Work permits for foreign staff
Let your Chinese employees start work legally in Türkiye: from the employer file to the work permit, all in one place
In Türkiye, a work permit for foreign staff is obtained by the employing company through the online system of the Ministry of Labour and Social Security. The Yeni İpekyolu (New Silk Road) team, together with the licensed certified public accountant (SMMM) in our team, takes on the company-side file, the online application, the apostille and sworn translation of documents such as diplomas from China, SGK (Social Security Institution) registration after approval, and extensions, with the entire process run in Chinese.
From employer eligibility to SGK registration: every link in the work permit chain
Why does the employer, not the employee, apply for the work permit?
Many Chinese clients are used to the employee getting their own visa first and thinking about the employment side later. In Türkiye, however, a work permit is generally applied for by the Turkish company that will employ the foreign national, through the Ministry of Labour and Social Security's electronic system (e-İzin). The employee mainly provides personal documents such as a passport and diploma, while the company shows that it is eligible to employ a foreign national. That is why completed company registration, a tax number and an SGK workplace file are prerequisites for the application.
The Ministry evaluates the company's activity, capital, workforce structure, and the foreign national's position and salary level together. These criteria are updated from time to time; we clarify them for you according to current legislation. The licensed accountant (SMMM) in our team checks the company's financial statements, SGK notifications and tax records in advance, so the company file is orderly and consistent at the time of application. For newly established companies, we plan the timing of the application based on the company's actual situation.
Three steps for a diploma: notarization in China, apostille, translation in Türkiye
The foreign employee's graduation certificate, diploma and any qualification certificates required for certain positions usually first go through notarization and apostille in China, and are then translated into Turkish by a sworn translator in Türkiye and notarized. Since an apostille can only be obtained in the country where the document was issued, it is best to complete it in China before the employee departs, so the document does not need to be sent back from Türkiye. The name in the translation must match the Latin-letter spelling in the passport exactly.
For regulated professions in Türkiye, such as doctors and engineers, a recognition (equivalence) certificate or the opinion of the relevant professional body may also be required. We clarify for you, by looking at the job description before the application, which positions require an extra step. Yeni İpekyolu's own sworn translation team prepares all translation and notarization work in parallel with the application file, so no time is lost on back-and-forth correspondence.
Three tasks after approval: SGK, residence card and extension
Approval of the work permit is not the end of the process. When the employee starts work, the company must submit the SGK employment start notification on time and include the employee in the monthly payroll and the withholding tax and social security premium return. A valid work permit in Türkiye generally also serves as a residence permit, so the employee usually does not need to apply for residence separately; however, procedures such as address registration must still be completed on time.
The extension application is made within the specified period before the permit expires, and the evaluation takes into account the SGK notifications and payroll records submitted by the company during the permit period. Because the licensed accountant (SMMM) in our team also handles the company's payroll and tax returns, the data required for the extension is always ready. We remind you of the extension date in advance, and if the employee changes position or leaves, or the company address changes, we update the related procedures at the same time.
Companies bringing Chinese staff into positions in Türkiye
Chinese companies in Türkiye assigning Chinese staff
When a general manager, finance lead or technical staff member is sent from China to a Turkish subsidiary, a work permit is required. We run the whole process, from company-side preparation to the employee's SGK registration. Headquarters only needs to provide the documents on the list.
Companies that have just completed their formation
When a company is newly established, the first foreign employee is often the shareholder or manager themselves. We plan the application timing based on the formation documents and prepare the tax and SGK file together. This makes the transition from registration to starting work smooth.
Employees needing a permit extension or change
Action is needed when a permit is about to expire, or when an employee changes position or moves to another company within the group. We check the SGK and payroll records for the permit period and file the extension or new application on time. We also confirm the employee's residence status together.
Chinese contractors running projects in Türkiye
Construction, energy and manufacturing projects often require several Chinese technical staff to start at the same time. We prepare apostilles and translations of diplomas and qualification certificates in bulk according to the staff list, and plan the application schedule from one point. The project manager can check each person's status in Chinese at any time.
Company file, diploma translation, e-application and extension
Employer eligibility pre-check
The licensed accountant (SMMM) in our team checks the company's capital, financial statements, workforce structure and tax filing records. If anything needs to be completed, we tell you in advance how to prepare it. The company file is ready to meet the evaluation criteria before the application.
Online application and document upload
We create the application on behalf of the company in the Ministry of Labour and Social Security's electronic system, entering the position, salary and employee details. The format, name spelling and numbers of every uploaded document are checked one by one. After submission, we relay system notifications to you in Chinese immediately.
Apostille and sworn translation of Chinese documents
We tell you which notarization and apostille procedures are needed in China for documents such as graduation certificates and diplomas. When the documents arrive in Türkiye, our sworn translators translate them and we obtain notarization. Names, dates and school names are kept consistent across all documents.
