Foreigners can stay in Turkey under certain conditions. There are two main regulations on this issue: the Work Permit and the Residence Permit.

Is it possible to work in Turkey without a Work Permit?

Individuals holding a blue card and foreigners specified in other laws or international treaties or agreements to which Turkey is a party can work in our country without a work permit. Foreigners who do not fall under these categories must obtain a work permit to work or be employed in Turkey. Work permit applications can be made to the Ministry of Labor and Social Security, embassies, and consulates. Hence, it is possible to apply from abroad.

Types of Work Permits:

Definite Term Work Permit:

   A definite term work permit is granted for up to one year for the first application, under the condition of working under a specified employer and in a predetermined business sector. This permit allows working only in designated workplaces or other workplaces in the same sector without exceeding the duration of the employment contract.

   Article 10/1 of the International Labor Force Law: “In case of a positive evaluation of the application, the foreigner will be granted a work permit valid for up to one year, provided that they work in a specific job at a workplace belonging to a real or legal person or a public institution or organization, or other workplaces in the same business sector, without exceeding the duration of the job or service contract.”

   After the initial period of the definite term work permit ends, it is possible to apply for an extension. If the extension application is accepted, the foreigner can be granted a work permit for up to two years for the first extension and up to three years for subsequent extensions, under the same employer.

Indefinite Term Work Permit:

   Foreigners who have had a legal work permit in Turkey for at least eight years or hold a long-term residence permit are entitled to an indefinite term work permit. Foreigners with an indefinite term work permit can work within the country without job or employer dependency, benefiting from social security and other legal rights similarly to Turkish citizens, except for citizenship rights such as voting, being elected, and holding public office.

   The indefinite term work permit includes documents that must be updated every five years from the date of issuance. Updating must be completed within six months before the end of the five-year period. However, even foreigners with indefinite term work permits cannot work in certain job fields restricted to Turkish citizens only.

Independent Work Permit:

   An independent work permit allows foreigners to operate businesses on their own in Turkey. This permit is especially aimed at foreign professionals with certain qualifications and those who wish to establish a business in Turkey. Under this permit, foreigners can work without being bound to a specific employer.

   Applications for independent work permits are evaluated based on the foreigner’s educational background, professional experience, the economic contribution of their activities in Turkey, and other criteria. This permit aims to facilitate the activities of foreign investors in Turkey.

   If the application is positively evaluated, the foreigner is granted the right to work independently in Turkey. With this permit, foreigners can establish their own businesses in Turkey.

Professions Prohibited for Foreigners in Turkey:

– Dentistry

– Pharmacy

– Veterinary Medicine

– Responsible Manager in Private Hospitals

– Law

– Notary

– Private Security Officer

– Certain jobs under the Cabotage Law

– Customs Brokerage

– Tourist Guiding

Applications for Work Permits from Within Turkey:

To apply for a work permit from within Turkey, a foreigner must hold a residence permit valid for at least six months. For foreigners with a residence permit valid for at least six months, the authorized authority for applications within Turkey is the Ministry of Labor and Social Security. Work permit applications must first be made directly to the Ministry of Labor and Social Security through the “Online Work Permit Application System.” After the application is made, the application form and other documents must be submitted to the Ministry within six business days by hand or by mail, after the completion of the electronic registration.

Applications for Work Permits from Abroad:

Work permit applications made from abroad must be submitted to the Turkish consulate or embassy in the foreigner’s country of citizenship or legal residence. Work visa applications made by foreigners to Turkish embassies and consulates are forwarded to the Ministry of Labor and Social Security. Duly submitted work visa applications without information or document deficiencies are evaluated within thirty days. If the foreigner will work for an employer, the employer must upload and approve the required information and documents via the e-Government portal within thirty days from the application date. If the foreigner will not work for an employer, it is sufficient to apply to the Turkish consulate or embassy in their country of citizenship or legal residence.

A foreigner whose work visa is approved must come to Turkey within six months. Otherwise, the work permit visa is canceled.

Does a Foreigner with a Work Permit Need to Obtain a Residence Permit?

