What is Turkey Tech Visa? Application by Foreign Entrepreneurs and Technology Professionals

Türkiye Tech Visa, is a special program implemented to attract foreign talent specializing in critical technology fields, as well as innovative and technology-based startups, to the Turkish technology ecosystem. For foreigners deemed eligible within the scope of the program, a 3-year work permit, streamlined residence procedures for family members, and various support mechanisms for the technology ecosystem are envisioned.

The Türkiye Tech Visa is not a new legal status entirely independent of the foreign labor and residence regime. In terms of work permits, foreigner legislation, primarily the International Labor Law No. 6735, continues to apply. Therefore, applying under the Tech Visa scope requires separate evaluation of the conditions under work permit, residence, corporate law, social security, and tax legislation.

The current scope of the program and its publicly announced facilities can be tracked from the official Türkiye Tech Visa website. regarding the general work permit regime for foreigners in Türkiye, furthermore foreign work permit requirements and application process our explanations regarding can be reviewed.

Legal Nature and Legislative Grounds of Türkiye Tech Visa

Türkiye Tech Visa is a program carried out in coordination with the Ministry of Industry and Technology and the Ministry of Labor and Social Security. The program was announced to the public in 2024, and the Ministry of Labor and Social Security has also announced an expedited and special work permit process for qualified foreign labor within the scope of the Tech Visa.

The following legislative areas are collectively important in the implementation of the program.

International Labour Law No. 6735

International Workforce Law No. 6735, serves as the fundamental legal basis for work permits of foreigners in Türkiye. The Law regulates applications, evaluations, timed and independent work permits, Turquoise Cards, exceptional evaluations, grounds for refusal, and remedies against refusal decisions.

In standard timed work permits, the permit duration is, as a rule, a maximum of one year for the initial application. On this matter, the work permit types explanation by the General Directorate of International Labor may be taken as a basis. One of the distinctive elements of the Tech Visa program is that for individuals deemed eligible for the program, the opportunity for a 3-year work permit is envisaged.

Law on Foreigners and International Protection No. 6458

Pursuant to Article 27 of the Law on Foreigners and International Protection No. 6458’s, a valid work permit generally serves as a residence permit as well. Therefore, a foreigner granted a valid work permit within the scope of the Tech Visa is not required to obtain a separate residence permit for the same period.

Current explanations regarding the work permit substituting for a residence permit on the work permit information page of the Presidency of Migration Management is also available.

However, the residence status of the work permit holder's spouse and children is evaluated separately. Although the Tech Visa program provides for facilitated residence procedures for families, this does not mean that family members will automatically acquire the right of residence without any review.

For residence permit types and other options that may apply depending on the foreigner's situation short-term residence permit with residence permit for the purpose of establishing business connections or starting a business such matters may need to be evaluated separately.

Incentives Within the Scope of Laws No. 4691 and 5746

Holding a Tech Visa does not independently confer tax or social security incentives. However, if the company for which the foreigner works or the activity they carry out falls within the scope of the Technology Development Zones Law No. 4691 or the Law on Supporting Research, Development and Design Activities No. 5746, it may be possible to benefit from the incentives stipulated in the relevant legislation, provided that the conditions are met.

In technology development zones or relevant R&D and design activities, income tax withholding incentives, stamp duty advantages, and employer's share support for insurance premiums may come into question if the conditions are met. For current social security incentives current incentive announcements by the Social Security Institution must be verified.

Therefore, while a connection may exist between the Tech Visa and technopark or R&D incentives, these incentives derive not from the Tech Visa card itself, but from the relevant company, project, and employee meeting the statutory requirements.

Who is Eligible for the Turkey Tech Visa?

The program is fundamentally built upon two profiles: innovative technology startups and qualified foreign experts operating in critical technology sectors.

1. Foreign Technology Entrepreneurs and Startup Founders

Foreigners aiming to establish an innovative and technology-based startup in Turkey or to relocate their existing venture to the Turkish technology ecosystem may apply for the Tech Visa program.

