The Turkish Ministry of Labor has recently streamlined the process for issuing work permits to foreign nationals, making it easier for businesses to hire international talent. According to the new criteria, companies with annual sales of at least 50 million Turkish Lira can apply to bring in up to five foreign employees without needing to meet additional conditions. The salaries for these workers will be based on the gross minimum wage applicable at the time of application.
For some time now, business representatives in Turkey have called for a revision of the hiring requirements for foreign employees to address the existing labor shortage. In response to these concerns, the Ministry of Labor and Social Security has updated the work permit regulations for foreigners, which took effect on October 1, 2024. One of the primary aims of these changes is to attract skilled investors and labor to Turkey, particularly in sectors where there is a lack of qualified local specialists.
After a period of strict immigration policies, Turkey is not only easing restrictions but also opening up new opportunities for newcomers.
Work in Turkey for foreigners
Under the new regulations, businesses with an annual sales volume of at least 50 million Turkish lira can apply to hire up to five foreign workers without needing to meet additional local employee quotas. However, for companies using balance sheet accounting, a minimum of five Turkish citizens must be employed for each foreign worker.
For newly established businesses, the minimum paid-in capital required to apply for a Turkey work visa for a foreign employee is set at 500,000 Turkish lira. Existing companies must also meet this threshold or alternatively demonstrate an annual sales volume of at least 8 million lira or an export figure of no less than 150,000 USD.
Additionally, for applications through simple partnerships, at least one partner must have either the 500,000 lira paid-in capital, an annual sales volume of 8 million lira, or exports totaling at least 150,000 USD.
The minimum salary for foreign workers will be based on the gross minimum wage in effect at the time of application. For top executives and pilots, the salary cannot be less than five times the minimum wage; for engineers and architects, it must be at least four times, for other managers three times, and for skilled workers at least double. In other sectors, including domestic work, the foreign employee's salary cannot fall below the minimum wage.
Certain categories of foreign citizens are exempt from these requirements, including:
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Foreigners whose family members (parents, children) are Turkish citizens.
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Foreigners holding humanitarian residence permits.
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Victims of human trafficking with residency permits.
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Stateless individuals with identification documents.
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Foreigners with long-term residence permits.
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Individuals married to Turkish citizens for a minimum of three years.
These changes open more avenues for foreign investment and work opportunities in Turkey, making it an attractive destination for those looking to relocate.
Opening a business in Turkey
The Turkish Ministry of Labor and Social Security has made significant strides in easing the process for foreigners looking to establish businesses in Turkey. As of October 1, 2024, new regulations allow foreign entrepreneurs to set up companies with a minimum capital requirement of $100,000, without the need to hire five Turkish citizens, a previously daunting requirement for small businesses.
This change is particularly beneficial for those aiming to settle in Turkey, invest in Turkish properties and the local economy. Under the new guidelines, foreign founders can obtain work permits for themselves and residence permits for their family members, including children under 18.
Additionally, if a foreigner has resided in Turkey for three out of the last five years (excluding student visas), they can employ up to three foreign workers without the need to hire 15 Turkish nationals. However, it’s important to note that the total number of foreign employees cannot exceed that of Turkish workers.
In summary, the Turkish government's recent reforms to work permit regulations have significantly lowered the barriers for foreign entrepreneurs. These changes not only make it easier for investors and expatriates to establish businesses but also enhance the overall appeal of relocating to Turkey. As more investors consider the opportunities in this vibrant market, the adjusted regulations provide a welcoming environment for both personal and professional growth in one of the region's most dynamic economies.