A work permit issued by the Republic of Turkey is also considered a residence permit. Therefore, a foreigner with a work permit does not need to obtain a separate residence permit. Similarly, if the work permit expires, the residence permit is also considered expired. In this case, the foreigner whose work permit has expired must obtain a residence permit within ten days from the date of expiration. Otherwise, a deportation decision is issued. If the foreigner continues to stay in the country despite this decision, an administrative detention decision is applied. To avoid these situations, a residence permit should be obtained within sixty days before the work permit expires.

Documents Required for Work Permit Application:

A foreigner applying for a work permit in Turkey must first prepare the necessary documents for the application accurately and completely. The foreigner can submit these documents to the relevant authority to make the work permit application. The documents required for the application are listed below:

Documents to be provided by the employer:

– Application petition

– Application form for work permit

– Balance sheet profit and loss statement from the previous year

– Trade registry gazette

– Activity certificate

– Power of attorney

– Copy of the employee’s diploma and passport

Documents to be provided by the employee:

– Diploma, temporary graduation certificate

– Equivalence certificate

– Certificate of competence if working in an educational institution

– Residence permit with at least 6 months validity

– Employment contract between employer and employee

– Copy of passport

– Copy of diploma

– Photograph

Both residence permit and work permit applications and appointment bookings are made online. Since these procedures are complex and require experience and knowledge, it is beneficial to seek professional assistance. In this regard, our solution partner Ömer Faruk BOZKURT has successfully handled work permits and residence permits (residence cards) for approximately 10,000 Chinese company employees in previous periods. Due to his excellent knowledge of bureaucracy and the tracking system, quick and positive results can be obtained instantly.

The Role and Importance of Doubt in Justice

The role of doubt in the administration of justice has been a cornerstone of legal systems throughout history. The elucidation of crimes and the identification of perpetrators are made possible through meticulously conducted investigations and evidence collection processes. Doubt is the most critical component of this process because elucidating crimes and uncovering perpetrators can only be achieved through doubt.

The role of doubt in elucidating crimes is not only in favor of the defendant. It is equally crucial for identifying the real perpetrators and ensuring justice is served. Doubt functions as a guiding light in investigative processes. Every detail, every piece of evidence left behind must be meticulously examined as they play a vital role in the administration of justice. Doubt serves as a balancing element in identifying culprits and protecting the innocent.

In legal systems, doubt is a critical tool in determining guilt or innocence. Investigations based on doubt ensure that evidence is carefully evaluated and that no detail is overlooked. Thus, the correct elucidation of crimes and the bringing of true perpetrators to justice are achieved.

In conclusion: “The elucidation of crimes and the identification of perpetrators can only be achieved through doubt. Yes, doubt is a presumption in favor of the defendant. However, elucidating crimes and uncovering perpetrators can only be achieved through doubt.”

Turkey Citizenship Requirements

In Article 11 of the Turkish Citizenship Law (TVK), the ways of “acquiring Turkish citizenship later” are regulated. The foreigner who wants to acquire Turkish citizenship must meet the following conditions:

• Must be mature and have the power of discernment.
• Must reside in Turkey for 5 years backwards from the date of application.
• Should confirm with his behavior that he has decided to settle in Turkey.
• Must meet the general health conditions.
• Must have good morals.
• Should speak Turkish sufficiently.
• Must have an income or occupation sufficient for the subsistence of himself and his dependents in Turkey.
• Should not be an obstacle in terms of national security and public order.

Buying Real Estate for Turkish Citizenship

In Article 31/1-b of the Law on Foreigners and International Protection (YUKK), “having immovable property in Turkey” is among the situations where a short-term residence permit can be granted. The person who will obtain a short-term residence permit by owning immovable property in Turkey must first acquire an immovable property and then apply for a short-term residence permit and reside in Turkey for at least 5 years without interruption. After residing for at least 5 years, he can apply for Turkish citizenship. The spouse and minor child of the person who acquires Turkish citizenship also acquire citizenship. The regulation in this article is actually a situation that makes it easier to obtain a residence permit. It is not a sine qua non condition for acquiring Turkish Citizenship depending on residence. However, in the acquisition of citizenship, it is a positive reason for appreciation that shows that the person intends to settle in Turkey. In addition, the value of the immovable property does not have to be 400,000 USD, which is stipulated in the acquisition of Citizenship by Investment by purchasing Real Estate. It is enough to have only one resident. Both are different arrangements.

