As one of the most recommended places for foreigners to visit, Turkey is very lax and hospitable to foreign nationals whose purpose is to work in the country. Unlike other strict countries that require so many documents before letting you work in their territories, Turkey accepts all work-related agendas of foreign nationals who only have a work visa.
The country sees these agendas as opportunities to make its economy grow and prosper. It is known that the economic standing of Turkey rivals the economy of other powerful countries like the United States of America and Japan. With that said, if you are planning to work abroad and your goal includes financial success, you should consider Turkey as one of your prospective locations.
Moreover, you will only need to apply for a work or visa once you have a valid residence visa in the country. Even if Turkey has loose government policies when it comes to the employment of foreign nationals, it is important to follow and respect its few existing rules to establish a good relationship with the country.
With the advantages that come from working in a prosperous country, always be aware that you are a foreign national and you will need to take additional steps to enjoy that luxury. So, here are some of the things that you will need to know if you want to work in Turkey.
Steps to Apply for a Turkish Work Visa
Step 1. Get a Job Offer or a Contract with an Employer from Turkey
Getting a work visa in Turkey involves you and the employer. One of the requirements for applying for a work visa is that you have an existing job offer or contract that says you are to be assigned to the country. The process will not proceed as long as you do not have a job offer.
Step 2. Apply for a Work Visa in the Directorate General of Migration Management
Send your work visa application to the Republic of Turkey’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs along with other requirements needed for the process. You can find the visa application form on the site and submit it at least two months early before your flight to Turkey. These forms and documents must be strictly submitted to the Turkish embassy or consulate in your country. In some cases, third-party visa application centers outsourced by Turkey could also do.
Step 3. Pay the Required Fees
Once you submit your application, you will receive a payment slip or bill of what you have to pay to process your Turkish work visa application. Usually, the single-entry fee for a work visa in Turkey amounts to 700 Turkey lira which is approximately equivalent to 85 US dollars. Other fees included in the process fees are usually around 1200 lira up to 1400 lira which is 145 USD up to 170 USD.
Step 4. Attend Your Visa Appointment
After waiting for the processing of your Turkey work visa, the embassy will contact you based on the information you have provided on the visa application. It usually takes 20 to 60 days for this process but you will be notified immediately after it is finished. You will be given an appointment for your interview with a consular officer who will ask you about the details of your job offer in Turkey.
Step 5. Notify Your Employer After the Interview
Once the interview is done, notify your employer in Turkey because there are additional documents that he or she must submit to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Turkish Ministry of Labor and Social Security.
Step 6. Get the Visa and Work Permit
Getting your visa will be nothing if you will not get a work permit. Ten days after your visa appointment, make sure that your employer has completed the online application at the Turkish Ministry of Labor and Social Security. The needed document for the work permit should be submitted by your employer at the embassy. The procedure will be concluded by the ministry and will take at least 30 days up to 60 days to process. Once you get approved, your work visa and permit will be issued.
Documents Needed for a Turkish Work Visa
Documents needed for applying for a work visa in Turkey are fewer than in other countries. Since the country is very encouraging and hospitable in accepting foreign nationals, government policies about hiring them and letting them in the country are not strict.
To apply for a work visa, you must prepare your valid passport, two latest photos that were taken within the last 6 months, a police clearance certificate, your employment contract that proves you will be working in Turkey, your diploma or graduate certificate (if required by your employer), medical insurance, a medical certificate that shows you are healthy enough to work in Turkey, proof of accommodation or housing unit in Turkey, and proof of your airline tickets. With that said, after preparing all the requirements, it is now time to apply for a work visa.
FAQs: Work Visa Applications for Turkey
Are there Exemptions in Applying for a Turkish Work Visa?
Like other countries, some people can be exempted from getting a work visa in Turkey. These people are those who are under the bilateral or multilateral agreements to which the country is one of the signatory parties, a foreign national holding permanent residences in the country, a foreign national whose purpose is the installment of imported machinery and equipment, an entertainer who travels from country to country, a diplomat from another country, a worker within the scope Turkey-European Union Financial Cooperation programs, or assigned journalists in the country. All other foreign nationals are very much required to apply for work visas and permits.
It is very exciting to plan your work and business ventures as you imagine yourself enjoying the employment life in Turkey. You will get a taste of the experience, knowledge, and success that you will obtain once you start working. However, remember that if you want to get your feet in that position, you need to apply for a Turkey work visa that will let you legally work in the country.
We hope this article on how to get a work visa in Turkey was helpful. If you are interested in studying in Europe, make sure to check out the Study in Turkey and Available Programs in Europe for International Students pages for more informative articles.
