Getting a work permit through a company you’ve founded or hold a share in is a separate process from setting the company up — this page isn’t about incorporation, it’s about obtaining a work permit for a partner or manager of an already-established company. The company generally needs to be operational, and the partnership or management structure has to meet the relevant conditions. We cover the general employer-based work permit process on a separate page; here the focus is specifically on the company partner or manager scenario.
- Average Processing Time
- Depends on the company’s status (can vary)
- Where to Apply
- Ministry of Labour and Social Security (via e-Devlet, filed in the company’s name)
- Validity
- Depends on your role and standing in the company
Who It’s For
Foreign partners wanting to actively work in the company they founded or hold a share in
The company generally needs to already be operating.
Foreign nationals serving as a manager or board member
Documents on representation authority and role are requested separately.
Those wanting to live and work in Turkey based on their company partnership
An approved work permit can, under certain conditions, also serve in place of a residence permit.
Those already in Turkey on a residence permit who want to move to a work permit through their company
The transition is assessed based on your current residence status.
Required Documents
The company’s trade registry documents
Shows the company is active and sets out its partnership structure.
Document showing the ownership share or management role
Verified through the articles of association or a board resolution.
Passport and, if applicable, current residence permit
Shows the applicant’s identity and current status.
Documents on the company’s activity (such as its tax certificate or activity report)
Requested to demonstrate the company is actively operating.
Diploma or documents evidencing professional qualification
May be requested in some cases, depending on the role.
Biometric photograph
Taken within the last six months.
Apostille and sworn translation for documents issued abroad
Required when documents such as a diploma were issued outside Turkey.
The document list can vary by application reason and personal circumstances; the current requirements of the Provincial Directorate of Migration Management apply.
Process Steps
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01
Assessing the Company’s Status
Within 1-2 daysThe company’s operating status and your partnership/management structure are checked together.
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02
Document Preparation
A few daysThe company’s documents and your personal documents are gathered together.
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03
Filing Through the System
Within 1 dayThe application is filed via e-Devlet in the company’s name.
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04
Review
Varies by caseThe company’s activity and the applicant’s role within it are examined.
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05
Result and Effect on Residence Status
Varies by caseAn approved permit can, under certain conditions, also serve in place of a residence permit.
Not sure whether your situation fits this process?
Initial AssessmentLegal Basis
Law No. 6735 on International Labour Force
Sets out the general rules for foreign nationals obtaining a work permit in Turkey.
Turkish Commercial Code No. 6102
Sets out the rules on a partner’s or manager’s authority to represent the company.
Common Mistakes
Filing the work permit application before the company is actually operating
An application filed through an inactive company can be turned down.
Not accurately documenting the ownership share or management role
A mismatch between the articles of association and the actual situation delays the review.
Assuming company formation and the work permit are a single process
They’re separate applications; getting the order wrong wastes time.
Starting the transition without checking the current residence permit’s expiry
An expired residence permit can adversely affect the application.
Submitting a diploma or professional document without an apostille
Missing certification lengthens the review process.
Frequently Asked Questions
No — the company generally needs to be operating first; we assess your company’s situation together.
No — partnership alone isn’t enough; the company’s activity and your role are assessed separately.
An approved work permit can, under certain conditions, also serve in place of a residence permit.
No — for other foreign staff working under the company as employer, see our page on the general work permit process.
It’s less about the size of the share and more about your actual role and the company’s activity; we look at your situation together.
The company generally needs to be incorporated and operating first; we help plan the right order together.
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This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.