As of 1 January 2025, Turkey has introduced significant increases to the capital and eligibility requirements applicable to companies sponsoring foreign nationals for work permits. These changes materially affect both newly established and existing companies employing foreign staff.
All existing companies must increase their capital to comply with newly established legal minimums by 31 December 2026.
From 2025, companies sponsoring foreign workers must have a minimum paid-in capital of 500,000 TRY, a substantial increase from the previous 100,000 TRY threshold.
Alternatively, companies may qualify if they can demonstrate:
These financial thresholds must be satisfied at the time of application and maintained to ensure ongoing compliance.
The employment quota framework remains a central component of Turkey’s work permit regime.
For each foreign national employed, the sponsoring company must employ at least five Turkish citizens. This requirement becomes applicable from the seventh month following the issuance of the work permit.
The amendments also clarify the position of foreign shareholders seeking work permits.
To qualify:
An exemption applies in certain circumstances. Foreign shareholders who contribute USD 100,000 or more in capital may be exempt from the five-Turkish-employee requirement.
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