For foreign nationals wishing to pursue a career, work in companies, or be employed in businesses in Turkey, the most critical stage is the correct management of legal processes. One of the biggest questions for those wanting to come to Turkey to work from countries such as Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan, Iran, Iraq, Nepal, Pakistan, and Uzbekistan is, "How to obtain a work visa and work permit?"
As RS Vize Global Consultancy, we eliminate all bureaucratic obstacles in this process and bring employers and employees together on a legal foundation. Here are all the details and the legal steps to follow for obtaining a work visa in Turkey.
1. First Step: Employment Contract and Job Placement
The prerequisite for obtaining a work visa from Turkey is to receive an official job offer from a workplace legally operating in Turkey and to sign an employment contract.
The contract;
must clearly include the position to be held, the salary amount, and the duration of employment. The foreign employee's passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond the planned duration of stay.
2. Consulate and Work Visa Application (Process Abroad)
For candidates located outside of Turkey in their home countries (e.g., Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, or Pakistan), the process proceeds as follows:
Application to Foreign Representation:
The candidate applies for a work visa by visiting the Turkish Embassy or Consulate in their home country with the signed employment contract, passport, and biometric photo. Reference Number:
As a result of the application made to the consulate, the candidate is given a 16-digit reference number. The candidate forwards this number to their employer in Turkey.
3. Employer's Ministry Application (e-Permit System)
A work permit cannot be obtained solely by the employee or solely by the employer;
The employer in Turkey;
makes an online application via the Ministry of Labor and Social Security (MLSS) e-Permit system using the reference number provided by the employee. The employer;
uploads the company's activity documents, tax certificate, trade registry gazette, and the employment/financial adequacy criteria required for foreign personnel (such as the rule of employing at least 5 Turkish citizens for every foreign employee) to the system.
4. Approval Process and Entry to Turkey
The Ministry concludes applications within an average of 30 days.
When the application is approved, the foreign employee visits the Turkish consulate in their home country, pays the visa fee, and has the work visa processed into their passport.
After entering Turkey, the address registration system (residence registration) must be completed by visiting the relevant population directorates within 20 days at the latest.
The employer is obliged to notify the Social Security Institution (SGK) that the foreigner has started work within 30 days at the latest.
Manage the Process Flawlessly with RS Vize Global Consultancy
Missing documents, incorrectly entered job codes, or incorrect application types can lead to the rejection of work visas or cause processes to drag on for months. The administrative and legal penalties for employing illegal workers are quite severe for both employers and employees.
As RS Vize Global Consultancy;
We provide preparation of consular documents for citizens of Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan, Iran, Iraq, Nepal, Pakistan, and Uzbekistan,
We offer seamless file tracking for employers via the MLSS e-Permit system,
We provide end-to-end professional support regarding legal contracts and residence/work permit integration.
If you want to work legally in Turkey or bring internationally qualified personnel to your business, contact us immediately via our website, and let us start your process with confidence!
