New Regulation: Employment of Turkish-Origin Foreigners in Turkey (October 10, 2025)

Questions

1. What did the October 10, 2025 regulation for foreign nationals of Turkish descent secure and clarify?
2. How do foreign nationals of Turkish descent in Turkey obtain an expedited work permit with the recognized special status?
3. Under what circumstances can the rejection of work permit applications for foreign nationals of Turkish descent be prevented?
4. Which important professions did Law No. 2527 open to foreign nationals of Turkish descent?
5. How do I prove that I am of Turkish descent in Turkey, within the scope of communities determined by Presidential decree?
6. What are the provisions for the 10 mandatory work conditions entitling special status for those of Turkish descent?
7. How are the conditions for a foreign national of Turkish descent to practice law ensured, with the exemption from being a Turkish citizen?
8. How can doctors of Turkish descent work in Turkey with the highest level of professional equality?
9. Why is a residence permit mandatory for foreign nationals of Turkish descent in Turkey, as part of the legal process?
10. Where is the diploma equivalency for foreign nationals of Turkish descent processed, and how is qualification registration ensured?
11. How does an izmir immigration law lawyer add certainty and speed to the work permit process for those of Turkish descent?
12. How is a "special registry record" for a work permit established to ensure legal follow-up?
13. How does the "state of necessity" sought for a work permit for those of Turkish descent support Turkey's embracing mission?
14. Does working with a Turkey work permit lawyer conclude the process with legal assurance and speed?
15. How must a foreign national of Turkish descent prove their ethnic identity difference in their country, within the scope of Turkey's acceptance conditions?
16. How long does the security investigation process for those of Turkish descent take to protect public order?
17. How is a work permit extension application for those of Turkish descent made for the continuation of rights?
18. Do foreign nationals of Turkish descent in Turkey have trade union rights equal to Turkish citizens?
19. Can foreign nationals of Turkish descent establish their own company in Turkey under the same conditions as Turkish citizens?
20. What is the high-level assurance brought by the Presidential decree in work permit applications for foreign nationals of Turkish descent?
21. Foreign nationals of Turkish descent who are not covered by Law No. 2527, through which legal alternatives do they work?

The New Regulation Dated October 10, 2025, Regulating the Employment of Foreigners of Turkish Descent in Turkey: Guarantee and Transparency of Special Status

What certainties did the October 10, 2025 regulation in Turkey bring to the employment rights of foreigners of Turkish descent?

The Republic of Turkey has always shown special sensitivity towards foreigners of Turkish descent due to historical and cultural ties. This special status has been established on a legal basis by Law No. 2527, which specifically regulates the right to freely practice their professions and arts. Legal uncertainties that may arise during the implementation process of the Law have been fundamentally resolved with the Regulation amendment published in the Official Gazette dated October 10, 2025, and numbered 33043. This new regulation has entirely changed the process by redefining the conditions for foreigners of Turkish descent to participate in working life in Turkey.

The practice of professions such as law, medicine, or notary public, which are reserved specifically for Turkish citizens, is subject to certain conditions, even if it falls within the scope of Law No. 2527. The new regulation has concretized these conditions and made them mandatory. In this process that must be carried out under the supervision of a Turkish immigration law lawyer, it is no longer sufficient to merely prove Turkish descent. The most significant change brought by the regulation has increased the number of conditions required to practice professions reserved for Turkish citizens and made it mandatory for these conditions to be met concurrently. This situation has led to application processes requiring detailed and transparent scrutiny and has increased the need for legal consultancy.

The new regulation has also fundamentally changed the mechanism for determining the identity of foreigners of Turkish descent, making it more centralized and definitive. Each of the 10 conditions introduced by the regulation must be fully met with legal grounds. This legal obligation has increased the process risk for applicants, thereby multiplying the importance of obtaining professional support. Working with an experienced Turkish work permit lawyer from the very beginning of the legal process is critically important to prevent loss of rights and ensure the correct execution of procedures. This new regulation has reshaped not only working life but also the legal status of foreigners of Turkish descent in Turkey.

New Determination Procedure for "Turkish Lineage" Status Under Central Assurance in Turkey (Article 2/A)

How does the determination of Turkish lineage gain central assurance according to the new regulation in Turkey?

The Regulation amendment dated October 10, 2025, has brought a fundamental legal assurance by transferring the procedure for "determination of Turkish lineage," which is the beginning of work permit processes for foreign nationals of Turkish lineage, to the highest authority of the state. Article 2/A added to the Regulation has linked this determination to a central and high-level decision, removing it from the discretion of administrative authorities: The determination of Turkish lineage is made by being among the Turkish lineage communities determined by a Presidential decision. This new rule, by stipulating the finalization of Turkish lineage status with the President's political will as a prerequisite, demonstrates that this status is recognized and protected at the highest level.

