1- WHAT ARE THE WORK PERMIT EXEMPTIONS?
Conditions that allow foreigners to be exempt from work permit are stated in article 55 titled “Exemptions” of governing regulations of the Law on Work Permits of Foreigners No. 4817. These conditions are listed below;
On condition that provisions stated in special laws are reserved and both foreigner and employer meet their legal obligations; persons stated below do not have to get work permit.
1.1- Persons being exempt from work permit with bilateral and multilateral agreements to which Turkey is a party
1.2- Foreigners who reside abroad but come to Turkey for less than one month on the purpose of scientific, cultural and artistic activities and for less than 4 months on the purpose of sportive activities
1.3- Persons who come to Turkey on the purpose of installation, maintenance and repair of imported equipment, giving information about usage of them or purchasing or taking equipment or repair of equipment broken down in Turkey (In-country period cannot be longer than 3 months within one year after the arrival to Turkey and aforesaid person should prove this situation with documents submitted by him/her.)
1.4- Persons who come to Turkey on the purpose of training related to usage of goods and services imported to Turkey or exported from Turkey (In-country period cannot be longer than 3 months within one year after the arrival to Turkey and aforesaid person should prove this situation with documents submitted by him/her.)
1.5- Persons who come to Turkey as a staff in expositions, circus that have an activity or a show outside certified tourism establishments (In-country period cannot be longer than 6 months within one year after the arrival to Turkey and aforesaid person should prove this situation with documents submitted by him/her.)
1.6- Persons who come to Turkey on the purpose of developing his/her knowledge and experience in universities or state institutions and organizations on condition that this period does not exceed 2 years and is limited to period of study (he/she should prove this situation with documents submitted by him/her.)
1.7- Persons who are regarded that they can make a great contribution in the field of socio-cultural and technologic areas and field of education (but this period should not exceed 6 months)
1.8- Foreigners who come to Turkey within the scope of programs run by Center for EU Education and Youth Programs (National Agency) (during the program)
1.9- Foreigners who will serve their internships within the scope of and during the period of students for international experience program supported by Ministry, Ministry of Interior, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Council of Higher Education
1.10- Foreign tour operators whose duty terms do not exceed 6 months
1.11- Foreign player and other sportsmen/sportswomen and trainers whose demands are confirmed by Turkish Football Federation or General Directorate of Youth and Sports (during their agreements)
1.12- According to bilateral agreements made with governments in accordance with article I/10 of International Convention on Training, Certification and Shift Standards of Shipmen, foreign shipmen who work in ships being out of cabotage area and registered in Turkish International Ship Registry Office and receive “Certificate of Conformity” from the relevant authority
1.13- Foreign experts tasked with projects made within the scope of Turkey – European Union Financial Cooperation
2- HOW SHOULD A FOREINGER GET THE PERMISSON IF HE/SHE IS EXEMPT FROM WORK PERMIT?
If task duration of foreign architects, engineers and urbanists who are within the scope of Vocational Services and subject to exemption provisions exceed 1 month, they are supposed to get work permit from Ministry of Labor and Social Security by proving professional competence and scholastic aptitude and be a member of relevant professional organizations and comply with practices of national institutions and organizations.
3- HOW LONG IS THE VALIDITY PERIOD OF WORK PERMIT EXEMPTIONS?
Validity periods cannot be extended. Moreover, foreigners can take advantage of work permit exemption once in a year. However, a foreigner can take advantage of this right after 3 months of expiration date of work permit which has already been received for the same purposes. If a foreigner requires working more than exemption period, he/she has to get permission from the Ministry.
Foreigners can take advantage of right for multiple entries as long as their in-country periods do not exceed 3 months within 1 year after their arrival to Turkey. Foreigners have to apply to residence permit by notifying Migration Management (where they will perform their duties) about their arrival purposes, their in-country periods and their accommodations within 30 days and in any case as of the date of their arrival before they perform their duties.
***It is required to meet social security liabilities related to foreigners taking advantage of work permit exemptions.
Source: Ministry of Labor and Social Security
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