Foreigners' Work Permits in Turkey: A Comprehensive Assessment

I. Introduction: Work Permit Legislation and Purpose for Foreigners in Turkey

The fundamental regulations concerning the participation of foreigners in the Turkish labor market are established by Law No. 6735 on International Labor Force, which entered into force upon its publication in the Official Gazette dated August 13, 2016, and numbered 29800. This Law defines the work permit and work permit exemption processes required for foreigners to work in Turkey. The procedures and principles for the implementation of the Law are determined by the Regulation on the Implementation of the International Labor Force Law. This Regulation covers issues such as the issuance, restriction, cancellation of work permits, exemption statuses, and related notification obligations, thereby regulating the practical applications of the legal framework. Additionally, special regulations such as the Turquoise Card Regulation and the Regulation on Work Permits for Foreigners Under Temporary Protection address the different statuses of foreigners in the labor market.

A work permit or work permit exemption document issued under Law No. 6735 also serves as a residence permit pursuant to Article 27 of Law No. 6458 on Foreigners and International Protection. Therefore, it provides both the legal right to work and the legal right to reside in Turkey with a single document for foreigners.

However, a residence permit held by foreigners, other than those with refugee or subsidiary protection status, for any reason, does not grant them the right to work in Turkey. To work legally, foreigners must obtain a work permit from the Ministry of Labor and Social Security.

II. Types of Work Permits

There are various types of work permits available for foreigners to access the labor market in Turkey. These types vary depending on the foreigner's status, purpose of work, and duration of stay in Turkey.

A. Temporary Work Permit

A temporary work permit is the basic type of work permit issued to a foreigner whose work permit application is approved. This permit is issued for working in a specific job at a specific workplace or in workplaces within the same sector, under a single employer, provided that it does not exceed the duration of the employment or service contract. For the initial application, this permit is granted for a maximum period of one year. If the foreigner wishes to work for a different employer, this application is always considered a new initial application, not an extension.

A temporary work permit can be extended if applied for within legal periods. If the first extension application is approved, the foreigner is granted a work permit for a maximum of two years, remaining with the same employer. For subsequent extension applications, this period can be extended up to a maximum of three years. An extension application can be made at most two months before the expiry of the current permit and, in any case, before the expiry date. Furthermore, it is also possible to apply for an extension within a maximum of 3 months (90 days) from the expiry date. Foreigners who apply for a work permit extension may continue to work at the same workplace and in the same profession for a period not exceeding 45 days from the expiry date of their permit; work during this period is considered legal. The start date of the extended work permit is considered to be the end date of the previous permit.

B. Indefinite Work Permit

An indefinite work permit is a right granted to foreigners who hold a long-term residence permit in Turkey or have a legal work permit for at least eight years. However, meeting these application conditions does not grant the foreigner an absolute right to obtain an indefinite work permit; the administration has discretionary power in this regard. Periods spent by the foreigner in education are not taken into account when calculating the legal and uninterrupted residence period.

Foreigners holding an indefinite work permit benefit from all rights provided by a long-term residence permit. Subject to the provisions of special laws and compliance with relevant social security legislation, they have the opportunity to benefit from the rights granted to Turkish citizens. However, foreigners with an indefinite work permit do not have the right to vote, be elected, or enter public service, nor do they have the obligation to perform military service. Indefinite work permit documents are renewed at the end of every five years from the start date of the permit. The renewal application must be made within six months before the expiry of the five-year period and, in any case, before the expiry date.

C. Independent Work Permit

An independent work permit is a type of work permit issued in the name of a foreigner, without being tied to an employer, granting the foreigner the right to work in Turkey on their own behalf and account. This permit is issued for a temporary period. In evaluating an independent work permit in line with international labor force policy, various factors are considered, such as the foreigner's education level, professional experience, contribution to science and technology, the impact of their activity or investment in Turkey on the country's economy and employment, and their capital share if they are a foreign company partner. This permit may be granted to foreign professionals, provided that special conditions specified in other relevant laws are met. The applicant must have legally and uninterruptedly resided in Turkey for at least five years. Additionally, documents proving the contribution of the activity to the national economy and that the foreigner has sufficient income for the activity to be performed may also be requested. An independent work permit is used by the foreigner based on their residence permit durations, as long as the nature of the work does not change. Foreigners deemed eligible for an independent work permit are issued an "Independent Work Permit Application Document," which is valid for three months. The foreigner must establish their workplace and submit their commercial registry record to the Ministry within this period.

