Employer-Sponsored Temporary Work Permit in Türkiye in 2026

Research note: Official government and programme material checked 2026-09-23. Individual eligibility, the issued immigration document and currently applicable law govern; this is not personalized legal advice.

A foreign national employed by a Turkish business ordinarily needs a temporary work permit. The official investment guide explains that an initial permit can be issued for up to one year for an approved position, workplace and employer, without exceeding the employment contract. Later same-employer extensions can be issued for longer periods under the governing rules.

Domestic and consular applications

A foreign applicant applying abroad uses the Turkish embassy or consulate in the country of citizenship or lawful residence, receives a 16-digit reference number, and the employer uses that reference in the E-Permit application. Domestic applications generally require qualifying residence permission of at least six months, with published exceptions. Prepare the signed contract, passport and any required qualifications, employer registration and financial evidence.

The workplace tests are category-specific

The 2026 evaluation criteria ordinarily require five Turkish citizens per foreign employee in specified workplaces, financial capacity and salary multipliers tied to occupation; detailed exceptions apply. Reforms effective 3 August 2026 alter some conditions for eligible domestic applicants with sufficient recent lawful stay. Do not assume any new company can sponsor staff without passing the applicable rules.

For the applicant personally owning the employer, examine the foreign company-partner rules. Work authorization should be approved before commencing local employment.

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