The basic differences between indefinite and independent work permits
| Criterion | Indefinite work permit | Independent work permit |
|---|---|---|
| Term | Indefinite; the document is renewed every five years | Issued for a fixed term |
| Form of work | Gives the right to work and reside without being tied to an employer | Gives the right to work on one's own name and account |
| Application threshold | Long-term residence permit or at least eight years of statutory work permit | Assessment of the activity, experience, investment and economic effect |
| Absolute right | The conditions give no absolute right | The assessment depends on discretion and policy criteria |
| Social security | Acquired rights reserved; the relevant legislation applies | Social security and tax obligations according to the nature of the activity |
| Document follow-up | Card renewal at the end of every five years | Permit term, extension and continuity of the activity are followed |
These two permits also differ from a fixed-term work permit. A fixed-term work permit is mostly issued for a particular employer, workplace and duty. That indefinite and independent permits are not tied to an employer does not mean that the foreigner has an unlimited right to work in all professions. Professions reserved for Turkish citizens, professional qualifications and special laws are reserved. [2]
Who can apply for an indefinite work permit?
A foreigner who holds a long-term residence permit in Türkiye, or who has at least eight years of statutory work permit, can apply for an indefinite work permit. These two conditions are alternatives. The foreigner need not hold both a long-term residence permit and an eight-year work permit. However, meeting the application threshold does not mean that the Ministry is obliged to grant the permit. [1][2]
Application on the basis of a long-term residence permit
A long-term residence permit is granted under the special conditions in Law No. 6458. Holding a long-term residence card may give the right to apply for an indefinite work permit; but in the work permit application, the international labor force policy, professional restrictions and the security assessment continue. Cancellation of the long-term residence permit, or a problem with its validity, may also affect the indefinite work permit file.
Application on the basis of eight years of statutory work permit
In calculating the eight-year period, lawful work permits are taken as the basis. Gaps between permits, cancelled periods, whether exemption periods will be counted and the foreigner's actual work situation must be examined separately. Having been in Türkiye for eight years alone, or a total eight-year residence record, does not mean that the "at least eight years of statutory work permit" requirement sought in the Law is fulfilled. [1]
Documents to prepare for calculating the period
- All previous work permit cards and decision letters.
- System records showing the start and end dates of permits.
- The SGK service statement and workplace records.
- Permit cancellation or termination decisions.
- Passport and entry-exit records.
- If there is a long-term residence permit, the current card and decision document.
Why does the presence of the conditions not give an absolute right?
Law No. 6735 expressly provides that the presence of the application conditions gives the foreigner no absolute right to the grant of an indefinite work permit. The Ministry assesses the international labor force policy, public order, professional restrictions and the other elements in the application file. Submitting an eight-year service statement alone is therefore not sufficient; the application must be made for the correct type of permit, with current and consistent documents. [1][2]
Rights and limits given by an indefinite work permit
A foreigner holding an indefinite work permit benefits from the rights given by a long-term residence permit. Subject to the provisions in special laws being reserved, acquired rights relating to social security being preserved, and the relevant legislation applying, they may benefit from the rights granted to Turkish citizens. On the other hand, they have no right to vote or stand for election, no right to enter public service and no military service obligation. [1][2]
An indefinite permit is not citizenship
An indefinite work permit does not confer Turkish citizenship. The foreigner remains a foreigner as regards the foreign passport, citizenship status, political rights and entry into public service. If there is a citizenship application, the separate conditions in Law No. 5901 apply.
Professional prohibitions continue
Law practice, notary work and other professions reserved only for Turkish citizens cannot be practised with an indefinite work permit. In health, education, engineering or other regulated professions, equivalence, chamber registration, prior permission and special law provisions may additionally be required. The fact that the type of permit is "indefinite" does not by itself create professional authority.
Change of employer and working on one's own name
An indefinite work permit gives the possibility of working without being tied to a particular employer. Nevertheless, the foreigner's actual activity, SGK and tax records must be up to date. If work for a new employer begins, the social security registration and notifications are completed. If an activity is carried out on one's own name, the commercial, tax, licence and social security obligations additionally apply.
Why is the indefinite work permit document renewed every five years?
Although the permit is "indefinite", the physical or electronic document is renewed every five years. The document renewal application must be made within the six months before the five-year period ends and in any case before the period runs out. Failure to renew may lead to cancellation of the permit. [2][4]
Is document renewal a fresh reassessment of the permit?
Document renewal is not the same as an extension of a fixed-term work permit. Nevertheless, the Ministry may assess whether the social security obligations have been fulfilled and the current workplace information. Current papers such as the passport, a biometric photograph and the existing work permit document are submitted. [4]
The critical time limit for renewal
Leaving the application to the last day creates a risk of loss of the permit because of a system or document deficiency. The application must be prepared within the six-month period; the passport term, photograph, SGK record and workplace information must be checked in advance. The end date written on the card is not merely a reminder; it has legal significance for the renewal procedure.
