In Türkiye, foreign nationals who wish to work as caregivers for children, elderly, or patients within private households must obtain a work permit specifically for domestic services. This blog post covers all legal aspects of employing a foreign caregiver, from eligibility criteria to application procedures, salary, social security, rejection and appeal rights, and common pitfalls.
What Are the Eligibility Criteria for Hiring a Foreign Caregiver?
A foreign caregiver can be legally employed only under the following conditions:
The job must involve child, elderly, or patient care. Domestic work not involving care duties is not eligible.
The household employer must meet a minimum income threshold.
The person receiving care must be:
Under 12 years old, or
Over 65 years old, or
Under 65 but officially diagnosed with a health condition requiring care (with medical reports).
Male foreign nationals are generally not allowed to work in private homes unless it is an exceptional case involving severe medical care needs.
How to Obtain a Work Permit for a Foreign Caregiver?
There are two main pathways:
1. Applying from Abroad:
The caregiver applies to a Turkish consulate in their country.
A 16-digit reference number is issued to the employer.
The employer uses this number to apply for the work permit online via Türkiye’s e-permit system.
2. Applying from Inside Türkiye:
If the caregiver already holds a valid residence permit (min. 6 months) in Türkiye, the employer can apply directly via the e-permit portal using the foreigner’s “99” Turkish ID number.
After entry, the caregiver must register their residential address at the Immigration Office within 20 business days.
Required Documents for the Application
Both parties must prepare:
A signed employment contract
Caregiver’s passport copy
Caregiver’s diploma or last school certificate (not mandatory for home care roles)
Employer’s national ID
Care recipient’s ID and, if applicable, medical reports
Income proof of the employer
Family relationship proof if the employer is a close relative
Note: Documents not written in Latin script must be translated and notarized.
What to Include in the Caregiver’s Employment Contract?
The contract must:
Clearly indicate the care type (elderly, child, or patient)
Include the address of the household
Specify the monthly wage
Comply with minimum wage rules and Turkish labor laws
The Ministry of Labor publishes official templates on its website.
What is the Minimum Salary for a Foreign Caregiver in Türkiye?
As of 2023, the minimum gross wage is 13,414.50 TL/month for caregivers.
The salary must not fall below this threshold under any circumstances.
How to Handle Social Security (SGK) Registration?
If applied from within Türkiye:
SGK registration must be completed within 30 days of the work permit start date.
If applied from abroad:
Registration must be done within 30 days after the caregiver enters Türkiye.
Employers must use Form EK-9 for domestic workers employed more than 10 days per month, either via the e-bildirge portal or at the local SGK office.
Can a First-Degree Relative Be the Employer?
Yes, but only if the care recipient (elderly or patient) is not able to apply personally. In this case, the employer must upload proof of relationship and the patient’s ID along with the application.
What If the Work Permit Application Is Rejected?
The application can be rejected due to:
Failing to meet criteria under the International Workforce Law (UİK 9)
Missing documents or incorrectly submitted information
Non-compliant employment contracts
You can file an objection within 30 days online or file an administrative lawsuit within 60 days after notification of rejection.
If both are done (first objection, then court case), the remaining lawsuit time is calculated after deducting the objection period from the 60 days.
Can You Reapply After a Rejection?
Yes. Once you determine and correct the reason for the previous rejection, you may submit a new application.
Work Permit Extension for Foreign Caregivers
Extensions must be filed within 60 days before expiry, but before the permit expires.
If an extension is filed, the caregiver may continue working up to 90 days until a decision is made. The Ministry may reject the extension due to:
Missing documentation
Failing to meet updated criteria
The same objection and lawsuit process applies for rejections.
What Are the Official Fees for Caregiver Work Permits?
In 2023, the official work permit fees for foreign caregivers in Türkiye vary depending on the duration of the permit. For permits valid up to 1 year, the fee is 3,090.20 TL. If the permit is requested for 1 to 2 years, the fee increases to 6,180.40 TL. For durations of 2 to 3 years, the fee is 9,270.60 TL; for 3 to 4 years, it is 12,360.80 TL; and for 4 to 5 years, the cost is 15,451.00 TL. Unlimited-term permits and independent work permits each cost 30,914.50 TL. For caregivers under temporary protection status, the 1-year permit fee is significantly lower, set at 1,149.60 TL. Additionally, all applications require the payment of a 356 TL stamp duty (değerli kağıt bedeli).
356 TL stamp duty applies in all cases.
⚠️ Fees must be paid within 30 days of approval notice, or the application will be cancelled.
How Long Does It Take to Get a Work Permit?
It usually takes up to 30 days to process.
Conclusion
Hiring a foreign caregiver in Türkiye involves legal obligations for both the employer and the employee. Mistakes in documentation, contract drafting, or procedure can lead to rejection or future legal trouble. That’s why we strongly recommend legal support from the very beginning.
At Bayraktar Attorneys, we provide full legal support for caregiver work permit applications, including contract preparation, Ministry coordination, appeal handling, and SGK registration.