D. Turquoise Card

The Turquoise Card is a special type of work permit granted to foreigners with certain qualifications, in line with Turkey's international labor force policy. This card is issued based on an evaluation of criteria such as the foreigner's education level, professional experience, contribution to science and technology, and the impact of their activity or investment in Turkey on the country's economy and employment. The first three years for the Turquoise Card are designated as a transition period. It is mandatory to apply before 180 days remain until the end of this transition period and, in any case, before the period expires. Applications made after the transition period expires will be rejected, and the Turquoise Card will be canceled.

Foreigners holding a Turquoise Card benefit from all rights provided by an indefinite work permit. Additionally, a special document granting residence rights is issued to the spouse and dependent children of the Turquoise Card holder, in accordance with the provisions of the legislation. Foreigners under temporary protection are exempt from Turquoise Card applications. Turquoise Card holders are exempt from work permit fees but are obliged to pay the valuable paper fee.

III. Work Permit Exemption

A work permit exemption is an official arrangement that grants certain foreigners the right to work and reside in Turkey without obtaining a work permit. This exemption is regulated pursuant to Article 13 of Law No. 6735 on International Labor Force and Article 48 of the Regulation on the Implementation of the International Labor Force Law.

A. Definition and Scope of Work Permit Exemption

A work permit exemption is issued by the Ministry in the form of an official document and grants the foreigner the right to work and reside in Turkey without obtaining a work permit during its validity period.

B. Categories and Durations of Exempted Foreigners

Article 48 of the Regulation on the Implementation of the International Labor Force Law regulates the categories of foreigners who may be granted work permit exemptions and the durations of these exemptions. These categories include:

• Those engaged in scientific, cultural, and artistic activities: For a maximum period of 1 month.

• Those coming for training related to imported/exported goods/services, assembly/maintenance/repair of machinery/equipment, or vehicle repair: For a total maximum period of 3 months.

• Those providing cross-border services: For a maximum period of 3 months.

• Non-resident board members of joint-stock companies and non-executive partners of other companies: For a maximum period of 3 months.

• Those engaged in sports activities: For a maximum period of 4 months.

• Those interning under inter-university student exchange programs: For a maximum period of 4 months.

• Those working in seasonal agriculture and animal husbandry: For a maximum period of 6 months.

• Those working in fairs and circuses operating outside certified tourism enterprises: For a maximum period of 6 months.

• Foreigners who can provide significant services and contributions to Turkey in economic, socio-cultural, technological, and educational fields: For a maximum period of 6 months.

• Tour operator representatives: For a maximum period of 8 months.

• Those interning under international intern student exchange, new graduate intern exchange, or youth exchange programs: For a maximum period of 12 months.

• Those in universities or public institutions for research or to enhance knowledge/experience: Throughout their education period and in any case for a maximum of 2 years.

• Professional foreign athletes, coaches, and related sports personnel (sports doctor, physiotherapist, etc.): Throughout their contract periods.

• Foreign seafarers working on ships registered in the Turkish International Ship Registry: Throughout their employment or service contracts.

• Foreigners assigned to programs/projects within the scope of Turkey-European Union Financial Cooperation Programs: Throughout their assignment periods.

• Foreign students enrolled in formal education programs at higher education institutions in Turkey and required to undertake mandatory internships with an employer as part of their vocational training: Throughout their mandatory internship periods.

• Those working in schools, cultural institutions, and religious organizations affiliated with foreign diplomatic/consular missions in Turkey: Throughout their assignment periods.

• Those working in the private service of foreign diplomatic/consular personnel: Throughout their employment or service contracts.

• Those working in military factories and shipyards within the Ministry of National Defense and MKE A.Ş.: Throughout their employment or service contracts.

• Foreign personnel, researchers, or managers working within the Turkish-Japanese Science and Technology University: Throughout their employment contracts.

• Foreigners undergoing specialty training in medicine and dentistry: Throughout their training periods.

C. Application Process and Evaluation

Work permit exemption applications are made electronically through the e-exemption system. During the application, the foreigner's biometric photograph, valid passport or equivalent document, education information, and if applicable, workplace information and supporting documents must be uploaded to the system. The exemption document is issued for a period 60 days shorter than the validity period of the foreigner's passport or equivalent documents.

With an important regulatory change, the 30-day period threshold, which started from the foreigner's legal entry date into Turkey for work permit exemption applications made from within the country, has been removed. This allows foreigners to apply for a work permit exemption while legally present in Turkey.

