Frequently Asked Questions About Independent Work Permit in Turkey

What is an independent work permit in Turkey and who is it granted to?
What are the requirements to obtain an independent work permit in Turkey?
How is the independent work permit application made in Turkey?
What documents are required for the independent work permit application in Turkey?
How long is the independent work permit valid in Turkey?
How is the independent work permit extended in Turkey?
What should be done if the independent work permit application is rejected in Turkey?
How is registration to the social security system done with the independent work permit in Turkey?
Can a company be established with an independent work permit in Turkey?
What are the advantages of having an independent work permit in Turkey?
What are the necessary documents for the independent work permit in Turkey?
Can a foreigner who does not meet the conditions apply for an independent work permit in Turkey?
What does an independent work permit mean in Turkey and how is it acquired?
How is the independent work permit application form filled out in Turkey?
How are tax liabilities regulated with the independent work permit in Turkey?
Is it difficult to obtain an independent work permit in Turkey?
How long does the independent work permit application process take in Turkey?
What is the relationship between the independent work permit and residence permit in Turkey?
Can a foreigner with an independent work permit work permanently in Turkey?
How does KL Legal Consultancy support independent work permit applications in Turkey?

What is an Independent Work Permit in Turkey?

What does an independent work permit mean in Turkey and for which foreigners is it valid?

Foreigners wishing to legally work by establishing their own business or practicing a freelance profession without being attached to an employer in Turkey are required to obtain an “independent work permit.” The independent work permit is defined under Law No. 6735 on International Labor and is a special type of permit granted to foreigners who wish to conduct professional activities in Turkey. This permit is the answer to the questions what is an independent work permit and what does an independent work permit mean.

Foreigners who want to work independently in Turkey must possess not only technical knowledge but also legal compliance. In other words, this permit is not only a tool to conduct a commercial activity; it also provides a legal status. Therefore, the question to whom is an independent work permit granted gains importance. Generally, highly qualified workforce, persons with expertise, or entrepreneurs with a certain capital are considered within this scope.

The independent work permit application process is complex and multi-stepped, and different criteria are considered for each applicant. Foreigners wishing to obtain this permit in Turkey must have complete information on independent work permit conditions and required documents for independent work permit before applying.

However, there is a critical point here: foreigners attempting to carry out this process on their own may face serious risks. If the necessary documents for the independent work permit are submitted incomplete or incorrectly, the application may be rejected, which can cause long-term consequences. Therefore, obtaining professional support is of great importance.

Getting assistance from experts in this field such as an Izmir work permit lawyer or a Turkey immigration law lawyer ensures that the application is carried out in the most correct manner. KL Legal Consultancy professionally manages all steps of the independent work permit application process, providing its clients with a secure legal ground.

Requirements for Independent Work Permit in Turkey

What legal conditions are required to obtain an independent work permit in Turkey?

The independent work permit is a special permit type that allows foreigners who wish to carry out income-generating activities on their own behalf in Turkey to work legally. However, certain criteria must be met to obtain this permit. For foreigners seeking an independent work permit in Turkey, the process is not limited to filling out the application form; personal qualifications, field of activity, and the contribution they will make to Turkey are evaluated in detail.

Independent work permit conditions fundamentally include the foreigner’s education level, professional experience, the nature of the activities planned to be carried out in Turkey, and the contribution of these activities to the national economy. Additionally, being able to be included in the social security system, having financial adequacy, and the complete preparation of the application file are other important conditions.

Particularly, the applicant’s being a professional with qualifications needed in Turkey related to their field of activity provides a great advantage. Highly qualified persons to work in areas such as science, technology, health, information technology, and arts are prioritized in the evaluation process.

Another important question for those wishing to obtain this permit in Turkey is to whom is an independent work permit granted. Generally, foreigners who can prove their professional competence, have completed their education, and possess a business plan with individual entrepreneurial characteristics are suitable candidates for this permit. However, each application is evaluated individually, and there is no unconditional acceptance.

One of the most important points to remember is that determining whether these conditions are met requires technical and legal analysis. If the necessary documents for the independent work permit are submitted incorrectly or incompletely, the process may result negatively. Therefore, it is vital to receive support from professionals such as an Izmir work permit lawyer or a Turkey immigration law lawyer.

At KL Legal Consultancy, we provide our clients who wish to obtain an independent work permit with complete consultancy both in preliminary evaluation and in the preparation of the application file. Thus, applicants can reach their goals without losing time or taking risks in the process.

Independent Work Permit Application Process in Turkey

How is the independent work permit application made in Turkey?

The independent work permit application in Turkey is of vital importance for foreigners to legally carry out their individual professional activities. However, this process is not merely about submitting documents; it involves a multi-stage legal and administrative process that must be conducted meticulously.

