Frequently Asked Questions About Fixed-Term Work Permit

What is a fixed-term work permit and what rights does it provide?
Who can apply for a fixed-term work permit?
What documents are required for a fixed-term work permit application?
How does the fixed-term work permit application process work and how long does it take?
How many years is the fixed-term work permit granted for the first application?
How to apply for an extension of the fixed-term work permit?
What can be done if the fixed-term work permit application is rejected?
Can you reapply if the work permit is cancelled?
In which sectors is it possible to employ foreigners?
What are the legal obligations of the employer in the fixed-term work permit application?
Can an employer with Social Security premium debts obtain a work permit?
Is family reunification possible with a fixed-term work permit?
Can fixed-term work permit holders also obtain a residence permit?
What happens if a fixed-term work permit application is submitted with incorrect or incomplete documents?
Is a lawyer mandatory for fixed-term work permit applications in İzmir and Karşıyaka?
When and how is the work permit card delivered?
How can one stay informed about legal changes regarding fixed-term work permits?
Which documents should be submitted again for a work permit extension?
What is the administrative objection period after a work permit application rejection?

What is a Fixed-Term Work Permit?

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

A fixed-term work permit is an official authorization granted to foreign nationals who will work for a specific employer in Turkey for a limited period. It allows foreigners to work legally at a specific workplace and position for a limited time. Usually, the first permit is granted for one year and can be extended in subsequent years upon the request of the employer and the foreign employee. In economically active regions like İzmir and Karşıyaka, professional applications prepared with the support of specialized lawyers in foreigner law and residence permits ensure the legal employment of foreign workers.

The fixed-term work permit enables foreigners to benefit from social security, work as insured employees, and enjoy all legal rights under the employment contract. It also provides a legal basis for employers to hire foreigners and prevents possible administrative fines.

Legal Basis of Fixed-Term Work Permit

Under which laws and regulations is the fixed-term work permit regulated?

The fixed-term work permit is regulated under Law No. 6735 on International Workforce, Law No. 4817 on Work Permits for Foreigners, and related regulations. These laws detail the conditions under which foreigners can work in Turkey, the obligations of employers and foreign workers, and the application and evaluation process. Additionally, circulars and implementation guidelines published by the Ministry of Labor and Social Security are considered during the application process.

Legislative changes directly affect application conditions and evaluation criteria. Working with a residence permit lawyer or foreigner law attorney in İzmir or Karşıyaka ensures that the application is prepared accurately and in accordance with current laws.

Who Can Apply for a Fixed-Term Work Permit?

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

The following persons and entities can apply for a fixed-term work permit:

Foreigners legally residing in Turkey,
Foreigners who have signed an employment contract with an employer in Turkey,
Legal entities, companies, or individual employers operating in Turkey,
Foreigners to be employed in sectors requiring work permits (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. The employer must also fulfill certain employment conditions and legal obligations.

Applying with the assistance of a foreigner law attorney or citizenship application consultant in Karşıyaka ensures thorough legal review of both the foreign employee and the employer.

Requirements for Fixed-Term Work Permit Application

What are the main requirements for applying for a fixed-term work permit?

Key requirements include:

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 Social Security premium debt and sufficient total number of employees,
The foreigner must provide professional qualification or educational certificates,
The position must comply with national employment policies and qualifications,
If necessary, additional professional licenses, certificates, or permits must be submitted,
The employer must submit the work permit application electronically to the Ministry,
The work permit fee and card fee must be paid.

Failure to fully meet these requirements may lead to rejection or request for additional documents. Preparing the application with the help of a residence permit lawyer or foreigner law attorney in İzmir or Karşıyaka facilitates a smooth and quick process.

Required Documents for Fixed-Term Work Permit Application

What documents must be submitted by the employer and the foreign employee?

Required documents include:

Valid passport and residence permit card of the foreigner,
Signed employment contract between employer and foreigner,
Professional qualification, diploma, or certificate documents,
Biometric photograph,
Employer’s tax certificate, trade registry gazette, activity certificate, and signature circular,
Documents related to Social Security premium payments,
Work permit application form (filled via Ministry’s system),
Receipts for fees paid,
Employer’s personnel list (sometimes requested),
If necessary, additional documents related to the private sector or sector-specific licenses.

