Work Permit Extension Application 2026

Work permit extension application, must be submitted starting 60 days before the expiration of the current work permit and strictly before the permit period expires. An "extension" application cannot be made after the deadline has passed; if conditions are met, a new work permit process must be carried out in accordance with the initial application procedure for the foreigner's right to work to continue.

The extension request is submitted electronically for the foreigner who will continue to work with the same employer. If the application is evaluated favorably, a work permit may be granted for a maximum of two years for the first extension, and a maximum of three years for subsequent extensions. These periods are not automatic or acquired rights; the duration of the employment contract, passport validity, the employer's status, and evaluation criteria affect the outcome.

For the general framework of work permits and application types, you can our foreign work permit guide review. This article specifically explains the extension timeframe, required documents, the same employer condition, the right to work while the evaluation is pending, and the consequences of missing the deadline.

When is the Work Permit Extension Application Filed?

In short, the extension application window is the last 60 days prior to the expiration of the current work permit. The application must be initiated within this 60-day period and, in any case, completed with an electronic signature before the existing permit expires.

Time	Application Status	Legal consequence
More than 60 days remaining until permit expiration	The extension period has not yet begun	An extension application cannot be submitted through the system.
60 days remaining until permit expiration	The extension application period begins	The application can be prepared and completed electronically.
The last day of the permit validity	It is the final day for extension	The application must not only be registered but also duly completed.
After the expiration of the permit period	The extension period has been missed.	An extension request cannot be made; the initial application is evaluated under appropriate conditions.

Of the Ministry of Labour and Social Security on the work permit application types page this period is explicitly stated. Article 7 of the International Labour Law No. 6735 also mandates that the extension application be made before the permit expires.

How is the 60-Day Period Calculated?

The expiry date on the work permit card is taken as the basis, and the 60-day period is determined backward from this date. The delivery date of the card, the date the employer decides to make the extension, or the day the foreigner started working is not the start of the calculation.

For instance, if the work permit expires on November 30, 2026, preparation for the extension should not be left to the last day. Since issues such as system registration, electronic signature, missing documents, or authorization problems may occur, it is safer to prepare the documents before the 60-day period begins and to complete the application early after the period opens.

Can the Extension Application Be Left to the Last Day?

Although legally an application can be made until the last day of the permit period, leaving the process to the last day carries significant risk. Filling out all fields in the e-Permit system is not sufficient on its own; the application must be completed electronically using the required method. A draft or "incomplete application" record does not substitute for a timely filed extension application.

• Malfunctioning of the electronic signature,
• The employer registration or authorization not being up to date,
• The passport validity period being insufficient,
• Incomplete financial documents or employment contract,
• Discrepancies in SSI and workplace information,
• The system indicating the application as incomplete may lead to a loss of time.

The Ministry on the frequently asked questions page regarding work permits, states that transactions where only the information has been entered but not finalized with an e-signature remain in the "incomplete applications" section.

How to File a Work Permit Extension Application

The extension application, similar to the initial application, is made by the employer or the authorized user via the e-Government linked electronic system. Before initiating the application, the current permit, employer registration, employment contract, passport, and financial documents must be reviewed.

1. The expiration date of the current work permit and the 60-day application window are determined.
2. The employer's electronic system registration and authorizations are checked.
3. The foreigner's current work permit and identity information are selected.
4. In the extension application, the position, salary, workplace, and contract information are updated.
5. The requested documents shall be uploaded as legible PDFs or in a format accepted by the system.
6. After all statements are compared, the application is completed with an electronic signature.
7. The application tracking number shall be saved, and notifications regarding additional documents shall be monitored.
8. Following a favorable decision, the applicable fees and valuable paper costs shall be paid within the prescribed period.

Electronic proceedings Foreigners' Work Permits Application System are conducted through. Since screens and procedural steps are subject to change, the Ministry's current application guidelines must also be checked.

