Working in Türkiye generally requires a work permit or an applicable exemption. A residence permit, company shareholding or signed employment agreement alone is not enough. The domestic and overseas application routes differ.
The legal distinction
Employer, salary, financial and professional criteria depend on the route and applicable exceptions. Check the current Ministry requirements for the relevant sector. A permit may be tied to an employer, role and duration; changing jobs can require a new procedure.
Preparing your next step
Align the employment agreement, job description, qualifications and employer records. Ministry decisions concerning work permits may be challenged administratively within 30 days of notification; further judicial options depend on the decision and procedure.
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Exemption application system: 17 September 2026 change
New work-permit exemption applications must use calismaizni.csgb.gov.tr from 17 September 2026. Earlier applications remain trackable in the former system. An exemption from assessment criteria is not an exemption from the work permit itself; use the correct category and application date.
Documents to prepare
Process map
- 01
Identify the job, employer and applicable permit type
- 02
Choose the domestic or overseas application route
- 03
Prepare employer and worker documents together
- 04
Submit through the official system and respond to requests
- 05
Follow approval, employment duties and renewal dates
Frequently asked questions
Can a foreign company owner work without a permit?
Shareholding alone does not create a general exemption. Management and actual work must be assessed separately.
General information. It does not replace an assessment of your individual case.
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Request a consultation with a few short choices.