For employers and clubs hiring a foreigner who has not yet entered Turkey: the foreigner applies for a work visa at the Turkish consulate in their country of residence and receives a 16-digit reference number; the employer opens the “abroad” application in the system with that number. Wherever the foreigner is — we work with Turkish consulates in every country of the world — we manage both ends, consulate and employer, on one timeline.
The Process — Law No. 6735, Article 7 and the Application Guide
Who it is for
If the foreigner is outside Turkey, or is in Turkey without a residence permit valid for at least 6 months (tourist visa, visa exemption), a domestic application is not possible; the route is the application from abroad.
Step 1 — Consulate
The foreigner applies for a work visa at the Turkish consulate in the country where they legally reside. Consulate list: mfa.gov.tr. Result: a 16-digit reference number.
Step 2 — Employer
The employer selects the “abroad” application type in the system, enters the reference number and completes the filing with documents. In practice the window after the reference is 10 working days; after that the reference lapses.
Step 3 — Assessment
If a missing-document notice arrives it is completed within the given time. After approval the fee and card cost are paid within 30 days.
Step 4 — Visa and entry
With the approval the foreigner collects the work visa from the consulate and enters Turkey within 6 months. Without entry within 6 months the permit becomes invalid.
Step 5 — Address registration
The address is registered within 20 working days of entry. The work permit also serves as a residence permit; no separate residence application is needed.
Exemptions differ
A work permit exemption (athletes, assembly technicians etc.) is filed by the foreigner personally and can be filed while abroad; no reference number is required.
Where Applications from Abroad Most Often Stall
An application from abroad runs in two institutions on two timelines. The points that cost our files the most time:
1
Wrong consulate
The application goes to the Turkish mission in the country where the foreigner legally resides, not the country of citizenship. For a foreigner living in a third country this decides the file from the start.
2
Missing the 10-working-day window
If the employer’s documents are not ready when the reference arrives, the window closes. We prepare the employer file before the consulate appointment.
3
Reference number entered incorrectly
The 16 digits do not match with a single wrong character; the reference field only opens if the “abroad” type is selected.
4
Consulate documents inconsistent with system documents
Salary, role and duration in the contract must be identical on both sides. In athlete files the club contract and federation document go to both places.
5
Entering without the work visa
A foreigner who enters on a visa exemption or tourist visa after approval has not met the work visa condition. The visa is collected from the consulate.
6
Not arriving within 6 months
If entry does not happen within 6 months from the start of the permit, the permit is invalid and the process restarts.
Why Deniz Kurumsal for Applications from Abroad?
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Two Timelines, One Hand
Consulate appointment, reference number, the employer’s 10 working days and the fee deadline: we plan every step on one calendar and miss no deadline.
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Employer File Ready in Advance
We complete the employer’s social-security, financial and contract documents before the reference arrives; the filing opens the day the number comes.
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Every Country, in the Foreigner’s Language
Europe, Central Asia, Africa, the Middle East, Asia and the Americas: for the Turkish mission in whichever country the foreigner lives, we handle the document list, appointment and visa steps directly with them in English or Russian.
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Athlete and Specialist Transfers
Application plans aligned with season and project calendars for athletes, coaches, engineers and technical staff coming from abroad.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is a Turkish work permit applied for from abroad?
In two stages. First the foreigner applies for a work visa at the Turkish consulate in the country where they legally reside and receives a 16-digit reference number. Then the employer selects the “abroad” application type in the system, enters the number and completes the filing with documents. The Ministry assesses and approves; after approval the foreigner collects the visa and travels to Turkey.
What is the 16-digit reference number and where is it obtained?
It is the number the Turkish consulate issues when it accepts the work visa application. It is the key that links the employer’s application in the system to the consular file; it is obtained from the Turkish embassy or consulate general in the foreigner’s country of residence. The list of missions is published by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
How soon must the employer file after the reference number is issued?
In practice within 10 working days. If the system filing is not made in that window the reference number lapses and the foreigner must re-apply to the consulate. That is why we prepare the employer file before the consular step.
Can a foreigner who entered Turkey on a tourist visa apply domestically?
No. A domestic application requires a residence permit valid for at least 6 months. For a foreigner present on a tourist visa or visa exemption the application is made from abroad, with a consular reference.
When must the foreigner arrive after approval?
After collecting the work visa from the consulate, within 6 months from the date the permit becomes valid. The address is registered within 20 working days of entry. The work permit serves as a residence permit.
Which route applies to an athlete or coach who is abroad?
For short and medium-term engagements the work permit exemption is filed by the foreigner personally and can be filed from abroad; no reference number is needed. For a long-term club contract the standard work permit route of consular reference plus club filing applies. We decide the route by the contract term.
How long does an application from abroad take?
Consulate appointments range from days to weeks depending on the country. After the employer filing the Ministry assessment averages 15–30 working days for a complete file. The single biggest time saver is having the employer file ready before the reference arrives.
What if the application from abroad is refused?
An appeal can be made to the Ministry within 30 days of notification of the refusal. See our separate guide on refusal grounds and the appeal process; we choose between appeal and re-application according to the ground.
Let Us Build the Timeline for Your Employee Abroad
The first consultation is free. Share the foreigner’s country and the position; we plan the consulate step, the reference number and the employer filing on one calendar.
