Residency
Turkey — Residency: Work Visa
A Turkish work visa starts at a Turkish mission with an employer letter; the employer then files with the Labour Ministry, which decides within thirty days.
VerifiedGovernment / official sourceTurkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, visa information for foreigners (page dated 2022)Last reviewed: 2026-10-26
Key facts
- Step 1: apply at the nearest Turkish mission for a work permit and visa with passport, application form and an employer letter.
- Step 2: within ten working days the employer submits the remaining documents to the Ministry of Labour and Social Security.
- The Ministry finalizes the application within thirty days at the latest.
- Register with the local police within one month of arrival, before starting work, to obtain a residence permit.
- Page dated 2022; confirm current rules with the nearest Turkish mission.
Steps
- Step 1: Employer Sponsorship — The employer must obtain a work permit from the Turkish government before applying for a work visa for the foreign employee.
- Step 2: Application Submission — The foreign employee must submit their application for a work visa to the Turkish embassy or consulate in their home country.
- Step 3: Work Permit Approval — The Turkish government will review the application and approve the work permit if all requirements are met.
- Step 4: Visa Issuance — The Turkish embassy or consulate will issue the work visa once the work permit is approved.
Timelines
- Ministry decision: Within 30 days
- Employer document submission: Within 10 working days