Thierry G
I was assisted by Mrs. Mara Bathan, she was very helpful to assist me and find solutions to obtain my Visa to Colombia. Many thanks Mara for the great job. All the best
2026-06-22
Turkey work visa
From Dream to Reality: Turkey Work Visas Simplified
1M+ travelers served since 2003 OISC Level 1 & 2 authorised Fee credited toward your visa case
How it works
Your six-step journey to a Turkey work visa
Navigate the Turkey work visa process with confidence through our comprehensive, guided approach.
- Pre-Qualification Eligibility assessment & official report 1. Work Visa Pre-QualificationVisaHQ's first step is a thorough pre-qualification assessment to determine your eligibility for a Turkey work visa. Our platform then generates a customized document detailing your qualifications, which you can attach to your resume when applying for jobs. This document shows potential employers that you have already taken important steps toward obtaining a visa, making you a more attractive candidate.
- Free Consultation 1-on-1 with immigration specialist 2. Free Consultation with an Immigration SpecialistVisaHQ offers a free consultation with a dedicated immigration specialist. During this session, you can discuss your unique circumstances, clarify any questions about Turkey visa requirements, and gain a solid understanding of the overall application process. This personalized advice helps you make informed decisions and feel confident about your path forward.
- Application Prep Forms, documents & translations 3. Streamlined Application & Document PreparationVisaHQ takes the complexity out of Turkey’s detailed work visa requirements. Our specialists guide you through completing all application forms and assembling key documents such as your employment offer, passport, academic qualifications, and biometric photo. We also assist with notarization and translation when required, ensuring every item complies with Turkish Ministry of Labour and consular standards. Our personalized checklists help you stay organized and ensure nothing is missed.
- Case Submission Filed with immigration authority 4. Employer Coordination & Government SubmissionVisaHQ works closely with your Turkish employer, who must submit your work permit request to the Ministry of Labour and Social Security (MLSS) in Turkey, while you submit your visa application to the Turkish consulate in your country. We act as a bridge between you and your sponsor, ensuring both sides submit documents in sync and within the 10-day coordination window. We handle communication and provide hands-on guidance to avoid delays or errors at either end.
- Approval Official notification received 5. Approval Support & Work Permit IssuanceOnce your application is submitted, VisaHQ monitors the process and keeps you informed of updates. Upon approval by the MLSS, we assist with finalizing your work permit and ensure it is delivered to your employer. We also help prepare you for the final consular steps, so you're ready for visa stamping and travel. With VisaHQ’s proactive approach, your approval process is fast, smooth, and fully compliant with Turkish law.
- Consulate Visit Finalize at nearest consulate 6. Consular Finalization & Entry PreparationVisaHQ supports you in completing the last step of your visa process at your nearest Turkish consulate. We coordinate your appointment, confirm your documents are in order, and ensure you're prepared for any questions or requirements. Once your work visa is stamped, we help you understand entry procedures and provide guidance on next steps once you arrive in Turkey—so you can begin your new job without stress or uncertainty.
Takes just a few minutes · fully credited toward your visa case
EXCELLENT
Yi Y
Michelle made the impossible happen! I can't thank Michelle enough for her incredible support! I needed a Schengen visa on an extremely tight timeline and genuinely thoug…
2026-06-19
GB
I suddently had the urge to visit my friend in Ghana, forgetting about the ridiculous Visa process! VisaGQ, namely Jaymar Del Rosario & Olia Orlova were professional, hel…
2026-06-18
Atif Q
The service very good you all give us proper visa and update us time to time This side made my career
2026-06-17
Anonymous
Highly recommend Michelle Rovan for visa consultation! She was thorough, responsive, and supportive throughout the entire process, including helpful phone calls around my…
2026-06-16
Anonymous
Michelle Rovan was an excellent partner to me, helping me navigate all hoops to jump through, and all curve balls with timing for my business trip. I so appreciate he att…
2026-06-14
Lui T
I had an excellent experience with VisaHQ, and I’d especially like to recognize Brigete Gravino for her outstanding support throughout my US visa application process. Fro…
2026-06-12
Amer
Really really very good service Thank for all teem
2026-06-10
Anonymous
Amazing service and had support throughout the whole process . Special thanks to Ghelyn for helping us throughout and getting the visa within 1 month of starting . Very h…
2026-06-08
Tom
Avigail worked with me to shepherd my visa application to China through and got it approved in two weeks and two days, including weekends and a holiday (13 working days t…
2026-06-04
Ali
Good morning Wow very nice service U have Given all information Thank you so much
2026-05-16
Anonymous
VisaHQ was very helpful and responsive in assisting me with my business visa application process. Highly recommended.
