The new work permit law will create longer validity periods for certain residence permit categories and has eliminated strict residence permit-related rules. The extended validity periods will not be issued until related regulations are implemented, which is expected to happen soon. The relaxed rules regarding stays abroad are effective immediately.

New Validity Periods

When the validity period rules are effective, short-term residence permits will be issued with up to two- instead of a one-year validity period.

Short-term residence permits for Northern Cyprus nationals, unemployed foreign nationals and their family members and foreign investors will be issued with up to a five year-validity period.

Dependent residence permits will be issued with up to a three- instead of a two-year validity period (but not longer than the validity of the principal applicant's allowable stay in Turkey).

Relaxation of Rules Regarding Stays Abroad

Remaining abroad for more than 120 cumulative days in one year no longer renders a short-term work permit invalid.

Remaining abroad for more than 180 cumulative days in one year no longer renders a dependent residence permit invalid.

Work Hours Limitations for Students Removed

Undergraduate students under a work permit will no longer be limited to a 24-hour work week.

What This Means for Employers and Foreign Nationals

Employers should benefit from the ability to hire undergraduate students for full-time work.

Foreign residents should benefit from relaxed rules for residence permit validity periods and stays abroad.

Fragomen worked closely with the Bener Law Office of Istanbul to prepare this alert. It is for informational purposes only. If you have any questions, please contact the global immigration professional with whom you work at Fragomen or send an email to emea@fragomen.com.

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