How to Submit an Application for a Work Permit Abroad: A Step-by-Step Guide

What is the difference between domestic and international applications?

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 from abroad.

To submit an application from within Turkey, a foreign national must have a valid residence permit in Turkey, and this residence permit must be valid for at least 6 months. This does not mean that there must be 6 months remaining until the permit expires; rather, the total validity period of the permit must be at least 6 months.

For applications submitted from abroad, it is not mandatory for the applicant to have a residence permit in Turkey. A foreign national who does not have a residence permit in Turkey may also apply for a work permit from abroad. This guide covers applications submitted from abroad.

Where can I submit an application for a work permit to work 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 the foreign national is in Turkey, they must first leave Turkey and then submit an application at the Turkish consulate in the country where they are located.

Procedures may vary by country. While some consulates accept applications directly, others process them through visa centers; some operate on an appointment basis. For this reason, it is essential to find out in advance how the Turkish consulate or visa center in the relevant country operates (appointment system, document submission, application method) before applying.

Why should the employer and the job be evaluated before the application is submitted?

Although obtaining a work permit to work abroad may seem simple at first glance, it is a serious process that requires careful preparation. The application is evaluated not only based on the foreign national’s passport but also on the employer’s status in Turkey, the nature of the work, the job description, the employment contract, the foreign national’s past entry and exit history, and any entry bans or restriction codes, if applicable.

For applications submitted through a company, the workplace conditions are important: a sufficient number of Turkish citizens employed (generally, a requirement of 5 Turkish employees), the company’s capital status and financial solvency, and the foreign national’s position and job description. For domestic service applications, however, a permit cannot be obtained for every type of household work; generally, care for children, the elderly, or the sick is considered.

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

In practice, many foreigners may be misled or taken advantage of with the promise of a work permit. The safest approach is to have an expert evaluate the eligibility of your application before you begin the process.

The application process, step by step

1. Preliminary assessment: The foreign national’s circumstances, profession, type of application, and the employer’s requirements are reviewed together. If the application is not properly assessed from the outset, it may result in a loss of time or an unfavorable outcome in subsequent stages.

2. Document preparation: Documents for both the foreign national and the employer are prepared. It is recommended that the passport be up to date, generally valid for at least 14 months, and that the photo be a biometric photo taken within the last 6 months.

3. Employment contract: A fixed-term employment contract is drawn up between the foreign national and the employer; the foreign national’s job description forms the basis of the application. An incorrect or inappropriate job description may result in the application being denied. Some consulates may request the original copy of the contract or a notarized copy.

4. Consulate application and reference number: The foreign national submits an application to the consulate or visa center; if the application is accepted, a reference number is issued. This number is required for the employer in Turkey to initiate the online application. The time it takes to receive the reference number can vary from one week to one month, depending on the country and the volume of applications.

5. Online application in Turkey: After receiving the reference number, the employer in Turkey submits the application online through the work permit system and approves it with an e-signature. Even the smallest error in the information provided can cause delays in the application process or result in a negative decision.

6. Ministry review and approval: The application is reviewed by the Ministry; if approved, the work permit is issued and the fee and card fee are paid. Since additional documents may be requested or time limits may apply throughout the process, the application should be monitored regularly.

7. Entry into Turkey, SGK employment registration, and address registration: The process does not end with the visa. Within 30 days of the foreign national’s entry into Turkey, the employer must file the SGK employment registration form, and the foreign national must complete their address registration within 20 business days. Failure to meet these obligations may result in an administrative fine and could lead to problems during the visa extension process in the future.

Documents Generally Required

The required documents may vary depending on the type of application, the place of employment, the foreign national’s nationality, and the consulate where the application will be submitted. Generally, the following documents must be prepared.

Common Mistakes and Pre-Application Checklist

The most common mistake is starting the process without properly evaluating the case from the beginning: submitting an application without reviewing the employer’s requirements, failing to check for entry bans or restriction codes, preparing the employment contract incorrectly, or submitting incomplete documents as required by the consulate. These can lead to delays in receiving a reference number, prolong the application process, or result in the application being denied.

Check the following before submitting the application: the foreign national’s entry ban and restriction code status; the employer’s eligibility to file the application; the position’s compliance with the work permit requirements; the need for care in domestic service and the employer’s income; for company applications, the number of employees, financial status, and job description; the consulate’s document and appointment system; and the proper preparation of the employment contract.

After approval, follow these steps: Date of entry into Turkey; SGK employment notification within 30 days; address registration within 20 business days.