Frequently Asked Questions About the Initial Application for a Work Permit in Turkey

How is the initial application for a work permit made in Turkey?
What documents are required for the initial application for a work permit in Turkey?
When is the work permit application made in Turkey?
What are the requirements for applying for a work permit in Turkey?
How is the initial application for a work permit made from abroad in Turkey?
What are the steps for applying for a work permit in Turkey?
How is the work permit application petition written in Turkey?
Where can a sample work permit application form be obtained in Turkey?
How is the work permit application screen used in Turkey?
How are e-signature procedures carried out for the work permit application in Turkey?
What is the evaluation period for a work permit application in Turkey?
How can the status of a work permit application be queried in Turkey?
What happens if the initial work permit application is approved in Turkey?
What are the employer's obligations in the work permit application in Turkey?
Why is the initial work permit application rejected in Turkey?
If there is a missing work permit application document in Turkey, will the application be valid?
What are the most common mistakes in the documents for work permit applications in Turkey?
Is it mandatory to receive professional consultancy for work permit applications in Turkey?
Can a rejected work permit application be reapplied for in Turkey?
How does KL Legal Consultancy provide support in work permit applications in Turkey?

The Initial Work Permit Application Process in Turkey

How is the initial application for a work permit made in Turkey?

For foreign nationals to work legally in Turkey, it is mandatory to complete the initial work permit application process before starting employment. This process is a multi-stage procedure that must be managed carefully, involving certain procedures, official documents, and digital platforms. Although thousands of people apply for this process every year, many applications are rejected due to missing documents, incorrect procedures, or timing errors.

The question When is the work permit application made? is the fundamental step of the process. If the foreigner has a valid residence permit in Turkey, the application can be made directly from Turkey; for those who have not yet come to Turkey, the initial work permit application from abroad process is carried out through consulates. In both cases, the application must be completed digitally via the Ministry of Labour and Social Security's work permit application screen.

One of the most confusing issues during the application process is which documents are required for the application. Documents required for a work permit application and the work permit application form may vary depending on the applicant's status, the sector in which they will work, and the employer's situation. However, a fully completed work permit application petition, an e-signed application form, and supporting documents must be submitted together.

Steps for a work permit application include entering the application into the system, uploading the documents digitally, approving them with an e-signature, and then submitting them for ministry evaluation. Any minor error during these procedures may result in the cancellation or prolongation of the application. The work permit application status inquiry can be followed through the system to learn the current stage of the application.

Many people ask, "Will the initial work permit application be granted?" or "What happens if the initial work permit application is approved?" The answers to these questions depend on how the application is prepared. Applications that are prepared completely and professionally are finalized more quickly; in the case of a positive response, the foreign national can legally start working in Turkey.

Receiving consultancy support during this process ensures that the application proceeds without errors. As KL Legal Consultancy, with our work permit application consultancy service, we check all our clients' documents, structure the application forms legally, and manage the process professionally from start to finish. In this way, applicants can obtain their work permits without taking any risks.

Conditions Required for the Initial Work Permit Application in Turkey

What conditions are required for the initial work permit application in Turkey?

In Turkey, in order for foreigners to be legally employed, it is not enough just to submit documents; certain legal and administrative criteria must also be met. Therefore, in the initial work permit application process, not only the documents but also the status of the applicant and the employer are evaluated in detail. The success of the application depends on the complete fulfillment of these conditions.

First, the foreigner applying must have a valid residence permit. For applications made from within Turkey, the foreigner must have a short-term residence permit valid for at least six months. If the foreigner is not in Turkey, the initial work permit application from abroad process is carried out through consulates, and in this case, the residence requirement does not apply.

The second important condition is that the workplace or employer where employment will be provided must be a legal entity established in accordance with the regulations and actively operating. In many sectors, it is mandatory for the employer to employ at least five Turkish citizens. This number may vary in exceptional cases, but it is one of the most common work permit application conditions.

Additionally, the applicant must possess documents proving their professional competence. Diplomas, professional certificates, and reference letters play a significant role in the positive evaluation of the application. These documents are expected to be included in full among the work permit application documents.

There are also additional requirements for certain sectors. For example, foreigners wishing to work in fields such as health and education, which are important for public order, must submit additional permits or equivalency documents. Furthermore, the employer may be required to justify why the position to be filled cannot be filled by the local workforce in Turkey.

Due to these technical requirements, it is not enough to just look at the list when preparing the required documents for the work permit application; the legal compliance and strategic significance of each document should also be analyzed. Even a minor deficiency at this point can lead to the rejection of the application.

