KL Legal Consultancy Logo

Fixed-Term Work Permit in Turkey

Frequently Asked Questions About Temporary Work Permit in Turkey

  1. What is a temporary work permit in Turkey and what rights does it provide?
  2. Who can apply for a temporary work permit in Turkey?
  3. What documents are required for a temporary work permit application in Turkey?
  4. How does the temporary work permit application process work in Turkey and how long does it take?
  5. For how many years is a temporary work permit initially granted in Turkey?
  6. How is a temporary work permit extended in Turkey, and what is the application process?
  7. What can be done if a temporary work permit application is rejected in Turkey?
  8. If a work permit is canceled in Turkey, can a new application be made?
  9. Which sectors allow foreigners to work in Turkey?
  10. What are the legal responsibilities of employers in temporary work permit applications in Turkey?
  11. Can employers with Social Security Institution (SGK) debts apply for a work permit in Turkey?
  12. Is family reunification possible with a temporary work permit in Turkey?
  13. Can holders of temporary work permits in Turkey also obtain a residence permit?
  14. What happens if a temporary work permit application in Turkey is made with incomplete or incorrect documents?
  15. Is lawyer support mandatory in temporary work permit applications in İzmir and Karşıyaka?
  16. When and how is the work permit card delivered in Turkey?
  17. How can one be informed about legislative changes regarding temporary work permits in Turkey?
  18. Which documents must be resubmitted in a work permit extension application?
  19. What is the administrative objection period if a temporary work permit application is rejected in Turkey?

What is a Temporary Work Permit?

What is a temporary work permit and what rights does it grant to foreigners in Turkey?

A temporary work permit is an official type of work permit granted to foreign nationals who will work for a certain period under an employer in Turkey. It allows foreign workers to legally work in a specific workplace and position for a limited time. Usually, a temporary work permit is issued for one year on the first application and can be extended in subsequent years upon the request of the employer and the foreign worker. In economically active regions such as İzmir and Karşıyaka, professional applications supported by a Karşıyaka lawyer, residence permit lawyer in Karşıyaka, or İzmir lawyer ensure the legal employment of foreign workers in Turkey.

A temporary work permit enables foreigners to benefit from social security, work as insured employees, and enjoy all legal rights within the scope of the employment contract. It also provides a legal framework for employers regarding foreign employment and prevents potential administrative fines.

Under which laws and regulations is the temporary work permit regulated?

The temporary work permit is regulated under Law No. 6735 on International Labor Force, Law No. 4817 on Work Permits for Foreigners, and relevant regulations. These laws define in detail under what conditions foreigners can work in Turkey, the obligations of employers and foreign workers, and the application and evaluation process. Circulars and implementation principles issued by the Ministry of Labor and Social Security must also be considered in the application processes.

Changes in legislation directly affect application conditions and evaluation criteria. Working with a residence permit lawyer in İzmir or a Karşıyaka foreign nationals law attorney ensures that the application complies with current laws and is complete.

Who Can Apply for a Temporary Work Permit?

Who is eligible to apply for a temporary work permit and what conditions must be met?

The following persons and entities can apply for a temporary work permit:

  • Foreigners legally residing in Turkey,
  • Foreigners who sign an employment contract for a specific job position with an employer in Turkey,
  • Legal entities, companies, or individual employers operating in Turkey,
  • Foreigners to be employed in sectors where work permits are mandatory (e.g., tourism, services, health, industry, construction, agriculture, etc.).

The foreign applicant must legally reside in Turkey, have a valid residence permit, and have an official employment contract with the employer. Additionally, the employer must meet certain employment conditions and fulfill legal obligations without deficiency.

Applications made with the support of a Karşıyaka citizenship law attorney or citizenship application consultant ensure meticulous examination of the legal status of both the foreign worker and the employer.

Requirements for Temporary Work Permit Application

What conditions are required for a temporary work permit application?

The main conditions for a temporary work permit application are:

  • The foreigner must have a valid residence permit and passport,
  • There must be a written employment contract between the employer and the foreigner,
  • The employer must have no SGK premium debts and must have sufficient total number of employees,
  • The foreign worker to be employed in Turkey must present professional qualifications or educational documents,
  • The relevant position must comply with national employment policies and qualifications,
  • If necessary, additional professional licenses, certificates, or permit documents must be submitted,
  • The employer must electronically submit the work permit application to the Ministry,
  • The work permit fee and card fee must be paid.

Failure to fully meet these conditions may result in rejection of the application or a request for additional documents. Preparing the application with the help of an İzmir lawyer, residence permit lawyer in Karşıyaka, or Karşıyaka foreign nationals law attorney ensures a fast and smooth process.

Documents Required for Temporary Work Permit Application

Which documents are required for a temporary work permit application?

Documents that must be submitted by the employer and foreign worker for a temporary work permit application include:

  • The foreigner’s valid passport and residence permit card,
  • The signed employment contract between the employer and the foreigner,
  • The foreigner’s professional qualifications, diplomas, or certificates,
  • Biometric photographs,
  • Employer’s tax plate, trade registry newspaper, activity certificate, and signature circular,
  • Documents related to SGK premium payments,
  • Work permit application form (filled out via the Ministry’s system),
  • Receipts proving payment of fees and work permit card fee,
  • Employer’s personnel list (sometimes requested),
  • Additional documents related to the private sector or sectoral licenses if necessary.