In the evaluation of the application, factors such as the technological nature of the venture, level of innovation, business model, team structure, scalability, market potential, and its potential contribution to the Turkish technology ecosystem may be of significance.

Artificial intelligence, financial technologies, cybersecurity, biotechnology, gaming technologies, green technologies, advanced manufacturing, blockchain, and similar fields serve as examples of technology sectors that may be evaluated under this scope. However, these examples should not be considered as an exhaustive list of fields eligible for application.

Regarding foreigners who will establish a company in Turkey, the work permit regime holds particular importance. In this regard, obtaining a foreign work permit by establishing a company our explanations on the subject can be reviewed.

If it is planned for the venture to operate in Turkey through a branch of a foreign company or a different corporate structuring, establishment of branches and liaison offices of foreign companies in Turkey must also be evaluated in terms of corporate law and foreign investment legislation.

2. Qualified Technology and IT Experts

Foreign software and technology experts to be employed by technology companies, R&D organizations, or other businesses in Turkey are also within the target audience of the program.

There are special regulations in the work permit evaluation criteria for foreigners who will work in fields such as software development, database technologies, mobile software, system and network technologies, information security, cyber security, and enterprise architecture.

According to the current regulations of the Ministry of Labor and Social Security regarding the work permit evaluation criteria employment and financial adequacy criteria are not applied with respect to foreigners to be employed in designated informatics expertise roles in workplaces operating in the informatics sector. In workplaces operating outside the informatics sector, this exemption can be applied for a maximum of two foreigners within the same scope.

Therefore, alongside the Tech Visa application, it is important to accurately determine the foreigner's job description, the employer company's field of activity, and the salary level. Regarding current salary coefficients, wage criteria for foreign employees in 2026 titled explanations may also be taken into consideration.

Main Opportunities Provided Within the Scope of Turkey Tech Visa

3-Year Work Permit

While under the standard-term work permit, a foreigner is granted a permit for a maximum of one year upon initial application as a rule, granting a permit to foreigners approved under the Tech Visa program a 3-year work permit is one of the key features of the program.

This matter is explained both on the Tech Visa official program page and in the announcements made regarding the program by public institutions.

Work Permit Replacing Residence Permit

As a rule, a valid work permit serves in lieu of a residence permit pursuant to Article 27 of Law No. 6458. Therefore, a foreigner who obtains a work permit within the scope of the Tech Visa is not required to obtain a separate residence permit for the duration of the permit.

The expiration or revocation of the work permit may also affect the right of residence derived therefrom. In terms of the consequences of this issue, expiration and revocation of residence permit evaluations regarding this matter must also be taken into consideration.

Streamlined Residence Process for Family Members

The official program descriptions of the Tech Visa state that streamlined residence processes are offered for the families of foreigners within the scope of the program.

However, the fact that the Tech Visa holder's work permit replaces a residence permit and the residence status of the spouse and children are not the same legal situation. For family members, the conditions under the Law on Foreigners and International Protection and the specific circumstances of the applicant must be examined separately.

Special Evaluation Regarding Work Permit Criteria

Being within the scope of the Tech Visa does not mean an automatic and unlimited exemption from all work permit criteria for all foreigners.

According to current general criteria, workplaces subject to the balance sheet method are, as a rule, required to employ five Turkish citizens for each foreign employee. In terms of financial adequacy, for newly established workplaces, the paid-in capital must be at least 500,000 TRY whereas for active workplaces, it is stipulated that at least one of the criteria of 500,000 TRY in paid-in capital, 8,000,000 TRY in net sales, or 150,000 USD in exports must be met.

However, exceptions exist regarding the IT sector, certain foreign company shareholders, and other circumstances specified in the Ministry's current criteria. For a detailed and up-to-date assessment, work permit evaluation criteria 2026 our article titled accordingly and the Ministry's current criteria should be examined together.