As KL Legal Consultancy, we provide comprehensive consultancy on the analysis of requirements, which is the most critical stage in the work permit application steps. By thoroughly examining the current situation of both the foreign employee and the employer, we maximize the chances of a successful application.

Required Documents for the Initial Work Permit Application in Turkey

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

The documents that need to be prepared during the initial work permit application process for a foreign national to work legally in Turkey constitute the most critical stage of the application. The success of the process depends not only on collecting the documents completely but also on preparing them in the correct format and in accordance with the legislation.

Although the requirements vary depending on the type of application, the most basic documents required for a work permit application are as follows:

Copy of the foreign national’s valid passport
Biometric photograph
Diploma or professional competence certificates
Residence permit document (for applications made from within Turkey)
Work permit application petition to be prepared by the employer
Work permit application form and sample work permit application form
Digitally signed application documents (via the e-permit system)
The employer’s trade registry gazette, tax plate, and certificate of activity
Social Security Institution (SGK) documents and documents showing the number of Turkish employees

Work permit application documents are uploaded digitally through the system, and it is extremely important to create a complete and consistent application file. Date discrepancies in the documents, missing information, or incorrect uploads may lead to rejection of the application. Even a minor error on the work permit application document may cause the system to automatically return the application.

There may be some differences in document preparation depending on the type of application. For example, foreigners applying for the initial work permit from abroad are required to submit consulate-approved documents, whereas, for applications made from within Turkey, documents based on a residence permit come to the forefront. Additionally, some sectors may require special certificates or ministry approvals.

To correctly manage all this complexity, knowing only the list of documents is not enough. Documents must be prepared legally, supported by appropriate petitions, and entered into the ministry’s system completely. At this point, getting support from specialists such as a Turkey work permit lawyer or an Izmir work permit lawyer directly affects the success of the application.

As KL Legal Consultancy, we prepare a special list of documents for each applicant, prepare all documents in accordance with the legislation, and provide legal consultancy at every stage of the process. Thus, we minimize risks regarding required documents for work permit applications and ensure a smooth application process.

The Role and Obligations of the Employer in the Initial Work Permit Application in Turkey

What are the employer’s responsibilities in the initial work permit application?

Employers who wish to employ a foreign national in Turkey are direct parties to the initial work permit application process. This application is a two-sided process that must be carried out not only by the foreigner but also by the employer. Therefore, for the application to proceed smoothly and conclude successfully, the employer must fully know and fulfill their responsibilities.

First, the employer must log into the e-permit system via the work permit application screen on behalf of the foreign employee and initiate the digital application. The application can only be made by the employer’s representative who has an e-signature. At this stage, the employer must upload the work permit application petition, work permit application form, and other company documents to the system without any errors.

The employer’s obligations are not limited to the application itself. Among the work permit application conditions, the criterion for employing Turkish employees requires the employer to employ at least five Turkish citizens. In addition, the employer’s regular payment of social security premiums, the absence of tax debt, and the continuation of commercial activities also play a decisive role in the positive outcome of the application.

In particular, the accuracy in number and content of the documents that the employer must submit among the required documents for work permit applications directly affects the application process. Even the smallest mistake in these documents may render the entire application invalid. For example, if the certificate of activity is not up to date, if the company address information does not match the information in the system, or if there is inconsistency between the sample work permit application form and the information entered into the system, the system may automatically reject the application.

One of the employer’s obligations begins after the application is approved. The social security registration of the permitted foreigner must be completed on time, payrolls must be prepared correctly, and the employment relationship must be maintained within the legal framework. If these obligations are not fulfilled, both the employer and the foreign employee may face administrative fines.

For all these reasons, it is very risky for employers to try to manage the application process alone. Working with an Izmir work permit lawyer or a Turkey work permit lawyer for the professional planning and execution of the process is the best approach. KL Legal Consultancy analyzes all legal and technical responsibilities that may arise on the employer's side and ensures that the process proceeds completely and in accordance with the legislation.

The Importance of the Foreigner’s Status in the Initial Work Permit Application in Turkey

Why is the foreigner’s legal status in Turkey important in the initial application?

One of the most decisive factors in the initial work permit application process in Turkey is the current legal status of the foreign national who will apply. Because the way the foreigner is legally present in Turkey directly affects which application route will be used, which documents will be submitted, and where the application can be made.

If the foreigner has a legal residence permit in Turkey and this permit is valid for at least six months, the application can be made directly from within Turkey. In this case, the application is referred to as an "internal application." However, for those who are not in Turkey or do not have a residence permit, the initial work permit application from abroad process applies, and these applications are carried out through Turkish foreign missions.