Documents Required for Work Permit Extension Application

The definitive list of documents required for an extension may vary depending on the foreigner's status, the employer's legal structure, the sector, and the fields generated in the system. The following documents and information are critical in the general review file:

Document or Information	Matters to be verified
Current work permit	Permit number, start and end dates
Copy of passport	Validity period, compliance of identity information with the system, and translation if required
Current employment agreement	Same employer, position, salary, workplace, and contract term
Trade Registry Gazette	Current capital and shareholding structure of the employer company
Balance sheet and profit and loss statement	Correct financial period and authorized approval
SGK and employment records	Foreign national's employment, number of Turkish employees, and wage declarations
Sectoral permits	Validity of the preliminary permit, license, activity, or qualification certificate
Company partner records	Compliance with the partnership share, capital, and employment annotation

Preparation format of passports, diplomas, employment contracts, and employer documents documents required for foreign work permit 2026 is explained in detail in our article. For official sector lists, also the Ministry's work permit documents page shall be taken as the basis.

How Does Passport Validity Affect the Work Permit Extension?

A work permit cannot be issued to exceed the final 60 days prior to the passport's expiration date. Work permit applications submitted with a passport or substitute document having a validity of less than 60 days as of the application date shall not be processed.

Therefore, even if a two- or three-year extension is requested, if the passport validity is shorter, the permit duration may be limited accordingly based on the passport. The need for passport renewal should be determined before the 60-day extension window begins.

Same Employer Requirement in Extension Applications

A work permit extension application is based on the premise that the foreigner continues to work under the same employer. If the employer changes, this transaction is not considered an extension, and the initial application procedure applies for employment under the new employer.

If there is a change in the company trade name, tax number, workplace registration, or legal structure, it must be examined whether this is merely a formal change or an employer change. In transactions such as mergers, demergers, workplace transfers, or changes in company type, the conclusion of "same employer" should not be automatically deduced.

The impact of a change of employer on the work permit will be covered in our content plan "Change of Employer in Work Permits" guide. To understand which employer and duties the current permit document is limited to work permit annotations our article may be reviewed.

If the foreigner is to work under a different employer, the existing permit must not be extended; instead, a new work permit application must be submitted by the new employer in accordance with initial application principles. For detailed information employer change in work permit you may review our guide.

Two-Year Permit for the First Extension, Three-Year Permit for Subsequent Extensions

In the initial application, a temporary work permit may be issued for a maximum of one year. If lawful employment continues with the same employer, a work permit may be granted for a maximum of two years upon the first extension application, and for a maximum of three years upon subsequent extension applications.

Application stage	Maximum duration that can be granted	Basic condition
Initial work permit	Maximum 1 year	Within the scope of a specific employer, workplace, and job
First extension	Maximum 2 years	Continuation of employment under the same employer
Subsequent extensions	Maximum 3 years each time	Same employer and positive evaluation
Different employer	Not evaluated as an extension	Initial application procedure applies

The phrase "maximum" does not mean that a permit will necessarily be granted for two years upon every first extension and for three years upon subsequent extensions. The duration of the employment or service contract, passport, temporary project, sectoral permit, and evaluation results may lead to the issuance of a shorter permit. Official statement regarding work permit types On the Ministry's work permit types page are set forth.

For the maximum permit durations that can be granted in the initial application and subsequent extensions, the effect of the employment contract, and the impact of transferring to a different employer on the duration calculation definite work permit 2026 you may review our guide.

Can One Continue Working Until the Extension Application is Concluded?

Yes. A foreigner who has applied for a work permit extension within the statutory period may continue to work while the application is being evaluated, starting from the date the existing permit expires, provided that it does not exceed 90 days in any case and neither the job nor the workplace changes.

Work performed during this period is considered legal employment. The rights and obligations of the foreigner and the employer arising from the work permit shall continue. Therefore, the payment of wages, SSI (SGK) notifications, and other employer obligations must be maintained without interruption.

Condition	Effect on the 90-day right to work
The extension application was completed before the permit expiration	The basic condition is met.
The permit period has expired	The maximum 90-day period runs from this date.
The same job and workplace continue	Work may be continued.
The employer or job has changed	This right to temporary work cannot be relied upon.
The application has been concluded.	The legal consequence of the positive or negative decision shall apply.
The maximum 90-day period has expired.	If there is no other legal basis, work cannot be continued.

This right does not mean that the foreigner is granted a new and independent 90-day work permit. It is merely a temporary opportunity to continue working, limited to the same job and workplace, exclusively for the evaluation period of a timely filed extension application.

How Long Does It Take for an Extension Application to Be Concluded?