This determination made by a Presidential decision, by taking ethnic, cultural, linguistic, and historical ties belonging to the foreigner's lineage as a basis, ensures that an evaluation is made within a broad and comprehensive framework. This legal amendment shows that the Turkish lineage status has been strengthened by being associated not only with having a specific family tree but also with cultural and historical continuity. For the correct interpretation of this centralized definition and for the determination of whether you fall within the communities defined by a Presidential decision, an expert Turkish immigration law consultancy is recommended.

All kinds of evidence submitted during the application phase, such as lineage certificate, civil registration records, place of birth, or kinship documents, are taken into consideration. These documents can only be submitted to support the condition of belonging to the communities determined by a Presidential decision. This situation makes the support of a Turkish citizenship lawyer important for placing applicants' legal statuses on a solid foundation. Especially foreign nationals of Turkish lineage residing in Izmir should strengthen the legal foundations of their applications by receiving professional Izmir citizenship lawyer support from the very beginning of the process. New Article 2/A has brought certainty and state guarantee to the definition of Turkish lineage.

10 Safeguard Conditions Required for Professions Reserved for Turkish Citizens in Turkey (Amended Article 3)

What are the 10 safeguards of the recognized right for foreign nationals of Turkish origin to be able to practice professions such as law or medicine in Turkey?

With the regulation amendment dated October 10, 2025, 10 safeguard conditions have been introduced for foreign nationals of Turkish origin who wish to work in professions, arts, and jobs reserved for Turkish citizens within the scope of Law No. 2527, strengthening the legal basis of the recognized privilege. Each of these conditions must be provided simultaneously, which ensures that the recognized special professional exception stems from a justified and compulsory situation.

These 10 new conditions aim to place the status on solid foundations by making legal and administrative oversight transparent:

1. To have been granted a residence permit by the Ministry of Interior.
2. To have proven the professional qualifications required by special laws for certain professions and arts with documents to be obtained from competent Turkish authorities.
3. To have had the equivalency of their diplomas issued by foreign schools or faculties, showing their educational status, approved by relevant institutions.
4. To have no objection from a security perspective in practicing that profession.
5. To document that their population registrations have been established in special registers to be opened for foreigners.
6. If registration with professional organizations is compulsory, to document their membership.
7. To have had the equivalency of journeyman, master, or equivalent certificates obtained from foreign countries decided by the relevant institutions.
8. To be from the Turkish-origin community identified by Presidential decision.
9. For reasons beyond their control, not being able to practice their profession, art, or job in the country of which they are a citizen, and being compelled to continue their life in Turkey for various reasons.
10. To possess an ethnic and cultural identity different from the overwhelming majority of the country of which they are a citizen.

All of these conditions are quite technical and document-based. Especially since articles 9 and 10 require legal proof demonstrating Turkey's international responsibility, it is advisable to seek professional support during the application process.

These conditions constitute the legal safeguard of the privilege providing special status, not only for obtaining a residence permit but also for actively practicing professions exclusive to Turkish citizens. Therefore, the process gains legal certainty when carried out with the support of an Izmir work permit lawyer.

Administrative Conditions Required for Work in Turkey: Transparency and Legal Assurance (Residence, Register, and Security)

How does the registration of foreigners of Turkish descent in a special register and security investigation in Turkey secure legal follow-up?

A few of the 10 conditions made mandatory by the Regulation dated October 10, 2025, for foreigners of Turkish descent to be able to practice professions reserved for Turkish citizens under Law No. 2527, are entirely related to ensuring administrative transparency and national security. These administrative conditions aim to ensure the applicant's legitimacy in the Republic of Turkey and suitability in terms of public order. The most critical among these conditions are; residence permit, special register registration, and security investigation.

Article 3 of the Regulation stipulates that the foreigner must first have been granted a residence permit by the Ministry of Interior. This permit is necessary to apply for a work permit and is a legal requirement, confirming that the right to work is dependent on the right to reside, in accordance with the general functioning of foreigners' law legislation.

Another vital condition is the establishment of population records in special registers. These registers are a centralized, transparent registration system maintained by the Ministry of Interior, documenting the special status of foreigners of Turkish descent. The creation of this registration is critical for the administrative confirmation of the applicant being of Turkish descent and for ensuring follow-up. Working with a Turkey immigration law lawyer for the correct and complete execution of registration procedures increases legal certainty.