The legal status criterion, which is among the work permit application conditions, is of vital importance for preventing rejection of the application. For example, the application of a foreigner who is in Turkey due to a visa violation will be directly rejected. Similarly, those under temporary protection, international protection applicants, or those with a student residence permit can be granted a work permit only under special conditions.

The foreigner’s legal status not only affects the feasibility of the application but also the evaluation process. The ministry thoroughly examines the applicant’s history in Turkey, previous permit statuses, and current status. In particular, different documents must be added according to this status when preparing the work permit application documents.

Many applications are automatically rejected by the system simply because this status difference is not observed. For example, if a foreigner who should apply from abroad tries to make an internal application via the e-permit system, the system will not allow document uploads and the process cannot be started.

For this reason, work permit application steps should begin with an accurate legal analysis. The type of application, the route to be used, and the nature of the documents should be shaped according to the foreigner's current situation. It has been observed that individuals who try to manage this process individually often experience loss of time and rights due to misinterpretation of the legislation.

As KL Legal Consultancy, we conduct a detailed status analysis before each application, determine whether the application will be internal or external, and create a list of documents and procedures specific to the application. With our team of expert Turkey work permit lawyers and Karşıyaka immigration law lawyers, we initiate the application process with the most accurate strategy.

The Evaluation Process for the Initial Work Permit Application in Turkey

According to which criteria is the initial work permit application evaluated?

The initial work permit application process is not completed just by uploading the documents to the system; in essence, the process is shaped by the evaluation of the application by the Ministry of Labour and Social Security. This evaluation stage plays a decisive role in whether the application is approved or rejected.

Although the work permit application evaluation period is generally envisaged as 30 days from the date of application, it may be extended depending on the complexity of the application file, completeness of the documents, and the intensity of applications at the time. During this period, the application status can be followed through the system via the work permit application status inquiry.

The first criterion examined at the evaluation stage is whether the application has been made in accordance with the law and regulations. In particular, the work permit application conditions are meticulously examined at this stage. The status of the employer and the foreigner, the nature of the job, whether the position can be filled by the Turkish workforce, the activeness of the workplace, tax debt status, social security premium payments, and the number of Turkish employees are addressed in this context.

In addition, the completeness and correct presentation of documents in the system are among the factors affecting the evaluation. In cases of missing or incorrect document uploads, the system may return the application. For this reason, work permit application documents must be accurate, complete, and up to date.

The ministry also evaluates the work permit application petition submitted by the employer and the justification statements regarding the foreigner's position. The nature of the position, the foreigner’s suitability for the position, and the contribution they will make to the Turkish economy should be presented convincingly.

Filling in digital forms such as the work permit application document correctly during the application, approving them with an e-signature, and uploading documents to the system are also indispensable. All these procedures require not only technical but also legal knowledge and experience.

Any error during the evaluation process may lead to the rejection or prolongation of the application. Therefore, it is of great importance for applicants to receive professional support. KL Legal Consultancy analyzes each application file in advance according to the ministry’s evaluation criteria; thus, a strong file is prepared before the application is even made.

With our team of expert work permit application consultancy professionals, we monitor the entire evaluation process, intervene when necessary, and finalize our clients’ permits as quickly as possible.

The Most Common Mistakes in the Initial Work Permit Application in Turkey

What are the most common mistakes in the initial work permit application?

Since the initial work permit application process in Turkey consists of a detailed and multi-stage procedure, it is frequently observed that applicants and employers make various mistakes. These mistakes may result in the direct rejection of the application or prolongation of the evaluation period. It is of great importance to know and take precautions against these mistakes for the success of the process.

One of the most common mistakes is misunderstanding or incompleteness regarding the list of documents required for the work permit application. Since documents vary according to the type of application, relying on a fixed list can be misleading. This situation leads to incomplete submission of documents and automatic return of the application by the system.

Another common mistake is filling in documents such as the work permit application form or work permit application petition incompletely, incorrectly, or inconsistently. These documents are not mere formalities but critical content presenting the legal justification of the application. Inconsistent statements may undermine the applicant’s credibility and negatively affect the ministry’s evaluation.

Moreover, although the application is made via the e-permit system, failure to upload the work permit application document and its attachments to the system on time or failure to approve them with an e-signature results in the application being considered invalid. Even the smallest technical error on the application screen can require the entire process to be restarted from scratch.

Among the work permit application steps, incorrect timing is also one of the common mistakes. For example, the application must be made before the foreigner’s residence permit expires; if this period is exceeded, the application cannot be made. Again, some employers make applications without meeting the required number of Turkish employees, and the system directly rejects such applications.

