee method:
To find a job in Türkiye, you can use reputable job websites such as Indeed, Sahibinden and Kariyer.net.
Before signing a work contract, be sure to carefully read and review all the terms and obligations of the parties.
Make sure you have a valid work permit before starting work.
Important points in the employee method
Employer method:
If you want to start your business in Turkey, you can apply for a work permit through company registration and employment of Turkish nationals. In this way, you will act as your own employer and have more freedom and flexibility in choosing your job and activities.
- required documents:
- Valid passport with at least 6 months validity
- 4 personal photos
- Completed work permit application form
- Company registration documents in Türkiye
- Business license
- Explanatory plan (business plan)
- Clearances
- Valid health insurance
Steps to do the work:
First, you must register your company in Türkiye.
After registering the company, you can obtain the necessary licenses to operate in your desired field.
In the next step, you must submit the work permit application form along with the necessary documents to the labor department.
After reviewing the documents, the labor department will decide whether or not to issue a work permit.
If a work permit is issued, you will be given a work permit card (chalishma eizin).
Work permit validity:
The validity of the work permit is usually 1 to 3 years and can be renewed after its expiration.
Advantages of the employer method:
Freedom of action: You can work in any field you want.
Possibility of obtaining residence for spouse and children: by registering the company in Turkey, you can also obtain residence for your family members in this country.
Work permit validity
Disadvantages of employer method:
Need for initial capital: To register a company and start a business in Turkey, you will need a significant initial capital.
Complicated administrative process: The process of registering a company and obtaining necessary permits may be time-consuming and complicated.
Important points in the employer method:
Before registering the company, be sure to familiarize yourself with the rules and regulations related to doing business in Türkiye.
You can use the services of experienced lawyers and immigration experts to register the company and do administrative work.
Prepare a complete business plan for your business.
Important points in the employer method:
Student method:
If you intend to continue studying in Turkish universities, you can apply for this country by obtaining a student visa. A student visa allows you to work part-time in Turkey while studying.
- required documents:
- Valid passport with at least 6 months validity
- 4 personal photos
- Completed student visa application form
- Acceptance letter from a recognized university in Türkiye
- Diploma or higher
- Certificate of financial ability
- Valid health insurance
Steps to do the work:
First, you must be admitted to one of the prestigious universities in Türkiye.
After receiving the acceptance letter, you can apply for a student visa from the Turkish embassy or consulate in your country.
After entering Türkiye, you must apply for a student residence card.
With a student residence card, you can work part-time in Türkiye.
Work permit validity:
The validity of the student work permit depends on the duration of your studies in Türkiye.
Advantages of the student method:
Relatively low cost: Studying in public universities in Turkey is affordable compared to many other countries.
Employment opportunities: Despite the limitation of working hours, you can cover part of your expenses in Turkey through student work.
The possibility of improving your academic level and specialized skills: Studying in prestigious universities in Turkey can help you improve your academic level and specialized skills.
Disadvantages of the student method:
- Restrictions on working hours:
International students in Türkiye are not allowed to work more than 20 hours per week. This can limit your income and may not be enough to fully cover your living expenses.
- Affiliation with the university:
To work in Türkiye with a student visa, you are completely dependent on your university. If you are expelled from the university or drop out, your work permit will also be revoked.
- Competition to find a job:
Finding the right job in Türkiye can be challenging, even for local students. Due to the limited working hours for international students, the competition for suitable part-time jobs can be more difficult.
- Impossibility of working in all jobs:
Some jobs in Türkiye are prohibited for foreigners, especially international students.
- The need to master the Turkish language:
If you are not fluent in Turkish, you may have difficulty finding a suitable job and communicating with your employers and colleagues.
- Education fees:
The cost of studying in Turkish universities, especially private universities, can be high. This can be especially challenging for students from low-income families.
- Restrictions on obtaining residence:
With a student visa, you can only stay in Türkiye as long as you are studying. After graduation, you need to apply for a job and obtain a work visa.
- Inability to obtain citizenship:
With a student visa, you cannot apply for Turkish citizenship. To obtain Turkish citizenship, you must legally reside in this country for at least 5 years and meet the necessary conditions.
Important points in the student method:
To obtain a Turkish student visa, you must be admitted to one of the prestigious universities of this country.
Before entering Türkiye, be sure to translate and verify your educational documents.
Make sure you have valid health insurance for the duration of your studies in Türkiye.
Important points in the student method:
Conclusion:
Choosing the best method for obtaining a work permit in Türkiye depends on your conditions and goals. If you are looking for job security and stable pay and benefits, choose the employee method. If you have a desire to be an entrepreneur and start your own business, the employer method will be suitable for you. And if you intend to continue your education, you can apply for a student visa to work in Türkiye.
Which method do you choose?
Ultimately, it is up to you to decide how to obtain a work permit in Türkiye. By examining the advantages and disadvantages of each method and adapting it to your circumstances, you can choose the best path to achieve your goals.
Kargar Consulting and Investment Company:
We at “Kargar Consulting and Investment Company” with more than 14 years of successful experience in the field of investment and property purchase in North Cyprus, are ready to provide you with expert advice on obtaining a work permit in Turkey and immigrating to this country.
Our experienced specialists in labor offices in Iran, Turkey and Northern Cyprus will guide and support you in all stages of obtaining a work permit, including finding the right job, preparing the necessary documents and doing administrative work.
Contact us and benefit from our free consultation services.
Some frequently asked questions about obtaining a work permit in Türkiye:
- What is the best way to obtain a work permit in Türkiye?
The best way to obtain a work permit in Türkiye depends on your circumstances and goals. If you are looking for job security and stable pay and benefits, choose the employee method. If you have a desire to be an entrepreneur and start your own business, the employer method will be suitable for you. And if you intend to continue your education, you can apply for a student visa to work in Türkiye.
- What documents are required to obtain a work permit in Türkiye?
The documents required to obtain a work permit in Türkiye depend on the method you choose. In general, the required documents include a valid passport, personal photo, work permit application form, educational documents, certificate of no bad background, health insurance and documents related to your work or study in Turkey.
- What are the procedures for obtaining a work permit in Türkiye?
The procedures for obtaining a work permit in Türkiye also depend on the method you choose. In general, you should first collect the necessary documents and then go to the Turkish Labor Office or Embassy/Consulate in your country. After checking the documents, if you are eligible, your work permit will be issued.
- What is the validity of the work permit in Türkiye?
The validity of the work permit in Türkiye is usually 1 to 3 years and can be renewed after its expiration.
- Can I bring my family members to this country with a work permit in Turkey?
Yes, with a work permit in Turkey, you can also obtain residence in this country for your family members. For this, you must submit the necessary documents to the Turkish Foreign Nationals Office.
