How Do You Submit an Application for a Work Permit Abroad? The Step-by-Step Application Process

How do you obtain a work permit?

###### Foreign nationals who wish to work in Turkey can submit an application for a work permit in two different ways: by submitting an application from within Turkey or by submitting an application from abroad.

In order to submit an application for a work permit from within Turkey, a foreign national must hold a valid residence permit in Turkey. There is one important point to note here: The residence permit must be valid for at least 6 months. This does not mean that there must be 6 months remaining before the permit expires. The total validity period of the residence permit card you hold must be at least 6 months.

In this article, however, we will focus not on domestic work permit applications, but specifically on applications for work permits abroad. Since domestic work permit applications are a separate topic, we will cover them in detail in another article.

It is not mandatory for an individual to have a residence permit in Turkey when submitting an application for a work permit from abroad. In other words, a foreign national who does not have a residence permit in Turkey may also submit an application for a work permit from abroad.

So how does this process work? Let’s go through it step by step.

#### Where Can You Submit an Application for a Work Permit Abroad?

An application for a work permit abroad is initiated through a Turkish diplomatic mission in the foreign national’s home country or in the country where they are legally residing.

If a foreign national is in Turkey and wishes to apply for a work permit to work abroad, they must first leave Turkey. They can then submit their application at the Turkish consulate in their home country or at the Turkish consulate in the country where they are legally residing.

There is one important point to note here. Procedures may vary from country to country. While some Turkish consulates accept applications directly, others may process them through visa centers. Some consulates operate on an appointment-based system, while others may use a different application method.

For this reason, before submitting an application, you must check the procedures of the Turkish consulate or visa center in the relevant country. You should find out in advance whether an appointment is required, how documents are submitted, and whether the application is filed directly with the consulate or processed through the visa center.

#### Application for a Work Permit to Work Abroad Is Not an Easy Process

The application for a work permit to work abroad may seem like a simple process from the outside. In reality, however, it is a serious process that requires careful preparation.

This is because this application is not based solely on the foreign national’s passport or photograph. Many factors are evaluated together, including the employer’s situation in Turkey, the nature of the work to be performed, the job description, the employment contract, the foreign national’s past entry and exit history in Turkey, and—if applicable—any entry bans or restriction codes.

For this reason, it is essential to review the application to ensure it is complete before submitting an application for a work permit abroad.

Unfortunately, we see that many foreigners are misled or defrauded with the promise of a work permit. That is why we recommend that you read this article carefully.

If you’d rather watch than read, you can also check out our videos on the Atasa Danışmanlık YouTube channel, where we walk you through the process of submitting an application for a work permit abroad step by step. We continue to create content that adds value to your life. Subscribe to our YouTube channel to stay updated on our latest content regarding work permits, residence permits, citizenship, and immigration law.

#### Before Starting the Application Process, the Employer and the Position Must Be Carefully Evaluated

One of the most important considerations when applying for a work permit abroad is whether the employer in Turkey meets the eligibility requirements for the application.

If the application is to be submitted through a company, the company’s conditions must be reviewed. Is there a sufficient number of Turkish citizens employed at the company? Is the company’s financial structure adequate? What position will the foreign national hold? Does the position truly qualify for a work permit? Are there other foreign employees at the company? All of these factors must be evaluated.

In company applications, the requirement that five Turkish citizens be employed, the company’s capital status, financial adequacy, and the nature of the work to be performed by the foreign national and the job description are of critical importance. Since these factors may vary depending on the individual and the specific case, each application must be reviewed on its own merits.

If the application is to be submitted for domestic work, it is important to know that a work permit cannot be obtained for every type of household task. In the context of domestic work, areas such as childcare, elder care, or patient care are typically considered. Applications for domestic work outside of these areas may not always be approved.

For this reason, before beginning the application process, it is essential to verify whether the work the foreign national will be performing is eligible for a work permit.

#### What Should You Keep in Mind When Filing an Application for a Work Permit for Domestic Service?

The nature of the work to be performed is very important in applications for domestic services. If a foreign national is to work in a role such as childcare, elder care, or patient care, the application must be prepared accordingly.

