Visa requirements

Turkey

General visa requirements for travelling to Turkey. These policies apply to all nationalities unless a country-specific policy exists.

Have a specific passport country? Check your specific route.

Work / Immigration visa (Work Visa)

Applies to all nationalities · Last updated: 25 June 2026

Embassy required

• Maximum stay: 365 days
• Processing time: 28-56 days (4-8 weeks)
• Fee: $70-150 USD (plus work permit fees)
• Validity: Duration of work permit (typically 1-2 years)
• Entry: Single entry

Foreign nationals must obtain both a work visa and work permit to legally work in Turkey. The work permit functions as a residence permit. Employers must apply for the work permit on behalf of the employee. Applications should be submitted 1-2 months before intended employment start date.

Eligibility

• Nationality

  Available to all foreign nationals with a job offer from a Turkish employer

• Employment

  Applicants must have a valid job offer and employment contract from a Turkish employer who is sponsoring their work permit

  Required status: Job offer from Turkish employer

• Criminal record

  Applicants must provide valid police clearance certificate showing no criminal record

Documents you need

• Passport

  Blank pages required: 2; Validity months: 6

• Photo

  Count: 2; Specifications: Passport-sized photos taken within 6 months

• Police clearance

  Validity months: 6

• Application form

  Use the official application form for this route and complete all required fields.

  Form name: Turkey Work Visa Application and Foreign Personnel Application Form; Form url: https://www.konsolosluk.gov.tr

• Academic transcript

  Provide academic records for the course, qualification or training route.

  Must be notarized: Yes; Must be translated: Yes

• Company registration

  Provide company registration evidence for the inviting, sponsoring or employing organisation.

  Accepted documents: Turkish employer's trade registry gazette, balance sheet, profit/loss statement (certified by tax office or CPA)

• Professional license

  Accepted licenses: Professional qualifications, degrees, certifications relevant to job; Must be translated: Yes

• Work contract

  Provide a signed job offer, contract or assignment letter showing the role, dates and employer.

  Must be notarized: Yes; Must be translated: Yes

• Work permit notification

  Provide work permit approval, notification or authorisation evidence from the relevant authority.

  Issuing authority: As required by issuing authority; Permit number: Work permit application number from employer

How to apply

1. Document gathering

   Gather required documents including employment contract, qualifications, and police clearance

2. Online application

   Employer submits work permit application to Ministry of Labor and Social Security (MLSS) within 10 days

3. Processing wait

   Wait for work permit approval from MLSS

4. Appointment booking

   Once work permit is approved, schedule appointment at Turkish embassy for work visa

5. Document submission

   Submit all documents including work permit notification at embassy appointment

6. Fee payment

   Pay work visa fee at embassy

7. Visa collection

   Collect passport with work visa

This information is provided for general guidance only. Visa requirements can change frequently and may vary by nationality. Always verify with the official embassy or consulate before making travel plans. Contact [email protected] for assistance.