Acquisition of Turkish Citizenship by Investment

Among the “exceptional cases in the acquisition of Turkish citizenship” stipulated in Article 12 of the TVK, the acquisition of citizenship by investment is also counted.

As a fixed capital investment, the investment amount must be worth a minimum of 500,000 USD. After this investment is determined by the Ministry of Industry and Technology, it is possible to acquire Turkish citizenship.  By the Ministry of Industry and Technology; Citizenship can be acquired through the complete purchase of a non-public company of fixed capital or by becoming a partner in the company at a certain rate. Persons who will apply for this method cannot transfer their shares in the company for three years.

Foreigners who want to obtain citizenship by purchasing real estate or by making an immovable sales promise contract must purchase real estate worth at least 400,000 USD and an annotation that will not be sold for three years must be placed on the title deed. It is not necessary to purchase the real estate for Turkish citizenship. Citizenship can also be acquired through a contract of promise to sell real estate. The most important difference between acquiring Turkish citizenship by investment and citizenship gained by purchasing real estate is that there is no residency requirement.

Persons who are determined by the Ministry of Labor and Social Security to employ at least 50 people are also entitled to acquire Turkish citizenship.

In order to acquire Turkish citizenship by depositing money into a deposit account, foreigners who are determined by the BRSA to have deposited at least 500,000 USD or the equivalent amount of foreign currency in banks in Turkey for three years, provided that they keep the deposit for three years, may be eligible for citizenship. The relevant amount can be deposited into the same account as well as in different accounts.

Foreigners who want to acquire citizenship by investing in government debt instruments must pay at least 500,000 USD; Government Domestic Debt Securities, Central Bank of the Republic of Turkey Liquidity Bonds, Bank Bonds, Asset and Mortgage-Backed Securities, Financing Bonds, Income-Indexed Securities, Asset and Mortgage-Backed Securities, Private Sector Bonds and Income Partnership Bonds.  People who invest in these instruments and hold them for three years can acquire citizenship.

People who deposit at least 500,000 USD into their private retirement account and keep it in the system for three years can also gain citizenship.

How to Apply for Turkish Citizenship by Investment?

The application for Turkish citizenship by investment is made with a petition to the General Directorate of Population and Citizenship Affairs. Before the application, it must be determined by the relevant ministry or institution that the necessary conditions are met. The documents required for this application are listed below:

1) Citizenship application petition,

2) The applicant’s passport or passport substitute document,

3) Birth certificate of the applicant

4) Marital status certificate of the applicant: Marriage certificate if married, divorce certificate if divorced, death certificate of spouse if widowed,

5) A copy of the birth certificate of the applicant himself and his family

6) 2 biometric photographs of the applicant,

7) Receipt showing that the service fee has been deposited in the finance cashier,

8) If the real estate is purchased, the real estate valuation report showing the value of the real estate,

9) Document showing the investment made by the applicant (for example, if the real estate has been purchased, the land registry record, if money has been deposited into the deposit account, the documents to be obtained from the bank, etc.)

If there is a deficiency in these documents required for the application, the applicant is given time to correct the deficiency. If the deficiency is not corrected within the given time, the application will be rejected.

there is a deficiency in these documents required for the application, the applicant is given time to correct the deficiency. If the deficiency is not corrected within the given time, the application will be rejected.

The application for the acquisition of Turkish citizenship by investment is finalized in approximately 3 months.

In the last few years, the interest of foreigners, especially Chinese entrepreneurs and investors, in acquiring Turkish Citizenship through Real Estate investment has been increasing, as it is the fastest and clearest solution for the acquisition of Turkish citizenship in Turkey, which has strategic importance.