Documents such as the child’s age for child care, the elderly person’s condition for elder care, and a medical report for patient care may be important. For example, in elder care, the person’s age; in patient care, documentation of the illness; and in child care, the child’s care needs are factors that may be considered in the application process.

In these applications, the employer’s financial situation is also evaluated. Whether the employer has the financial capacity to hire foreign workers is one of the key elements of the application.

For this reason, simply stating “I want to bring someone here” is not sufficient when applying for domestic service. The justification for the application, the need for care, the employer’s financial situation, and the foreign national’s duties must all be outlined together.

#### What Happens If There Is an Entry Ban or Restriction Code for Turkey?

Before beginning the application process for a work permit abroad, it is essential to verify whether there are any obstacles preventing the foreign national from entering Turkey.

Have you ever entered Turkey before? Have you ever violated visa or residency regulations in Turkey? Are you subject to an entry ban? Do you have a restriction code? Were you issued an administrative fine when you left Turkey? These are issues that must be evaluated before submitting your application.

If you do not know the answers to these questions, it is recommended that you contact a lawyer in Turkey to find out whether you are subject to an entry ban or have a restriction code. This is because the work visa and work permit processes for individuals subject to an entry ban or restriction code may be adversely affected.

Atasa Danışmanlık, we also provide support in this area. If a power of attorney is granted, our attorneys can check whether the individual is subject to a restriction code or an entry ban.

#### Does Paying the Fine Lift the Entry Ban?

There is a common misconception about this issue.

Individuals who have previously violated visa or residency regulations in Turkey may have been issued an administrative fine upon departure. However, paying the fine retroactively does not automatically lift or reduce the entry ban in all cases.

Entry bans have been revised, particularly since 2020. In the past, in some cases, a person could pay the fine and re-enter Turkey shortly thereafter. However, the process no longer works that way.

The key point to note today is this: Paying a fine is one thing; an entry ban is another. The fact that you have an outstanding fine does not, in and of itself, mean that you will not be issued a work visa. However, having an entry ban into Turkey, a restriction code, or a negative record related to public order may affect your application.

If you have an entry ban or a restriction code, this situation must be evaluated before you submit an application.

In addition, if you have outstanding fines from previous visits that have not been paid, you may be required to pay them at the airport or border crossing upon entry into Turkey. Failure to pay these fines may result in problems upon entry into Turkey.

For this reason, issues such as entry bans, restriction codes, and outstanding fines must be clarified before submitting an application for a work visa.

Step-by-Step Process for Filing an Application for a Work Permit Abroad

#### 1. A Preliminary Assessment Is Conducted

The first step in submitting an application for a work permit abroad is the preliminary assessment.

At this stage, the foreign national’s circumstances, occupation, type of application, and the employer’s requirements in Turkey are reviewed together. All of these factors are verified: the type of job the foreign national will be performing, whether the employer meets the application criteria, whether the application is for domestic service or a corporate position, and whether the foreign national has any entry bans or restriction codes in their history.

If the application is submitted through the domestic services program, the foreign national’s job duties are evaluated in detail. The assessment considers whether the work involves childcare, elder care, or patient care, and whether the need for care can be documented.

If the application is submitted through the company, the company’s conditions are reviewed. The number of Turkish citizens employed by the company, the company’s financial situation, and the foreign national’s position, profession, and job description are evaluated.

This step is very important. If the application is not properly evaluated from the start, it could result in a loss of time in later stages or lead to a rejection of the application.

#### 2. Documents Are Prepared

If the preliminary evaluation is positive, the next step is to prepare the documents.

At this stage, both the foreign national’s documents and the employer’s documents are prepared. The foreign national’s passport must be valid. If submitting an application for a one-year work permit, it is important that the passport’s validity period aligns with this. In general, it is recommended that the passport be valid for at least 14 months.

The following documents may generally be requested from a foreign national:

Passport, biometric photo, diploma or professional certificate, employment contract, and, if necessary, translated supporting documents.

