Conditions for Employing Foreign Engineers and Architects

According to Article 20 of the International Labor Force Law (Law No. 6735), foreign engineers and architects must meet specific criteria to obtain a work permit and be eligible to work in Turkey:

• Foreigners who have graduated from a university in Turkey that offers engineering or architecture programs are eligible for work permits.

• Foreigners who have obtained engineering or architecture degrees from foreign universities must obtain an equivalency certificate from the Council of Higher Education (YÖK).

• Foreign engineers and architects must be employed on a project basis and for a temporary period.

Additionally, foreign engineers and architects must register with the Union of Chambers of Turkish Engineers and Architects (TMMOB) for temporary membership to practice their professions legally in Turkey.

• Employers must pay foreign engineers and architects a minimum salary of four times the minimum wage. If this condition is not met, the work permit application will be rejected by the Ministry of Labor and Social Security (MLSS).

Application Process

• In-country Applications:

  • Foreign engineers and architects who have a valid residence permit of at least 6 months can apply for a work permit through the MLSS.

• Out-of-country Applications:

  • If the foreign engineer or architect is not residing in Turkey, the work permit application must be submitted through the Turkish Consulate in their home country, using a 16-digit reference number provided by the consulate.

From Foreign Engineers and Architects:

1. Copy of valid residence permit (for in-country applications).
2. Copy of passport or equivalent ID (with notarized translation if not in Latin alphabet).
3. Copy of diploma (with equivalency certificate from YÖK if obtained abroad, and notarized Turkish translation).

From Employers:

1. Application letter prepared by the employer.
2. Work permit application form completed by the employer.
3. Latest Trade Registry Gazette showing the company’s capital and partnership structure.
4. Tax return or financial statement approved by the tax office or certified public accountant.

• Employers must employ at least five Turkish citizens for each foreign engineer or architect.
• The employer’s paid-in capital must be at least 100,000 TRY. If the capital is below this amount, the company must have a minimum gross sales figure of 800,000 TRY.
• Once the work permit is approved, the employer must ensure that the foreign engineer or architect’s Social Security Institution (SGK) registration is completed within 30 days.