Financially, no fees or valuable paper costs are charged for work permit exemption applications issued for up to 3 months. However, if the foreigner requests and pays the valuable paper fee, the Ministry may issue a work permit exemption document. While no fees or valuable paper costs are charged for the renewal of erroneously issued exemption documents due to administrative error, half of the fee and the full valuable paper cost are collected in case of loss.

D. Rights and Restrictions Provided

A work permit exemption serves as a residence permit during its validity period, and no separate residence permit is required during this time. Additionally, the exemption periods also provide the foreigner with multiple entry-exit opportunities to the country.

However, there is an important restriction on this exemption: periods spent in Turkey under a work permit exemption are not taken into account in the calculation of legal work permit or residence permit periods. Family members of a foreigner residing in Turkey under a work permit exemption cannot directly obtain residence rights based on this exemption; family members must apply for a residence permit separately.

There is no obstacle for foreigners working in Turkey with a work permit exemption to become union members. Furthermore, work permit exemptions issued for up to 3 months are exempt from notification obligations.

The work permit exemption system offers strategic flexibility, allowing Turkey to quickly benefit from specific foreign expertise or short-term projects. This system facilitates short-term, high-impact contributions in scientific, artistic, technical, or sports fields without subjecting them to the longer and more comprehensive processes required by full work permit procedures.

IV. Work Permit Application Process and General Conditions

Work permit applications in Turkey are conducted electronically through a modern and centralized system called the Foreigners' Work Permit Application System (e-Permit). This digitalization aims to make application processes more accessible and trackable.

A. Application Methods

Work permit applications can be made by two main methods, depending on whether the foreigner is in Turkey or not:

• General Method and Use of e-Permit System: All work permit applications are made online through the Ministry of Labor and Social Security's e-Permit system. Access to this system is provided by employers or their legal representatives using an e-Government password. The system offers all steps digitally, such as creating a workplace registration, applying, uploading documents, and tracking applications. Additional users can be authorized to apply on behalf of the employer; this authorization process must also be approved with an e-Signature.

• Application from Within Turkey: For foreigners residing in Turkey, work permit applications are made directly to the Ministry of Labor and Social Security. For this type of application, the foreigner must have a valid residence permit for at least six months at the time of application. However, applications from within Turkey are not accepted for foreigners who have entered Turkey with a tourist visa or other non-work visas, or with a visa exemption, and do not have a residence permit. For foreigners with international protection applicant or conditional refugee status, the residence period requirement is not sought. After the electronic application is completed, the required documents must be submitted to the Ministry within 6 business days.

• Application from Abroad: In cases where foreigners are outside Turkey, work permit applications are made in person to the Turkish Republic foreign missions in their country of nationality or permanent residence. Foreign missions transmit the applications to the Ministry and provide the foreigner with a 16-digit reference number. This reference number is used by the employer in Turkey; the employer must complete the electronic application through the e-Permit system and submit the required documents to the Ministry within 10 business days from the date the foreigner applied to the foreign mission. The reference number is valid for 30 days, and applications cannot be made with unused or expired numbers after this period. For applications made from abroad, the foreigner must start working within one month from their entry date into Turkey and, in any case, within six months from the start date of the work permit.

B. Required Documents and Information

Generally, the following documents and information are requested for a work permit application:

• e-Government password for the employer or legal representative.

• Applicant's profile information (Turkish ID number, date of birth, first name, last name, email, mobile phone).

• Workplace registration (as Domestic Services or SGK Registered Employer).

• Copies of valid passport or equivalent document.

• Biometric photograph with a white background, taken within the last 6 months (maximum 2MB, JPEG/PNG/GIF/JPG format).

• Employment contract.

• Diploma or education documents (equivalence certificate may be required for those graduated abroad).

• Balance sheet and profit/loss statement for the last year, approved by the tax office or certified public accountant (scanned and sent online during the electronic application).

• Power of attorney (if the application is handled by proxy).

• For independent work permits, documents proving the activity's contribution to the national economy and that the foreigner has sufficient income.

• Any information and documents proving professional competence (may be requested by the General Directorate).

• Specifically for the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC), additional documents may be requested, such as documents showing that the workplace has no debt to the Social Security, Provident Fund, and Tax Office, an Employment Suitability Approval from the Department of Labor, and a Bank Guarantee Letter if the applicant is a 3rd Country National.