Although the photo requirement may seem simple, it is important. The photo must be current, biometric, and taken within the last 6 months.

The type of degree required may vary depending on the job. In applications for domestic work, a degree may not always be a deciding factor. However, in applications submitted through an agency, the foreign national’s degree, profession, and job description may carry greater weight. When necessary, a Turkish translation of the degree must be provided.

On the employer’s side, the required documents may vary depending on the type of application. For company applications, documents such as the tax certificate, the Commercial Register Gazette, the certificate of operations, and the company’s signature circular are reviewed.

For domestic service applications, the employer’s income status, information about the person to be cared for, documents related to child or elder care, and the reason for the application are particularly important.

At this stage, the documents must be prepared completely and accurately. Incomplete or incorrect documents may delay the issuance of a reference number during the consular process or result in the application being denied.

#### 3. An Employment Contract Is Drafted

An employment contract is a very important document when submitting an application for a work permit to work abroad.

A fixed-term employment contract is entered into between the foreign national and the employer in Turkey. This contract must clearly specify the type of work the foreign national will perform, their duties, working conditions, and the employer’s information.

One of the most important issues here is the foreign national’s job description. This is because the work the foreign national will perform forms the basis of the work permit application.

Job descriptions for domestic services are evaluated separately. Tasks such as childcare, elder care, or patient care must be clearly and accurately described.

For applications submitted through a company, the foreign national’s position, profession, and the work they will perform must be clearly stated. An incorrect or inappropriate job description may result in the application being rejected.

Some consulates may require the original copy of the employment contract. Some consulates may require a notarized document. In some countries, the documentation process may differ. For this reason, it is essential to check the procedures of the country where the application will be submitted in advance.

#### 4. Submit the Consulate Application and Obtain a Reference Number

Once the documents have been prepared, the foreign national submits an application to the Turkish consulate or an authorized visa center in the country where they are located or in their home country. If the application is accepted, the foreign national is issued a reference number. This reference number is sometimes provided at the time of application, sometimes sent via email, and sometimes communicated by the visa center.

The reference number is required for an employer in Turkey to initiate an online work permit application. The foreign national provides this number to the employer in Turkey or to the consulting firm handling the process.

At this stage, the consulate checks whether the documents have been prepared correctly, reviews the employment contract, and verifies that the application meets the basic requirements. If there are any missing documents or errors, obtaining a reference number may be delayed.

The time it takes to receive a reference number may vary from country to country and depending on the consulate’s workload. In some cases, it can be obtained within a week or ten days; in other cases, the process may take up to a month.

#### 5. How to Submit an Application for an Online Work Permit in Turkey

After receiving the reference number, the employer in Turkey submits an online application through the work permit system.

During the application process, the employer’s information, the foreign national’s information, the job description, and the required documents are uploaded to the system. The application is approved with an electronic signature.

At this stage, verifying information and documents is very important. Passport information, the foreign national’s identification details, reference number, job description, employer information, and uploaded documents must be carefully verified.

Even the smallest error in the information provided can cause the application to be delayed or rejected.

#### 6. Ministry Review and Approval Process

Once the online application is completed, the file is reviewed by the Ministry.

At this stage, both the foreign national’s circumstances and the employer’s eligibility in Turkey are reviewed. The employer’s requirements, the foreign national’s job duties, the application documents, and the work permit criteria are evaluated together.

If the application is approved, the work permit is issued. After approval, payments such as the fee and card fee are made. The work visa process is then completed.

Throughout this process, the status of the application should be monitored regularly. This is because, in some cases, additional documents may be requested, or actions may need to be taken within specific timeframes. Missing these deadlines could negatively affect the application.

#### 7. Entry into Turkey, SGK Employment Registration, and Address Registration

Once the work permit and work visa process is complete, the foreign national enters Turkey. However, there is one very important point to note: The process does not end with simply obtaining the visa.

Once a foreign national enters Turkey, there are legal obligations that the employer must fulfill.

