Sedat Gül

Foreigners of Turkish Origin Working in Türkiye: 10 Conditions (2025 Updated Guide) Note: This does not mean “citizens of certain countries can work in Türkiye without a permit.” The scope is limited to communities to be designated by Presidential decision and to individuals who satisfy all of the conditions below. On 10 October 2025, the Official Gazette (Issue No. 33043) published the “Regulation Amending the Regulation on the Implementation of the Law on Allowing Foreigners of Turkish Origin to Freely Perform Their Professions and Arts in Türkiye and to be Employed in Public or Private Institutions, Organizations or Workplaces” (Decision No. 10476).The amendment defines the procedure for determining “Turkish origin” and sets out that foreigners of Turkish origin may be allowed to work in Türkiye only if certain conditions are jointly met. What Has Changed? Quick Summary Determination of Turkish Origin: Which communities qualify as “foreigners of Turkish origin” will be designated by a Presidential decision (new Art. 2/A). Conditions Listed One by One: Art. 3 has been rewritten to require ten conditions to be fulfilled together. Otherwise, permission is not granted. Entry Into Force: The amendment entered into force on the date of publication. Who Is Covered? The Regulation provides that matters concerning which communities shall be considered “foreigners of Turkish origin” will be determined by Presidential decision (Art. 2/A). Therefore, whether you fall within the scope must be proven in line with the upcoming Presidential decision and the evidentiary requirements it sets. Ten Conditions Required to Be Allowed to Work (All Must Be Met) All of the following conditions must be satisfied together (Art. 3). We’ve added a brief practical example to each: Residence PermitYou must hold a valid residence permit issued by the Ministry of Interior.Example: A short-term residence card holder may start the process once the other conditions are met. Special Legal QualificationsAny profession-specific legal requirements must be proven with official documents issued by Turkish authorities.Example: For medical practice, submit documents required under Ministry of Health legislation. Diploma EquivalencyYour foreign diploma/degree must have equivalency approval from the competent Turkish authority.Example: An electrical engineering diploma requires a YÖK/competent-authority equivalency certificate. No Security ObjectionThere must be no security-related impediment to your practicing the profession.Example: No adverse record in the security screening applied during the process. Registration in Special Registers for ForeignersYou must document that a population record has been established in the special registers opened for foreigners.Example: Providing proof that your foreigner registry record was created after residence is granted. Membership in Professional Body (If Mandatory)If your profession legally requires chamber/association membership, you must document such membership.Example: Dentists registering with the relevant professional chamber where required. Equivalency for Mastery/Journeyman-type CertificatesIf you hold mastery/journeyman/skills certificates issued abroad, they must have equivalency granted in Türkiye.Example: A mastery certificate recognized by the Ministry of National Education or the relevant authority. Belonging to a Community of Turkish OriginYou must belong to a community of Turkish origin designated by Presidential decision.Example: Proving—per the decision’s evidentiary rules—that you belong to a listed community. Inability to Practice in Country of Nationality + Necessity to Live in TürkiyeDue to reasons beyond your control, you cannot practice your profession/art in your country of nationality and you must continue your life in Türkiye.Example: A professional unable to practice due to conflicts in their country and residing in Türkiye. Ethnic–Cultural Identity Different from the Country’s MajorityYou must have an ethnic and cultural identity different from the overwhelming majority in your country of nationality.Example: Belonging to a minority community of Turkish origin in your country. Important: The Regulation explicitly states that “these matters must occur together.” A residence permit or an equivalency alone is not sufficient. Not “Working Without a Permit,” but Conditional Permission The text provides that, for professions/occupations restricted to Turkish citizens or requiring Turkish citizenship, permission may be granted only if the conditions above are jointly fulfilled. There is no automatic, blanket right to “work without a permit.” For foreigners not covered by this amendment, you can find the work permit application, requirements, and process in our Work Permit in Türkiye guide. Application Roadmap Check your residence status (valid residence permit). Complete profession-specific legal qualifications and obtain equivalency where required. Document your registration in the foreigners’ special register and, if applicable, membership in the relevant professional body. Ensure you meet the requirements to be set in the Presidential decision on communities of Turkish origin. Complete screenings showing no security impediment; then proceed to apply to the competent authority for permission. Conclusion The amendment enables individuals with “foreigner of Turkish origin” status to work in certain professions and jobs in Türkiye; however, this is not a general exemption—it is a conditional permission system. The process depends on (i) the Presidential decision identifying communities of Turkish origin and (ii) the fulfilment of all ten conditions listed above. Advisory As LGA Law Firm, we prepare a document checklist, equivalency & application strategy, and profession-specific compliance plan tailored to your case. Contact us for details.   Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) 1) Which countries are included?The Regulation does not list countries. It is based on communities of Turkish origin, which will be designated by Presidential decision. 2) Has the list been published?The Regulation lays down the procedure: communities are to be designated by decision. The list and evidentiary method will become clear once the decision is published. 3) Which professions does this apply to?It applies to professions/arts/jobs that laws reserve to Turkish citizens or require Turkish citizenship—provided all ten conditions are met. 4) How are foreign diplomas/skills certificates used?Equivalency in Türkiye is mandatory for diplomas and mastery/journeyman-type certificates (Art. 3(3) and Art. 3(7)). 5) Is membership in a professional chamber mandatory?It depends on the profession. If the legislation requires chamber/association membership, it must be documented (Art. 3(6)). 6) When did it enter into force?On 10 October 2025, the date of publication in the Official Gazette.   Related content: Work Permit in Türkiye – Updated Guide