Types of work permits are categorized as fixed-term, indefinite, independent, and exceptional work permits, as well as the employment of foreigners holding a Turquoise Card.
Fixed-Term Work Permit
If the foreigner’s application for a work permit is approved, the foreigner is granted a “fixed-term work permit” to work at a specific workplace owned by a real or legal person or a public institution or organization, or at workplaces in the same line of business, on the condition that it does not exceed the duration of the job or service contract, valid for up to one year at the initial application. If the application for extension of the work permit is approved, the foreigner is granted a work permit for up to two years at the first extension application and up to three years for subsequent extension applications. However, if the foreigner applies to work with a different employer after the initial application, these provisions related to the extension period will not apply, and the foreigner will be considered as applying for a work permit for the first time, and will be granted a work permit for up to one year.
Indefinite Work Permit
An indefinite work permit grants the foreigner the right to work in Türkiye without any time limitation. Foreigners who have a long-term residence permit in Türkiye or at least eight years of legal work permit can apply for an indefinite work permit. (International Labour Law Art. 10/3) The indefinite work permit gives the foreigner the right to work independently or for one or more employers, provided that the legal provisions are complied with and notification is made to the Ministry at least ten days before starting work at a new workplace. (International Labour Force Law Implementation Regulation Art. 28)
Foreigners with an indefinite work permit, except for regulations in special laws, benefit from the rights granted to Turkish citizens, provided that their acquired rights related to social security are preserved and these rights are exercised in accordance with the relevant legislation. Foreigners with an indefinite work permit cannot engage in professions and arts that require Turkish citizenship by special laws, and they do not have the rights to vote, be elected, and enter public service, nor do they have the obligation to perform military service.
Independent Work Permit
An independent work permit is defined as a work permit that grants the foreigner the right to work on their own account in Türkiye. According to our legislation, independent work permits can be granted to foreign professional members, provided that specific conditions set by laws are met. In evaluating the independent work permit in line with international labor policy, various factors are considered, including the foreigner’s level of education, professional experience, contribution to science and technology, the impact of their activity or investment in Türkiye on the economy and employment, and if they are a partner in a foreign company, their share of capital, in addition to other aspects determined by the Ministry in view of the recommendations of the International Labour Policy Advisory Board. (International Labour Law Art. 10/7) Article 29 of the International Labour Law Implementation Regulation clearly defines who can obtain an independent work permit.
Turquoise Card Holders
The definition of the Turquoise Card, according to Article 3 of the International Labour Law, is: “A document that grants the foreigner the right to work indefinitely in Türkiye and their spouse and children under their care the right to reside, according to legislative provisions.” According to our legislation, in line with international labor policy, foreigners are granted the Turquoise Card if their applications are deemed appropriate based on their level of education, professional experience, contribution to science and technology, the impact of their activity or investment in Türkiye on the economy and employment, as well as the recommendations of the International Labour Policy Advisory Board and the procedures and principles determined by the Ministry.
The Turquoise Card is initially granted with a transition period of three years. If the Turquoise Card is not canceled during the transition period, the transition period condition is revoked upon the foreigner’s application in compliance with the necessary procedure and period, and an indefinite Turquoise Card is issued. Turquoise Card holders benefit from all the rights provided by the indefinite work permit in Türkiye. These individuals are not obligated to perform military service in Türkiye, and they do not have the rights to vote, be elected, and enter public service.
Exceptional Work Permit
According to Article 16 of the International Labour Law, work permits can be granted to foreigners who constitute exceptions. Accordingly, work permits can be granted to individuals who meet these conditions without the need to meet the conditions for fixed-term, indefinite, and independent work permits.