Additional documents and process tracking
If the Ministry requests additional documents during the evaluation, we prepare them immediately and respond through the system. You are informed of the status of each stage in Chinese. You never need to log in to the Turkish system and check it yourself.
SGK and payroll link after approval
Once the permit is approved, we submit the SGK employment start notification and include the employee in the monthly payroll and tax returns. This part is handled directly by our accountant. The employee is in post in full compliance with legislation from day one.
Extension, changes and cancellation
We remind you before the permit expires and handle the extension; when an employee leaves, we submit the required notifications on time. When details such as the position or company address change, we update the permit-related procedures too. Throughout the permit's entire lifetime, responsibility is clearly assigned.
Service summary and requirements
| Applicant | The Turkish employer company (we handle the procedures) |
|---|---|
| Responsible team | Chinese-speaking consultant + SMMM + sworn translator |
| Pricing | Quoted per person and per procedure · official fees separate |
| Service languages | Chinese · Turkish · English |
| Cities served | Mainly Istanbul; also Ankara, Izmir and other cities |
The final price and timeline depend on your documents and scope; we send a clear quote within 2 hours.
What you need to provide
- Employee's passport scan (the Latin-letter name must match on all documents)
- Diploma and graduation certificates (notarized and apostilled in China)
- Job title, job description and planned salary
- The Turkish company's registration documents, tax number and SGK workplace details
- Employee's biometric photo and address in Türkiye (if in Türkiye)
Your employee legally in post in four steps
- 1
Position and company consultation
We discuss the employee's position, salary and education, and the company's registration and operating status, in Chinese. At the same time, the licensed accountant (SMMM) in our team assesses the company side's eligibility. The full document list and timeline are then shared.
- 2
Document certification and translation
The employee has documents such as the diploma notarized and apostilled in China; once the originals arrive in Türkiye, we handle translation and notarization. The company-side documents are prepared in parallel. The application proceeds after the entire file has been checked together.
- 3
Online application and tracking
The application is filed in the Ministry of Labour and Social Security's system, and additional documents are provided if requested. Every status change is reported to you in Chinese. If the employee is abroad, we also coordinate the visa steps at the consulate.
- 4
Starting work and ongoing tracking
After approval, SGK registration is completed and the employee is added to the monthly payroll and tax returns. We record the expiry date and plan the extension in advance. When the employee's details change, we update them immediately.
Frequently asked questions
Can an employee enter on a tourist visa and then obtain a work permit?
There are generally two routes to a work permit: while the employee is abroad, a work visa application is made at Türkiye's mission in China and the company completes the application from Türkiye; or, if the employee holds a valid residence permit in Türkiye, the company can apply from within the country. For an employee who arrived on a tourist visa, switching directly to a work permit inside Türkiye is generally not possible. We choose the right route for you based on the employee's current situation.
Does a company shareholder or manager also need a work permit?
If a foreign shareholder is only a shareholder and does not actually work in management in Türkiye, a work permit is generally not required. If they actually work in Türkiye as a manager and receive a salary, a permit is generally required. We clarify this for you under current legislation by looking at the articles of association and the nature of the role.
Does someone with a work permit also need a residence permit?
A valid work permit in Türkiye generally also serves as a residence permit, so the employee usually does not need to apply for residence separately. For an accompanying spouse and children, a family residence permit is obtained. Our residence team can handle family members' procedures at the same time.
What certifications are needed for a diploma from China?
Usually a notarial certificate is obtained in China first, followed by an apostille. When the original reaches Türkiye, it is translated into Turkish by a sworn translator and notarized. Some regulated professions may also require recognition; we let you know in advance depending on the position.
Can a newly established company apply for a work permit right away?
The application can be started once the company is registered with the trade registry, has received its tax number and has opened its SGK workplace file. The evaluation takes into account the company's capital, activity and workforce structure; for new companies, the approach differs slightly from that for established ones. The licensed accountant (SMMM) in our team plans the most suitable application timing based on the company's situation.
When should we start preparing for an extension?
The extension application is made within a specified period before the permit expires; we record the date and remind you in advance. The extension looks at SGK and payroll records during the permit period, which are tasks our accountant already handles day to day. As a result, preparation usually goes very smoothly.
What happens if the employee leaves or changes companies?
A work permit is tied to the employing company; when the employee leaves, the company submits the required notifications and the SGK termination notification. To work at a new company, the new employer generally has to apply again. By planning the departure and the new application together, we avoid any gap.
We don't speak Turkish; how can we follow the process?
No problem. We translate every system notification and every additional document request from the Ministry into Chinese and explain the next step. You can ask about any employee's status on WeChat whenever you like. We also leave a Chinese explanation in your archive for every document submitted.
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