If renewal is not made
According to the Ministry's announcement, the indefinite work permits of those who do not fulfill the renewal obligation may be cancelled. When the cancellation decision is notified, the thirty-day time limit for objection and the administrative court route are assessed separately. One should not rely solely on the defense that "the permit was indefinite" where no renewal application has been made. [4]
How is an indefinite work permit application prepared?
The application is made through the Ministry's work permit system. The file contains the foreigner's identity and passport documents, records showing the long-term residence or eight-year statutory work permit condition, and current work and social security information. The Ministry may request additional information and documents. [3][5]
The central subject of proof in the file
The basic question of the application is whether the foreigner meets the legal threshold and whether their situation in working life is consistent. Any gap or difference between the permit cards and the SGK records must be explained. A cancelled permit period, or time that has merely elapsed in an application, should not be added automatically to the eight-year calculation.
Application against a refusal decision
When an indefinite work permit application is refused, an objection may be made to the Ministry within thirty days of notification. The objection is made through the e-İzin system with a reasoned petition and documents. If the objection is rejected, the administrative court route is considered. A reapplication does not revive the time limit for suit against the earlier refusal act. [3]
What is an independent work permit?
An independent work permit is a fixed-term permit that gives a foreigner the right to work in Türkiye on their own name and account without being tied to an employer. It may come into question in the context of a liberal profession, individual commercial activity or the foreigner's own enterprise. Being a company partner and holding an independent work permit are not the same thing. [1][2]
What criteria are used in assessing an independent permit?
In line with the international labor force policy, the Ministry assesses the foreigner's:
- Level of education.
- Professional experience.
- Contribution to science and technology.
- Effect of the activity or investment on the Turkish economy.
- Contribution to employment.
- Capital share, if a foreign company partner.
- Recommendations of the Advisory Board and other policy criteria.
This list does not mean that a single element is sufficient for the permit. The business plan, capital, customer or market connection, professional documents and economic contribution must be explained together. [2]
How are the business plan and economic contribution documented?
In an independent work permit file, the activity plan should not be left as an abstract statement of intent. The subject of the business, the target customer group, the starting capital, the expected income, the employment plan, the workplace or licence need, the professional qualification and the tax model must be explained. If the Ministry requests additional documents, financial statements, company documents, contracts or professional documents may be submitted.
Contribution to science and technology
If a technology venture, research activity or expert service is put forward, a link must be established between the patent, publication, project, education and experience documents and the activity in Türkiye. The foreigner's general professional achievement in the past may not on its own show that the activity planned in Türkiye is real and sustainable.
Must a foreign company partner obtain an independent permit?
Being a shareholder in a limited or joint-stock company may not on its own mean actual work. However, if the foreign partner manages or represents the company or regularly provides labor and services, a requirement for a work permit may arise. In practice, a work permit application made on behalf of a foreign company partner for a particular company and an independent work permit are different routes. The correct route should be chosen according to the legal and economic structure of the activity.
Tax, licence and social security under an independent work permit
An independent work permit does not take the place of a workplace opening licence, a tax registration, membership of a chamber or professional organization, and social security registration. Before starting an activity on their own name, the foreigner must complete the administrative permits and financial obligations in the relevant sector.
Social security
A foreigner holding an independent work permit is obliged to notify the Ministry within fifteen days of the start and end of work and of circumstances requiring cancellation of the permit. Social security status is determined according to the nature of the activity and the provisions of Law No. 5510. International social security agreements are reserved. [6]
Tax and trade records
The establishment of tax liability, the invoice and ledger system, the registration of the company or sole proprietorship and the workplace licence must be completed according to the relevant legislation. Obtaining a work permit does not cure deficiencies in these records. Conversely, the activity not actually being carried out, or a departure from the business plan declared with the documents, may matter in an extension or cancellation assessment.
Cancellation and invalidation of permits
Law No. 6735 regulates the grounds for refusal and cancellation of work permits. A false or misleading document, working outside the scope of the permit, a professional prohibition, a public order or security assessment, failure of the foreigner or employer to comply with obligations, and loss of the special conditions of the type of permit may create a risk of cancellation. Failure to renew the document for an indefinite permit, and loss of the activity conditions for an independent permit, are also significant. [1]
Cancellation and the end of work are not the same
The end of the activity, closure of the workplace or the foreigner leaving Türkiye may require a permit termination procedure. Cancellation of the permit by the administration for unlawfulness is of a different nature. As regards notification, objection and suit routes, the name and grounds of the act must be identified correctly.
Objection and suit
Decisions of the Ministry to refuse, cancel or terminate may be objected to within thirty days of notification. If the objection is rejected, the administrative court route is open. An objection or suit does not automatically stop the act; the continuation of the work and residence situation is examined separately. [3]
Fees and costs
Indefinite and independent work permits are subject to a fee. In 2026 the fee for an indefinite and independent work permit has been announced as TL 125,802.20. Document renewal, value-bearing paper fee, notary, translation, licence and professional registration costs are separate items. Because the amounts are updated every year, the payment notification and the current Ministry table should be taken as the basis. [7]
Payment of the fee is not a guarantee of the permit
Payment of the fee or the value-bearing paper fee does not mean that the permit conditions have been met. If the payment deadline is missed, the application may have a negative outcome; in case of refusal, the conditions for a refund are examined separately according to the type of payment.