The evaluation of work permit applications duly completed is, as a rule, finalized within 30 days, provided that the information and documents are complete. If additional information or documents are requested, the 30-day period shall be calculated from the date the requested information and documents are uploaded to the system.

This period does not mean that the application will necessarily result in a positive outcome on the 30th day. Institutional opinions, verification of documents, additional paperwork, or the characteristics of the application may affect the evaluation timeline. The application result must be tracked via the e-Permit system and the designated electronic mail address.

Employment and Financial Adequacy Criteria in Extensions

An extension application is not an automatic approval process. The workplace's employment of Turkish citizens, financial adequacy, the foreigner's duties, and other evaluation criteria may be re-examined. It must also be evaluated whether there is any exemption from general criteria due to the sector associated with the application or the status of the foreigner.

The scope of the criteria of 500,000 TL paid-in capital, 8 million TL net sales, 150,000 USD exports, and five Turkish employees, along with the exemption dated August 3, 2026, work permit evaluation criteria 2026 is explained in detail in our article. For the boundaries of the new employment exemption, you may also refer to employment limit amendment in work permits our guide.

Wage Criterion and SSI Records in Extension Applications

The foreigner's wage must be re-verified based on the gross minimum wage and occupational coefficient in effect as of the date of the extension application. It should not be assumed that the amount valid for the previous permit period is also sufficient for the new extension application.

The employment contract, e-Permit declaration, SSI earnings subject to premium, payroll, and actual payment must be consistent with each other. The gross wage lower limits ranging between 33,030 TL and 165,150 TL to be applied in 2026 based on the foreigner's profession wage criteria for foreign employees in 2026 have been calculated in our guide.

In terms of social security obligations, the Ministry's statements on the social security of foreign employees and applicable social security agreements must also be taken into consideration.

Work Permit Extension for Foreign Company Shareholders

In extension applications by foreign business owners or company partners, alongside the partnership and capital status, compliance with the employment annotation in the initial work permit is of importance. In general practice, it is expected that at least five Turkish citizens are employed at the workplace every month starting from the beginning of the seventh month of the initial permit.

The departure of the foreign partner from the company, a decrease in the partnership share or capital amount, the termination of managerial authority, or the inactivity of the workplace may adversely affect the extension file. Conditions specific to foreign company partners work permit as a company partner are explained in our guide.

Must Sectoral Pre-Permissions and Licenses Be Renewed?

In education, healthcare, tourism, aviation, and regulated professions, the pre-permit, license, activity certificate, or professional qualification record submitted in the initial application must still be valid as of the extension date. The fact that the document was submitted during the initial permit does not ensure that a sectoral document whose duration has expired or whose scope has changed will be automatically deemed valid upon extension.

If the foreigner's duties or the scope of activity of the workplace have changed, it must be further examined whether the transaction remains within the boundaries of an extension. Certain fundamental changes may necessitate a new work permit application.

What Happens If the Extension Application Is Denied?

The Ministry may reject the extension request if the evaluation criteria are not met, due to missing or untrue documents, failure to comply with employer obligations, loss of professional or sectoral qualifications, or for other reasons stipulated in the legislation.

The rejection decision shall be served to the applicant via the e-mail address provided during the application and through the system. The date of service is important for calculating the periods for administrative appeal and litigation. In our content plan, the grounds for rejection and legal remedies will be addressed with separate search intents in the articles titled "Rejection of Work Permit Application" and "Appeal and Annulment Action Against Work Permit Rejection".

To the current text of Law No. 6735’s via the Legislation Information System., and to the relevant regulation and other secondary legislation, from the legislation page of the Directorate General of International Labor accessible.

The grounds for the rejection decision, the date of service, the possibility of re-application, and the available legal remedies must be evaluated based on the specific case file. For detailed information, rejection of the work permit application you may review our guide.

Fee and Card Procedures After a Favorable Decision

If the extension application is approved, the work permit fee and the valuable paper fee shall be paid separately. If the required fees are not deposited within 30 days from the notification by the Ministry, the application shall be rejected. Payment descriptions and 2026 amounts are on the Ministry's fee and valuable paper fee page published.

The new work permit card may be sent to the employer's address registered in the system. Waiting for the physical delivery of the card does not constitute a justification for the employer to postpone social security and other legal obligations following a positive decision.

Can an Expired Work Permit Be Extended?