The independent work permit application is made via the online e-Permit system of the Ministry of Labor and Social Security. However, the application procedure can significantly vary depending on the legal status, residence type, and activity plan of the applicant in Turkey. Therefore, each application should be evaluated individually.

The main steps of the process include preparation of the independent work permit application form and supporting documents, uploading them to the system, and submitting physical documents if necessary. Incomplete or incorrectly prepared documents may cause the application to be rejected or the process to be significantly delayed. This shows that the answer to the question how to obtain an independent work permit is not merely collecting documents.

Additionally, during the application, many criteria such as the nature of the activities the foreigner will conduct in Turkey, the economic or technological contribution of these activities to the country, and compatibility with the social security system are evaluated together. Due to this multidimensional structure, it is extremely important that the application is prepared and managed professionally.

At this point, getting support from experts such as a Turkey immigration law lawyer or an Izmir work permit lawyer ensures that the application process proceeds quickly and with success focus. KL Legal Consultancy provides comprehensive legal consultancy at every stage of the application for clients wishing to obtain an independent work permit.

Required Documents for Independent Work Permit in Turkey

What documents should be prepared for the independent work permit application?

One of the most important steps for a foreigner applying for an independent work permit in Turkey is to prepare the application file with complete and correct documents. Although the necessary documents for the independent work permit list is generally outlined, the content and nature of the documents may vary depending on the applicant’s field of activity, professional background, and planned business model in Turkey.

Generally, necessary documents for independent work permit include a valid passport, biometric photo, activity plan, documents proving financial adequacy, professional qualification or diploma, official records related to the field of activity in Turkey, and documents showing social security status. However, these documents are only the beginning. The Ministry may request additional documents or corrections during the evaluation of the application file.

Also, the independent work permit application form to be attached to the application must correctly reflect the applicant’s identity, contact information, subject of work, and purpose of the activity in Turkey. This document is arranged in an official format and must be prepared in a way that leaves no room for systemic errors.

A critical mistake made by many applicants at this point is to act based on general document lists downloaded from the internet. However, each application is handled individually, and there is no fixed document list. The smallest document deficiency or form error during the independent work permit application can lead to delays lasting months or even rejection decisions.

Therefore, preparing the application with professional support is critical for the success of the process. Expert lawyers such as an Izmir work permit lawyer or a Karşıyaka immigration law lawyer ensure that your application file is prepared completely and in accordance with the legislation, making your application process smooth.

At KL Legal Consultancy, we guarantee the legal accuracy of all documents and carry out the independent work permit application process of our clients flawlessly. This professional support is vital for all foreigners who want to proceed safely without taking risks.

Evaluation Criteria for Independent Work Permit Application in Turkey

What criteria are taken as basis in the evaluation of independent work permit in Turkey?

The independent work permit is a special type of work permit arranged for foreigners who will carry out individual professional activities without being attached to an employer in Turkey. However, obtaining this permit involves a serious evaluation process beyond a standard application procedure. At this point, the answer to the question to whom is an independent work permit granted is directly related to the contribution the applicant can provide to Turkey.

The evaluation process is conducted by the General Directorate of International Labor and involves examining many criteria together. The education status of the foreigner, professional experience, the content of the planned activity in Turkey, and the potential contribution of this activity to the national economy, technological development, or employment are decisive factors in the acceptance of the application.

Moreover, the applicant’s field of activity is also important. Applicants planning to work in sectors requiring high expertise such as science, engineering, software, health, architecture are prioritized. For a foreigner who wants to engage in such activities, the success of the application depends on the detailed documentation and justification of these qualifications in the application file.

In the evaluation phase, the independent work permit application form and activity plan play a major role. These documents must clearly demonstrate the scope, goals, and legal compliance of the work the foreigner plans to carry out in Turkey. Even the smallest mistake at this stage may lead to the rejection of the application.

Independent work permit conditions rely not only on the applicant’s qualifications but also on the completeness of the information and documents submitted. Therefore, it is necessary not only to collect documents but also to prepare the application file strategically. Unfortunately, many applications result negatively due to insufficient content in the files.

KL Legal Consultancy intervenes at this critical stage of the application by performing special analysis for each client, restructuring the application file from start to finish, and ensuring that all information and documents submitted to the administration are prepared effectively and correctly. Applicants who proceed with the support of an Izmir work permit lawyer or a Turkey immigration law lawyer minimize the margin of error in the process.

Duration and Extension Procedures of Independent Work Permit in Turkey

How long is the independent work permit valid in Turkey and how is it extended?

The independent work permit granted in Turkey is not an indefinite right; it is a permit issued under certain conditions and for a limited period. Therefore, the question how long is the independent work permit valid is of great importance for foreigners considering applying.

