ANALYSIS
New Era in Work Permit Criteria in Türkiye:
3 August 2026 Changes
New Era in Work Permit Criteria in Türkiye:
3 August 2026 Changes
Significant changes to the assessment criteria applied to work permit applications for foreigners in Türkiye entered into force as of 3 August 2026. The new regulations introduce new exemptions that facilitate work permit applications, particularly for foreigners who have legally resided in Türkiye for a certain period, businesses employing foreign workers, and certain sectors.
10 August 2026
Reading Time: 7 min
Content
- Summary
- Key Changes
- What Changed in the Work Permit Criteria on 3 August 2026?
- New Exemption for Foreigners Who Have Legally Resided in Türkiye for at Least One Year During the Last Three Years
- What Changed in the Five Turkish Employee and Financial Eligibility Requirements?
- How Will the Three-Foreigner Limit Be Applied?
- New Exemption for Foreigners Who Have Resided in Türkiye for at Least Eight Years
- New Regulations for the Manufacturing, Poultry Farming and Recycling Sectors
- Who Really Benefits from the New Regulation?
- What Should Be Considered Before Applying for a Work Permit?
- Aetra Legal Perspective
- Conclusion
1. Summary
As of 3 August 2026, significant changes have entered into force regarding the assessment criteria applied to work permit applications for foreigners in Türkiye. The new regulations establish a more flexible application framework, particularly for foreigners who have previously resided legally in Türkiye and for businesses employing foreign workers in certain sectors.
The most notable change is that, provided the necessary conditions are met, employment and financial eligibility criteria will not apply to up to three foreigners in domestic work permit applications for individuals who have spent at least one year in Türkiye under certain legal statuses within the last three years. Special exemptions have also been introduced for foreigners who have resided in Türkiye under specified legal statuses for at least eight years, as well as for the manufacturing, poultry farming and recycling sectors.
The changes do not mean that work permit requirements have been completely abolished. Each application will continue to be assessed on its individual circumstances, and exemption from the criteria does not create an acquired right to the automatic granting of a work permit. Therefore, the impact of the new regulations should be determined by considering the foreigner’s history of legal residence in Türkiye, the structure of the employer and the specific criteria applicable to the application together.
As of 3 August 2026, significant changes have entered into force regarding the assessment criteria applied to work permit applications for foreigners in Türkiye. The new regulations establish a more flexible application framework, particularly for foreigners who have previously resided legally in Türkiye and for businesses employing foreign workers in certain sectors.
The most notable change is that, provided the necessary conditions are met, employment and financial eligibility criteria will not apply to up to three foreigners in domestic work permit applications for individuals who have spent at least one year in Türkiye under certain legal statuses within the last three years. Special exemptions have also been introduced for foreigners who have resided in Türkiye under specified legal statuses for at least eight years, as well as for the manufacturing, poultry farming and recycling sectors.
The changes do not mean that work permit requirements have been completely abolished. Each application will continue to be assessed on its individual circumstances, and exemption from the criteria does not create an acquired right to the automatic granting of a work permit. Therefore, the impact of the new regulations should be determined by considering the foreigner’s history of legal residence in Türkiye, the structure of the employer and the specific criteria applicable to the application together.
2. Key Changes
- 1 YearLegal residence period required within the last three years.
- 3 ForeignersMaximum number of foreign employees to whom the new exemption may apply at the same workplace.
- 8 YearsPeriod relevant for foreigners who may benefit from broader exemptions from the criteria.
- 3 SectorsSpecial regulations for manufacturing, poultry farming and recycling.
3. What Changed in the Work Permit Criteria on 3 August 2026?
The new regulation introduces significant exemptions from the employment and financial eligibility criteria applied to work permit applications for foreigners in Türkiye.
The changes can be grouped under three main headings: the new exemption for foreigners who have legally resided in Türkiye for at least one year within the last three years, the expanded exemption from the criteria for foreigners who have resided in Türkiye for at least eight years, and special regulations concerning the employment of foreign workers in certain sectors.
The main effect of the regulation is that applications from certain foreigners and businesses that may previously have faced difficulties in obtaining work permits, particularly due to the employer’s number of employees or financial structure, can now be assessed under the new criteria.
The changes can be grouped under three main headings: the new exemption for foreigners who have legally resided in Türkiye for at least one year within the last three years, the expanded exemption from the criteria for foreigners who have resided in Türkiye for at least eight years, and special regulations concerning the employment of foreign workers in certain sectors.
The main effect of the regulation is that applications from certain foreigners and businesses that may previously have faced difficulties in obtaining work permits, particularly due to the employer’s number of employees or financial structure, can now be assessed under the new criteria.
4. New Exemption for Foreigners Who Have Legally Resided in Türkiye for at Least One Year During the Last Three Years
A significant exemption has been introduced for foreigners who have legally resided in Türkiye for at least one year within the last three years under a work permit, residence permit or international protection status.
For certain domestic work permit applications submitted on behalf of foreigners who meet these conditions, the employment and financial eligibility criteria may not apply to up to three foreigners, provided that the other required conditions are also met.
