Work Permit in Turkey: Complete Çalışma İzni Guide
How foreigners can get official employment permits in Turkey
Working legally in Turkey requires a Work Permit (Çalışma İzni) issued by the Ministry of Labor and Social Security (CSGB). Working on a tourist residency permit without a work permit is strictly illegal and leads to fines and deportation.
The application is primarily initiated by the Turkish employer on your behalf through the e-Permit system.
📋 Steps to Obtain a Work Permit
- 1
Secure a Job Offer
Sign a employment contract with a legally registered Turkish company.
- 2
Employer Submits Application
The employer applies online via the Ministry of Labor (e-İzin) portal.
- 3
Submit Domestic or Overseas App
If holding a 6-month İkamet, apply domestically; otherwise, apply via Turkish Embassy abroad.
- 4
Ministry Evaluation
The Ministry reviews company criteria (e.g., 5 Turkish employees per 1 foreigner).
- 5
Approval & Payment
Upon approval, the employer pays the work permit fee and card fee.
- 6
SGK Registration
The employer registers you with SGK social security within 30 days of start.
✅ Required Documents Checklist
- ▸Signed employment contract (İş Sözleşmesi)
- ▸Biometric photo of employee
- ▸Passport copy translated into Turkish
- ▸Diploma or graduation certificate translated and notarized
- ▸Valid İkamet card (for domestic applications)
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- ✕Working informally on a tourist İkamet
- ✕Employer failing to meet the ratio of 5 Turkish staff per foreign worker
- ✕Submitting unnotarized foreign diploma translations
- ✕Changing employers without transferring the work permit
💶 Fees and Processing Time
Work permit fee is approx. 3,000–5,000 TRY paid by the employer. Processing takes 30 to 45 days.
📖 Essential Work Vocabulary
- Çalışma İzni
- Work Permit
- İş Sözleşmesi
- Employment Contract
- İşveren
- Employer
- Çalışan / Personel
- Employee / Staff
- Maaş
- Salary
- Bakanlık (ÇSGB)
- Ministry of Labor
- SGK Girişi
- Social Security Registration
- Asgari Ücret
- Minimum Wage
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Does a work permit replace İkamet?+
Yes, a valid Çalışma İzni counts as a residence permit for its entire validity.
Can I apply for a work permit myself?+
No, work permit applications must be submitted by the hiring employer.
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