The employer must file the SGK employment registration form within 30 days of the foreign national’s entry into Turkey. This deadline is very important. If the employer fails to file this form within the specified timeframe, they may face an administrative fine.

In addition, failure to submit the SGK employment registration form on time may cause serious problems in future applications for work permit extensions. This situation may even negatively impact the work permit extension process.

For this reason, once the work permit has been approved, the foreign national’s date of entry into Turkey must be closely monitored. Once the date of entry into Turkey is known, the SGK employment registration must be filed within the 30-day period.

Another important issue is address registration. Foreign nationals who come to Turkey on a work permit must register their address within 20 business days of their date of entry into Turkey.

Address registration is also an important part of the process following the issuance of a work permit. Failure to complete address registration on time may lead to problems with future official procedures.

In short, once the work permit has been approved, the following three issues in particular must be monitored:

Date of entry into Turkey; submission of the SGK employment notification within 30 days and registration of address within 20 business days.

If these three steps are followed correctly, the work permit process will be completed more smoothly.

Documents Generally Required

The documents required for an application for a work permit abroad may vary depending on the type of application, the employer, the foreign national’s nationality, and the consulate where the application is filed. However, generally, the following documents are required.

The documents required for an application for a work permit abroad may vary depending on the type of application, the employer, the foreign national’s nationality, and the consulate where the application is filed. However, generally, the following documents must be prepared.

#### For Foreigners

● Passport

● Biometric photo

● Diploma or professional certification

● Employment Contract

● Translations and supporting documents, if necessary

#### For Employers

● Tax Certificate

● Commercial Register Gazette

● Certificate of Operation

● Company Signature Circular

● Additional documents based on the type of application

In applications for domestic services, however, unlike with corporate documents, the employer’s income status, information about the person to be cared for, and the reason for the application carry greater weight.

Common Mistakes in Applications

One of the most common mistakes made when applying for a work permit abroad is starting the process without first properly reviewing the application.

Some people apply without checking the employer’s requirements. Some people fail to verify whether the foreign national is subject to an entry ban into Turkey or has a restriction code. In some applications, the employment contract is prepared incorrectly. In other cases, the documents required by the consulate are not submitted in full.

These errors may result in a delay in receiving the reference number, a delay in processing the application, or the rejection of the application.

Mistakes made after a work permit has been approved are just as important as those made during the application process. Failing to keep track of the date of entry into Turkey, failing to file the SGK employment notification within 30 days, and failing to complete the address registration within 20 business days can lead to serious problems.

These errors may result in administrative fines for the employer. They may also cause problems with future applications to extend work permits.

For this reason, the process must be carefully monitored both before and after the application.

Things You Must Check Before Submitting an Application

Before beginning the application process for a work permit abroad, it must be verified whether the foreign national is subject to an entry ban into Turkey.

It should be determined whether a restriction code exists.

It must be determined whether the employer meets the application requirements.

The suitability of the task to be performed for the work permit must be assessed.

When processing applications for domestic services, the applicant’s need for care and the employer’s income should be verified.

In company applications, the number of employees at the workplace, the company’s financial situation, and the foreign national’s job description must be evaluated.

The consulate’s document and appointment system should be checked in advance. The employment contract must be prepared correctly.

Once the work permit has been approved, the date of entry into Turkey must be monitored.

An SGK employment registration must be filed within 30 days of entering Turkey.

Address registration must be completed within 20 business days of entering Turkey.

Conclusion

The application for a work permit to work abroad is not simply a matter of submitting documents. The consular application, reference number, employment contract, employer requirements, the foreign national’s background, online application, Ministry evaluation, entry into Turkey, SGK employment registration, and address registration are all steps that must be tracked together.

For this reason, it is essential to assess whether the application is eligible before submitting it. In particular, issues such as entry bans, restriction codes, employer requirements, job descriptions, the SGK employment registration form, and address registration can directly affect the outcome of the application and the subsequent renewal process.

Atasa Danışmanlık, we offer professional assistance with work permit applications. If you would like assistance with an application for a work permit abroad, please contact us.

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