Technopark and Startup Ecosystem Support

The Tech Visa program aims to facilitate the connection of technology startups with technoparks, incubation centers, mentoring, consulting, and the investment ecosystem. However, office allocation, investment, incentives, or the provision of funds should not be considered a vested and automatic right for every applicant.

Differences Between Türkiye Tech Visa, Standard Work Permit, and Turquoise Card

For detailed information regarding the conditions and legal consequences of the Turquoise Card’s Turquoise Card 2026 you may refer to our explanations titled as such.

What Documents Are Required for a Türkiye Tech Visa Application?

Application documents may vary depending on whether the applicant is a technology entrepreneur or an employed expert, and whether the work permit application is submitted from within Turkey or abroad. Therefore, the documents listed below serve as a general framework, and the current document requirements of the electronic application system shall prevail.

Main Documents for Technology Entrepreneurs

• Valid passport and identity information,
• Project or business plan detailing the venture and technological solution,
• Information regarding the founders and team,
• Existing documents regarding the product, prototype, intellectual property, or technical infrastructure,
• Market, scalability, and business model information,
• Company and trade registry documents, if a company has been established in Turkey,
• Documents related to investment, acceleration, or incubation programs, if any.

Main Documents for Qualified Technology Experts

• Valid passport,
• Biometric photograph,
• Employment or service contract,
• Curriculum vitae (CV),
• Documents demonstrating expertise and professional experience,
• Diplomas and educational certificates, if applicable,
• Technical portfolio or professional certifications,
• Company documents requested by the system regarding the employer.

Current framework of documents required for the work permit evaluation from the document page of the General Directorate of International Labor must be verified.

How to Apply for a Türkiye Tech Visa?

Stage 1: Tech Visa Program Application

Initial procedures regarding the applicant's startup or talent profile within the scope of the program are conducted via the official application system of Türkiye Tech Visa .

At this stage, information and documents regarding the technological nature of the venture or the professional expertise of the foreign national are evaluated. The documents that the applicant must upload to the system and the current procedure must be checked in accordance with the portal guidance as of the application date.

Stage 2: Work Permit Application

The issuance of the work permit falls within the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Labor and Social Security. Whether the application is made from within or outside the country is determined based on the current legal status of the foreign national.

Application from within the country: As a rule, a work permit application can be made from within Turkey for foreign nationals who are located in Turkey and hold a residence permit issued for a duration of at least six months, which remains valid as of the application date.

Application from abroad: The foreign national applies for a work visa at the diplomatic mission of the Republic of Turkey in the country of which they are a citizen or where they legally reside, and obtains a 16-digit reference number. The employer or the authorized person completes the electronic work permit application using this reference number.

For the current distinction between domestic and international applications, ÇSGB work permit application types page must be taken as the basis.

Stage 3: Administrative Evaluation

Pursuant to Article 7 of Law No. 6735, work permit applications properly completed are, as a rule, processed no later than, provided that the information and documents are complete 30 days is evaluated within the scope of.

In the event that missing information or documents are detected, the completion of the application may be requested. Therefore, the 30-day period must be evaluated on the condition that the file is complete.

Regarding the application process and current practices ÇSGB work permit frequently asked questions page can also be checked.

Stage 4: Fee, Card, and Post-Approval Procedures

In the event that the work permit application is approved, the notified work permit fee and valuable paper costs must be paid within the prescribed period. Upon completion of the payment process, the work permit document is issued and sent to the relevant address.

Obtaining a work permit does not eliminate the social security, employment entry, and notification obligations of the employer and the foreign national.

How Do Current Work Permit Criteria Affect Tech Visa Applications?

While the technological nature of the application is significant in the Tech Visa evaluation, current international workforce criteria must also be correctly determined at the work permit stage.

General Employment Criterion

For workplaces subject to the balance sheet basis, the general rule is the employment of at least five Turkish citizens for each foreign national for whom a work permit is requested. However, exceptions determined by the Ministry regarding sectors, foreign nationals, or application types are reserved.

