Recent Developments in Work Permits: New Decisions in 2024
Contents
- Introduction
- Work Permit Application Criteria
- New Regulations and Exemptions
- Sector-Specific Special Criteria
- Financial Adequacy Requirements
- Work Permit Renewal Applications
- Conclusion and Recommendations
Introduction Obtaining a work permit for foreigners in Turkey is subject to a series of criteria set by the Ministry of Labor and Social Security. Recent updates to these criteria aim to regulate foreign employment within the framework of Turkey’s workforce policies. This article details the latest work permit requirements effective as of 2024 and the new regulations in this area.
Work Permit Application Criteria As of October 2024, some primary criteria have been updated for foreigners to obtain a work permit in Turkey. These criteria include the foreigner’s past employment period, the qualifications of the position to be held, and the financial adequacy of the business.
New Regulations and Exemptions Under the new regulations, some foreigners are exempt from work permit requirements. For example, foreigners who have legally resided in Turkey for at least eight years, individuals documented as of Turkish descent, and foreigners with long-term residence permits can be employed without needing a work permit. This regulation provides a significant advantage for foreigners who have strong ties with the Turkish labor force and have resided in Turkey for a long time.
Sector-Specific Special Criteria The new regulations in 2024 introduce specific assessment criteria based on sector and profession. Particularly in sectors such as information technology, education, healthcare, and tourism, as well as in specific jobs like child, elderly, or disabled care, special criteria apply for foreign workers. Additionally, flexible regulations are applied for foreign personnel working in high-tech fields, such as R&D and design centers. These sector-specific differences aim to attract qualified foreign labor that Turkey needs.
Financial Adequacy Requirements According to the new criteria, businesses employing foreign workers in Turkey must meet certain financial adequacy requirements. In this context, thresholds set for capital amount and annual net sales differ based on the sector and the size of the company. For example, the minimum capital threshold for foreign business partners is set at 40,000 TL. Furthermore, it has been announced that financial adequacy criteria will be updated again in 2025, making it important for businesses to align their financial status before this date.
Work Permit Renewal Applications There are also new developments in work permit renewal applications. The financial adequacy requirements valid during the initial application will also be considered in the renewal process. That is, the financial criteria valid before October 1, 2024, will still apply in the renewal process. This situation makes process planning more flexible for employers and allows foreign workers to work in Turkey for longer periods.
Conclusion and Recommendations The recent regulations on employing foreign workers in Turkey aim to make the country’s labor market more dynamic. Implementing sector-specific criteria, raising the financial adequacy threshold, and granting exemptions for certain foreigners make it easier for employers to hire qualified foreign personnel. For more detailed information about these new regulations and to receive professional support for work permit applications in Turkey, please contact our law firm.