Turkey Work Visa For Indian Passport Holders

The Turkey Work Visa, also known as a Work Permit Visa, allows Indian citizens to enter and work in Turkey for a specified period, typically up to one year, with the possibility of extension. The application process involves both an online submission and an in-person appointment at a Turkish embassy, consulate, or an authorized application center.

• Valid Passport: With at least six months' validity from the intended date of entry into Turkey.
  
  
• Job Offer: From a Turkish employer who has obtained (or is in the process of obtaining) a work permit for you.
  
  
• Qualifications and Experience: Matching the requirements of the job offered.
  
  
• Health Insurance: Covering the entire period of stay in Turkey.
  
  
• No Entry Bans: In Turkey or other countries that might impact your eligibility.

A. Pre-Application

1. Secure a Job Offer: From a Turkish Employer

• How to Find a Job in Turkey:
  
  
• Job Portals: Utilize international job portals like LinkedIn, Indeed, and Glassdoor, which often list international positions, including those in Turkey.
• Company Websites: Directly check the career sections of Turkish companies' websites, especially in your industry.
• Recruitment Agencies: Some agencies specialize in international placements, including in Turkey.
• Networking: Leverage professional and personal networks for potential opportunities.
  
  
• Key Elements in the Job Offer:
  
  
• Clear Job Title and Description
• Employment Contract Details (salary, benefits, duration, etc.)
• Information About the Employer (company registration number, address, etc.)
• Statement Indicating the Employer’s Intent to Apply for a Work Permit on Your Behalf

2. Apply for a Work Visa and Obtain a Reference Number

For applicants applying from abroad, the Turkish work-permit process begins with an in-person application at the Turkish embassy or consulate in the country where the applicant is a citizen or legally resides.

• Step 1 — Applicant: Apply in person at the relevant Turkish mission and obtain the 16-digit reference number.

• Step 2 — Employer: Share the reference number with your prospective employer in Türkiye. The employer then submits the work-permit application through the official e-İzin system.

• Step 3 — Ministry review: The Ministry of Labour and Social Security evaluates the completed application. The official guidance states that evaluation of duly completed applications is completed within 30 days, subject to the stated conditions and any requests for additional documents.

• Step 4 — After approval: Follow the Turkish mission's instructions for paying the applicable work-permit and visa fees and obtaining the visa before travelling.

Important: The employer's application is not the first step for applicants applying from abroad. Required documents and fees depend on the application and should be checked against the current official instructions.

B. Application Process

Online Application

• Visit the Application Website:

• • Option 1: www.konsolosluk.gov.tr (Turkish Government’s visa application website)

• Option 2: Website of the authorized application center (e.g., VFS Global, if applicable in your region)
  
  
  
• Fill Out the Application Form:
  
  
• Accuracy is Key: Ensure all information matches your documents.
• Language: Usually in English or Turkish; if needed, use translation services to ensure accuracy.
  
  
  
• Upload Required Documents:
  
  
• List of Documents (Detailed in Section 4 of the original guide; key ones include):
  
  
• Valid Passport
• Work Permit Certificate (Received from your employer once approved)
• Diploma and Certificates
• Health Insurance Policy
• Police Clearance Certificate (PCC)
  
  
• Format and Size: Check the website for specific requirements (e.g., PDF, JPEG, file size limits).
  
  
• Schedule an Appointment for Submission:
  
  
• Availability: Choose a date and time slot that suits you.
• Confirmation: Receive an appointment confirmation; keep it handy.

In-Person Submission

• Attend Your Scheduled Appointment:
  
  
• Location: Turkish embassy, consulate, or authorized application center.
• Time: Be punctual; late arrivals might not be accepted.
  
  
  
• Submit Your Printed Application Form and Documents:
  
  
• Double-Check: Ensure you have all required documents and the printed application form.
• Submission Process: Hand over your application to the officer; they might review it briefly.
  
  
  
• Pay the Visa Application Fee:
  
  
• Fee Amount: Approximately ₹4,900 (subject to change; check for the latest fees).
• Payment Methods: Usually cash, credit/debit card, or bank draft; confirm with the application center.
  
  

C. Post-Submission

1. Wait for the Visa Decision

• Tracking Your Application:
  
  
• Online Tracking: Use the application website or the application center’s website with your reference number.
• Contacting the Application Center: Phone or email for updates, though this might not always yield immediate results.
  
