Paylaş: Overview of Work Permits in Turkey
In Turkey, the International Labor Force Law (Law No. 6735) and the Foreign Direct Investment Law (Law No. 4875) govern the legal employment of foreigners. Owners and partners of foreign-invested companies generally do not fall under the scope of Law No. 4875; instead, the provisions of the International Labor Force Law apply to them.
Work Permit Applications for Foreign Company Partners
Types of Applications
1. Domestic Applications:
- If the foreigner holds a valid residence permit in Turkey for at least 6 months, they can apply to the Ministry of Labor and Social Security (MLSS).
2. Overseas Applications:
- Foreigners without a residence permit in Turkey must apply through Turkish Consulates in their country of citizenship or permanent residence.
Who is Exempt from Work Permits?
Company Partners Eligible for Work Permit Exemption
- Board members of joint stock companies who reside outside Turkey,
- Non-executive partners of other types of companies.
Who Must Obtain a Work Permit?
Company Partners Required to Obtain a Work Permit
- Managing partners of limited liability companies,
- Board members of joint stock companies,
- Managers of partnerships limited by shares.
Conditions for Obtaining a Work Permit for Foreign Company Partners
Required Conditions
Paid-in Capital:
- The company must have a minimum paid-in capital of 500,000 TRY.
Partnership Share:
- The foreign partner must own at least 20% of the company’s capital, with a minimum share of 500,000 TRY.
Employment Requirement:
- The workplace must employ at least 5 Turkish citizens (this requirement applies during the last 6 months of the work permit period for newly established companies).
Documents Required for Work Permit Applications
Application Documents
Work Permit Extension Process
Duration and Extension Conditions
According to Article 10 of Law No. 6735, initial work permits are issued for a maximum of 1 year. For foreigners continuing at the same workplace:
- The first extension can be granted for up to 2 years,
- Subsequent extensions can be granted for up to 3 years.
If a foreigner changes workplaces, a new application must be submitted instead of an extension.
Indefinite Work Permit Applications
Application Conditions
Foreigners who have obtained a long-term residence permit under the Law on Foreigners and International Protection (Law No. 6458) or have worked legally in Turkey for at least 8 years can apply for an indefinite work permit.
