Work permit for foreigners in Turkey: Maximum duration extended from 6 months to 3 Years
With the amendment published in the Official Gazette, the maximum duration of work permit exemption granted to foreigners has been extended from six months to three years. The work permit exemption for foreigners is regulated under the International Labor Law.
This change does not exempt foreigners from the obligation to obtain a work permit; however, it allows for a different process concerning the application method and evaluation. The extension applies to foreigners who, according to official institutions, can provide significant services and contributions to Turkey in economic, socio-cultural, technological, and educational fields.
The following groups of foreigners are among those eligible for work permit exemptions.
– Individuals working in scientific, cultural, artistic, and sporting activities
– Academics
– Researchers
– Professionals involved in oil and natural gas exploration and extraction activities
– Seafarers
– Professional athletes
– Tour operator representatives and interns
Key changes in the new regulation are as follows:
– Foreigners under temporary protection and those with humanitarian residence permits, as notified to the Ministry of Labor and Social Security by the Ministry of Interior, can work under the work permit exemption.
– Foreign press members coming to Turkey with a permanent press card may benefit from the work permit exemption, provided they have the approval of the Presidency of Communications.
– Professional foreign athletes, coaches, sports doctors, sports physiotherapists, sports mechanics, sports masseurs, and other similar sports personnel coming to Turkey with the approval of the Ministry of Youth and Sports or the Turkish Football Federation will also find it easier to obtain a work permit exemption.
– For foreigners working as tour operator representatives, the calculation of the duration of the work permit exemption will be based on the calendar year.
– The 30-day period for foreigners to apply for a work permit exemption from the date of legal entry into Turkey has been removed. Instead, foreigners are now allowed to apply for a work permit exemption during their legal stay in Turkey.
