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 were planning to work abroad and your goal includes financial success, you should consider Turkey as one of your prospective locations.

It is very exciting to plan your work and business ventures as you imagine yourself enjoying the employment life in Turkey. You just couldn’t wait to get a taste of the experience, knowledge, and success that you will obtain once you started working. However, remember that if you want to get your feet at that position, you need to apply for a Turkey work visa that will let you legally work in 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.

Do I need a work visa in Turkey?

Yes. Once you have a valid residence visa in the country, you will only need to apply for a work or visa. Even if Turkey has loose government policies when it comes to the employment of foreign nationals, it is important to follow and respect their few existing rules to establish a good relationship with the country.

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 permit.

Check Also: Programs in Europe for International Students

What are the requirements to apply for a work visa in Turkey?

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.

Steps on Applying for a Work Visa in Turkey

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.

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 their site 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.

3. Pay the required fees

Once you submitted your application, you will receive a payment slip or bill of what you have to pay to process your Turkey work visa application. Usually, the single-entry fee for a work visa in Turkey amounts up 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.

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 up 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 details on your job offer in Turkey.

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.

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 thirty days up to 60 days to process. Once you get approved, your work visa and permit will be issued.

 

We hope that 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 Available Programs in Europe for International Students.

About the Author: Hyun Lee

Hyun is the founder at Global Scholarships. He has received a full-tuition scholarship at Birmingham-Southern College as well as $1,000 Burger King Scholarship for his undergraduate degree and has been offered a fully funded scholarship consisting of tuition, living stipend, and health insurance for computer science Ph.D. program at North Carolina State University. Read more about his scholarship journey here.

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