No. Pursuant to Law No. 6735, an extension application must in any case be made before the expiration of the work permit. It should not be assumed that an extension can be made after the permit expires based on an "additional period" in past practices. In the current system, instead of an extension for an expired permit, the initial application conditions must be re-evaluated according to the legal status of the foreigner.

The necessary residence or legal status must also exist for a new application to be made from within Turkey. It cannot be assumed that the foreigner automatically has the right to apply domestically after the work permit expires. This distinction can a work permit be obtained without a residence permit? are explained in our article.

Pre-Extension Application Checklist

• Has the expiration date of the work permit been accurately determined?
• Will the application be filed within the last 60-day period?
• Is the employer the same as in the previous permit?
• Is there any change in the job, duties, workplace, or profession?
• Is the passport validity sufficient for the requested extension?
• Are the employment contract term and gross salary up to date?
• Has the 2026 salary criterion been calculated using the correct professional coefficient?
• Do SGK records, payrolls, and payment records comply with the application?
• Are the number of Turkish employees and financial adequacy criteria met?
• Have the permit annotations been complied with for the foreign company partner?
• Is the sectoral preliminary permit, license, or activity certificate valid?
• Are all documents legible and ready to be uploaded to the correct field?
• Are the electronic signature and employer authorization functioning properly?
• Has it been verified that the application is not only saved but fully completed?
• Are emails being monitored regularly for supplementary documents and outcome notifications?

Common Mistakes in Extension Applications

• Assuming that the application can be filed even after the leave/permit expires.
• Mistaking a draft created in the e-Permit system for a completed application.
• Attempting to initiate an application for a different employer as an extension.
• Requesting a two- or three-year permit without checking the passport validity period.
• Using the previous year's salary unchanged in the new extension application.
• Indicating inconsistent salary figures across the employment contract, SGK, and application screen.
• Overlooking the requirement for five Turkish employee annotations for company shareholders.
• Assuming that the license submitted during the initial application remains valid for the extension.
• Interpreting the 90-day right to work as a right to change employers or duties.
• Failing to pay the required fees and card charges within the prescribed period following a favorable decision.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many days in advance is the work permit extension application filed?

Applications can be filed starting from 60 days before the expiration of the current work permit. In any event, the application must be completed electronically before the permit expires.

Can an extension be obtained for an expired work permit?

No. An extension cannot be made after the expiration date. Depending on the foreigner's status, initial application conditions must be re-evaluated.

Can the foreigner work until the extension application is concluded?

If the application is made in a timely manner, the foreigner may continue to work at the same job and workplace for a maximum of 90 days from the expiration of the current permit during the evaluation period.

For how many years is the work permit granted upon the first extension?

In the event of a positive evaluation, a permit of up to two years may be granted for the first extension with the same employer. The exact duration may be shorter depending on the employment contract, passport, and file status.

For how many years is the work permit granted for second and subsequent extensions?

For subsequent extension applications with the same employer, a work permit for up to three years can be granted each time.

Can the work permit be extended if the employer changes?

An application made to work with a different employer is not evaluated as an extension. The initial application procedure applies through the new employer.

Within how many days is an extension application concluded?

Applications with complete information and documents submitted in due form are generally evaluated within 30 days. If additional documents are requested, the period starts from the date the document is uploaded to the system.

Is a fee required again for an extension application?

Yes. Once the application is approved, the work permit fee and valuable paper fee are payable based on the permit duration. Payment must be made within 30 days of notification.

Conclusion

The work permit extension application must be submitted within the period starting 60 days prior to the expiration of the permit and in any case before the existing permit expires. For the first extension with the same employer, a permit may be granted for a maximum of two years, and for subsequent extensions, a maximum of three years. An application with a different employer does not constitute an extension.

In the event of a timely application, the foreigner may work in the same job and workplace for a maximum of 90 days following the expiration of the permit during the evaluation period. However, an extension is not an automatic right; documents, wages, employment, financial capacity, and sectoral conditions are reviewed on a current basis. For our legal services regarding aliens law immigration law on our immigration law service page.

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Author Information

Attorney Batın YILMAZ
Istanbul Bar Association Bar Registry No: 77008

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Attorney Batın YILMAZ
Istanbul Bar Association Bar Registry No: 77008

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