  
• Processing Time: Typically 1-3 months, but can vary based on the workload of the embassy/consulate.

2. Collect Your Passport

• Once Your Visa is Approved:
  
  
• Collection Notification: You might receive a notification to collect your passport.
• Collection Process: Attend the embassy/consulate or application center with your collection notification (if provided) and a valid ID.
  
  
• Verify Your Visa:
  
  
• Check for Accuracy: Ensure all details on the visa are correct.
• Understand Visa Conditions: Know the duration, entry type (single, multiple), and any travel restrictions.

• Valid Indian Passport: With at least six months' validity.
  
  
• Completed and Signed Application Form: Printed from the online application system.
  
  
• Recent Biometric Photos: 2-3 photos depending on the requirements.
  
  

Work Permit Certificate: Issued following approval of the work-permit application by Türkiye's Ministry of Labour and Social Security. For applicants applying from abroad, the employer submits the work-permit application after receiving the applicant's 16-digit reference number.

Diploma and Certificates:

• Provide qualifications and supporting documents required for the specific position and work-permit application.

• Confirm any translation, equivalency, apostille or attestation requirements with the relevant Turkish authorities before submission.

Health Insurance Policy:

• Check the applicable health insurance and social security requirements for your work-permit application and intended employment period.

• Provide supporting evidence where required by the relevant authorities.

Police Clearance Certificate (PCC):

• Check whether a police clearance certificate is required for your specific application.

• Confirm any issuing, translation, apostille or attestation requirements with the relevant Turkish mission.

• Proof of Language Proficiency:
  
  
  • In Turkish, English, or as required by your employer.
    
• Employment Contract:
  
  
  • Signed by both you and your employer.
  • Outlining terms of employment, salary, and benefits.

• Application to the Ministry of Labour and Social Security:

  For applicants applying from abroad, the employer submits the work-permit application through the official e-İzin system after the applicant obtains a 16-digit reference number from the relevant Turkish mission.

  The employer must submit the required information and supporting documents in accordance with the Ministry's current requirements.

  Work Permit Fees:

  The employer should check the applicable work-permit and valuable-paper fees against the current official fee schedule and follow the relevant payment instructions.

  
  
  

• Approval Process:
  

• Evaluation by the ministry.
• Potential interview at the ministry (rare for foreign applications).
  
  

• Work Permit Certificate:
  

• Issued if the application is approved.
• Sent to your employer, who will forward it to you for your visa application.

• Work Visa and Work Permit Fees: The total cost may include a visa fee, work-permit fee and valuable-paper fee, as applicable. Amounts depend on the relevant fee schedule and application circumstances. Check the current official rates and payment instructions before applying.

• Work Permit Evaluation: Duly completed work-permit applications are evaluated within 30 days, provided all required information and documents are complete. This period begins when the application is completed in the system, or when requested additional documents are uploaded. Visa processing and other stages may take additional time.

• Registration with Local Authorities:

  Foreign nationals entering Türkiye with a work visa obtained abroad must register their address within 20 days after arrival, in accordance with the applicable requirements.

  Residence Permission:

  An ordinary work permit or work-permit exemption generally serves as residence permission in Türkiye during its validity, subject to applicable exceptions. A separate residence permit is not generally required solely on the basis of holding an ordinary work permit. Follow the conditions stated on your permit and the instructions issued by the relevant Turkish authorities.

• Challenge: Delay in Work Permit Approval
  

• Solution: Follow up with the employer and check the work-permit application status through the official e-İzin system or the relevant Turkish mission.
  

• Challenge: Incomplete Documentation
  

• Solution: Double-check the requirements with the embassy/consulate or application center before submission.

• Turkish Embassy in New Delhi, India:
  

• Website: http://newdelhi.emb.mfa.gov.tr/
• Contact: As listed on the website.
  
  

• Turkish Consulates in India:
  

• Mumbai, Hyderabad, and others; check for the nearest one.
  
  
  

• Authorized Application Centers (e.g., VFS Global):
  

• Website: www.vfsglobal.com/turkey/india/
• Contact: As listed on the website.
  
  
  

Need more clarity on the Turkey Work visa? Check out helpful resources below

Turkey Visa Requirement

Turkey Tourist Visa Requirement

Turkey Business Visa Requirement

Turkey Embassies and Consulates

Common Reasons for Visa Rejection