WORK PERMIT EXEMPTION AND CONDITIONS FOR FOREIGNERS OF TURKISH ORIGIN (2025 DECREE)
We have prepared an updated guide for you regarding the "Regulation on Amending the Regulation on Foreigners of Turkish Origin
Being Able to Freely Practice Their Professions and Arts in Turkey, and Being Employed in Public or Private Institutions, Organizations or Workplaces" published in the Official Gazette dated October 10, 2025, and numbered 33043. With the amendment to the regulation published in the Official Gazette dated October 10, 2025, and numbered 33043:
The determination of Turkish ancestry status has been clarified.
The scope of work permit exemption has been expanded.
Application processes have been simplified.
Special provisions have been introduced for certain professional groups.
According to this decree, work permit conditions have now become more accessible and faster.
1. Work Permit Exemption and Conditions for Foreigners of Turkish Ancestry
In line with its vision of preserving its deep historical and cultural ties, the Republic of Turkey has taken a historic step towards the employment of foreigners of Turkish ancestry in Turkey. With the new regulation published in the Official Gazette dated October 10, 2025, and numbered 33043, foreigners of Turkish ancestry are given the opportunity to work in Turkey without a work permit, under certain conditions. With this regulation, the work permit processes for foreigners of Turkish descent have been shortened, and bureaucratic obstacles have been replaced by an "exemption" system.
2. What Has Changed Regarding the Employment of Foreigners of Turkish Descent?
In the old system, individuals of Turkish descent could obtain exceptional work permits. However, the new regulation takes the process a step further by focusing on the concept of work permit exemption. Here are the highlights:
Determination of Turkish Descent Status: The status of kinship will now be determined according to clearer criteria and procedures determined by the Presidency.
There is No Obligation to Employ 5 Turkish Workers
Under normal circumstances, a business is required to employ at least 5 Turkish citizens in order to employ 1 foreigner. However, this condition is not required at all for foreigners of Turkish descent. Thanks to this, even a sole proprietorship or a small tradesman can employ a Turkish-origin worker.
Exempt from Capital and Financial Adequacy Requirements
In normal foreign employment, there are strict financial criteria such as the company's paid-up capital being at least 500,000 TL. However, these financial thresholds are not applied or are evaluated very flexibly in the applications of foreigners of Turkish origin. This provides a great financial advantage for both the employer and the employee.
Right to Practice Prohibited Professions
In Türkiye, some professions such as law, pharmacy, dentistry, or veterinary medicine are exclusive to Turkish citizens, and it is forbidden for normal foreigners to work in these fields. However, foreigners of Turkish origin, under Law No. 2527, can freely practice these "prohibited" professions in Türkiye if they meet the necessary equivalency and conditions. Much Faster Application and Completion Process
A standard work permit application, including document review and approval, can take an average of 60 to 90 days.
Since applications from foreigners of Turkish descent are evaluated in the "exceptional" and "priority" categories, this period is completed in a short time, such as 30 to 45 days.
Flexible Wage Policy
While there is a requirement to pay a salary between 1.5 and 6 times the minimum wage depending on the nature of the work to normal foreigners; the wage scale is kept much more flexible for foreigners of Turkish descent. This is an important factor that reduces the costs of employers.
As Al Bidaya Global, we are with you at every stage of the process to ensure you benefit from these advantages in the best way. We offer professional support from obtaining the Turkish descent document to finalizing exemption applications.
Who is Considered of Turkish Descent?
Within the scope of the regulation; Individuals from Turkic states such as Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan, as well as communities like Ahiska Turks, Uyghur Turks, and Western Thrace Turks, who can prove their Turkish ancestry with official documents, can benefit from this right.
Geographically Based Applications
The most frequent applicant groups in Turkey are:
Ahiska Turks work permit
Uyghur Turks work permit
Azerbaijan citizens work permit Turkey
Western Thrace Turks work permit
Turkmenistan / Uzbekistan Turkish ancestry work permit
These groups are generally able to document their Turkish ancestry status more easily. Turkish-Origin Foreign Work Permit Requirements 2025
Key requirements under the new regulation:
Official recognition of Turkish ancestry status
Legal residence in Turkey (flexibility is provided in some cases)
No obstacles in terms of public order and security
Meeting the necessary qualifications for practicing the profession
Is there a 5 Turkish Employee Requirement for Turkish-Origin Foreigners?
For Turkish-Origin foreigners:
The 5 Turkish employee requirement does not apply
No employment quota is required
Provides a significant advantage for employers.
This exemption offers a great convenience, especially for small and medium-sized enterprises.
Work Permit by Profession Example;
Turkish-Origin Foreign Doctor Work Permit
Requires the Ministry of Health equivalency process.
The process has been accelerated with the new regulation.
Turkish-Origin Foreign