Solutions
Residence and Work Permits in Turkey
Tercan Legal advises foreign nationals, families and employers on residence permits, work permits and related immigration procedures in Turkey.
Residence and work permits at a glance
| Residence permits | Law on Foreigners and International Protection No. 6458; applications to the Presidency of Migration Management |
| Work permits | International Workforce Law No. 6735; applications to the Ministry of Labour and Social Security |
| Main residence types | Short-term, family, student, long-term, humanitarian |
| Main work permit types | Temporary, indefinite, independent work permit and the Turquoise Card |
Residence permits
Foreign nationals who stay in Turkey beyond the period allowed by their visa or visa exemption need a residence permit. The type of permit depends on the purpose of the stay.
- Short-term residence permit: for purposes such as business connections, owning real estate in Turkey, tourism or setting up a business.
- Family residence permit: for the spouse and minor children of a Turkish citizen or of a foreigner who holds a residence permit.
- Student residence permit: for students enrolled in education in Turkey.
- Long-term residence permit: for foreigners who have resided in Turkey continuously for at least eight years on a residence permit, subject to further conditions.
Applications are submitted online and completed with an appointment at the provincial migration authority. Valid health insurance and the documents required for the particular permit type must be provided. More detail: Work Permit in Turkey 2026: requirements and process.
Work permits
A foreign national may work in Turkey as an employee or independently only with a work permit, unless an exemption applies. For employees, the application is normally made by the employer in Turkey. A valid work permit also serves as a residence permit for its duration.
The Ministry assesses applications against criteria set out in the implementing regulation, including the employer’s financial position, the ratio of Turkish to foreign employees and the qualifications of the foreign employee. Some categories of foreigners are exempt from these criteria or from the work permit requirement altogether.
Business immigration
Foreign founders and managers often combine company formation with a residence or work permit, so that the structure of the company and the permit application support each other. We plan these steps together, so that the company is set up in a way that allows the intended permits to be obtained. See company formation in Turkey.
How we assist
- Assessment of the appropriate residence or work permit route
- Preparation and review of application documents
- Employer applications for work permits and exemptions
- Family residence permits for spouses and children
- Extensions, transfers between permit types and long-term residence
- Responses to requests for additional documents and to refusals
Immigration lawyer in Turkey
Most residence and work permit applications are routine, until they are not. An immigration lawyer is most useful when an application has been refused, a permit is about to expire, a foreigner has received an entry ban or restriction code, a family member needs to be added, or an employer must meet the Ministry’s criteria for several foreign employees at once. We review the file before it is submitted, so that avoidable refusals do not happen.
Residence permit through property ownership
Owning residential property in Turkey is one of the grounds for a short-term residence permit. The property must meet the minimum value set by regulation, and new registrations are not accepted in certain districts. The permit is renewable while the conditions continue to be met.
How long a work permit takes
The Ministry of Labour and Social Security is required to decide on a complete application within 30 days. Missing documents or requests for additional information extend this period, which is why the application should be complete when it is filed.
The Turquoise Card
The Turquoise Card is granted to qualified foreigners, investors and scientists on the basis of their education, professional experience or investment. After a transition period, it gives an indefinite right to work in Turkey and residence rights for the holder’s spouse and children.
Frequently asked questions
Does a work permit also count as a residence permit?
Yes. A valid work permit is accepted as a residence permit for the period it covers.
Can I apply for a work permit from outside Turkey?
Yes. A foreigner abroad can apply through a Turkish consulate while the employer in Turkey completes the online application.
Can my family live with me in Turkey?
Your spouse and minor children can generally apply for a family residence permit, provided the income, accommodation and health insurance conditions are met.
Can I obtain Turkish citizenship later?
Turkish citizenship can be acquired through general naturalisation after a period of legal residence or through the investment routes. See Turkish citizenship by investment.
Discuss your residence or work permit matter with our team
Tell us briefly about your plans or your situation. We will review it and explain the appropriate next steps. You can send us a message or request an online consultation.
This page provides general information on Turkish law and does not constitute legal advice. Legislation and administrative practice change frequently; the position should be confirmed for each matter.
