Frequently Asked Questions

Foreign nationals who have a valid job offer from a Turkish employer registered with the Social Security Institution (SGK). The wage must meet the ÇSGB criterion for the role: from the gross minimum wage (2026: 33,030 TL) up to 5x for senior executives.

With a complete file, 15–30 business days via the e-devlet.gov.tr system. Incomplete files are returned and the clock restarts.

No. You must wait for official approval before starting work. Starting work before the permit is issued is a legal violation for both the employer and the employee.

Yes. A valid Turkish work permit serves as a residence permit for its duration. You do not need a separate ikamet izni while your work permit is active.

Only for regulated professions (engineering, medicine, law, architecture). For most other roles, a diploma equivalency is not mandatory but may strengthen the application.

Under the ÇSGB criteria the wage depends on the role, measured against the gross minimum wage on the application date (2026: 33,030 TL): at least 5x for senior executives and pilots, 4x for engineers and architects, 3x for other managers, 2x for skilled/specialist jobs, and not below the minimum wage for domestic and other work.

Short-term (tourist, investment, remote work), family reunification, student, long-term (after 8 years continuous residence), humanitarian, and victim of human trafficking.

Via randevu.goc.gov.tr (e-ikamet system). Appointments can be scarce in major cities; book as early as possible — up to 90 days before your current permit expires.

Valid passport, biometric photos, health insurance covering Turkey, proof of address (notarised lease), completed application form, and the permit fee receipt.

Yes. Apply within the last 60 days before expiry. Do not let the permit expire — overstaying triggers fines and a possible entry ban.

The document (card) fee is 964 TL for all nationalities. The permit fee varies by country group and duration — use our calculator for exact figures.

Yes, after 5 years of continuous legal residence with a valid permit. You must not have left Turkey for more than 12 months total during those 5 years.

Purchasing real estate worth at least $400,000 USD (held for 3 years), or depositing $500,000 in a Turkish bank, or creating 50 jobs, among other options.

Yes. Turkey does not require you to renounce your existing citizenship when naturalising.