Why Timely Renewal Matters
A Turkish work permit is issued for a fixed period — typically one year for first-time applicants. When that period ends, so does the holder's legal right to work and to reside in Turkey. Unlike some countries where a grace period is granted automatically, Turkish immigration law is strict: working even one day after a permit expires is treated as working without a permit and can result in deportation and re-entry bans.
The good news is that the renewal process mirrors the initial application in many respects, and established employees with a clean record generally receive renewals without difficulty.
The 60-Day Rule
Turkish law requires that the renewal application be submitted no later than 60 days before the current permit's expiry date. Submitting on time keeps the foreign employee in legal status while the application is being processed; if the application is still pending when the old permit expires, the employee may continue working lawfully until a decision is reached.
If the application is submitted after the expiry date, the Ministry treats it as a new first-time application rather than a renewal. This means:
- The employee must leave Turkey and re-enter on a valid visa
- A new permit fee schedule applies (no reduced renewal rate)
- All documents must be re-collected as if applying for the first time
Set a calendar reminder at least 90 days before your permit expiry to allow enough time for document collection.
Who Submits the Renewal?
Renewal applications are submitted by the employer, through the same e-Government portal used for the initial application (turkiye.gov.tr). The employer selects "Renewal Application" and references the existing permit number.
If the foreign employee has changed employers since the last permit, the new employer must file a fresh work permit application, not a renewal.
Documents Required for Renewal
From the Employer
- Online renewal petition (auto-generated by e-Government)
- Signed balance sheet and income statement for the most recent fiscal year
- Current Trade Registry activity certificate
- SGK employee list for the most recent month (showing the ratio of Turkish to foreign workers)
- Updated signed employment contract (if terms have changed)
From the Foreign Employee
- Current valid work permit card
- Updated notarised Turkish translation of passport (if passport has been renewed or will expire within 18 months)
- Renewed health insurance policy valid throughout Turkey
- Biometric photograph (taken within the last 6 months)
- Diploma documents are generally not required again unless the employee has changed profession
2026 Renewal Fees
Permit fees for renewals follow the same schedule as new applications, based on the duration of the renewal period requested:
| Renewal Duration | Permit Fee | Document Fee | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Up to 1 year | 12,574.90 TRY | 964.00 TRY | 13,538.90 TRY |
| 1–2 years | 25,149.80 TRY | 964.00 TRY | 26,113.80 TRY |
| 2–3 years | 37,724.70 TRY | 964.00 TRY | 38,688.70 TRY |
| Indefinite | 125,802.20 TRY | 964.00 TRY | 126,766.20 TRY |
Source: Official Gazette dated 31.12.2025 — csgb.gov.tr/uigm
Fees must be paid at the time of online submission and are non-refundable. After three years of consecutive annual renewals, an employee may be eligible for a multi-year permit, which reduces administrative overhead.
Minimum Salary at Renewal
The employer must confirm on the renewal application that the salary still meets the wage criterion for the role. In 2026:
| Amount | |
|---|---|
| 2026 Gross Minimum Wage | 33,030.00 TRY |
| Senior executives and pilots (×5) | 165,150.00 TRY |
| Engineers and architects (×4) | 132,120.00 TRY |
| Other managers (×3) | 99,090.00 TRY |
| Skilled / specialist jobs (×2) | 66,060.00 TRY |
| Domestic services and other jobs (×1) | 33,030.00 TRY |
The tier is checked against the gross minimum wage in force on the renewal application date. If the employee's gross salary is below the tier for their role, the renewal is evaluated negatively.
Long-Term Permit Eligibility
After six years of continuous lawful employment in Turkey (six consecutive annual permits with the same or different employers, with no gaps), a foreign worker may apply for an indefinite work permit. This removes the need for periodic renewals. The fee for an indefinite permit is 125,802.20 TRY + 964 TRY document fee.
Conditions for indefinite permit eligibility include:
- Six years of uninterrupted lawful employment in Turkey
- Valid health insurance
- No record of violating Turkish immigration or labour law
- Continuing to work at the time of application
What to Do If the Renewal Is Refused
If the Ministry refuses the renewal, the employer and employee receive a written notification. They have 30 days to appeal the decision to the same authority, and if that fails, 60 days to take the matter to an administrative court. During the appeal period the employee should refrain from working to avoid additional penalties.
Common reasons for renewal refusal include a drop below the required salary level, deterioration of the employer's financial situation, or a change in the SGK employee ratio.
Need help with renewal? Deniz Kurumsal Danışmanlık handles the entire renewal process, including deadline tracking and document preparation.
Contact: denizkurumsal.com | +90 533 319 74 90
Related: How to Get a Work Permit Turkey 2026 · Work Permit Required Documents · Work Permit Rejection and Appeal