Checklist before applying
For an indefinite work permit
- Is there a long-term residence permit or the eight-year statutory work permit condition?
- Is there a gap or a cancelled period between work permits?
- Are the SGK and workplace records consistent with the permit dates?
- Are the passport and identity details current?
- Is there a problem of a profession reserved for Turkish citizens or of prior permission?
- Is the five-year card renewal period approaching?
For an independent work permit
- Will the activity genuinely be carried out on one's own name and account?
- Are the business plan, capital and income model documented?
- Are the professional experience and education suited to the activity?
- Have the economic and employment contributions been made concrete?
- Have the company partnership and the representation duty been matched with the correct type of permit?
- Have the tax, licence, chamber and social security procedures been planned?
Common mistakes
- Equating eight years' presence in Türkiye with eight years of statutory work permit.
- Forgetting that the indefinite permit document must be renewed every five years.
- Taking an indefinite permit for citizenship or a right to enter public service.
- Accepting company partnership as an automatic independent work permit.
- Thinking that an independent work permit is indefinite.
- Using the work permit in place of a tax, licence or professional authority document.
- Assuming that reapplying after a refusal renews the time limit for objection and suit.
- Continuing to work with a cancelled permit because an objection or suit has been filed.
Conclusion
An indefinite work permit is a strong status that, on the basis of long-term lawful work or long-term residence, gives the possibility of working without being tied to an employer; however, document renewal, professional prohibitions and social security obligations continue. An independent work permit is a fixed-term permit assessed on the economic, professional and employment effect of a real and sustainable activity the foreigner will carry out on their own name. In both applications, what is decisive is choosing the correct type of permit, documenting the periods and records, and bearing in mind that the work permit does not take the place of tax, licence, professional authority or citizenship.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can apply for an indefinite work permit?
A foreigner who holds a long-term residence permit or who has at least eight years of statutory work permit can apply. The presence of the conditions gives no absolute right to the grant of the permit. [1][2]
Is residing in Türkiye for eight years sufficient?
No. If there is no long-term residence permit, the alternative condition sought is at least eight years of statutory work permit. Ordinary residence periods are not the same thing.
Is the indefinite work permit card renewed?
Yes. The document is renewed at the end of every five years; the application must be made within the six months before the period runs out and in any case before the final date. [2][4]
Does an indefinite work permit confer citizenship?
No. An indefinite permit gives the right to work and reside; citizenship and political rights are subject to separate rules.
Can every profession be practised with an indefinite permit?
No. Professions reserved for Turkish citizens and the qualification, equivalence and prior permission conditions in special laws continue.
Is an independent work permit indefinite?
No. An independent work permit is issued for a fixed term. [2]
Is a foreign company partner treated as having obtained an independent work permit?
No. A partnership share alone does not constitute a work permit. An appropriate work permit application must be made according to the foreigner's actual duty and the company structure.
Is capital alone sufficient for an independent permit?
No. Education, professional experience, contribution to science and technology, the effect of the investment on the economy and employment, and the capital share are assessed together. [2]
Within how many days is a refusal or cancellation decision objected to?
An objection may be made to the Ministry within thirty days of notification. If the objection is rejected, the administrative court route may be considered. [3]
Does filing a suit make the permit valid?
No. An objection or suit does not automatically stay execution. For the right to work to continue, a stay of execution decision or another valid legal basis is needed.
Sources
- Law No. 6735 on International Labor Force (Uluslararası İşgücü Kanunu), in particular Arts. 10, 11, 21 and 22: mevzuat.gov.tr
- Ministry of Labor and Social Security (ÇSGB), Types of Work Permit (Çalışma İzni Türleri): csgb.gov.tr
- ÇSGB, Work Permit Frequently Asked Questions (Çalışma İzni Sıkça Sorulan Sorular): csgb.gov.tr
- ÇSGB, "Renewal of Indefinite Work Permits Every Five Years" (Süresiz Çalışma İzinlerinin Beş Yılda Bir Yenilenmesi), 29.09.2022: csgb.gov.tr
- ÇSGB, Work Permit Application Types and Documents (Çalışma İzni Başvuru Türleri ve Belgeler): csgb.gov.tr
- ÇSGB, Social Security of Foreign Workers (Yabancı Çalışanların Sosyal Güvenliği): csgb.gov.tr
- ÇSGB, Fees and Value-Bearing Paper Fees (Harç ve Değerli Kâğıt Bedelleri): csgb.gov.tr
- Law No. 6458 on Foreigners and International Protection (Yabancılar ve Uluslararası Koruma Kanunu), Arts. 42-45 on the long-term residence permit: mevzuat.gov.tr