The key difference
| Work permit | Residence permit | |
|---|---|---|
| What it allows | Working in Türkiye and living here | Living in Türkiye; not working |
| Issued by | Ministry of Labour and Social Security | Presidency of Migration Management |
| Who applies | Usually the employer, online through e-İzin | The foreigner, online and then at an appointment |
| Counts as residence? | Yes | — |
| Family members | Apply for family residence permits | Apply for family residence permits |
Which one fits your situation?
| Your situation | What you need |
|---|---|
| Employed by a Turkish company | Work permit (applied for by the employer) |
| Director of your own Turkish company, on the payroll | Work permit |
| Shareholder or manager living abroad, visiting for meetings | Neither for short business visits; a visa or visa-free entry as your nationality allows |
| Investor or property owner living in Türkiye, not working | Short-term residence permit |
| Spouse or child of a work permit holder | Family residence permit |
| Student | Student residence permit |
| Lived legally in Türkiye for 8 years | Long-term residence permit |
| Highly qualified professional or investor | Turquoise Card (work and residence) |
Types of work permit
Temporary: tied to one employer; first issued for up to 1 year, then up to 2 and later up to 3 years.
Indefinite: for long-term residence permit holders or those with 8 years of legal work.
Independent: for foreigners working on their own account as self-employed professionals; there is no minimum residence period, but the Ministry assesses education, professional experience and expected contribution to the economy.
Turquoise Card: for highly qualified people, with a 3-year transition period before becoming indefinite.
Types of residence permit
Short-term: for business, investment, property ownership, tourism and similar reasons; up to 2 years at a time.
Family: for spouses and children of Turkish citizens and foreign permit holders.
Student: for full-time students.
Long-term: after 8 years of uninterrupted legal residence.
Short-term permits based on property ownership require a property worth at least USD 200,000 (or the equivalent in Turkish lira or other currency); the same threshold applies in every city. Some neighbourhoods are closed to new residence registrations by foreigners, so check the address before you sign a lease or buy.
Common mistakes
Starting work on a residence permit.
Letting a residence permit lapse while waiting for a work permit decision.
Registering at an address in a closed neighbourhood.
Missing the renewal window: work permit extensions can be filed within the 60 days before expiry.
Frequently asked questions
Can I switch from a residence permit to a work permit?
Yes. If you already hold a residence permit valid for at least 6 months, your employer can apply for a work permit from within Türkiye.
Do I need both documents?
No. A valid work permit replaces the residence permit for as long as it is valid.
Can my spouse work on a family residence permit?
No. A spouse who wants to work needs their own work permit.
Not sure which permit you need?
Our immigration team reviews your situation and prepares the right application for you and your family.
This page provides general information and is not legal or tax advice. Every situation is different; talk to us before you act.