This regulation is particularly important for foreigners who currently reside in Türkiye or who have legally resided in Türkiye in the recent past. However, the fact that a foreigner has previously been present in Türkiye is not sufficient on its own. The period of legal residence, the nature of the application, the employer’s existing workforce structure and other application requirements should be assessed together.
For certain domestic work permit applications submitted on behalf of foreigners who meet these conditions, the employment and financial eligibility criteria may not apply to up to three foreigners, provided that the other required conditions are also met.
This regulation is particularly important for foreigners who currently reside in Türkiye or who have legally resided in Türkiye in the recent past. However, the fact that a foreigner has previously been present in Türkiye is not sufficient on its own. The period of legal residence, the nature of the application, the employer’s existing workforce structure and other application requirements should be assessed together.
Who May Be Eligible?
For foreigners who, within the last three years, have legally resided in Türkiye for at least one year:
- Under a work permit
- Under a residence permit
- Under international protection
5. What Changed in the Five Turkish Employee and Financial Eligibility Requirements?
- General Rule
- 5 Turkish Employees
Under the general work permit assessment system, as a rule, at least five Turkish citizens must be employed for each foreigner for whom a work permit is requested.
- Financial Eligibility
For businesses subject to the balance sheet principle, at least one of the paid-in capital, net sales or export criteria determined by the Ministry must be met.
- Exemption
- Under the new regulation, the employment criterion may not apply to certain foreigners who meet the required conditions.
- Likewise, the financial eligibility criterion may not apply to certain applications.
- However, this exemption is limited to a maximum of three foreigners at the same workplace.
The new regulation does not completely abolish the general criteria. It introduces exemptions from these criteria for applications that meet certain conditions.
6. How Will the Three-Foreigner Limit Be Applied?
- CaseX Limited Company is a small business in Türkiye employing two Turkish citizens legally. The company wishes to employ two foreigners who have legally resided in Türkiye for at least one year within the last three years.
Provided that the other conditions are also met, the new exemption may be considered for these two foreigners. However, the number of foreign employees must not exceed the number of Turkish citizen employees, and the three-foreigner limit must be taken into account.
For more than three foreigners, the general work permit assessment criteria will once again become relevant. Therefore, it is necessary to consider not only the foreigner’s previous period of legal residence but also the total number of Turkish and foreign employees at the workplace.
7. New Exemption for Foreigners Who Have Been in Türkiye for at Least Eight Years
For foreigners who have legally resided in Türkiye for at least eight years under one of the types of work permits or residence permits specified by the Ministry, a broader exemption from the criteria is provided.
For work permit applications submitted on behalf of foreigners falling within this scope, the employment, financial eligibility and wage criteria may not apply.
When assessing the eight-year period, it is also necessary to examine under which legal statuses the foreigner has resided in Türkiye and with which documents these periods can be proven.
Important: The non-application of the employment, financial eligibility and wage criteria to foreigners who meet the conditions does not mean that a work permit will be granted automatically. The work permit application continues to be assessed in terms of other legal and administrative requirements.
For work permit applications submitted on behalf of foreigners falling within this scope, the employment, financial eligibility and wage criteria may not apply.
When assessing the eight-year period, it is also necessary to examine under which legal statuses the foreigner has resided in Türkiye and with which documents these periods can be proven.
Important: The non-application of the employment, financial eligibility and wage criteria to foreigners who meet the conditions does not mean that a work permit will be granted automatically. The work permit application continues to be assessed in terms of other legal and administrative requirements.
8. New Work Permit Regulations in Certain Sectors
Under the new criteria, special provisions have also been introduced for the employment of foreign workers in certain sectors.
Manufacturing Sector
Under specified conditions, special assessment criteria have been introduced for the employment of additional foreign workers.
Implementation period: Until 31 December 2027.
For businesses operating in the manufacturing sector, the need for foreign labour and the existing workforce structure may allow for assessment criteria that differ from the general employment criteria.
Poultry Farming
Special exemptions have been introduced for the employment of foreigners in positions such as animal care workers, poultry farm workers and similar roles.
Implementation period: Until 31 December 2027.
For certain businesses, assessments may differ from the general employment and financial eligibility criteria depending on the number of employees and the work to be performed by the foreigner.
Recycling
Special assessment criteria have been introduced for the employment of foreign workers in waste collection, recovery and related activities.
Implementation period: Until 31 December 2027.
In this sector, special criteria may also be applied by taking into account the nature of the workplace, the number of employees and the work to be performed by the foreigner.
Manufacturing Sector
Under specified conditions, special assessment criteria have been introduced for the employment of additional foreign workers.
Implementation period: Until 31 December 2027.
For businesses operating in the manufacturing sector, the need for foreign labour and the existing workforce structure may allow for assessment criteria that differ from the general employment criteria.
Poultry Farming
Special exemptions have been introduced for the employment of foreigners in positions such as animal care workers, poultry farm workers and similar roles.
Implementation period: Until 31 December 2027.
For certain businesses, assessments may differ from the general employment and financial eligibility criteria depending on the number of employees and the work to be performed by the foreigner.
