Frequently Asked Questions About Independent Work Permit

What is an independent work permit and who can apply?
What are the requirements for obtaining an independent work permit?
What documents should be prepared for the independent work permit application?
How to apply for an independent work permit?
How long does the independent work permit application process take?
What activities can I perform with an independent work permit?
How are professional qualifications and financial adequacy proven for an independent work permit?
Is it possible to reapply if the independent work permit application is rejected?
What are the social security (SGK) and tax obligations for holders of independent work permits?
What licenses are required for office or company establishment with an independent work permit?
What happens if the independent work permit application is submitted with incorrect or incomplete documents?
How to apply for an extension of an independent work permit?
Can I reapply if my independent work permit is canceled?
Does staying outside Turkey for a long time affect the independent work permit?
How can I stay informed about regulatory changes regarding independent work permits?
What procedures are followed if there are public safety concerns during the independent work permit application?
Can family members stay in Turkey with an independent work permit holder?
What are the fees for the independent work permit application and residence card?

What is an Independent Work Permit?

What is an independent work permit and what rights does it grant to foreigners in Turkey?

An independent work permit is a special type of work permit granted to foreign nationals who wish to establish their own business or work as self-employed in Turkey. This permit allows foreigners to operate commercial enterprises, companies, or freelance activities in their own name without being employed by another employer. The independent work permit supports entrepreneurial foreigners to actively contribute to the Turkish economy and create employment.

This permit grants the holder freedom to establish a business, social security rights, insurance, access to public services, and legal residence rights. Foreigners wishing to operate independently in Izmir and Karşıyaka can complete their application process safely and quickly with the assistance of a Karşıyaka lawyer, residence permit lawyer, or citizenship application consultant.

Legal Basis of Independent Work Permit

Which laws and regulations govern the independent work permit?

The independent work permit is based on the Law No. 6735 on International Labor Force, Law No. 4817 on Work Permits of Foreigners, and related regulations. Additionally, the Ministry of Labor and Social Security’s circulars and updated implementation principles form the legal framework for applications. These regulations detail the application conditions, rights and obligations, and evaluation processes of the independent work permit.

Updates in the legislation directly affect application requirements. Managing the process with a residence permit lawyer in Izmir or a Karşıyaka foreign law lawyer ensures the file is prepared in compliance with current regulations and the application is completed thoroughly.

Who Can Apply for an Independent Work Permit?

Who is eligible to apply for an independent work permit and what conditions must be met?

Foreigners who can apply for an independent work permit include:

Those holding a long-term, uninterrupted legal residence permit in Turkey,
Those with sufficient professional knowledge, experience, and educational qualifications,
Those aiming to invest in the Turkish economy and create employment,
Those intending to open a company, enterprise, or office in their own name,
Those with no public order, security, or health-related prohibitions.

Generally, the applicant must have legally resided in Turkey for at least five years and have the financial capacity to maintain an independent economic enterprise. Consulting with a Karşıyaka citizenship law attorney or citizenship application consultant for eligibility analysis increases the chances of success.

Requirements for Independent Work Permit Application

What are the conditions required for applying for an independent work permit?

The main conditions for applying are:

Having at least five years of uninterrupted residence permit in Turkey,
Possessing professional qualifications and educational certificates,
Having an appropriate business address for the activity,
Providing company registration documents, trade registry gazette, or chamber registration,
Having sufficient and stable income and financial resources,
No issues concerning public order, security, or health,
Valid passport or identification document,
Compliance with social security obligations.

The applicant may also be required to submit additional licenses or certificates depending on the type of business. Detailed verification of conditions is provided with the assistance of Karşıyaka lawyers or residence permit lawyers in Izmir.

Documents Required for Independent Work Permit Application

What documents are required for the independent work permit application?

The main documents typically required are:

Independent work permit application form (filled via Ministry system),
Valid passport and residence permit card,
Residence permits from the last five years,
Professional qualifications and diplomas,
Trade registry gazette, company establishment documents, or office lease contract,
Social security (SGK) registrations and premium payment documents,
Bank statements or income documents demonstrating financial capacity,
Biometric photo taken within the last six months,
Business address and other relevant licenses,
Receipt of fee and card payment,
Reference letters or supporting documents if available.