Another common mistake is that the application file is not prepared convincingly enough. In particular, if reasons such as why the foreigner is needed for the job and why a Turkish citizen cannot be employed are not sufficiently justified, the application will not be accepted. At this point, the explanations that the employer must provide should be written strategically.

At the root of all these mistakes lies the insufficient understanding of the complexity of the process. Most applicants act on standard information found on the internet and prepare their applications without professional support. However, each application must be structured specifically for the applicant, documents should be checked meticulously, and the process should be conducted with legal consultancy.

As KL Legal Consultancy, we meticulously check all file contents, including work permit application documents, and ensure your application process is secured by preventing any of the common mistakes. We are at your side with our team of expert Izmir work permit lawyers for your applications to be concluded smoothly and quickly.

Reasons for Rejection and Solutions in the Initial Work Permit Application in Turkey

Why is the initial work permit application rejected and what should be done?

Every year, thousands of foreign nationals carry out the initial work permit application process in Turkey to be able to work, and a significant portion face rejection of their application. Preparing the application file meticulously is the most effective way to prevent rejection decisions. However, the vast majority of rejected applications show that certain reasons are repeated.

The most common reason for rejection of a work permit application is deficiency or incompatibility in the documents. In particular, when the required documents for the work permit application are missing or incorrectly uploaded to the system, the application is automatically excluded from evaluation. Similarly, inconsistency between the work permit application form and the information entered into the system also leads to the application being considered invalid.

The second common reason is the employer’s failure to meet the necessary conditions for the application. For example, if a sufficient number of Turkish citizens are not employed or if social security and tax obligations are not fulfilled, the ministry will evaluate the application negatively. In such cases, the application must be structured with a strong legal and financial background, not just by submitting documents.

Another important reason is the inappropriate legal status of the foreigner. Applications from persons who are present in Turkey illegally or who apply without a proper residence permit are directly rejected. This situation is frequently encountered, especially when the initial work permit application from abroad process is overlooked.

Another point to pay attention to in rejection decisions is how to interpret the justified rejection notifications. The ministry usually uses general statements; however, if these reasons are analyzed correctly, the right of objection can be used effectively during the response process to the initial work permit application.

The procedure to be followed against a rejection decision is usually carried out by reapplication or objection. However, the objection petition must be structured in accordance with the ministry’s criteria and based on a strong legal basis that addresses the deficiencies that caused the rejection. At this point, receiving professional support is very important.

As KL Legal Consultancy, we analyze rejected work permit applications, restructure all legal texts, including the sample work permit application petition, and, if necessary, build the process from scratch to prepare the strongest possible new application. With our team of expert work permit application consultancy professionals, we provide safe and strategic solutions to our clients in the post-rejection process.

Management of the Process with Legal Support in the Initial Work Permit Application in Turkey

Why is legal support critical in the initial work permit application?

The initial work permit application process is a multi-stage and sensitive legal procedure that allows a foreign national to be legally employed in Turkey. This process involves not only preparing documents but also evaluating the status of the foreigner, analyzing the legal and financial status of the employer, and making a flawless application via the system. For these reasons, conducting the application process with professional work permit application consultancy is critical for the process to proceed smoothly and quickly.

Every document related to the application may have legal consequences. For example, an incomplete or incorrectly prepared work permit application petition may result in the rejection of the application. Likewise, the sample work permit application form, e-signed documents, and supporting documents must not only be correct but also consistent with each other. Ensuring this consistency is only possible under the supervision of an expert lawyer.

Legal support also ensures the strategic management of the application. Decisions such as which application method to choose (internal application or initial work permit application from abroad), application timing (when to apply for a work permit), which documents to add, and the content of justification statements directly affect the outcome of the process.

Furthermore, in case of uncertainties or system-related problems that may arise during the evaluation process, legal support allows the application to be quickly revised or, if necessary, restructured. Thus, there will be no unpleasant surprises at the stage of work permit application status inquiry.

In case of rejection of the application, it is very important that the objection process is carried out by an expert lawyer. Objections made without analyzing the reasons for rejection are generally unsuccessful. However, a Turkey work permit lawyer can effectively evaluate rejection decisions and prepare a new application or objection file that can lead the process to success.

As KL Legal Consultancy, we manage the entire process from the first step to the decision stage with our experienced team of Izmir work permit lawyers, meticulously handling everything from document preparation to system application. Our aim is to ensure that foreign employees obtain their work permits in Turkey in the shortest possible time, legally and safely.