What types of work permit exist for foreigners in Türkiye?
General information, not legal advice. For high-stakes decisions, confirm with the official institution in the next-step below, or consult a qualified Turkish lawyer.
Pending expert review. This fact is sourced but has not yet been reviewed by an independent legal expert. Treat as a starting point.
There are four main work permit types under Law 6735 (Uluslararası İşgücü Kanunu, Resmî Gazete 29800, 13 August 2016).
1. Süreli Çalışma İzni (time-limited). Tied to one specific employer at one specific workplace. Valid for the contract duration, up to 1 year on first application.
2. Süresiz Çalışma İzni (indefinite). For foreigners with long-term residence permits or at least 8 years of legal work-permit history. Not tied to a single employer.
3. Bağımsız Çalışma İzni (independent). For self-employment. Held by the foreigner, not by an employer.
4. Turkuaz Kart (Turquoise Card). For high-skilled foreigners, scored on education level, professional experience, contribution to science or technology, and economic impact.
Alongside these, çalışma izni muafiyeti (work permit exemption) exists under Law 6735 Article 13 for specific groups — seasonal agricultural workers under protection status, for example.
Watch-outs
- Time-limited permits are tied to one employer and one workplace. Changing employer means a new first application, not a transfer. The permit doesn't follow you.
- Holders of Geçici Koruma (Temporary Protection), Uluslararası Koruma Başvuru Sahibi, or Şartlı Mülteci status receive work permits that do not replace their residence status. The work permit is a layer on top, not a substitute.
- The Turquoise Card application is its own pathway with a separate point-scoring system — don't apply for it speculatively without checking eligibility first.
Next step
Confirm at the local Çalışma ve İş Kurumu İl Müdürlüğü which permit type matches your situation before starting the application. Applying for the wrong type wastes 30+ days and the application fee.
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