2026-05-08
Liza
A huge thank you to Michelle, who helped me through the application process which I started way later than I should have. I am one of the people who find administrative w…
2026-05-08
Mr&Mrs K
Jenny, I can't believe you made the impossible happen. Your dedication and professionalism are evident in all your efforts. We appreciate your attention to detail as you…
2026-05-08
Farhan S
Nice talk with supprt team
2026-05-03
Anonymous
Charlene Dadson Visa HQ helped me one two occasion and there services was amazing. Their communication and professionalism is 10/10 Very considerate and they guide you th…
2026-05-01
Lloyd K
I was assisted by Iryna with my Cote D'Ivoire visa application. She was very helpful and guided me expertly throughout the entire process until VISA approval. She was alw…
2026-05-01
Anonymous
Michelle provided excellent support during my Schengen visa.
2026-04-28
Dimitri
High Quality service made by Mrs. Iryna Opanasiuk, she respond quick, precise and got my request done in a timely manner. Ver efficient and target oriented. Thank you!!
2026-04-24
Michelle
Blessy was incredibly patient and helpful in answering my questions on how to complete my visa application for China. The online application is a bit buggy, with some par…
2026-04-24
DannyLamar
I have been using VisaHQ for 18 years and each time the visa service has been fast and accurate. I would not say they are "cheap" but, for the value I received, the cost…
2026-04-13
Lito G
Both Angel Virgilio Pantaleon Jr. & May Ann Valeriano provided us with an outstanding customer services, they both exceeded my expectations. Their customer service demean…
2026-04-10
Anonymous
Michelle helped to ensure that I got my passport before I left for my trip. She saw that I had marked the wrong processing time online and emailed me to verify. She then…
2026-04-09
Anonymous
J'aurais voulu aller au Canada pour aller étudier et ce former en même temps si vous me permettez
2026-04-06
John C
I rate visahq 100% visahq makes everything easy and doesn't need more paper work John Griffin Carter Papua New Guinea
2026-04-03
Gareth
Friendly, polite, professional - Excellent!
2026-04-02
Dharmendra O
Judelyn Zapico, Thank you for all your help and courteous approach through out visa application. Till last minutes unwearyingly supported with very professional approach
2026-03-31
Anonymous
My passport arrived quickly and my VisaHQ contact - Michelle R, was fantastic. She always responded quickly and made the process so easy! Thank you, Michelle!
2026-03-26
Karina
Bessy, fue muy amable y resolvió mis dudas sin demora!!! No estaba segura si mis padres podían viajar sin visa de tránsito a España desde Perú con residencia temporal de…
2026-03-22
Jose M
I am so happy for your service, you gave me all information but I have issue because still I am waiting visa which was approved last week wheresas I have to travel next w…
2026-03-08
End-to-End Immigration Support
From strategy to submission—your application, expertly managed.
Our full-service immigration plan offers structured, consultant-guided support for every step of your journey. From the initial strategy session to delivering a complete, signature-ready application, VisaHQ ensures every detail is covered with care and precision.
Our full-service immigration plan offers structured, consultant-guided support for every step of your journey. From the initial strategy session to delivering a complete, signature-ready application, VisaHQ ensures every detail is covered with care and precision.
What’s Included:
- Pre-qualification report in PDF format for all work visa types you may be eligible for. You may attach this report to your resume when applying for jobs.
- Kickoff consultation with a dedicated Immigration Consultant
- Signature-ready application package, fully reviewed by our Immigration Department
- Certified document translation, if needed
- Comprehensive review of all supporting materials
- Application walkthrough and submission prep with your Consultant
- All required immigration forms completed on your behalf
- Packet printing and secure shipping to the appropriate authority
- Real-time support via online chat throughout your process
- Guidance and support from our Immigration Department if additional evidence is requested by authorities
Money credited toward your Turkey visa case if you proceed
Benefits of the Pre-Qualification Document
- Attach pre-qualification document to your CV / Resume: Boost your application by providing employers with immediate clarity on your visa eligibility, improving your chances of standing out from the competition.