The Ministry may request additional documents depending on the applicant’s activity. Complete and up-to-date documents ensure a positive outcome. Document review and file preparation are accelerated with assistance from Karşıyaka foreign law attorneys.

How to Apply for an Independent Work Permit?

Step-by-step process for applying for an independent work permit

The application process includes the following steps:

Document Preparation:
All required documents are prepared completely.
Online Application:
Application is submitted and documents uploaded through the Ministry of Labor and Social Security’s online system.
Evaluation Process:
The Ministry evaluates the business plan, financial resources, and professional qualifications, and may request additional documents.
Fee Payment:
If accepted, the work permit fee and card fee are paid.
Approval and Card Delivery:
Once approved, the independent work permit card is issued and delivered to the applicant.

Working with a Karşıyaka lawyer or residence permit lawyer in Izmir helps ensure the process is completed accurately and swiftly.

Evaluation and Results of Independent Work Permit Application

What happens after applying for an independent work permit and when are results announced?

After application, the Ministry of Labor and Social Security reviews all documents and the applicant’s business plan in detail. Financial adequacy, professional experience, and contribution to the Turkish economy are considered. Additional information or documents may be requested.

The evaluation typically takes 30 to 60 days. Approved applications result in issuance and delivery of the independent work permit card. In case of rejection, a reasoned decision is provided and the applicant has the right to administrative appeal. Appeal processes are professionally handled with the help of Karşıyaka citizenship law attorneys or residence permit lawyers.

Rights, Renewal and Cancellation of Independent Work Permit

What are the rights of independent work permit holders, how to renew, and under which circumstances can it be cancelled?

Independent work permit holders can freely establish their own business, open companies, or operate offices in Turkey without being tied to an employer. They benefit from social security, legal tax obligations, banking, and public services.

The permit is usually issued for two years and can be renewed if the business continues. Renewal requires updated documents and proof that the business is active. Renewal applications must be made before the current permit expires.

The permit may be cancelled in cases such as:

Termination of business activity by the permit holder,
Submission of misleading or forged documents,
Failure to pay SGK premiums or fulfill tax obligations,
Public order or safety concerns.

Upon cancellation or termination, the holder may need to apply for a new residence or work permit. The process is legally managed with the support of Izmir lawyers or Karşıyaka foreign law attorneys.

Common Problems and Solutions in Independent Work Permit Applications

What are the most frequent problems faced in independent work permit applications and how to solve them?

Common problems include:

Insufficient demonstration of professional qualifications and financial resources,
Submission of incomplete or outdated documents,
Inadequate business plan,
Errors or omissions in address, tax or social security records,
Misleading or incorrect declarations,
Requests for additional documents and delays by the Ministry,
Business activities not actually started.

To prevent such issues, the file should be carefully prepared before application, all required documents meticulously submitted, and if necessary, the process managed with Karşıyaka lawyers or residence permit lawyers.

Importance of Legal and Consultancy Support with K&L Legal Consultancy in Independent Work Permit Applications in Karşıyaka and Izmir

What are the advantages of working with K&L Legal Consultancy in independent work permit applications and why is legal support necessary?

K&L Legal Consultancy provides professional support with expert Karşıyaka lawyers, residence permit lawyers, and citizenship application consultants in Izmir and Karşıyaka for independent work permit applications. Thus:

All application documents are prepared completely and updated,
Financial and professional qualifications are thoroughly analyzed,
Business plans and company establishment documents are correctly submitted,
Deficiencies and errors are detected and corrected in advance,
Administrative appeals are quickly and effectively conducted in case of rejection or delays,
Clients are kept informed about current regulations and developments throughout the process,
Confidentiality and client-centered approach are maintained at all times.

Those working with K&L Legal Consultancy gain the right to legally, safely, and freely establish businesses and work independently in Turkey.