Those who invest in a property in Turkey not to retire or rent it out for a holiday home but with the intention of living there full time and gaining a salaried position would require sponsorship from a Turkish company – or at least a letter declaring an offer of work from them. Here at Oceanwide Properties we give you a quick run-down of the work situation in Turkey:
How Do I Apply for a Work Permit for Turkey?
This can be done back in the UK at the Turkish Consulate in London (those with a residence permit for Turkey can apply there). The employer in Turkey must also apply to the Ministry of Labour and Social Security in Turkey for a work permit on your behalf. Both applications must be made within 10 day of each other.
Are There Certain Jobs Foreigners Aren’t Permitted to Do?
Yes. These tend to be the professional services such as lawyer, pharmacist, dentist, prosecutor etc. Others include senior positions in travel agencies, mining and anything to do with fishing or the sea. Bar and restaurant work is also difficult to come by in Turkey for a non-Turkish citizen.
On the plus side, teaching is possible so too is being a holiday rep and some of the bigger international companies may be looking for a UK citizen, especially in a sales or translation role.
Owning a Turkish property, there is also the possibility of carrying out freelance work (writer, graphic designer, coach etc where all work is via the internet – just as it would be if you were resident in the UK). This way you’d be registered back home, clients would be international and payment via Paypal or bank transfer.
Basically if a Turkish employer wishes to employ a foreign national then he/she has to prove to the Turkish government he/she is doing so because he can’t find any other Turkish citizen to do the work – hence the reason it is difficult to find paid employment in Turkey.
How Much Does a Work Permit in Turkey cost?
Expect to pay around £321 once the work permit is approved. This is to cover admin costs and the price of the permit itself.
How Long Will it Take for My Work Permit to Come Through?
You’ll be waiting around one month (rather than three months as previously) while the application is processed in Turkey. The permit itself can be picked up at the Turkish consulate in London. Those wishing to renew the work permit must give three months advance notice to the authorities.
Is That All the Paperwork Completed?
Not quite. Once you reach Turkey you will then have to apply for a residence permit within 30 days.
As you can see from the above it is possible to work in Turkey, but not without some pretty high barriers (especially if you’re looking for sponsorship from a company in Turkey). If you’re attracted by a property for sale in Fethiye, Kalkan, Bodrum etc and would like further advice about living and working in Turkey then please feel free to contact us at Oceanwide Properties Turkey. We’d be happy to help.
