Standard work permit. Minimum salary is Turkish minimum wage (TRY 22,104/month gross in 2026). Employer sponsors.
Mid-career professionals with a job offer and relevant qualifications
Freelancers without employer sponsorship or those without recognised qualifications
5:1 Turkish citizen employment ratio required; employer must have 100,000 TRY paid-in capital; subject to quota limits by profession and location
At a Glance
Eligibility Requirements
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Age Range | 18+ |
| Education Required | High school diploma |
| Profession Required | No |
| Job Offer Required | Yes |
| Sponsorship Required | Yes |
| License / Recognition Required | Yes |
| Remote Income Allowed | No |
| Business Activity Required | No |
| Health Insurance Required | Yes |
| Proof of Funds Required | No |
| Can Apply From Abroad | Yes |
Financial Requirements
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Minimum Salary | €553/year |
| Application Fee | €150 |
| Est. Total Relocation Cost | €3,500 |
Application Timeline
Family & Rights
| Right | Details |
|---|---|
| Family Allowed | Yes |
| Spouse Can Work | No |
| Children Allowed | Yes |
| Work Rights | full |
| Renewable | Yes |
| Time to Permanent Residency | 8 years |
| Time to Citizenship | 8 years |
Related Pathways
Cost of Living
Find your best visa pathway
Take our free 2-minute quiz and get matched with programmes that fit your profile.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Work Permit (Çalışma İzni)?
Standard work permit. Minimum salary is Turkish minimum wage (TRY 22,104/month gross in 2026). Employer sponsors.
Who is the Work Permit (Çalışma İzni) best for?
This pathway is best suited for: Mid-career professionals with a job offer and relevant qualifications.
Who should not apply for the Work Permit (Çalışma İzni)?
This pathway is not ideal for: Freelancers without employer sponsorship or those without recognised qualifications.
What are the financial requirements for the Work Permit (Çalışma İzni)?
Applicants need minimum salary of €553/year. Additional costs may include the application fee and relocation expenses.
How long does it take to process the Work Permit (Çalışma İzni)?
Processing typically takes 28 to 56 days. Times may vary based on nationality, completeness of documentation, and current processing volumes.
Can I bring my family on the Work Permit (Çalışma İzni)?
Yes, this pathway allows family members including dependents.
Can the Work Permit (Çalışma İzni) lead to permanent residency or citizenship?
Yes. Holders of this visa can work toward permanent residency in approximately 8 years and citizenship in approximately 8 years, subject to meeting residence and other conditions.
What are the known issues with the Work Permit (Çalışma İzni)?
Known issues and warnings: 5:1 Turkish citizen employment ratio required; employer must have 100,000 TRY paid-in capital; subject to quota limits by profession and location. We recommend checking the official source for the latest updates.
Are there alternative pathways to Turkey?
Yes. Turkey offers 6 other immigration pathways. Compare all options on our Turkey country page.
What is the cost of living in Turkey?
Monthly costs for a single person in city center: Istanbul: €950/month; Ankara: €700/month; Izmir: €750/month. These include rent, groceries, transport, and utilities.
Get Your Full Report
Personalised visa pathways, cost breakdowns, and a step-by-step relocation plan.
Get Your Free VerdictOfficial source: https://www.csgb.gov.tr/uigm/yabancilar/