Recycling
Special assessment criteria have been introduced for the employment of foreign workers in waste collection, recovery and related activities.
Implementation period: Until 31 December 2027.
In this sector, special criteria may also be applied by taking into account the nature of the workplace, the number of employees and the work to be performed by the foreigner.
9. Who Does the New Regulation Provide a Real Advantage For?
- For Foreigners
- Foreigners currently residing legally in Türkiye
- Foreigners with a history of legal residence in Türkiye in the recent past
- Foreigners who have legally resided in Türkiye for many years
- Foreign workers who may benefit from the new sector-specific exemptions
The new regulation may facilitate the transition to a work permit by removing certain significant barriers, particularly for foreigners who already have legal and actual ties with Türkiye.
- For Employers
- Small businesses that have difficulty meeting the five Turkish employee criterion
- Certain businesses that cannot meet the financial eligibility criteria
- Manufacturing businesses that require foreign labour
- Employers falling within the scope of the new sector-specific regulations
Particularly for small and medium-sized businesses, the fact that certain criteria which previously made work permit applications difficult in practice will not apply in certain cases represents a significant change.
10. What Should Be Considered Before Applying for a Work Permit?
- Legal Residence HistoryThe foreigner’s residence, work or other legal statuses during the last three years and the periods spent in Türkiye must be calculated accurately.
- Application TypeIt should be determined whether the new exemption can be applied to a work permit application submitted from within Türkiye.
- Employer StructureThe current number of Turkish and foreign employees at the workplace should be reviewed, and the impact of employing an additional foreign worker on this structure should be assessed.
- Field of ActivityIt should be determined whether the employer is eligible to benefit from the new sector-specific exemptions.
- Position and SalaryThe foreigner’s job description and the applicable salary and professional criteria for the application should be reviewed.
- DocumentsThe exemption or exception that the foreigner intends to benefit from must be substantiated with the required official documents.
11. Aetra Legal Perspective
We do not consider the changes of 3 August 2026 to be merely a technical change in the criteria. The new system may have significant implications, particularly for the transition of foreigners who already legally reside in Türkiye into the formal labour market and for the employment of foreign workers by small and medium-sized businesses.
In particular, the exemption introduced for foreigners who have legally resided in Türkiye for at least one year within the last three years creates a new framework for assessing certain businesses that previously faced limitations in work permit applications due to the five Turkish employee requirement or financial eligibility criteria.
However, the regulation does not constitute unrestricted liberalisation. In work permit applications, the foreigner’s legal status, the employer’s structure, the number of foreign employees, the sector of activity and other assessment criteria remain important.
Therefore, in the new period, the key issue is not merely to submit a work permit application, but to correctly determine, before applying, which general rule, exemption or sector-specific regulation applies to the specific case.
We do not consider the changes of 3 August 2026 to be merely a technical change in the criteria. The new system may have significant implications, particularly for the transition of foreigners who already legally reside in Türkiye into the formal labour market and for the employment of foreign workers by small and medium-sized businesses.
In particular, the exemption introduced for foreigners who have legally resided in Türkiye for at least one year within the last three years creates a new framework for assessing certain businesses that previously faced limitations in work permit applications due to the five Turkish employee requirement or financial eligibility criteria.
However, the regulation does not constitute unrestricted liberalisation. In work permit applications, the foreigner’s legal status, the employer’s structure, the number of foreign employees, the sector of activity and other assessment criteria remain important.
Therefore, in the new period, the key issue is not merely to submit a work permit application, but to correctly determine, before applying, which general rule, exemption or sector-specific regulation applies to the specific case.
12. Conclusion
The changes that entered into force on 3 August 2026 represent a significant development in Türkiye’s work permit system for foreigners.
In particular, the new exemption introduced for foreigners who have legally resided in Türkiye for at least one year within the last three years, the expanded exemption for foreigners who have been in Türkiye under certain legal statuses for at least eight years, and the special regulations applicable to certain sectors create new opportunities for both foreigners and employers.
However, these regulations do not eliminate the general requirements of the work permit system. To prepare an application on the correct legal basis, the foreigner’s legal residence history, the employer’s workforce and financial structure, the field of activity and the applicable exemptions must be assessed together.
Source: Republic of Türkiye Ministry of Labour and Social Security, Directorate General of International Labour Force, Work Permit Assessment Criteria.
The changes that entered into force on 3 August 2026 represent a significant development in Türkiye’s work permit system for foreigners.
In particular, the new exemption introduced for foreigners who have legally resided in Türkiye for at least one year within the last three years, the expanded exemption for foreigners who have been in Türkiye under certain legal statuses for at least eight years, and the special regulations applicable to certain sectors create new opportunities for both foreigners and employers.
However, these regulations do not eliminate the general requirements of the work permit system. To prepare an application on the correct legal basis, the foreigner’s legal residence history, the employer’s workforce and financial structure, the field of activity and the applicable exemptions must be assessed together.
Source: Republic of Türkiye Ministry of Labour and Social Security, Directorate General of International Labour Force, Work Permit Assessment Criteria.
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