The independent work permit granted to first-time applicants is generally arranged to be valid for a maximum of 1 year. At the end of this period, if the foreigner continues their activity in Turkey and still meets the legal conditions, the permit duration can be extended. Extension requests must be made at the earliest 60 days and at the latest 1 day before the permit expiration date. Late applications lead to automatic termination of the permit and require reapplication.

The independent work permit extension application requires as much care and strategy as the first application. Because the Ministry carefully examines the activities carried out by the foreigner in Turkey, the level of contribution, and continuity in the documents. Continuity and stability, which can be counted among the independent work permit conditions, are among the most critical elements.

For each extension application, the necessary documents for the independent work permit must be prepared and submitted again. The smallest inconsistency or deficiency in these documents may cause the rejection of the application. This means the person’s legal status is at risk.

Many foreigners mistakenly believe that the process will automatically continue after the first application but overlook the technical and legal requirements at the extension stage. Especially due to the updated rules of the independent work permit application system, different documents or criteria may arise every year.

During this process, getting support from experts such as a Karşıyaka immigration law lawyer or a Turkey work permit lawyer eliminates time loss and rejection risk. KL Legal Consultancy provides comprehensive and continuous consultancy service to its clients not only for the first application but also including extension procedures throughout the entire work permit process.

Common Problems and Reasons for Rejection Regarding Independent Work Permit in Turkey

Why are independent work permit applications rejected and how can one appeal?

The main reasons behind the high rate of rejection of independent work permit applications in Turkey stem from the complexity of the application process and individual errors. There are many details that must be paid attention to when making an independent work permit application; neglecting them leads to negative results.

The most common reasons for rejection are submitting incomplete or incorrect documents. Even small mistakes in the activity plan, financial adequacy documents, or professional qualification certificates, which are among the necessary documents for the independent work permit, can lead to rejection. Additionally, insufficient content in the application file or failure to concretely demonstrate the contribution to Turkey are frequent problems.

Another important reason affecting the rejection of applications is the applicant’s legal status in Turkey. For example, applications made with an expired residence permit are automatically considered invalid by the system. Such technical mistakes require restarting the process from scratch and cause time loss.

The answer to the question how to obtain an independent work permit becomes clear at this point: the application is possible not only by submitting documents but by turning these documents into a strategic and convincing file. Independent work permit conditions require not only legal compliance but also convincing the evaluation board.

Many foreigners are unaware of their right to appeal a rejection or do not know how to exercise this right. However, administrative appeal methods and litigation processes must be professionally conducted within certain time limits. Therefore, in case of rejection, contacting a Turkey immigration law lawyer or an Izmir work permit lawyer without delay is of vital importance.

KL Legal Consultancy provides comprehensive support not only in preparing applications but also in restructuring rejected applications and managing appeal processes. Thus, it becomes possible to prevent loss of rights and restart the process on a legal basis.

Can foreigners with an independent work permit be included in the social security system in Turkey?

Foreigners holding an independent work permit in Turkey not only obtain the right to conduct professional activities but also fall under the obligation to be included in the social security system. This is important both for fulfilling legal obligations and protecting long-term rights.

Participation in the social security system is both mandatory and confers rights for independently working foreigners. Especially benefiting from health services, acquiring retirement rights, and protection in cases of occupational accidents or illnesses are among the main advantages provided by this system. However, to benefit from all these rights, social security registration must be properly structured during the independent work permit application process.

Unfortunately, many foreigners neglect the importance of this issue and ignore social security obligations among the independent work permit conditions. This situation may cause legal and economic problems in the future. For example, unregistered work or deficiencies in premium payments may lead to cancellation of the independent worker’s work permit as well as fines.

Furthermore, foreigners coming from countries with social security agreements with Turkey have different situations. Some of these persons may continue to be affiliated with their insurance system in their own country, while others are required to register again in Turkey. This complex structure is technically at a level that cannot be managed without professional assessment.

Among the necessary documents for the independent work permit are also documents related to social security registration and payment schedules. Submitting these documents completely and accurately is critical for the positive progress of the application process.

At this point, working with professionals such as an Izmir work permit lawyer or a Karşıyaka immigration law lawyer is necessary to ensure both the smooth progress of the permit process and the safeguarding of the foreigner’s social rights. KL Legal Consultancy ensures that foreigners with an independent work permit correctly manage their social security rights and prevent risks they may face in the future.

Company Establishment and Taxation with Independent Work Permit in Turkey

How to establish a company and regulate tax liabilities with an independent work permit in Turkey?

It is legally possible for a foreigner holding an independent work permit to establish a company and start commercial activity in Turkey. However, it should be remembered that this process entails a serious obligation, which is not limited to company establishment but also requires integration into a comprehensive tax and audit system.

