If a foreign national will not receive any salary, allowance, or payment from Türkiye and is only coming temporarily to provide internal corporate or technical training on behalf of their home company, the procedure becomes clear. The legally correct framework for this scenario is outlined below.
1) Type of Activity
If the person provides training solely for the purpose of knowledge or technical transfer without earning income in Türkiye, this is legally defined as a temporary assignment exempt from work permit requirements (“çalışma izni muafiyeti kapsamında geçici görevlendirme”).
In this case, no work permit is required — only a notification of exemption must be filed.
2) Legal Basis
Under Article 55(c) of Law No. 4817 on Work Permits of Foreigners:
“Foreigners who come to Türkiye for no longer than 90 days to install, maintain, repair, or provide training for machinery, equipment, or systems to be used by a company operating in Türkiye are exempt from obtaining a work permit.”
Accordingly:
- If the training period does not exceed 90 days, a work permit is not required.
- However, a Work Permit Exemption Notification must be submitted.
3) Procedure for Assignments Under 90 Days
Entry Visa
Nationals of countries that are visa-exempt for short stays (e.g., citizens of Japan, South Korea, Singapore, and many EU countries) may enter Türkiye without a visa for up to 90 days. Others must apply for a short-term visa before entry.
Exemption Notification
The Turkish company must submit a Work Permit Exemption Notification via the Ministry of Labor and Social Security system (through e-Devlet).
Purpose: Temporary assignment for internal training by the home company
Duration: Clearly defined period (e.g., “01.11.2025 – 25.11.2025”)
Required Documents
- Passport copy
- Assignment letter from the home company
- Invitation letter from the Turkish entity
- Description of the training topic, location, and duration
Result:
With this notification, the person can legally conduct training in Türkiye for up to 90 days without needing a work or residence permit.
4) When the Training Period Exceeds 90 Days
If the duration exceeds 90 days, the activity is no longer covered by the exemption. In that case, a work permit becomes mandatory.
A) Work Visa Application (Abroad)
Applied at the Turkish Embassy or Consulate in the person’s home country.
Type: Work visa – intra-company transfer / training assignment
Required documents:
- Valid passport (minimum 6 months validity)
- Biometric photo
- Assignment letter from the home company
- Invitation letter from the Turkish company
- Details of the training program and duration
- Additional documents (e.g., diploma, CV) if requested by the consulate
B) Work Permit Application (in Türkiye)
After the visa application, the Turkish host company applies electronically for the work permit through the Ministry of Labor’s online system.
Documents required:
- Turkish company: Trade registry gazette, tax certificate, signature circular
- Foreign company: Assignment letter, certificate of incorporation
- Applicant: Passport copy, diploma or certificate, photograph
The Ministry’s review generally takes up to 30 days. Once approved, the person may legally provide training in Türkiye.
C) Work Permit Equals Residence Permit
The work permit card also functions as a residence permit — no separate residence application is needed.
D) Validity
The first work permit is typically issued for 1 year, extendable to 2–3 years.
5) Visa and Residence Overview
| Duration | Entry Type | Required Action | Explanation |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0–90 days | Visa-free entry (if applicable) | Work permit exemption notification | Sufficient if the total stay does not exceed 90 days |
| Over 90 days | Work visa from Turkish Consulate | Work permit application by Turkish company | Permit also serves as residence authorization |
Short-term (0–90 days)
- Foreigners can stay visa-free or with a short-term visa for up to 90 days within a 180-day period.
- They are covered by work permit exemption upon notification.
- No residence permit is required.
Long-term (over 90 days)
- Entry must be made with a work visa.
- The Turkish company applies for a work permit.
- Once approved, the permit grants both work and residence rights.
6) Document Checklist
- Passport copy (photo page + entry stamps)
- Assignment letter from home company (including subject, purpose, and duration)
- Invitation letter from Turkish company (including training venue and program)
- Detailed training schedule (day-by-day or weekly)
- Exemption notification confirmation (if applicable)
- For long-term cases: Work visa application documents + approved work permit
7) Compliance and Practical Recommendations
- Documentation: Assignment and invitation letters must clearly state the purpose (training), duration, and location.
- Consistency: Travel, accommodation, and training dates must match those in the exemption notification.
- Payment: No payments should be made from Türkiye; this should be confirmed in internal or contractual documents.
- Tax & Social Security: If no remuneration is paid in Türkiye, no Turkish tax or social security obligations generally arise.
- Duration planning: For multiple short visits, note the cumulative 90-day limit within each 180-day period.
We can handle the preparation of all application steps, required documentation, and Work Permit Exemption Notification procedures via e-Devlet on your behalf.
For support, you may contact ÖzbekCPA directly through our website.
