Work Residency in Turkey: Your Gateway to Citizenship

What is a work residency permit?

A work residency permit in Turkey not only grants residency to you and your family but also serves as a pathway to Turkish citizenship. It is designed for foreign owners and employees of Turkish companies.

Key Benefits of Work Residency:

1. Qualifies you for Turkish citizenship after five years of consecutive residency in Turkey, with no more than 180 days spent outside the country within this period.
2. Enables your spouse and children under 18 to obtain family residence.
3. Provides special work benefits for foreigners, including:

• Access to state-funded healthcare services nationwide.
• Eligibility for a pension after reaching the age of 60.
• Opportunity for your children to attend Turkish schools tuition-free.
• Access to various incentives provided by the Turkish government.

Why Choose Work Residency in Turkey?

Turkey actively promotes foreign investments, offering extensive support and opportunities for job creation. Various industries, such as:

• Vehicle Importing & Exporting
• Jewelry & Precious Metals
• Plastics Manufacturing & Products
• Clothing, Textiles, and Accessories
• Iron & Steel Manufacturing
• Electrical Equipment Supplies
• Fruits & Vegetables

…are experiencing significant growth, presenting exclusive investment and employment prospects.

How to Obtain a Work Residency Permit:

There are two pathways to acquiring a work permit in Turkey:

1. Working for a Turkish Company:

   • The company must have a capital exceeding 100,000 Turkish Lira.
   • Employ at least five Turkish workers full-time if hiring a foreign worker.
   • Alternatively, if the owner/partner seeks a work permit without hiring Turkish employees, their share in the company’s capital should not be less than 40,000 TL.
   • Ensure all taxes and social insurance contributions are paid to the state by the company.

2. Investing in Establishing a Company in Turkey:

   • This route offers ease of obtaining a residency permit in Turkey.
   • Owners of companies are exempted from certain conditions under Turkish law, facilitating the process.
   • Benefits include flexibility in hiring requirements, inclusion of family members in residency, and the ability to obtain a work permit while outside Turkey.

How to Apply for a Work Residency Permit:

• Apply from inside Turkey by first obtaining a tourist residency and then converting it to a work residency.
• Apply from outside Turkey by visiting a Turkish embassy with the required documents.
• Upon approval, you’ll receive a work permit code, enabling you to proceed with your residency.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):

• Can I obtain a work permit from outside Turkey? Yes, you can visit the nearest Turkish Embassy in your country and initiate the process.
• What are the costs associated with obtaining a work permit? The approximate cost is $650.
• Can I include my children and parents in the work permit? Children under 18 are eligible, while parents must be over 64 years old to be included.
• What is the duration of the work permit? Initially one year, renewable for subsequent two or three-year periods, leading to eligibility for citizenship after five years.
• Can I attain citizenship after five years with a work residency permit? Yes, provided you meet residency requirements.
• What is the required capital percentage for a work permit? Owners or partners must have a share in the capital of at least 40,000 TL, with the company’s total capital not less than 100,000 TL.
• Is there a difference between work residency and the turquoise card? Yes, the turquoise card is exclusively issued to company owners, granting rights equivalent to Turkish citizenship.
• Can my child receive state-funded treatment? Yes, children under 18 included in your work residence permit are eligible for state-funded healthcare services.
• Are there monthly fees for the work permit? Yes, social insurance fees apply, amounting to 1480 TL per month per work permit, not per person.