The business plan submitted during the independent work permit application usually covers company establishment or freelance professional activity. Therefore, if the permit is approved, the foreigner’s tax liability officially begins. Registering with the tax office in Turkey, keeping books suitable for the type of activity, and submitting declarations are mandatory in this context. However, this process can become quite complicated for applicants, especially due to foreign language and legislative barriers.

The answer to the question what does an independent work permit mean expands here. This permit not only grants the right to work but also creates a legal status where commercial responsibilities are undertaken. A foreigner who does not fulfill tax obligations or keep accounting records in accordance with the legislation may be subject to tax penalties as well as permit cancellations.

Moreover, technical details such as determining the activity area, identifying activity codes, and appropriateness of the workplace address used during company establishment must be evaluated by experts. In this context, the structure of the company and the realism of the planned activities are also among the independent work permit conditions.

In the taxation stage that comes with the company establishment process, different tax types such as VAT, income tax, and provisional tax may apply. Especially for foreigners, tax exemptions or double taxation avoidance agreements may be overlooked without professional consultancy.

Therefore, working together with an Izmir work permit lawyer or a Turkey immigration law lawyer ensures not only legal but also financial obligations are managed correctly. KL Legal Consultancy provides complete consultancy to foreign clients who want to establish a company with an independent work permit, both in company formation and all tax processes.

Strategic Recommendations for Foreigners Who Want to Obtain an Independent Work Permit in Turkey

What should foreigners pay attention to when wanting to obtain an independent work permit in Turkey?

Obtaining an independent work permit in Turkey is not only gaining a legal right; it is also the first step in building a long-term professional future. However, since this process contains many unknowns, complex procedures, and evaluation criteria for foreigners, it is very important to consider some strategic recommendations for a successful application.

First, the question what is an independent work permit must be answered correctly. This type of permit grants the right to work on one’s own behalf and account; it also entails social security, tax liability, and commercial responsibility. Therefore, before applying, the person must clearly determine in which sector and what type of activity they will carry out in Turkey.

Second, it should not be forgotten that the application file is not only about collecting documents. The independent work permit application process requires that the activity plan is presented convincingly, the economic contribution potential is justified, and it is supported by documents. At this stage, it is vital that the application file is structured legally and strategically.

Third, even a small mistake at every stage of the process may cause serious consequences. For example, a technical mistake made on the independent work permit application form may cause the system to invalidate the application. Also, if there is any deficiency among the necessary documents for the independent work permit, the file will not be processed.

Furthermore, the necessary documents for the independent work permit may vary depending on the applicant’s special circumstances. Therefore, instead of relying on internet sources or platforms sharing general lists, an expert evaluation should be made for each application.

Finally, successfully completing this process without professional support is quite difficult. Working with experts such as an Izmir work permit lawyer, a Karşıyaka immigration law lawyer, or a Turkey work permit lawyer not only speeds up the process but also minimizes legal risks.

KL Legal Consultancy provides comprehensive consultancy services to foreign clients who want to obtain an independent work permit, not only throughout the application process but also in preliminary evaluation, strategic guidance, document preparation, and follow-up procedures. Our aim is to ensure you proceed with professional assurance at every stage of the application process.

The Importance of Legal Support in the Independent Work Permit Process in Turkey

Why is professional legal consultancy necessary in the independent work permit process?

The biggest challenge faced by foreigners wishing to obtain an independent work permit in Turkey is that the process involves not only technical but also strategic and legal dimensions. Each application is examined with personalized evaluation criteria, leaving no room for error. At this point, obtaining professional support is not just a preference but practically a necessity.

Work permit processes, especially for high-risk categories such as independent work permit applications, include many stages such as the complete preparation of documents, proper presentation of the activity plan, and correct structuring of social security and tax obligations. A small document mistake or systemic negligence may result in rejection of the entire process.

Experts such as an Izmir work permit lawyer or a Karşıyaka immigration law lawyer foresee all legal risks that applicants may encounter in advance and manage the process proactively. With legal support, documents are prepared in accordance with the legislation, the activity plan is presented strategically, and the applicant’s legal status in Turkey is secured.

Moreover, many issues such as objections to rejection decisions, tracking of timed applications, extension procedures, and monitoring of social security obligations may be carried out incompletely or incorrectly without professional consultancy. This causes loss of time and legal rights.

KL Legal Consultancy stands by its clients from the beginning to the end of the application process by providing special legal solutions for foreigners wishing to obtain an independent work permit in Turkey. Our expert lawyers analyze each application uniquely, audit all required documents legally, and aim for the success of the application.

You can receive professional consultancy from KL Legal Consultancy to ensure your independent work permit process is carried out completely and correctly. You can contact our expert lawyers to protect your legal rights in the best way.

Independent Work Permit in Turkey