- Pre-qualification report in PDF format for all work visa types you may be eligible for. You may attach this report to your resume when applying for jobs.
- Family Visa Options: Discover which visa pathways are available for your family members, ensuring they can accompany you if necessary.
- Credited Assessment Fee: If you later decide to apply for your work visa through VisaHQ, the fee you paid for the assessment will be credited towards your case.
- Employer Confidence: Provide assurance to potential employers by answering their key questions about your visa process upfront.
VisaHQ vs. Immigration Lawyer
| VisaHQ | Immigration Lawyer |
|---|---|
| 35+ countries with work visa programs are available for pre-qualification | An Immigration attorney would normally specialize in 1 country |
| Compare your chances of getting all available work visa types to multiple countries and select the easiest path | Immigration attorney would only assist with 1 possible country |
| Up to 70 different visa types, scenarios, and special programs for each country are analyzed for possible matches | Immigration lawyers would usually specialize in 2-3 most profitable and streamlined schemes they choose to focus on |
| VisaHQ will present you with a clear path forward, list of specific requirements, filing fees, and processing times | Immigration lawyers would normally avoid the full transparency and bring you along one step at a time after you commit to the process |
| VisaHQ is fully transparent with all filing fees and service fees upfront | An immigration lawyer would normally charge by the hour and would add various fees along the way |
| 24/7 Support available via chat, phone, or email, regardless of what country you live in | Very few immigration lawyers provide continuing on demand support. Getting in touch may be challenging |
Same-day kickoff call with your Immigration Consultant included
Why Choose VisaHQ's Pre-Qualification?
Including this assessment with your resume when applying for international jobs greatly boosts your employability. It shows employers you are proactive and well-informed, easing concerns about the challenges of hiring a foreign candidate. Additionally, it helps employers plan ahead for both costs and timelines.
Visa Types We Support
Tourism & Business
- Tourist visa
- Business visa
Work & Immigration
- Work visa pre-qualification
- Immigration pre-qualification
- Dependant visa for skilled workers
- Family visa
- Work visa
Country guide
About working in Turkey
Practical context for the move — quick facts, common questions from U.K. and other applicants, and how Turkey compares to other transcontinental work destinations.
Turkey at a glance
Region West Asia / EuropeTranscontinental · OECD & G20 member
Capital AnkaraIstanbul is the largest job market
Currency Turkish lira (TRY ₺)Emerging-market currency
Official language TurkishLatin-script alphabet
Time zone TRTUTC+3 nationwide, no DST
Top expat hubs Istanbul · AnkaraIzmir · Antalya · Bursa
Climate DiverseMediterranean coast · continental interior
Travel access 110+ visa-free countriesOutside Schengen Area
Frequently asked questions about the Turkey work visa
Which Turkish cities have the largest expat communities for work-visa holders?
Istanbul hosts by far the largest international workforce community, concentrated in districts like Beşiktaş, Şişli, Kadıköy, and Beyoğlu. Ankara as the capital concentrates diplomatic, government-adjacent, and academic professionals. Izmir attracts those drawn to the Aegean lifestyle and growing tech scene. Antalya has a substantial expat community across tourism, real estate, and remote work. Each major hub has international schools, English-language services, and well-established expat community networks.
Is English widely spoken in Turkish workplaces?
It depends heavily on industry and city. International multinationals, tech firms, and finance houses in Istanbul routinely operate in English, particularly at senior levels. Hospitality, tourism, and academic roles often use English as a working language. Local Turkish SMEs, public administration, and customer-facing roles outside tourism zones generally expect working Turkish. Conversational Turkish significantly broadens the roles open to you and is essential for daily life outside the major expat districts.
What is the cost of living in Istanbul compared to major U.K. cities?
Istanbul is substantially cheaper than major U.K. metros across most categories — rent, dining, transport, and groceries are all well below U.K. averages even in central districts. Smaller cities like Izmir or Antalya are cheaper still. The Turkish lira high inflation environment makes salary negotiation particularly important — many expat-friendly contracts are denominated in or indexed to USD or EUR. Healthcare costs, even private, are a fraction of U.K. equivalents. Net real income is the right metric.
