Work Permit in Turkey 2026: Types, Application, and Cancellation

As a rule, a foreigner must obtain a work permit to work in Turkey; unauthorized work and employing unauthorized foreigners are strictly prohibited (Law No. 6735 Art. 6). The legal basis for work permits is the International Labor Force Law No. 6735, which replaced the former Law No. 4817. In this guide, we explain the types of work permits, the employer-based application process, permit durations, and cancellation cases, touching upon the practices in Gaziantep.

What is a Work Permit? (6735 Art. 3, Art. 12)

A work permit is a permit issued as an official document by the Ministry of Labor and Social Security, granting the foreigner the right to work and reside in Turkey during its validity period (6735 Art. 3). An important convenience: a work permit substitutes for a residence permit under Article 27 of Law No. 6458 (6735 Art. 12/1). This means a foreigner with a valid work permit does not need to obtain a separate residence permit. Conversely, having a residence permit for another reason (except refugee/subsidiary protection) does not grant the right to work on its own.

Types of Work Permits

Law No. 6735 foresees four basic types of permits:

• Temporary work permit (Art. 10/1-2): Granted bound to a specific employer and workplace.
• Indefinite work permit (Art. 10/3-4): Foreigners with a long-term residence permit or at least eight years of legal work permit can apply.
• Independent work permit (Art. 3, Art. 10/6-8): Grants the foreigner the right to work on their own behalf and account; granted to professional occupation members under special conditions.
• Turquoise Card (Turkuaz Kart) (Art. 3, Art. 11): A document granting an indefinite right to work to a qualified foreigner and a residence right to their spouse and dependent children.

Work Permit Exemption (Art. 13)

Some foreigners can work with a work permit exemption document without obtaining a work permit (6735 Art. 13). For example, non-resident board members of joint-stock companies or cross-border service providers not exceeding 90 days in 180 days fall into this category. Periods spent under exemption are not counted towards legal work permit or residence permit durations.

Permit Durations (6735 Art. 10)

Durations are extended gradually:

• Initial application: Maximum one year, provided it does not exceed the duration of the employment/service contract (Art. 10/1).
• First extension: Maximum two years, bound to the same employer (Art. 10/2).
• Subsequent extensions: Maximum three years, bound to the same employer (Art. 10/2).

Attention: Durations are based on binding to the same employer. An application to work for a different employer is considered a new (initial) application, and a permit is issued for a maximum of one year again (Art. 10/2). Foreigners planning to change employers must know this rule.

Foreigners who have a long-term residence permit or at least eight years of legal work permit in Turkey can apply for an indefinite work permit; however, meeting the conditions does not create an absolute right (Art. 10/3). Foreigners who are company partners (limited company partner manager, joint-stock company partner board member, etc.) can work by obtaining a work permit (Art. 10/5).

Application and Preliminary Permission

• Application (Art. 7): Domestic applications are made directly to the Ministry (via e-Government/authorized system, mostly by the employer), while applications from abroad are made to the Republic of Turkey embassy/consulate general in the foreigner's country. In case of missing documents, the evaluation is postponed; the postponement generally cannot exceed thirty days. Duly made applications with complete documents are concluded within thirty days.
• Extension (Art. 7/3): An extension application is made sixty days before the expiration of the permit and in any case before the period expires; extension applications made after the period expires are rejected.
• Preliminary permission (Art. 8): Preliminary permission is mandatory for foreigners who will work in health (Ministry of Health) and education (Ministry of National Education) services requiring professional competence. Preliminary permission from the Council of Higher Education (YÖK) is required for foreign teaching staff who will take part in higher education.
• Entry into the country (Art. 12/2): For work permits obtained from abroad, the foreigner must come to Turkey within six months from the date the permit starts; if they do not arrive, the permit is cancelled.

Cancellation of Work Permit (6735 Art. 15)

A work permit loses its validity upon the expiration of its term or its cancellation by the Ministry. Some reasons for cancellation other than upon request (Art. 15/2):

• Not entering Turkey within six months from the validity date of the permit
• Determination of working contrary to the law or termination of employment
• It is subsequently understood that the application was made with fake/misleading information/documents
• Staying abroad continuously for more than six months in temporary permits, and more than one year in independent/indefinite permits
• Reporting drawbacks in terms of public order, security, or health

The rejection of a work permit application or the cancellation of a permit are administrative acts; an annulment lawsuit in the administrative court can be filed against them. The process runs within the framework of the rules and litigation periods we explained in our Administrative Lawsuit Guide.

International/Temporary Protection and Work (Art. 17)

Those who apply for international protection can apply for a work permit or exemption six months after the application date, and those provided with temporary protection can apply six months after the date the temporary protection identity document is issued (6735 Art. 17). In provinces like Gaziantep with a dense temporary protection population, this regulation frequently comes up in practice; it should not be forgotten that illegal employment carries the risk of administrative fines for the employer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the foreigner or the employer apply for the work permit?

Domestic work permit applications are, as a rule, made by the employer via the Ministry's system. Applications from abroad are made to the Turkish consulate in the foreigner's country (6735 Art. 7).

How many years is the initial work permit issued for?

Maximum one year, not exceeding the employment/service contract duration. Maximum two years on the first extension, and maximum three years on subsequent extensions — all provided they are bound to the same employer (6735 Art. 10).

Does my permit continue if I change employers?

No. An application to work for a different employer is considered a new (initial) application, and the period starts again from a maximum of one year (6735 Art. 10/2).

Should I also get a residence permit when I have a work permit?

No. A valid work permit substitutes for a residence permit under Article 27 of Law No. 6458 (6735 Art. 12).

When can I apply for an indefinite work permit?

Foreigners with a long-term residence permit or at least eight years of legal work permit can apply; meeting the conditions does not guarantee receiving the permit on its own (6735 Art. 10/3).

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Related guides:

• Foreigners Law Guide (general framework)
• Residence Permit Guide (Types, Application, Extension)
• Deportation Appeal Guide

For work permit application, extension, indefinite/independent permit, Turquoise Card, and appealing rejection/cancellation decisions within the scope of foreigners law in Gaziantep, you can contact Av. M. Furkan Gür. +90 552 692 90 90.