Don’t Jeopardize Your Work Permit: Rules You Need to Know
Just as important as obtaining a work permit is fulfilling the obligations listed on the back of the card. Those who own their own businesses must comply with Bağ-Kur annotations, specifically Annotation 28 (business establishment and work permit) and Annotation 22 (five Turkish employees); new applicants must adhere to the “no work until a permit is issued” rule and SGK registration requirements; and those whose applications are rejected must find out the reason for the rejection and be mindful of the 30-day appeal period.
If you own a company in your own name: don’t forget these 3 rules
Just because you’ve established a company in your own name and obtained a work permit doesn’t mean everything is taken care of. The obligations listed on the back of the card can directly affect your renewal application.
Rule 1 — Avoid Accumulating Bağ-Kur Debt: Check your Bağ-Kur registration and pay your premiums on time. Accumulated debt can lead to serious problems in the future; it may even result in the rejection of your application to extend your work permit.
Rule 2 — If your card has annotation 28, complete the licensing process: Your initial work permit may have been issued without a license. However, if you cannot provide proof of your application for a business opening and work permit when applying for an extension, your application may be denied.
Rule 3 — If your card has annotation 22, don’t forget the requirement to employ 5 Turkish workers: At least 5 Turkish citizens must be employed at the workplace each month. If you do not meet this requirement, your application to extend your work permit may be at risk.
If you've applied for a work permit or have already received one: don't forget these 3 rules
Rule 1 — Don’t start working just because you’ve submitted an application: Submitting an application does not mean your right to work has begun. Do not start working until your work permit has been issued.
Rule 2 — Starting Work Without Social Security Registration: Even if your work permit has been approved, you must still be registered with the Social Security Institution (SGK). Otherwise, you may face problems due to working off the books.
Rule 3 — Check the annotations on your card: If the annotations section on the back of your card is blank, there may be no additional obligations. However, if there is an annotation code, be sure to find out what it means and what is required of you.
When submitting an application to extend your work permit: Don’t forget these 3 rules
Just as important as obtaining a work permit is properly preparing your application for an extension.
Rule 1 — Salary amounts must match: The salary reported to the Ministry of Labor must match the salary reported to the Social Security Institution (SGK). Reporting an incomplete or incorrect salary may jeopardize your extension application.
Rule 2 — Be sure to check your passport’s expiration date: A work permit can be issued no earlier than 60 days before your passport’s expiration date. If you plan to apply for a temporary work permit, make sure your passport is valid for the required period.
Rule 3 — Comply with the annotations on your card: Check the “Annotations” section on the back of your work permit card. If there is a code, find out what the obligations or restrictions are and fulfill them on time. If the “Annotations” section is blank, you have no additional obligations regarding these annotations; however, if there is a code and you fail to comply, your renewal application may be denied.
If your application was rejected: Don't forget these 3 rules
If your work permit application has been denied, don’t panic and submit another application right away. First, keep these three rules in mind.
Rule 1 — Do not take action without finding out the reason for the rejection: Any action taken without finding out why the application was rejected may lead to a repeat of the same mistake.
Rule 2 — Do not miss the 30-day appeal period: You may appeal a rejection decision through the system within 30 days of the date it was notified to you.
Rule 3 — Resubmitting an Application with the Same Deficiency: If an application is resubmitted without correcting issues such as the employer’s financial situation, the number of employees, the chosen occupation, the salary, or the required documents, there is a risk of the application being rejected again.
It may not always be the right course of action to appeal a rejection decision immediately. In some cases, it may be better to appeal after supplementing the documents; in others, it may be better to correct the reason for the rejection and submit a new application. To determine the correct course of action, the grounds for the rejection must be carefully evaluated.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is salary important when extending a work permit?
The salary reported to the Ministry of Labor must match the salary reported to the Social Security Institution (SGK). Reporting an incomplete or incorrect salary may jeopardize your application to extend your work permit.
What is the maximum duration for which a work permit can be issued based on the passport's validity period?
A work permit may be issued no more than 60 days before the passport’s expiration date. If you are applying for a temporary work permit, you must ensure that your passport is valid for the duration of the permit.
What does annotation 28 on the work permit card mean?
Annotation 28 indicates that the initial work permit may have been issued without a business establishment and operating license. When applying for an extension, proof of the application for a business establishment and operating license must be provided; if such proof cannot be provided, the application may be denied.
What does annotation 22 on the work permit card mean?
Annotation 22 refers to the requirement that at least five Turkish citizens be employed at the workplace each month. If this requirement is not met, the application for a work permit extension may be jeopardized.
Can you start working as soon as you submit an application for a work permit?
No. Submitting an application does not mean that the right to work has begun. You should not start working until you have received a work permit and been registered with the Social Security Institution (SGK).
If a work permit is denied, what is the appeal period?
An appeal against a rejection decision may be filed through the system within 30 days of the date the decision was notified. However, it may not always be appropriate to appeal every rejection decision directly; in some cases, it may be more appropriate to correct the reason for the rejection and submit a new application.
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This guide has been prepared for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Annotation codes, obligations, and procedures may vary depending on the individual’s circumstances and the specific case. Atasa Danışmanlık is not an official public institution; the final assessment and decision rest with the competent public authorities.
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