C. Application Evaluation Criteria and Duration

Work permit applications are evaluated by the Ministry of Labor and Social Security according to criteria determined in line with the decisions of the International Labor Force Policy Advisory Board. In particular, it is checked whether a Turkish citizen with the same qualifications for the job in question can be found within a four-week period in the country.

Complete applications are evaluated within 30 days from the completion of all information and documents. If additional information or documents are requested, this 30-day period starts from the date the requested deficiencies are completed. When deemed necessary, preliminary permits or opinions are obtained from relevant public institutions and organizations such as the Ministry of Health, Ministry of National Education, YÖK (Council of Higher Education), or Ministry of Science, Industry and Technology. These institutions are generally expected to respond within 5 to 15 days; if no response is received within the specified period, the opinion is considered positive. In direct foreign investments with special characteristics, when evaluating the work permit of the first foreigner in a key personnel position, the condition of employing 5 Turkish citizens for every 1 foreigner is not sought. Additionally, the applicant or employer may be invited to the General Directorate if deemed necessary.

D. Fees and Valuable Paper Costs

Work permit and work permit exemption documents in Turkey are subject to fees according to Law No. 492 on Fees. Furthermore, these documents issued by the Ministry are also subject to a valuable paper fee under Law No. 210 on Valuable Papers. All expenses and fee payments related to obtaining a work permit must be covered by the employer as per the law. No deductions can be made from the employee's salary for this purpose, nor can payment be requested from the employee.

No fees or valuable paper costs are charged for work permit exemption applications issued for up to 3 months. Turquoise Card holders are exempt from fees but are obliged to pay the valuable paper fee. Payments must be made through the Digital Tax Office (dijital.gib.gov.tr) or contracted banks, by declaring the reference number and the foreigner's ID number, with separate receipts.

E. Notification of Application Results and Right to Object

When a work permit application is finalized, the Ministry's decision (positive or negative) is notified to the email address declared during the application. For applications made from abroad, the result is also transmitted online to the relevant foreign mission. The application result can also be tracked through the e-Permit system.

Decisions regarding the refusal of a work permit or work permit exemption application or the cancellation of issued documents are notified to the employer employing the foreigner or directly to the foreigner. Against these decisions of the Ministry, interested parties can object to the Ministry within 30 days from the date of notification. Objections are made online through the e-Permit system, and the objection petition and relevant documents must be uploaded to the system. If the objection is rejected by the Ministry, there is a right to apply to the administrative judiciary. An important point is that it is possible to reapply for a rejected work permit application by rectifying the deficiencies; a previous rejection does not constitute an obstacle to a new application.

V. Post-Work Permit Obligations and Rights

A. Relationship with Residence Permit and Address Registration System

A work permit or work permit exemption document serves as a residence permit pursuant to Article 27 of Law No. 6458 on Foreigners and International Protection. This regulation means that the foreigner does not need to obtain a separate residence permit and grants the foreigner the right to legal residence in Turkey for the duration of the permit. However, there are some exceptions to this rule. Work permits issued to foreigners with International Protection Applicant, Conditional Refugee, and Temporary Protection status do not serve as residence permits. For these individuals, residence and work statuses are evaluated separately.

An important obligation for foreigners who come to Turkey with a work permit is to register with the address registration system by applying to the Provincial Directorate of Migration Management within 20 business days at the latest from their entry date into the country. This registration ensures that the foreigner officially declares their legal residence address in Turkey. Foreigners who do not extend their permit or obtain a residence permit suitable for their new status after their work permit expires are considered to have violated their residence permit. Additionally, periods spent in Turkey under a work permit exemption are not taken into account in the calculation of legal work permit or residence permit periods.

B. Social Security Obligations

Employers employing foreigners and foreigners with indefinite or independent work permits are obliged to fulfill their social security obligations arising from social security legislation within the legal period. These obligations are determined according to the provisions of Law No. 5510 on Social Insurance and General Health Insurance dated 31/5/2006. It is mandatory to fulfill social security obligations based on the declared and committed wage and full-time employment during the work permit application.

For applications made from within the country, the foreigner must start working by fulfilling their obligations under the relevant legislation within one month from the start date of their work permit. For applications made from abroad, the foreigner must start working by fulfilling their obligations within one month from their entry date into Turkey and, in any case, within six months from the start date of the work permit. The provisions of social security agreements to which Turkey is a party are reserved in this regard. In case a foreigner with a work permit falls ill or has a work accident, the provisions of the relevant legislation apply.

