In order to legally work in Turkey you must have a Work Permit, a Work Visa, and a Residence Permit. Work Visas may only be issued after a Work Permit has been approved. Work-related Residence Permits are only issued after you have the Work Permit and Work Visa.

Individuals are NOT permitted to apply for Work Permits. Work Permit applications MUST be submitted on behalf of the applicant by a corporate entity legally registered in Turkey.

You must apply for your Work Visa personally after you have received your Work Permit. Work Visa applications are reviewed by the Turkish Consulate General Offices and forwarded to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for approval. Allow an absolute minimum of six weeks for the paperwork to be approved.

Once you have your Work Visa you must apply for your Residence Permit within 30 days of arrival in Turkey.

There are strict limitations on job categories open to foreign nationals in Turkey. Only Turkish citizens are permitted to work in the following professions:

Medical doctor, dentist, midwife, nurse, pharmacist, optician, veterinarian, public notary, certified public accountant, attorney-at-law, hospital administrator, managing director of pharmaceutical factories, peddler, musician, photographer, barber, typesetter, broker, garment, cap and footwear producer, stock exchange broker, salesperson of goods produced by state monopolies, interpreter, guide, highway worker, driver, watchman, office boy, doorkeeper, waiter, waitress, singer, construction worker, iron worker, and woodworker.

For further information contact the Turkish Consulate nearest you:
http://www.embassyworld.com/cgi-local/search.cgi?guest=Turkey&host=&count=0&menu=1

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