Work permit in Turkey for Ukrainian citizens

An application for a work visa to Turkey must be submitted by a foreign employee, and the process of applying for a work permit must be completed by the employer in Turkey. A work permit in Turkey is equivalent to a residence permit.

A work permit is usually issued for a fixed period of one year. It can be extended or shortened depending on the validity of the residence permit (if you already have one), current market conditions and job opportunities in the industrial sector, as well as the employer's requirements.

After one year of work, the permit can be extended for up to three years, provided that it is for the same job with the same employer. Then it can be extended for another three years and is valid for work with any employer, provided that the profession remains unchanged.

The spouse and children of a foreigner legally working in Turkey are eligible to obtain a work permit for a fixed period, provided that they have been living together for at least five years.

How to apply for a work permit in Turkey?

Within ten days of obtaining a visa from the Turkish embassy or consulate in your country of residence, your employer in Turkey must fill out an online application on the website of the Turkish Ministry of Labor and Social Security (MLSS).

After completing the application, the employer must send the required documents to the embassy by mail or in person. This must be completed within ten days after the interview and no more than six working days after the online application is completed.

What documents are required to obtain a work permit in Turkey?

An employer in Turkey must submit the following documents:

• A letter of application for a work permit;
  
• Application form for foreign personnel;
  
• Bulletin of the Turkish Commercial Register, which details the current shareholding and capital structure of the company;
  
• Balance sheet and income statement for the last year certified by the tax office or a certified public accountant;
  
• A notarized power of attorney of a person authorized to submit an online application as a user on behalf of a legal entity or organization for the employment of a foreigner.
  

After submitting these documents, you and the employer will only have to wait for your application to be processed.

If you have been legally working in Türkiye for at least five years or have legally resided in Türkiye for at least eight years without a break, you are eligible to apply for an unlimited work permit. This type of work permit allows you to work for any employer you want and move from one employer to another without having to obtain a new work permit.

An indefinite work permit gives foreigners the same rights and status as Turkish citizens, with the exception of:

- Rights to vote and hold public office;

- Rights to work as a civil servant;

- Obligation to serve in the army;

- Other restrictions provided by various laws and regulations, for example, restrictions in connection with the acquisition of real estate in certain areas.

This type of work permit is intended for entrepreneurs who intend to establish a company in Türkiye. This allows you to work for six months to create your company. Once your company is established, the work permit will be extended indefinitely. To be eligible, you must first have lived in Türkiye for at least five years without interruption. There is no set "process" for this type of work permit, and it will require the submission of a business plan, among other documents, to the Ministry of Labor and Social Security.

How long does it take to process an application for a visa and work permit to Türkiye?

After your employer submits the necessary documents for a work permit in Türkiye, the Ministry needs a maximum of thirty days to make a decision.

The Ministry forwards the positive or negative decision on the work permit application to the relevant consulate of the Republic of Türkiye (via the Ministry of Foreign Affairs).

What happens after receiving a Turkish work visa?

Once your application is approved, you have a maximum of one hundred and eighty days to enter Turkey. Once you have arrived in Turkey, you must register with the address register system in Turkey within one month of your arrival.

The Turquoise Card program in Turkey appeals to highly skilled foreign workers who wish to relocate to the country. Applicants who can demonstrate that they can make a significant contribution to the Turkish economy or have knowledge in the fields of technology or science can apply for a Turquoise Card.

What is the Turquoise Card of Turkey?

Similar to the Green Card in the United States, the Turquoise Card refers to a “permanent right to work” in Turkey. The Turquoise Card grants the holder a facilitated work and residence permit, as well as a residence permit for his or her family.

What are the criteria for applying for a Turquoise Card?

Applicants must meet one or more of the following criteria:

- Highly skilled foreigners whose educational background, professional knowledge and experience can be useful for the country;

- Highly qualified investors who have high investment or export potential and can significantly provide the country with jobs;

- Scientists or researchers who contribute to the development of science and technology developments, as well as conduct research in the fields of industry and technology;

- Foreigners who have achieved international success in cultural, artistic and sports activities;

- Foreigners who contribute to the international recognition and popularization of Turkey and Turkish culture.

The Turquoise Card allows people to obtain a work and residence permit in Turkey without losing their citizenship in their home country. The Turquoise Card is a good option for foreigners who purchase real estate worth at least USD 400,000 with citizenship criteria under the investment program in Turkey, but do not wish to obtain citizenship or whose country does not allow dual citizenship.

How to apply for a Turquoise Card?