C. Changes in Workplace and Profession

Work permits are issued for working at a specific workplace, in a specific job, and at a specific address. Therefore, a foreigner with a dependent-temporary work permit cannot work for another employer with the same permit other than the employer specified in their permit. If they wish to work for a different employer, the foreigner must obtain a new work permit.

However, if they wish to work in a different position with the same employer or in a different branch within the same sector, it is possible for the employer to notify the Ministry of the relevant changes and for the necessary adjustments to be made to the permit, provided that the required conditions are met. For Turquoise Card, independent work permit, and indefinite work permit holders, changes in workplace or position must be notified to the Ministry by the foreigner at least ten days before starting work at the new workplace.

D. Right to Union Membership

There is no legal obstacle for foreigners working in Turkey with a work permit or work permit exemption to become union members.

VI. Work Permit Refusal, Cancellation, and Administrative Sanctions

The work permit system in Turkey also includes various refusal, cancellation, and administrative sanction mechanisms in case of non-compliance with the determined rules.

A. Reasons for Refusal

A work permit or work permit extension application may be refused in the following situations:

• Violation of Legal Legislation: Violation of the provisions of Article 14 of Law No. 6735 and other laws reserving certain jobs and professions for Turkish citizens.

• False/Forged Information: Detection that incomplete, forged, or misleading information and documents were submitted in the application.

• Public Order and Security: Notification by the Ministry of Interior that the foreigner is among those who will not be allowed to enter Turkey, will not be granted a visa, or for whom a deportation decision has been issued.

• Labor Market Criteria: If a Turkish citizen with the same qualifications for the job requested for the work permit is found in the records of the Turkish Employment Agency within a four-week period, and it is determined that the foreigner's qualifications are not more suitable.

• Professional Competence: Failure to submit documents proving professional competence (not being banned from the profession, being a member, etc.) or lack of academic competence for foreigners who will work in professional occupations.

• Residence Permit Conditions: For applications made from within the country, the foreigner not meeting the condition of having a valid residence permit for at least six months or having entered Turkey with non-work visas such as a tourist visa.

• Exceeding Time Limit: For applications made from abroad, the reference number not being used within 30 days.

• Fee Payment: Failure to pay the work permit fee and valuable paper cost within 30 days from the notification date.

• Violation of Transition Period: Applications made for the Turquoise Card after the transition period has expired.

B. Reasons for Cancellation

An issued work permit may be canceled in the following situations:

• Illegal Work: Detection that the foreigner is working in violation of the limitations specified in their work permit, Turkish national legislation, or the regulations of relevant institutions.

• False/Forged Information: Subsequent discovery that incomplete, forged, or misleading information and documents were provided in the work permit application.

• Employer's Notification Obligation: Failure of employers employing foreigners or foreigners with independent/indefinite work permits to notify the Ministry within 15 days of circumstances requiring the start, end, or cancellation of the work permit.

• Social Security Obligations: Failure to fulfill social security obligations arising from social security legislation within the legal period.

• Request from Relevant Institution: Evaluation of cancellation by the Ministry upon a justified request from the relevant institution.

• Professional Legislation: Detection that the requirements of the relevant professional legislation are not met in exceptional work permits.

• Marital Union: Detection that the purpose of establishing a marital union with a Turkish citizen was not to form a family unit (in exceptional permits through marriage).

C. Administrative Fines and Other Sanctions

Administrative fines are imposed on foreigners found to be working without a work permit and on employers employing them, in accordance with Law No. 6735.

D. Deportation of Foreigners

In addition to administrative fines, foreigners found to be working without a work permit are reported to the Ministry of Interior, and deportation procedures are initiated.

VII. Professions Reserved for Turkish Citizens

In the Turkish labor market, some professions and positions are legally designated to be performed only by Turkish citizens. When evaluating work permit applications, it is checked whether the profession requested by the foreigner is among those reserved for Turkish citizens.

The following table lists some of the main professions in which foreigners cannot work in Turkey. This list is not exhaustive, and other restrictions specified in relevant legislation should also be considered.

