How to Apply for a Foreign Domestic Worker Work Permit in 2025

Employing a foreign domestic worker or caregiver in Turkey is governed by detailed regulations. Complying with the law protects the rights of both the employer and the foreign worker and helps prevent future problems. The procedures, required documents and steps for obtaining a work permit for a foreign domestic worker must be followed carefully at each stage.

Applying for a foreign domestic worker work permit is important for both the employer and the prospective employee. Ensuring that the necessary conditions are met, the correct documents are prepared, and each step of the application is completed properly is essential for a successful outcome.

Conditions for Employing a Foreign Domestic Worker

There are several basic requirements employers must meet when hiring a foreign domestic worker. The most important are:

• The household must have a genuine need for care: Hiring a foreign domestic worker, caregiver or cleaner is permitted when justified by child care, elderly or patient care. Hiring a foreign domestic worker for purely discretionary reasons is not allowed.
• The employer must have sufficient income: The foreign worker must be paid at least the minimum wage and the employer must be able to pay the required social security contributions.
• The application must be made officially: Both the employer and the foreign domestic worker must act in accordance with the law; otherwise administrative fines or deportation may result.

Who Can Apply?

• Turkish citizens who have a child, elderly, sick or otherwise dependent person at home
• Foreign nationals with a valid residence permit (excluding short-term or tourist stays)
• If the employer is elderly or disabled, a first-degree relative may apply on their behalf.

Types of Work Permit Applications

Work permit applications can be submitted in two ways:

1. From inside Turkey
2. From abroad

Application from Inside Turkey

If the domestic worker candidate already holds a residence permit valid for at least six months, the application can be made electronically from within Turkey. Those without a residence permit cannot use this route and must apply from abroad.

• The worker’s residence permit must be valid for at least six months (student permits excluded).
• The employer initiates the work permit application via the e-Government / e-Permit system.
• Required documents are uploaded to the system electronically.

Application from Abroad

If the candidate does not have a valid residence permit in Turkey, they must apply at the Turkish Consulate or Embassy in their home country.

• The foreign candidate applies to the consulate and receives a reference number.
• The employer uses that reference number to submit an application to the Ministry of Labor and Social Security in Turkey.
• Both the candidate’s and the employer’s documents must be prepared during this process.

Step-by-Step Application Process

The route of the application depends on whether the candidate already has a residence permit in Turkey. The general steps are:

1. Preparing Required Documents

Although some documents differ between domestic and foreign applications, the core documents typically required are:

• Employment contract signed by both employer and worker
• Photocopy of the worker’s passport (with translation if not in Latin script)
• Recent biometric photo of the worker (taken within the last 6 months)
• Copy of the worker’s residence permit (if available)
• Photocopy of the employer’s identification
• Detailed population registry extract for the employer
• Address document from the local muhtar showing the employer’s residence
• Employer’s electronic signature, registered E-Registered Mail (KEP) address and email
• Health report if the person to be cared for is elderly or ill

In some cases, a diploma or professional qualification certificate, criminal record, or birth certificate may also be requested.

2. Online Application

• Domestic applications: The employer starts the application via the e-Government / e-Permit portal, enters the worker’s details and uploads the scanned documents.
• Foreign applications: The worker applies at the Turkish consulate in their country and obtains a reference number. The employer then completes the electronic application in Turkey using that number.

3. Submission of Documents to the Ministry

All scanned documents are uploaded during the online application. After completing the online step, the printed application form is signed by both parties and, together with other required originals, submitted physically to the ministry.

4. Payment of Fees and Official Paper Costs

If the application is approved, the work permit fee and the official document (permit card) fee must be paid.

For 2025:

• One-year work permit fee: 10,571.60 TL
• Official document (card) fee: 810 TL

5. Decision and Notification

The Ministry of Labor and Social Security issues a decision and notifies the parties by email. Once approved, the foreign domestic worker may legally begin work, social security registration is initiated and salary payments commence officially.

Documents Required for the Work Permit Application

The main documents required for domestic and foreign applications are summarized below:

Documents may vary by application type; always check the most current list during the process.

Work Permit Evaluation Criteria

The ministry considers the following criteria when evaluating applications:

• Whether the employer truly needs a domestic worker
• Whether the employer has sufficient financial resources (income documents)
• Whether there is a child, elderly or sick person to be cared for at home (supported by health reports as necessary)
• In many cases, male domestic workers are not permitted for home services; female workers are generally preferred.
• Children to be cared for are typically under 12 years old; elderly persons are generally 65 or older, or require special treatment documented by a health report.

The number of household members and whether more than one foreign worker is employed in the same household are also examined.

Work Permit Fees (Charges and Other Costs)

As of 2025, applicable fees are:

• Work permit fee (1 year): 10,571.60 TL
• Official document (card) fee: 810 TL
• Social security contributions and stamp tax: Paid separately by the employer; contributions are calculated based on the minimum wage.

For applications made from abroad, the fee is paid to the Turkish consulate in the applicant’s country; domestic applications are paid at official banks in Turkey.

Salary to Be Paid to the Foreign Domestic Worker

• The salary cannot be less than the legally applicable minimum wage.
• Providing social security coverage for the worker is mandatory under Turkish law.
• Higher salaries apply for specialized or high-skill positions.

Work Permit Duration and Renewal

• Initial permits are granted for a maximum of one year. Renewal applications should be submitted before expiry.
• Renewal applications are made via the e-Permit system.
• Renewals require the same documents and the previous permit documents must also be uploaded.

Application Rejection and Appeal

If the Ministry rejects the application, reasons will be communicated to the employer. Deficiencies can be corrected and the application resubmitted. In case of an unjustified refusal, an administrative appeal may be filed within 30 days.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who can employ a foreign domestic worker?

Only those who can document a genuine care need at home—such as for a child, elderly person or patient—may employ a foreign domestic worker in Turkey.

Can a work permit be obtained if the worker has no residence permit?

No. Applicants without a valid residence permit of at least six months must apply from abroad.

How soon after entry should an application be made?

The foreign national must obtain a residence permit valid for at least six months after entering Turkey; a work permit application cannot be based on a visa alone.

Is social security (SGK) mandatory for the foreign domestic worker?

Yes. Employers must register foreign domestic workers for social security when a work permit is granted.

What happens if the worker works without authorization?

Both the employer and the foreign worker may face administrative fines; the foreign national can be deported and criminal proceedings may be initiated against the employer.

How much should the worker be paid?

At minimum the national minimum wage must be paid and salary should be deposited to a bank account. Higher pay may be required for specialized roles.