Prohibited Professions
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Instantly look up the professions in Turkey that only Turkish citizens can practice, along with the relevant legal provisions.
Which professions are prohibited?
Learn about the statute
Legal Notice: This list includes occupations that are off-limits to foreign nationals under the International Labor Force Law No. 6735 and other specific laws. We recommend that you confirm the list’s current status with experts at Atasa Danışmanlık.
SHORT ANSWER
In Turkey, certain professions may only be practiced by Turkish citizens. Checking whether a profession is open to foreigners before applying for a work permit eliminates one of the most common reasons for rejection right from the start.
Why should you look here first?
In a work permit application, the job description, workplace conditions, and salary are reviewed separately. However, if the profession is restricted, none of the other conditions will affect the outcome.
The prohibition is established by law, and neither the employer’s request nor the foreign national’s status can override this rule.
If the position is open, the next step is
If the profession is open to foreigners, applications are evaluated based on general criteria: in businesses operating on an accrual basis, the employment of at least five Turkish citizens for every foreign national, financial adequacy, and a salary determined according to the position.
There are exceptions where these criteria do not apply; in 2026, new incentives took effect in the manufacturing, tourism, livestock, poultry, and recycling sectors.
2026 Guide to Sectoral ExemptionsTwo Common Scenarios
Foreign nationals working as couriers must have a work permit or a valid exemption. A driver’s license, professional certification, transportation authorization, and company requirements are also reviewed; the required documents vary depending on the type of transportation and the vehicle used.
For positions such as massage therapist and spa therapist, the workplace must meet one of the qualifications listed in the Ministry’s criteria. Applications from workplaces that do not meet these requirements will be rejected.
A foreign national may establish a company or become a partner; however, specific work permit requirements must be met in order to actually work at the company or assume a management role.
A Guide to Work Permits for Couriers- Ministry of Labour and Social Security — General Directorate of International Labor
- e-Permit — Work Permit Application System
This content was compiled from the FAQ text that passed official source verification on August 25, 2026. Since regulations are subject to change, you should check the relevant agency’s most recent announcement before submitting your application.