Table 2: Main Professions in Which Foreigners Cannot Work

Profession / Job Area

Founders, Managers, Trainers, and Authorized Representatives of Private Security Companies

Private Security Guards

Bazaar and Neighborhood Guards

Financial Advisors

Cooperative Board Members

Customs Broker Assistant

Founders of Schools Teaching in Languages Other Than Turkish and Established by Foreigners

Responsible Manager in Private Hospitals

Dentistry

Patient Caregiver

Pharmacy

Foreign Assistants Working Outside Foreign Specialty Training

Notaries

Judges and Prosecutors

Lawyers

Mediators

Experts

Concordat Commissioners

Intern Air Information Management Officers

Honorary Traffic Inspectors

Transportation Organizers

Agency Officials, Travel Agency Officials

Tourist Guides

Professions such as Fishing, Oyster, Mussel, Sponge, Pearl, Coral Export, Diving, Search, Piloting, Captaincy, Engineering, Clerical Work, Seaman, etc. within Territorial Waters

Sports Consultants

Agricultural Brokers

Ship Agency Officials and Ship Agency Personnel

Permanent Supervisors, Technical Personnel in Mines

VIII. Special Cases and Exceptions

Turkish work permit legislation includes exceptional regulations and exemptions for certain categories of foreigners or special situations, in addition to general rules. These exceptions are determined in line with international agreements, humanitarian considerations, or the country's strategic needs.

A. Blue Card Holders

Those who were born Turkish citizens and renounced their Turkish citizenship with permission from the Ministry of Interior, and their descendants up to the third degree, have the right to work in Turkey without obtaining a work permit, provided they hold a Blue Card or document their status with a Blue Card Registration Document. No separate work permit document is issued for these individuals; however, if they request it, a fee-exempt document indicating their right to work in Turkey may be provided.

B. International Protection Applicants and Temporary Protection Status Holders

International protection applicants and foreigners with conditional refugee status can apply for a work permit six months after the date of their international protection application. Foreigners under temporary protection can apply for a work permit or work permit exemption six months after the date their temporary protection identity document is issued.

Work permits issued to foreigners in this category do not serve as residence permits. If an international protection applicant and conditional refugee have an obligation to reside in a specific province, their applications for a work permit outside the borders of this province are finalized after obtaining the opinion of the Ministry of Interior. Refugees or those with subsidiary protection status can work as dependent or independent workers from the date they acquire their status, and their identity documents also serve as work permits.

C. Direct Foreign Investments and Key Personnel

In businesses that meet the criteria for direct foreign investments with special characteristics, when evaluating the work permit of the first foreigner in a key personnel position, the condition of employing 5 Turkish citizens for every 1 foreigner is not sought.

D. Employing Foreigners in Domestic Services

Work permit applications can be made to the Ministry of Labor and Social Security for employing foreigners in domestic services, for purposes such as caring for the elderly, disabled, or children, and accompanying patients. If the person who will employ the foreigner is elderly, disabled, or unable to apply, their first-degree relatives can apply as the employer. In this case, after the workplace registration is opened with the first-degree relative's information and electronic signature, the address where the patient/elderly person will be cared for is specified as the foreigner's work address, and a document showing the relationship and a copy of the cared person's ID card are attached to the contract.

E. Foreign Company Partners and Board Members

Managers who are company partners of limited companies established under the Turkish Commercial Code, board members who are company partners of joint-stock companies, or managing general partners of limited partnerships with capital divided into shares, can work in Turkey by obtaining a work permit. However, non-resident board members of joint-stock companies and non-executive partners of other companies established under Law No. 6102 are evaluated within the scope of work permit exemption.

F. Students, Doctors, Engineers, and Other Specializations

• Students: Foreign students enrolled in formal education programs at a higher education institution in Turkey have the right to work, provided they obtain a work permit. Associate and undergraduate students can apply for a work permit after completing their first year of study and can work part-time in accordance with the Labor Law. These restrictions do not apply to postgraduate students enrolled in formal education. Work permits issued to foreign students do not terminate their valid student residence permit and the rights provided by this residence permit.

• Doctors and Nurses: Decree Law No. 663 allows foreign doctors and nurses to work in Turkey. Work permit applications are made to the Ministry of Labor and Social Security with a preliminary permit document obtained from the Ministry of Health. Foreigners who graduated abroad are required to submit a diploma equivalence certificate.

• Engineers and Architects: Foreign engineers and architects can practice their professions in Turkey by obtaining project-based and temporary work permits.

• Foreigners to Work in Free Zones: Permit applications for foreigners to work within the scope of the Free Zones Law are made to the Ministry of Economy, and those deemed appropriate are notified to the Ministry of Labor and Social Security.

• Public Institutions and Projects: Work permits for foreigners employed in a project carried out by public institutions and organizations for a certain period or deemed by the Ministry to provide a high contribution to the national economy can be issued for up to three years, not exceeding the duration of the employment or service contract.