The Ministry of Labor and Social Security may request additional documents depending on the nature of the application. Accuracy and up-to-date documents are critical for successful approval.

How to Apply for a Fixed-Term Work Permit?

Step-by-step guide on how to apply for a fixed-term work permit

The application process consists of the following steps:

Preparation and signing of the employment contract between the foreign worker and employer.
Employer starts the application online via the e-Government portal or Ministry’s system and uploads all required documents.
Complete submission of documents and obtaining an application number.
Evaluation of the application by the Ministry; additional documents or explanations may be requested.
Payment of work permit and card fees upon acceptance.
Preparation and delivery of the work permit card to the applicant or employer.

Working together with a residence permit lawyer or foreigner law attorney in İzmir or Karşıyaka prevents possible setbacks during the process.

Evaluation and Result of the Fixed-Term Work Permit Application

What happens after the application is submitted and when are the results announced?

After completion, the Ministry of Labor and Social Security reviews the documents and information for suitability regarding the foreign worker’s qualifications and employer’s legal obligations. If there are missing or suspicious documents, additional information is requested.

The evaluation period usually takes up to 30 days but may extend during busy times or additional document requests. Results are announced via e-Government or official letter to the employer and employee. If approved, the work permit card is prepared and delivered.

In case of rejection, a justified refusal letter is provided, and the applicant has the right to administrative objection or re-application. Cooperation with a citizenship law attorney or residence permit lawyer in Karşıyaka helps legally resolve negative decisions.

Duration, Extension, and Cancellation of Fixed-Term Work Permit

How long is a fixed-term work permit valid, how is it extended, and under what conditions is it cancelled?

The fixed-term work permit is usually granted for one year on the first application. If the employee continues to work at the same workplace and position, the permit can be extended; the first extension is for two years, and subsequent extensions up to three years.

Extension applications must be made before the current permit expires via the e-Government system. Updated documents must be uploaded and fees paid.

The work permit is cancelled in the following cases:

Termination or expiration of the employment contract,
The foreigner not working at the workplace covered by the permit,
Application with misleading or fake documents,
Situations concerning public order or security risks.

Upon cancellation, the foreigner loses the legal right to work in Turkey. Working with İzmir or Karşıyaka lawyers prevents rights losses during extension and cancellation processes.

Common Problems and Solutions in Fixed-Term Work Permit Applications

What are common problems faced during applications and how can they be resolved?

Common problems include:

Submission of incomplete, incorrect, or outdated documents,
Employer’s failure to fulfill Social Security obligations,
Foreigner lacking professional qualification or educational diplomas,
Application with misleading or false statements,
Employment position not matching national employment policies,
Late submission of extension applications,
Ministry requesting additional documents causing delays.

In such cases, the application file must be carefully prepared with support from a residence permit lawyer in Karşıyaka, İzmir lawyer, or citizenship law attorney. In case of refusal or cancellation, expert support facilitates administrative objections and rapid reapplication.

Importance of Legal and Attorney Support from K&L Legal Consultancy in İzmir and Karşıyaka for Fixed-Term Work Permit Applications

What are the advantages of working with K&L Legal Consultancy and why is lawyer support necessary?

K&L Legal Consultancy provides professional support to clients in İzmir and Karşıyaka with experienced foreigner law attorneys, residence permit lawyers, and citizenship application consultants in fixed-term work permit applications. Advantages include:

Preparation of application documents completely and in accordance with current laws and practices,
Control of all legal obligations for both employer and foreign employee,
Management of online application and appointment processes under lawyer guidance,
Early detection and correction of missing documents,
Rapid legal solutions and effective administrative objections in case of rejection, cancellation, or delay,
Informing clients about legislative and procedural changes throughout the process,
Confidentiality and client-focused approach at every stage.

Applicants working with K&L Legal Consultancy secure their legal right to work in Turkey without losing rights or facing administrative problems.