Independent Work Permit in Turkey: Eligibility and Evaluation Criteria

The independent work permit is intended for qualifying self-employed professionals and entrepreneurs. It is not an automatic freelance visa, and establishing or owning a Turkish company does not by itself grant permission to work.

The Ministry of Labour and Social Security evaluates each application under Türkiye’s international labour force policy. The declared activity must also comply with tax, company, professional licensing and immigration rules.

Independent Work Permit at a Glance

Who May Be Considered for an Independent Work Permit?

The permit may be relevant where a foreign national intends to perform a genuine economic or professional activity independently in Türkiye. Possible applicant profiles include:

• entrepreneurs proposing to operate a business on their own account;
• independent consultants or specialists with demonstrable expertise;
• professionals intending to provide services through an appropriate Turkish legal and tax structure;
• investors who will actively conduct the proposed commercial activity rather than remain passive shareholders;
• foreign company partners whose circumstances fall within the applicable work-permit framework.

How Applications Are Evaluated

According to the Ministry’s current guidance, an independent permit may be issued in line with international labour force policy after considering the following factors.

These factors do not create a guaranteed checklist. A strong diploma alone cannot compensate for an activity that lacks economic substance, while a capital investment does not remove professional or licensing restrictions.

Independent Permit vs Company Partner Work Permit

A foreigner can own shares in a Turkish company without having an independent work permit. However, actively managing or working for that company may require an appropriate work permit.

Under the Ministry’s general company-partner criteria, the Turkish company must ordinarily have at least TRY 500,000 in paid-in capital. The foreign partner generally needs a capital contribution of at least TRY 500,000 and a share of at least 20%. The workplace must normally employ at least five Turkish citizens each month from the seventh month of the permit.

These published thresholds should not be presented as universal independent-permit requirements. The correct route depends on the proposed legal structure and the applicant’s actual role.

Application Process

1. Define the activity. Identify the services, products, clients, workplace and legal structure.
2. Check professional restrictions. Confirm whether the occupation is open to foreign nationals and whether preliminary permission, diploma equivalency or chamber registration is required.
3. Select the application route. Work-permit applications may be initiated from Türkiye or abroad through the Foreigners’ Work Permit Application System, known as e-İzin.
4. Prepare the evidence. The application should connect the applicant’s qualifications and resources with a credible economic activity.
5. Submit through e-İzin. Information and documents must be entered consistently with passport, immigration, company and professional records.
6. Respond to additional-document requests. An incomplete response may delay the statutory evaluation period or result in rejection.
7. Pay the permit and card fees. Following approval, both official amounts must be paid within the notified period.
8. Complete post-approval registrations. Tax, social security, company, licensing and workplace obligations must be handled separately where applicable.

Evidence That May Support the Application

• valid passport and current immigration-status records;
• diplomas, professional certificates and equivalency documents;
• CV, reference letters and proof of relevant experience;
• a detailed description of the proposed independent activity;
• business plan, financial projections and funding evidence;
• client contracts, letters of intent or a documented market opportunity;
• capital, investment, shareholding or company-registration documents;
• projected employment, export, innovation or technology contribution;
• sector-specific licences or preliminary approvals;
• workplace, address and operational documentation where required.

The required documents vary according to the applicant and activity. Providing a generic business plan without verifiable financial, professional or commercial evidence can weaken the application.

Restricted and Regulated Professions

A work permit cannot override legislation reserving an occupation for Turkish citizens. The Ministry’s current list includes professions and duties such as lawyer, notary, financial consultant, pharmacist, dentist, veterinarian, private security officer and tourist guide.

Other professions may be open to foreigners but require diploma equivalency, preliminary permission, professional-chamber registration or a sector licence. This assessment should be completed before committing to company formation, a workplace lease or equipment expenditure.

Evaluation Period and 2026 Fees

The Ministry states that duly completed work-permit applications are generally evaluated within 30 days. The period begins when the application is complete; a request for missing documents can therefore affect the effective timetable.

The Ministry requires both amounts to be paid within 30 days following the payment notification. Failure to pay within this period results in rejection of the application. The figures above were checked against the Ministry’s published 2026 fee table and should be reconfirmed before payment.

After the Permit Is Approved

A work-permit card does not replace the commercial and tax registrations required for the activity. Depending on the chosen structure, the permit holder may still need to complete:

• tax registration and bookkeeping setup;
• company, trade registry or professional-chamber procedures;
• social security registration;
• workplace opening and operation licences;
• sector-specific permissions;
• invoice and electronic-document registrations;
• statutory start, change and termination notifications.

A valid work permit generally serves as a residence permit during its validity, subject to the statutory exceptions applying to certain international or temporary protection statuses. It does not automatically provide work or residence rights to family members.

Common Reasons an Application May Fail

• the proposed activity is vague or commercially unsupported;
• the applicant cannot demonstrate relevant education or experience;
• financial resources are inconsistent with the business plan;
• documents contain conflicting personal, company or address information;
• the occupation is reserved for Turkish citizens;
• a required preliminary permission or professional licence is missing;
• the wrong work-permit category or application route is selected;
• the activity does not demonstrate a credible contribution to the economy, employment, technology or investment;
• requested additional documents are not filed correctly or on time.

How to Prepare a Stronger Application

• determine the correct permit category before establishing the operating structure;
• make the applicant’s qualifications directly relevant to the proposed activity;
• support forecasts with contracts, market evidence and available funding;
• explain measurable benefits such as employment, exports, innovation or specialist expertise;
• check nationality restrictions and sector approvals at the beginning;
• keep passport, residence, company and application records consistent;
• plan tax and social security compliance alongside the permit application.

Applicants seeking coordinated immigration support can review our Residence and Work Permit Support in Turkey.

Official Sources

• Ministry of Labour and Social Security: Work Permit FAQ
• Ministry: Types of Work Permits
• Ministry: Work Permit Evaluation Criteria
• Ministry: Professions Restricted to Turkish Citizens
• Ministry: 2026 Work Permit and Card Fees
• Ministry: 2026 Administrative Fines
• International Labour Force Law No. 6735

Reviewed on 12 August 2026. This article provides general information and does not constitute legal, tax or immigration advice. Requirements may vary according to nationality, immigration status, profession, proposed activity and current administrative practice.