Employing Foreign Workers in Türkiye: Legal Procedures and Strategic Insights for 2025

Türkiye provides a dynamic and increasingly structured environment for international entrepreneurs keen to establish their businesses and operate within its borders. One of the most critical aspects of market entry involves understanding the legal and procedural framework related to the employment of foreign workers. This guide outlines the updated legal requirements, financial thresholds, and application procedures effective in 2025, with a particular focus on practical implications for startups and international founders.

Legal Framework: Law No. 6735 on International Labor Force

The core regulations governing foreign employment in Türkiye are set out in Law No. 6735 on the International Labor Force, which has been in effect since 2016. As of 2025, the enforcement mechanisms under this law have been further developed to ensure compliance and to support skilled labor mobility.

Key Conditions for Employing Foreign Nationals

For a company in Türkiye to legally employ foreign personnel, the following conditions must be met:

• the company must be actively operating and legally registered in Türkiye
• for each foreign employee, at least five Turkish citizens must be employed
• foreign employees must be filling positions that cannot be adequately met through the local labor market

These rules emphasize both the protection of the local workforce and the strategic need for specialized international expertise, particularly in innovation-driven sectors like technology, R&D, and high-value services.

Financial Criteria for Employer Eligibility (2025)

As part of the enforcement of Law No. 6735, employers must demonstrate financial capacity. In 2025, at least one of the following criteria must be fulfilled:

• paid-in capital: minimum 500,000 TL
• gross annual turnover: 8,000,000 TL
• export value in the previous year: minimum 150,000 USD

These thresholds aim to assess a company’s financial sustainability and operational scale. For startups and newly established businesses, meeting the paid-in capital requirement is often the most accessible option.

Application Process and Required Documents

Work permit applications must be submitted by the employer, not the foreign individual. The online application must be completed via the Ministry of Labor and Social Security’s official portal. The key documents required for processing include:

• copy of the foreign employee’s valid passport (minimum 6 months validity)
• recent biometric photograph (taken within the last 6 months)
• employer company’s registration and financial documentation

Employers are encouraged to prepare and submit these documents in digital format, ensuring full alignment with the application system’s specifications.

Exemptions and Special Cases

According to Article 6 of Law No. 6735, all foreigners intending to work in Türkiye must obtain a formal work permit. However, exemptions apply in the case of provisions under other laws or bilateral/multilateral international agreements. For example, academic staff, artists, and diplomatic personnel may fall under such exemptions.

Since September 30, 2022, applications for work permit exemptions have been processed via an online platform, significantly streamlining access for professionals involved in short-term or project-based activities.

Unlimited Work Permits

Türkiye’s migration legislation allows foreign nationals who have legally resided in the country for at least eight consecutive years and have held work permits for six of those years to apply for an unlimited work permit. This represents a strategic opportunity for international entrepreneurs planning long-term operations within Türkiye.

Development of a Startup Visa Framework

In efforts led by the Ministry of Industry and Technology, Türkiye is laying the groundwork for a dedicated Startup Visa system. In collaboration with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Interior, and the Ministry of Labor, two preliminary models are being considered:

• Fast-Track General Work Visa: a streamlined and expedited visa process specifically tailored for foreign entrepreneurs and qualified startups
• Entrepreneur Visa: a special status visa for startups that meet specific innovation and economic impact criteria

Local agencies such as Invest in Istanbul and the Istanbul Development Agency are expected to play a key role in local coordination and pilot implementations.

Practical Considerations for International Entrepreneurs

Beyond legal compliance, international founders should consider several practical issues when hiring foreign nationals within Türkiye:

• work permits are employer-specific and position-specific, meaning the permit is only valid for the employee to work in the designated company and role
• foreigners are restricted from working in certain professions regulated under special laws (e.g., law, dentistry, or pharmacy)
• planning should align the company’s incorporation date, hiring strategy, and permit application processes in a coordinated timeline

These limitations underscore the importance of early legal consultation and proper business planning during market entry.

Conclusion: Building a Talent-Ready Strategy in Türkiye

For international entrepreneurs and startups aiming to build growth-focused ventures in Türkiye, understanding and complying with the legal framework for employing foreign workers is fundamental. The policies in place are designed to attract global talent while enhancing the local labor market and supporting sustainable business growth.