INFORMATION PORTAL

WORKING IN TÜRKİYE

As a Syrian citizen under temporary protection residing in Türkiye, you have the right to work in Türkiye. There are various options for a work permit, such as salaried work and self-employment.

Working legally in Türkiye has many advantages and it should be noted that illegal work and businesses are against the law. When you have a work permit, you can benefit from social security and insurance rights and participate in this system. You will also have the same rights as Turkish citizens as well as the right to receive the minimum wage.

WHAT ARE THE WORK PERMITS FOR SYRIANS UNDER TEMPORARY PROTECTION IN TÜRKİYE?

Work Permits for Wage Employment

Syrian nationals under temporary protection in Türkiye may apply for a salaried work permit six months after the completion of the temporary protection procedures and the receipt of their temporary protection identity document (with a number starting with 99). You must apply for a work permit in your province of residence and you must not have obtained a work permit before.

Work permits for wage employment are lodged by employers. Once you have reached an agreement on work with your potential employer, he/she should make a work permit application for you through e-Government website of the Government of Türkiye.

Once the work permit has been granted, your employer will receive an email indicating that the work permit application has been successful. The outcome of the application can be viewed on e-Government website. A work permit document in the form of a card, which is issued by the MoLSS for you (the employee), will be sent by courier to the address where you will work.

It should be noted that your work permit will only be valid in the province where you are registered. If you find a job in a different province, you and your employer must apply to the Provincial Directorate of Migration Management to change your place of registration. It is important to have the labour contract you signed with your employer with you when making this application. Once the change is made, your employer can apply for a work permit.

The documents required for the work permit application are as follows:

• Temporary protection beneficiary’s temporary protection identity document (with the identification number starting with 99),
• Photograph of the person,
• A contract signed between the employer and the employee,
• Employer’s e-Government password,
• If necessary, relevant documents of the workplace (certificate of activity, other documents, information on the latest capital and shareholding structure of the organisation, latest tax declaration, power of attorney, etc.).

Ready-made forms are available on the website of the Ministry of Labour and Social Security. Both Arabic and Turkish templates are available and the parties have the right to use any contract of their choice according to Turkish labour law

Work Permits for Self-employment

As a Syrian citizen under temporary protection residing in Türkiye, you can apply for a self-employment permit. If you want to work on your own behalf or own a business, you need to have a business established and officially registered in Türkiye according to the Turkish Commercial Code. There are many different types of businesses in Türkiye.

For example, you have the right to set up your own business, such as a small shop. However, in this case, your business must be registered in accordance with Turkish regulations.

Once you have officially registered your business in Türkiye, you can also apply for a work permit for yourself. In this way, you can manage your application more effectively and have a work permit by taking the necessary steps.

SUPPORT AND INCENTIVES FOR STARTING A BUSINESS FOR SYRIANS UNDER TEMPORARY PROTECTION

Syrian nationals under temporary protection residing in Türkiye can benefit from limited support for business start-up grants provided by UNHCR and international NGOs in Türkiye. Syrians wishing to benefit from such grants for start-up businesses can apply to the relevant organisations.

In addition, the Turkish government also offers entrepreneurship incentives. Information on these incentives can be found in the relevant information sources. These incentives provide important opportunities for those who want to open a business and engage in entrepreneurial activities. You can find the relevant information here.