Article 54 covered the general framework for work permits. This article goes deeper – The employer-managed application process step by step, required documents, prohibited professions, renewal rules, and what to do when an application is rejected.

79a. What is a work permit and who applies?

A Turkish work permit is an official administrative authorisation issued by the Ministry of Labour and Social Security under International Labour Law No. 6735. It is tied to a specific employer and workplace. The application is submitted by the employer – not by the foreign national.

Under Article 27 of Law No. 6458, a valid work permit also serves as a residence permit. A foreign national holding a work permit does not need to obtain a separate residence permit.

79b. Step-by-step application process

• Consulate application (from abroad): The foreign national applies at the Turkish consulate or embassy in their country of residence, submitting the employment contract and core documents. A unique reference number is issued.
• Employer completes the Ministry application: The employer in Turkey enters the system via e-Devlet or the Ministry portal using the reference number. The employers system entry is mandatory.
• Document upload: The employer uploads: signed employment contract, trade registry certificate, tax certificate, SGK registration, and the most recent financial statements. The foreign national provides: passport, diploma with certified Turkish translation, and work history or CV.
• Decision: The Ministry typically issues a decision within 30 days. The initial permit is generally valid for one year.

79c. The 5-to-1 rule and 2024 exceptions

As detailed in Article 54: for each foreign employee, the employer must have at least five SGK-registered Turkish nationals on payroll. Post-2024 exceptions: companies with annual net sales above 50 million TL are exempt from the ratio; IT and technology companies are fully exempt for technical roles; special development zones (free zones, Teknokent) operate under separate rules.

79d. Renewal – required every year

Provided the employer and workplace have not changed, the permit can be renewed for two years at the first renewal and three years at the second. The renewal application should be submitted at least two months before expiry. If the permit expires before the renewal is processed, every day worked counts as unauthorised employment.

79e. Professions reserved for turkish citizens

Under Turkish law, certain professions are exclusively reserved for Turkish citizens. Work permits cannot be issued for these roles:

• Law (advocacy) and notary public
• Pharmacy and dentistry (with limited certification exceptions)
• Customs brokerage
• Tourist guiding (licensed)

79f. Rejection – two legal routes

A rejection is not the end of the process. Two legal routes are available:

• Administrative objection to the Ministry (30 days): A written objection must be submitted to the Ministry of Labour and Social Security within 30 days of the rejection notification. The petition should address the rejection grounds directly, reference the relevant provisions of Law No. 6735, and be supported by any additional documents that counter the stated reasons for refusal.
• Administrative court lawsuit (60 days): If the Ministry objection is also rejected, an annulment lawsuit can be filed at the competent Administrative Court within 60 days of the notification. This stage requires an experienced Turkish administrative lawyer.

The most common rejection reasons: incomplete or incorrect documentation; employer failing to demonstrate genuine need to hire a foreign national; a Turkish citizen with equivalent qualifications being available; prohibited profession category; previous visa or residence violations by the applicant.

Sources: T.C. Çalışma ve Sosyal Güvenlik Bakanlığı – https://www.calismaizni.ailevecalisma.gov.tr | 6735 Sayılı Uluslararası İşgücü Kanunu – https://www.mevzuat.gov.tr

EXPERT ADVICE: The most common mistakes in work permit applications are incomplete documents, late employer system entries, and missing rejection deadlines. A rejection gives you just 30 days to object – act immediately. And remember: under Article 27 of Law No. 6458, a valid work permit replaces a residence permit entirely. You do not need both.

P.S. Residence permit and work permit are two separate things. One does not replace the other. If you are working in Turkey for a Turkish employer, for a foreign employer, or for yourself you need the correct permit for your situation. No exceptions. The article covers the process clearly follow it.