Finally, the condition of there being no objection in terms of security is the most fundamental public order requirement for allowing a foreigner to practice that profession. This secures, through a detailed security investigation, the confirmation by the relevant authorities that the person does not pose a risk in terms of public safety, public order, or public health in Turkey, and the most fundamental requirement of public order. Especially foreigners of Turkish descent residing in Izmir should ensure the swift and secure progression of the process by receiving professional consultancy from an Izmir immigration law lawyer for the flawless management of these administrative and security processes. The completion of these administrative conditions is a prerequisite for proceeding to the evaluation of professional conditions.

Vocational Qualification and Equivalency Requirements in Turkey: Registration and Assurance of Qualified Workforce

How do foreign nationals of Turkish descent who wish to work in Turkey register their vocational qualification by obtaining diploma equivalency?

Among the conditions that foreign nationals of Turkish descent must meet to practice professions reserved for Turkish citizens in Turkey, vocational qualification and equivalency requirements are an important element of assurance. Article 3 of the New Regulation (October 10, 2025) has determined three fundamental requirements in this field: equivalency approval, proving qualifications in special laws, and equivalency of apprenticeship/mastery certificates. These conditions necessitate that the foreign national proves their sufficiency not solely based on their status as a person of Turkish descent, but also in terms of professional knowledge and experience.

Firstly, it is a prerequisite that the foreign national of Turkish descent has had the equivalency of their diplomas, issued by foreign schools or faculties indicating their educational status, approved by the relevant institutions. This requirement ensures that the foreign national’s educational level registers as being of the same quality as equivalent education in Turkey, thereby guaranteeing professional standards.

Secondly, it is required that the foreign national has proven, with documents to be obtained from competent Turkish authorities, that they possess the qualifications sought in special laws for specific professions and arts. This condition formally approves vocational qualification by stipulating that the additional qualifications (exams, internships, etc.) specified in each profession's own special law must also be met by the foreign national of Turkish descent. Since this process requires a profession-specific legal analysis, managing it with the support of an Izmir citizenship lawyer increases legal certainty.

Finally, there is the condition that the equivalency of apprenticeship, mastery, or equivalent certificates obtained from foreign countries has been decided by the relevant institutions. This facilitates the transfer of qualified labor by ensuring the recognition of vocational experience in Turkey, especially in fields such as handicrafts and technical professions. These three conditions require the foreign national of Turkish descent to undertake complete preparation, both administratively and professionally, and making this preparation under the guidance of an experienced Turkey work permit lawyer significantly increases the chance of a positive outcome for the application.

"State of Necessity" and "Ethnic Identity" Criteria for the Right to Work in Turkey: Guarantee of the International Mission (Article 3/9 and 3/10)

In Turkey, in work permit applications of foreigners of Turkish origin, how do the state of necessity and identity difference support Turkey's international mission?

Among the 10 mandatory conditions brought by the regulation amendment dated October 10, 2025, articles 9 and 10 are those that emphasize personal situation and legal necessity the most. These articles stipulate that the foreigner of Turkish origin must prove that they demand the right to work in Turkey not only due to their ethnic origin, but also due to being under necessity and pressure. This, while adding a humanitarian and political guarantee to the process, correctly guides the legal burden of proof.

Condition of Inability to Practice in the Country of Citizenship (Article 3/9)

The 9th condition of the Regulation stipulates that the foreigner must be unable to practice their profession, art, or business in their country of citizenship due to reasons beyond their control, and be compelled to continue their life in Turkey for various reasons. This "state of compulsion" must arise not from arbitrary or personal preferences, but from severe reasons beyond the individual's control, such as political pressures, discrimination, or conflict. This condition is the legal basis for Turkey's will to embrace its kin in difficult situations.

To prove this condition, legal evidence such as official documents, reports from international human rights organizations, or reliable sworn declarations supporting the pressure beyond the individual's control should be used. The correct execution of this complex evidentiary process, to overcome legal and bureaucratic obstacles, should be ensured with the support of an Izmir work permit lawyer. Properly substantiating the legal state of compulsion is of key importance for the positive outcome of the application.

Requirement of Ethnic Identity Different from the Overwhelming Majority (Article 3/10)

The 10th condition, on the other hand, brings the requirement for the foreign national to have an ethnic and cultural identity different from the overwhelming majority of the country of which they are a citizen. This refers to a concrete cultural and demographic distinction indicating that the person preserves their identity of Turkish descent as a minority within the majority culture of the country they live in.

