Work Permit for Company Owners in Turkey 2026: 5-Employee Exemption Rules

Overview of Work Permits for Foreign Company Founders in Turkey (2026)

Foreign entrepreneurs establishing a Limited Liability Company (Ltd. Şti) or Joint Stock Corporation (A.Ş) in Turkey can secure an official Work Permit (Çalışma İzni) as managing partners, granting their families legal residency, comprehensive social security (SGK), and eligibility for Turkish citizenship after 5 continuous years.

Under the Ministry of Labor and Social Security (ÇSGB) regulations for 2026, a pivotal incentive permits foreign founders complete exemption from employing 5 Turkish citizens during the first 6 months of the initial work permit.

Statutory Eligibility Matrix for Foreign Partners (2026)

• Equity Stake: Minimum 20% shareholding in the corporate capital.
• Capital Contribution: Minimum nominal capital share of 40,000 TRY.
• Corporate Paid-in Capital: Minimum company capital of 100,000 TRY.
• 5-Employee Quota Exemption: 100% exempt for the first 6 months; becomes mandatory starting in the 7th month.
• Managing Title: The applicant must be legally appointed as Company Director (Müdür) in the Trade Registry Gazette.

Turnkey Corporate Work Permit Solutions with Gars Consulting

• Company Incorporation, Articles of Association & Director Appointments.
• Ministry of Labor e-İzin Digital Filing & Quota Compliance Management.
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• Strategic Naturalization Pathway Planning After 5 Years.
• Contact Our Istanbul Corporate Immigration Specialists Today.