The application can be submitted directly in Turkey or abroad through legal representative offices of Turkey. If the applicant is already in Turkey, he/she can apply directly in the online application system using his/her foreign identification number. If the applicant is abroad, the application will be submitted through Turkish legal representations in the country of residence and all documents will be transmitted to the Ministry of Turkey in electronic form.

What documents are required to apply for a turquoise card?

- Application form;

- Passport;

- Certificate of compliance obtained from the relevant government agency to confirm compliance;

Depending on the application criteria, the following documents should also be submitted;

- Foreign diploma, employment contract, resume or letter of appointment, work experience and internationally recognized document confirming proficiency in languages other than native language, etc.

- Investors must provide documents on investment volume, employment level, export volume, financial solvency, cash balance, employment level, export credit, financial solvency, business region, sector and other business-related documents.

- Scientists and researchers must provide diplomas, documents related to academic career and titles, training or licenses, information about any trademark or patented materials.

- Candidates in the field of culture, art or sports need to prove their success at the national or international level.

- Foreigners who have contributed to the recognition or popularization of Turkey or its culture: documents relating to international activities, information on promotional activities, ideas and works of art, duration, sustainability, continuity and scope of influence, etc.

How is a Turquoise card application evaluated?

Turquoise Card applications are evaluated according to a points system established in accordance with criteria defined by the Directorate General of International Workforce. Applicants must score a sufficient number of points within the defined scoring system. Officials reviewing the application may also obtain opinions from teachers, institutions and organizations relevant to the field or area of expertise based on the applicant's professional skills.

The evaluation system is based on:

- Level of education;

- The prestige of the higher education institution;

- The amount of salary;

- Experience of the institution;

- Level of knowledge or professional experience.

If a Ukrainian applies as a qualified investor, the following is also assessed:

- Level of export activity or employment;

- Level of investment;

- The nature of the region and business;

- Movable or immovable property in Turkey;

- Similar criteria demonstrating their rights and qualifications to intellectual or industrial property.

If the applicant is applying as a scientist or researcher, the evaluation is based on:

1. Academic rank;
   
2. Participation in national or international institutions in the field of science and technology;
   
3. Participation in national or international organizations with registered trademarks, patents, trademarks or licenses;
   
4. Innovative activities.
   

Points in sports applications are calculated based on the national or international achievements of the club of which the applicant is a member and the status of a foreign athlete. Entrepreneurs must confirm the recognition of their work and national or international awards.

What is the validity period of the Turquoise Card?

The first three years of holding a Turquoise card are referred to as the “transition period” during which an assigned specialist will monitor the cardholder's activities and obligations at home and abroad. The assigned specialist will also prepare reports every twelve months according to the established criteria determined by the General Directorate.

If the designated specialist requires any additional information or documents, the cardholder is obliged to provide them within 15 days of the request. If there are any discrepancies in the reports, the cardholder has a three-month period to correct them. Failure to do so will result in the card being canceled.

Requests to cancel the transition period must be submitted within the last 180 days of the three-year period. Once approved before the end of the three-year transition period, the turquoise card becomes permanent. If the application is not submitted within this period, the Turquoise Card becomes invalid.

For more information on how to obtain a Turquoise Card, please follow the link.

A refugee can apply for a work permit six months after the date of submission of the application for national protection. The identity card of a refugee or a person with secondary protection replaces a work permit and this is noted on the identity card. There is no need to submit another application for a Turkish work permit to the Ministry of Labor of the Republic of Türkiye.

The identity card must be valid for at least 30 days after submitting the documents. Foreigners who meet these requirements and enjoy international protection must sign an employment contract with their employer. The employer registers an account at turkiye.gov.tr and enters information about the foreigner under international protection and uploads the necessary documents. If the permit is confirmed as a result of an online or written application, a work permit fee is charged.

After making the payment to the relevant account number, the applicant can start working for the employer in Türkiye. The social protection body is notified by the employer about the employee's insurance entry. Monthly premium payments are made on the basis of charges declared to the Ministry of Labor and Social Protection of the Population. The wages of employees cannot be lower than the legal Turkish minimum wage index.

1. Cultural proximity:

Ukrainians may find it relatively easier to adapt due to cultural similarities.

2. Tourism industry:

Turkey's thriving tourism sector offers employment opportunities, especially in popular tourist destinations.

3. Economic growth:

Turkey is experiencing significant economic growth, which creates a variety of employment opportunities.

4. Bilateral relations:

Positive diplomatic relations between Ukraine and Turkey can facilitate employment.

5. Learn the language:

Although English is widely used in certain industries, knowing the basics of Turkish can be a significant advantage. It shows your commitment to the local culture and improves communication.

6. Apply to international companies:

Consider applying to international companies with a presence in Turkey. These companies often value international experience and foreign language skills.