As mentioned above; Acquiring Turkish citizenship in return for a certain investment is the easiest and fastest solution. It is possible for foreigners to acquire Turkish Citizenship by one of the ways of capital investment of 500,000 USD, investment fund participation shares or government debt instrument or 400,000 USD of real estate purchase and employment of 50 people, provided that it complies with the foreign quota conditions. Investments must be permanent for 3 years. In case of investment in this way, transactions are concluded in as little as 3 months.

The most preferred way is to buy real estate. Real estate in Turkey is one of the best investment tools for foreign and Turkish entrepreneurs due to its continuous appreciation and high rental prices. Ultimately, although real estate purchased for 3 years cannot be sold, there are all kinds of savings opportunities, including sales, at the end of 3 years.

The solution partner of our Office in this field is Hakan AKÇAM, who was appointed as the President of the All-Realtors Association, which was established by the decree of our President. All Realtor’s Association is the highest organization that has the only say in national and international real estate investment and has completed its structuring in every province and district of Turkey in a very short time. In the overseas structuring, appointments have been made to the TRNC, the United Kingdom, England and Azerbaijan, and the structuring processes related to other investor countries are continuing. It provides professional services both in the acquisition of Turkish Citizenship and in the purchase, rental and sale of individual/commercial real estate.

In this sense, it is very meaningful and important for us to work with Turkey’s top umbrella organization, which provides professional services in real estate investment to be made for the acquisition of Turkish Citizenship and in the purchase, rental and sale of individual/commercial real estate, factories and storage, with our solution partner TEDB, for reliability and fast solution.

Basic principles that should not be overlooked in the view and solution of events

3. Presumption of Innocence

The presumption of innocence is one of the fundamental principles of the justice system, stating that a defendant is considered innocent until proven guilty. This principle is based on the assumption that anyone accused of a crime remains innocent throughout the trial process until a final verdict is reached. The presumption of innocence plays a crucial role in ensuring justice and is one of the core tenets of law.

This principle means that any doubt should favor the defendant, and the evidence must clearly demonstrate guilt. The presumption of innocence is established to prevent the wrongful conviction of innocent individuals. Rooted in the rule of law, this principle aims to protect the fundamental rights and freedoms of individuals. It is particularly important for ensuring that justice is served and that innocent people do not suffer unjustly.

The foundation of this legal principle safeguards human dignity and personal freedoms. According to the presumption of innocence, every individual accused of a crime is presumed innocent until proven guilty. This approach not only protects individual rights but also strengthens public confidence in the justice system.

Undoubtedly, another significant aspect of the presumption of innocence is its contribution to reinforcing the sense of justice in society. The understanding that guilt must be conclusively proven and, failing that, the individual’s innocence must be maintained ensures that the justice system operates impartially and reliably. This principle encourages legal professionals and judges to remain unbiased in their decision-making processes and supports the application of fair trial principles.

In conclusion, doubt is a presumption in favor of the defendant; also known as the presumption of innocence, this principle is regarded as an essential one in the dispensation of justice. For it is better for dozens of suspects to go unpunished than for one person to be wrongfully convicted.

We visited Mr. Hakan AKÇAM, who was appointed as the President of the Union of All Real Estate Consultants (TEDB) established on 18/09/2024 with the decree of our esteemed President. We consulted on the future of the real estate sector and the areas of activity of TEDB.

The Union of All Real Estate Consultants is the highest authority with sole authority in national and international real estate investment and has quickly completed its organization in every province and district of Turkey. In its international organization, appointments have been made in the TRNC, the United Kingdom, England, and Azerbaijan, and the organization processes related to other investor countries are ongoing.

In recent years, due to its strategic importance, interest from foreigners, especially Chinese entrepreneurs and investors, is increasing as it is the fastest and clearest solution for acquiring Turkish citizenship. In this regard, working with TEDB, our solution partner, is very meaningful and important for us to provide reliability and fast solutions, whether for real estate investments aimed at acquiring Turkish citizenship or for the professional services in individual/commercial real estate, factory, and storage purchases, rentals, and sales offered by Turkey’s highest umbrella organization.