This condition is indirectly designed to justify the difficulties experienced by the person due to their identity of Turkish descent (Article 3/9). The evidence that can be submitted for proof should include the following:

• Official Identity and Records: Statements regarding ethnic identity found in citizenship documents or population records (if any).
• Evidence of Cultural Ties: Documents or testimonies showing that language, religion, or cultural practices are different from the majority.
• Community Connections: Consular documents or official letters obtained from authorized bodies proving the foreign national's affiliation with the minority Turkish community.

These two articles have transformed the work permit applications of foreign nationals of Turkish descent from being merely an ethnic right into a necessity-based and internationally protection-oriented application. To fully fulfill these challenging evidentiary obligations and to solidify their legal foundations, obtaining support from an Izmir immigration law lawyer is the sole way to increase the success rate.

Alternative Working Methods for Foreigners of Turkish Descent Who Are Outside the Scope of Law No. 2527 in Turkey

Can foreigners who cannot acquire Turkish descent status in Turkey apply for a general work permit?

The new Regulation dated October 10, 2025, has made the right of foreigners of Turkish descent to practice professions reserved for Turkish citizens subject to strict conditions. However, the provisions of this Regulation are only valid for foreigners who fall within the scope of Law No. 2527 and wish to work in jobs reserved for Turkish citizens in laws.

Even for foreigners who cannot fulfill any of the new and compelling 10 conditions (for example, the condition of "ethnic identity different from the overwhelming majority") or cannot prove that they are of Turkish descent, working doors are open in Turkey.

• The answer is yes; foreigners of Turkish descent can use the general work permit application method for professions and jobs outside the scope of Law No. 2527 and this Regulation.
• These individuals must obtain a work permit subject to the provisions of International Labor Law No. 6735 and its related implementing regulation.
• The general work permit process is subject to an evaluation in accordance with labor market conditions, based on the foreigner's qualifications and the economic requirements of the employer and the workplace.
• In this general process, the foreigner's Turkish descent may provide an indirect advantage in the evaluation of the application, but they can no longer benefit from the special exemptions provided by Law No. 2527 (such as the right to practice professions reserved for Turkish citizens).
• The general application process is primarily carried out via e-Devlet with the support of a Turkish work permit lawyer, and initial applications are granted for a maximum of one year.
• Especially these applications made under the supervision of an İzmir immigration law lawyer increase the chance of success by detailing the foreigner's professional experience and education level.
• As a rule, it is mandatory to obtain a work permit or work permit exemption to work legally in Turkey.

Critical Role of Attorney Support in the Work Permit Process for Foreigners of Turkish Descent in Turkey: Success and Assurance

What is the significance of an attorney's role in ensuring legal security during the work permit process for foreigners of Turkish descent in Turkey?

The existence of 10 comprehensive and detailed conditions (such as the determination of Turkish descent by Presidential decree, proof of necessity, proof of ethnic identity difference) introduced by the Regulation of October 10, 2025, has based work permit applications of foreigners of Turkish descent on transparent and definite legal grounds. For this reason, working with a competent immigration law lawyer at every stage of the process is of vital importance to ensure legal security and expedite the successful conclusion of the process.

The fundamental role and importance of an attorney in this process are as follows:

1. Legal Status Determination and Scope Definition: The attorney first evaluates whether the applicant meets the 10 conditions of the new Regulation. Especially for complex and open-to-interpretation conditions, the attorney supports legal certainty by creating the necessary proof strategy.
2. Evidence Collection and Document Management: The attorney guides in the procurement of lineage, population records, and other evidentiary documents required for the determination of Turkish descent. Furthermore, by ensuring that legal evidence proving the "state of necessity" (Article 3/9) is added to the file completely, in the correct format, and approved by competent authorities, the attorney contributes to the acceleration of the process.
3. Acceleration of Administrative Procedures: The attorney conducts the necessary correspondences and follow-ups for the swift and error-free progress of administrative processes such as residence permit applications, establishment of special registry records, and security investigation stages. The slightest error in these administrative procedures can lead to the rejection of the work permit application from the outset.
4. Legal Defense: In the event of a work permit application being rejected on legal grounds, the attorney analyzes the rejection decision from a legal perspective. The attorney uses administrative appeal avenues (if any) or, by filing an annulment lawsuit in the Administrative Court within the specified period, resolutely defends his client's rights before the judiciary.

Especially in provinces with a high foreign population, such as Izmir, working with an Izmir immigration law lawyer experienced in local legislation and the practices of implementing administrative authorities ensures that the process is represented in the most accurate way and increases the chance of success.