Independent Work Permit in Turkey: Application Guide for Foreigners

For foreigners who want to earn income through their own business in Turkey, the fundamental distinction is whether they will operate as an employee of an employer or work on their own behalf. An independent work permit is a work permit issued to foreigners that grants them the right to work on their own behalf in Turkey, without being bound to an employer.

This permit is regulated under Law No. 6735 on International Labor Force and requires foreigners to obtain a work permit or exemption before starting any income-generating activity in Turkey. Therefore, it is important for foreign individuals to correctly determine which type of permit they are subject to before starting their activities.

What Does an Independent Work Permit Provide?

The work permit issued by the Ministry of Labour and Social Security of Turkey grants foreigners both the right to work and reside in Turkey during its validity period. An independent work permit is considered in cases where a person conducts activities on their own behalf in Turkey, works within a company structure in connection with their own commercial activities, or continues professional activities outside of an employer relationship. However, not every commercial or professional plan automatically results in an independent work permit; the nature of the application, the subject of activity, and the documents submitted are decisive in the Ministry's evaluation.

Independent work permits are issued for a fixed term. Therefore, 'independent work permit' and 'indefinite work permit' do not mean the same thing. Independent permit refers to the work arrangement not being bound to an employer, while indefinite work permit is a separate category related to the duration of the permit. Confusing these concepts may lead to preparation according to an inappropriate permit type.

Where to Apply?

Work permit applications are made online through the Foreigners' Work Permits Application System (e-İzin), both from abroad and domestically.

• Applications from Abroad: The process begins when the foreigner applies for a work permit and visa to the relevant diplomatic mission of the Republic of Turkey.
• Domestic Applications: Foreigners who are in Turkey and have a valid residence permit of at least 6 months duration can apply domestically. Regardless of the type of residence permit, a valid residence permit of at least 6 months duration is required. If this condition is not met, the application must be made from abroad.

The official system for work permit applications is e-İzin and should not be confused with e-Devlet. Online submission of documents does not mean that physical document preparation is unnecessary. The content, translation, and approval status of documents scanned and uploaded to the system are important in the evaluation of the application. Translation and approval requirements for documents prepared in foreign languages may arise depending on the type of application.

Which Documents Are Required?

The basic documents specified by the Ministry of Labour and Social Security of Turkey in the evaluation process are as follows:

• Passport Copy: If the passport is not written in Latin letters, a sworn translation or translation approved by official authorities must be added. It should be noted that the passport must not have less than 60 days validity from the application date, and the permit will be issued not to exceed 60 days before the passport expiration date.
• Diploma/Temporary Graduation Certificate: Mandatory for foreigners who will work in professional services and those who will work in professions deemed necessary by the Ministry. Turkish translation approved by a sworn translator or official authorities is uploaded to the system.
• Commercial Documents: For applications related to companies or commercial structures, the Turkey Trade Registry Gazette showing the latest capital and partnership structure of the establishment, as well as the balance sheet and profit/loss statement for the last year, approved by the tax office or certified public accountant, may also be included in the evaluation file. These documents reveal the nature of the activity that the person plans to carry out on their own behalf in Turkey.

Points to Consider During the Application Process

An independent work permit is not the same as establishing a company or preparing for commercial activity in Turkey. Company establishment, tax registration, commercial activity documents, and work permits have separate legal consequences. If a foreign person wants to conduct activities on their own behalf in Turkey, they should separately evaluate the work permit requirement.

Having a residence permit alone does not grant the right to work. A work permit is a separate document that provides both work and residence rights during its validity period. For a foreigner in Turkey to apply domestically, they must have a valid residence permit of at least 6 months duration; however, this residence permit is not sufficient to start work activities.

Preparation for Application

In an independent work permit application, first, it should be clarified whether the activity can actually be evaluated within the scope of independent work. If the person will actually work as an employee of an employer, the application type differs. If activities will be conducted on one's own behalf, the application is expected to be prepared with information and documents supporting this.

Passport validity, current residence permit status, professional document requirements, and documents related to commercial structure, if any, should be checked before application. Incomplete or improperly formatted documents may create the need for additional procedures. Especially for documents requiring translation and approval, waiting until the application moment may cause time loss.

When properly structured, an independent work permit provides a strong legal foundation for foreigners who want to establish their own business or conduct freelance professional activities in Turkey. This permit type is based on a different logic from other work permit categories: at the center is not an employer, but the activity carried out by the foreigner on their own behalf. Therefore, the application file must clearly show this difference.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does an independent work permit mean?

An independent work permit is a work permit issued on behalf of a foreigner without being bound to an employer, granting the foreigner the right to work on their own behalf in Turkey.

Is an independent work permit an indefinite work permit?

No. An independent work permit refers to the work arrangement not being bound to an employer. An indefinite work permit is a separate category related to the duration of the permit.

Can a foreigner in Turkey apply domestically?

For a foreigner in Turkey to make a domestic work permit application, they must have a valid residence permit of at least 6 months duration.

Are work permit applications made through e-Devlet?

The main official system for work permit applications is the Foreigners' Work Permits Application System, namely e-İzin. Documents are also submitted online through this automation system.

Does a residence permit alone grant the right to work?

No. Having a residence permit alone does not grant the right to work. A work permit is a separate document that provides both work and residence rights during its validity period.