Turkey has introduced new regulations aimed at alleviating its labor shortages by attracting skilled foreign workers.
These rules include temporary work permit exemptions that can last up to three years, significantly benefiting foreign professionals who contribute to the nation’s economy.
The Turkish Ministry of Labour and Social Security confirmed that these regulations are now in effect. Among the key provisions, refugees and individuals under temporary protection can work without a permit for designated periods.
Skilled foreign workers who enhance Turkey’s economy, culture, or technology will also enjoy extended work permit exemptions, increasing from six months to three years.
The Interior Ministry will manage the duration of these exemptions for individuals registered under the Foreign Application, Evaluation, and Monitoring System, evaluating each case individually.
Notably, foreign journalists with permanent press cards approved by Turkey’s Presidential Directorate of Communications will no longer need to apply for work permits during their stay.
Similarly, professional athletes and coaches with valid contracts from Turkish sports clubs will benefit from this exemption, simplifying their ability to work in Turkey.
In addition to these changes, the new regulations streamline the application process for work permit exemptions. Previously limited to a 30-day window post-arrival, foreign nationals can now apply at any time during their legal stay in Turkey.
Turkey has also launched a Tech Visa Programme designed to attract entrepreneurs and technology professionals. This initiative offers a three-year work permit through an expedited process, aligning with Turkey's ambition to cultivate 100,000 tech-driven start-ups by 2030.
Minister of Labour and Social Security Vedat Işıkhan emphasized that these initiatives are part of a broader strategy to draw and retain foreign talent.
The cost for obtaining work and long-term residence permits is currently set at 7,345 Turkish Lira annually.