What time zone is Turkey in, and how does it overlap with U.K. business hours?
Turkey runs on Turkey Time (TRT / UTC+3) year-round, with no daylight saving. This is one hour ahead of Central European Time in winter, and the same as Moscow time. Practical overlap with North American business hours is the morning Eastern, afternoon Pacific. Overlap with European business hours is essentially full. Turkey is well-positioned as a bridge between European, Middle Eastern, and Central Asian teams during normal hours.
What work visa types does Turkey offer to non-residents?
The main routes for non-resident applicants include the standard Work Permit (Çalışma İzni) tied to an employer-sponsored offer, the Independent Work Permit for self-employed professionals meeting defined criteria, the Turquoise Card for highly qualified professionals offering enhanced privileges similar to permanent residency, intra-company transfer permits for multinational moves, and specific permits for academics, instructors, and athletes. Investor and citizenship-by-investment routes also exist as separate paths. Our pre-qualification report shows which routes you realistically match.
Can my family join me in Turkey on a work visa?
Yes. Turkey allows family reunification for spouses and dependent children once your work permit is approved. Family members apply for a Family Residence Permit (Aile İkamet İzni) that grants residence rights. Dependants generally cannot work without separate authorization — they can apply for their own work permit if they find qualifying employment. Children can attend Turkish public schools or international schools depending on location. Turquoise Card holders enjoy enhanced family-inclusion provisions.
Does a Turkish work visa let me travel to other countries?
A Turkish work permit and residence permit authorise you to live and work only in Turkey. Turkey is not part of the Schengen Area, so visits to EU member states require their own separate Schengen visa even if you hold a Turkish residence permit. Your existing nationality determines visa-free access to other countries. If you later acquire Turkish citizenship and a Turkish passport, you gain visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 110+ countries. Re-entry to Turkey requires your permit to remain valid.
How long does it typically take to obtain a Turkish work permit?
Timelines vary by route and Ministry of Labour and Social Security workload. The Turquoise Card route follows a distinct evaluation track reflecting the highly qualified applicant profile. The standard Work Permit route involves both Ministry of Labour and Provincial Directorate of Migration Management steps. The exact processing time you can expect for your case is one of the items our pre-qualification report covers based on your specific route and supporting evidence.
Do I need to apply for a Turkish work permit before arriving in Turkey?
For most routes, yes. The work permit application is filed by your employer with the Ministry of Labour and Social Security after you submit the related visa application at a Turkish consulate in your country of legal residence. Once approved, you travel to Turkey on a work visa and convert it to a residence permit at the local Provincial Directorate. In-country applications are possible if you already hold valid residence status in Turkey, but not from short-term visitor entry.
What happens after I arrive in Turkey on my work visa?
Within 30 days of entering Turkey, you must apply for your residence permit (ikamet izni) at the local Provincial Directorate of Migration Management. You'll receive a Foreigner Identity Number (Yabancı Kimlik Numarası / YKN) which functions as your essential identity reference. You'll also need to register with the local Social Security Institution (SGK), open a Turkish bank account, and complete address registration at the local Directorate of Population Affairs. Our end-to-end plan walks you through each of these post-arrival steps.
Can I work in Turkey while my work permit application is being processed?
No. You must hold a valid work permit and residence permit before beginning paid employment in Turkey. Visiting on a tourist visa or e-Visa does not authorise work. Starting work without authorization can result in denial of the case, fines for both employee and employer, and future entry restrictions. Turkish immigration enforcement is strict on this point, so we strongly advise against any work activity before the formal approval is in hand.
What does the VisaHQ pre-qualification report for Turkey include?
A personalised PDF assessment of every Turkey work visa route you realistically qualify for, with required documents, indicative timelines, government fees, and notes on family inclusion via Family Residence Permits. The report is designed to be attached to your CV when applying for Turkish jobs — it tells prospective employers up front which authorization you can be hired under, which removes a major hurdle in the hiring conversation.
Considering other destinations alongside Turkey?
Ready for Turkey? Pre-qualify for $99
Official PDF eligibility report plus a free 1-on-1 call with your immigration consultant.
The $99 fee is credited toward your Turkey work visa case if you proceed with VisaHQ.
Average kickoff within 24 hours · 4.4★ from 4,173 verified reviews