The Ministry of Labor and Social Security may request additional documents depending on the nature of the application file. It is critical for the documents to be current and accurate to ensure a positive outcome. Documents must be meticulously prepared with the assistance of a Karşıyaka lawyer or citizenship application consultant.

How to Apply for a Temporary Work Permit?

Step by step, how is the temporary work permit application made?

The temporary work permit application process consists of the following steps:

  1. Preparation of the Employment Contract:
    An employment contract is prepared and signed between the foreign worker and the employer.
  2. Online Application:
    The employer starts the work permit application for the foreign worker by entering the e-Government portal or Ministry’s online system. All information and documents are uploaded to the system.
  3. Submission of Application Documents:
    Documents of the foreign worker and employer are completely added to the system. After completing the application, an application number is obtained.
  4. Evaluation of the Application:
    The Ministry reviews the application and may request additional documents or explanations if necessary.
  5. Payment of Fees and Card Fee:
    If the application is approved, the work permit fee and card fee are paid.
  6. Delivery of Work Permit Card:
    For approved applications, the work permit card is prepared and delivered to the applicant or employer.

At every stage of the application process, working together with a residence permit lawyer in İzmir or Karşıyaka foreign nationals law attorney prevents potential disruptions.

Evaluation and Conclusion of the Temporary Work Permit Application

How does the process proceed after submitting the temporary work permit application and when are results announced?

After the application is completed, the Ministry of Labor and Social Security examines the documents and information. Suitability is evaluated regarding the foreign worker’s qualifications and the employer’s legal obligations. If there is missing or suspicious information, additional documents are requested.

The evaluation period usually concludes within 30 days. In busy periods or in cases of additional document requests, this period may be extended. The result is notified through the e-Government system or by official letter to the employer and employee. If approved, the work permit card is prepared and delivered to the applicant.

In case of rejection, a reasoned refusal decision is provided, and the applicant gains the right to administrative objection or reapplication. With the help of a Karşıyaka citizenship law attorney or residence permit lawyer in Karşıyaka, negative decisions can be legally challenged.

Duration, Extension, and Cancellation of the Temporary Work Permit

For how long is the temporary work permit granted, how is it extended, and under which circumstances is it canceled?

The temporary work permit is generally granted for one year on the first application. If the foreigner continues to work at the same workplace and position, the permit duration may be extended; the first extension can be up to two years, and subsequent extensions up to three years.

Extension applications must be made before the existing permit expires through the e-Government system. Current documents must be uploaded to the system again, and fees paid.

The work permit is canceled in the following cases:

  • Termination or expiration of the employment contract,
  • The foreigner not working at the workplace covered by the work permit,
  • Application made with misleading or forged documents,
  • The emergence of a situation detrimental to public order or security.

In the event of cancellation, the foreigner’s legal right to work in Turkey ends. Working with an İzmir lawyer, Karşıyaka foreign nationals law attorney, or citizenship application consultant during extension and cancellation processes prevents loss of rights.

Common Problems and Solutions in Temporary Work Permit Applications

What are the most common problems encountered in temporary work permit applications and how are they solved?

The most common problems in temporary work permit applications include:

  • Submission of incomplete, incorrect, or outdated documents,
  • Employer’s failure to fulfill legal SGK obligations,
  • The foreigner lacking professional qualification documents or educational diplomas,
  • Applications made with misleading or false statements,
  • The work position not complying with national employment policies,
  • Extension application made after the deadline,
  • Requests for additional documents by the Ministry causing delays.

In such cases, the application file must be prepared completely with the support of a residence permit lawyer in Karşıyaka, İzmir lawyer, or Karşıyaka citizenship law attorney. All documents must be checked beforehand, and the employer must fulfill legal obligations before applying. In case of refusal or cancellation, administrative objection and reapplication processes are carried out quickly with expert support.

What are the advantages of working with KL Legal Consultancy in temporary work permit applications and why is lawyer support necessary?

KL Legal Consultancy offers professional support to its clients in İzmir and Karşıyaka through experienced Karşıyaka lawyers, residence permit lawyers in Karşıyaka, and citizenship application consultants in temporary work permit applications. Advantages of working with KL Legal Consultancy include:

  • Complete preparation of application documents in accordance with current legislation and practices,
  • Checking all legal obligations of both the employer and the foreign worker,
  • Managing online application and appointment processes under lawyer guidance,
  • Identifying and correcting deficiencies in documents beforehand,
  • Quick legal solutions and effective administrative objection in case of rejection, cancellation, or delays,
  • Informing clients about current law and practice changes throughout the process,
  • Confidentiality and client-focused approach at every stage of the application.

Applicants working with KL Legal Consultancy obtain and maintain their legal right to work in Turkey safely without suffering any loss of rights or administrative problems.