Current Financial Sufficiency Criteria

As of 2026, the former general financial qualification criteria of 100,000 TL capital or 800,000 TL sales thresholds are no longer applied.

According to the current criteria, newly established workplaces are required to have a paid-in capital of at least 500,000 TL; whereas for active workplaces, fulfilling at least one of the options of having a paid-in capital of at least 500,000 TL, net sales of at least 8,000,000 TL, or exports of at least 150,000 USD is stipulated.

Informatics Sector Exemption

Employment and financial qualification criteria are not applied to workplaces operating in the informatics sector with respect to specialized duties determined by the Ministry, such as software development, database, mobile software, system-network-security, and enterprise architecture.

Therefore, the job description of the technology specialist must be evaluated not merely through the job title, but based on the tasks to be actually performed and the employer's field of activity.

Criteria Regarding Foreign Company Shareholders

Regarding foreign company shareholders, general work permit criteria, the capital structure of the venture, and the foreign partner's share are evaluated separately. Current criteria include special provisions regarding capital and partnership ratios for foreign company shareholders, as well as regulations concerning the requirement of the employment criterion after a certain period.

Therefore, a foreigner simply being a company shareholder in Turkey does not automatically grant the right to a work permit. If an application is to be made under the Tech Visa, program conditions and work permit criteria regarding the foreign company shareholder must be evaluated together.

For What Reasons Can a Türkiye Tech Visa Application Be Denied?

The evaluation within the scope of the Tech Visa program and the work permit decision must be kept separate. Compliance in the program evaluation does not mean that other legislative provisions will not apply.

Within the scope of Article 9 of Law No. 6735, a work permit application may result unfavorably, particularly in the following circumstances:

• The application not being deemed appropriate in accordance with international labor policy,
• The use of fraudulent or misleading information or documents in the application,
• Failure to deem the justification for employing the foreigner sufficient,
• Assessment that the foreigner lacks the requisite qualifications or expertise,
• The position being among the professions reserved exclusively for Turkish citizens under applicable legislation,
• Existence of legal impediments regarding the foreigner's entry into or stay in Turkey,
• The application failing to comply with the work permit evaluation criteria or relevant special regulations.

The lawfulness of each rejection decision must be evaluated separately, taking into account the grounds for rejection and the concrete documents in the application file.

How to Appeal the Denial of a Tech Visa or Work Permit Application?

Pursuant to Article 21 of the International Labour Law No. 6735, concerned parties may, against the decisions rendered by the Ministry regarding work permits or work permit exemptions, within 30 days file an objection with the Ministry of Labour and Social Security.

In the event of the rejection of the objection, recourse may be made to the administrative judiciary. The time limit regarding the annulment action, the competent court, and the effect of the administrative application on the litigation period must be evaluated in the specific case together with the provisions of the Administrative Procedure Law No. 2577.

Therefore, the notification date of the rejection decision, the date of objection, and the notification date of the response to the objection must be recorded separately. It is critical to calculate the time limits based on the specific case file.

Practical Examples

The following examples are not actual files guaranteeing legal outcomes, but hypothetical examples prepared to demonstrate how current criteria may be applied.

Example 1: Foreign Engineer Establishing an Artificial Intelligence Startup

A foreign software engineer wishes to establish a startup in Turkey that develops artificial intelligence technology in the field of medical imaging. The startup possesses innovative technology, a technical team, and a scalable business model.

In this case, the evaluation of the startup under the Tech Visa program and the work permit criteria for the foreign company partner must be handled together. The fact that the company does not yet employ five Turkish citizens should not be interpreted as automatically resulting in a rejection in all cases; the Tech Visa program, the foreign company partnership criteria, and applicable exemptions must be examined collectively.

Example 2: Employment of a Senior Systems Architect from Abroad

If a technology company operating in Turkey wishes to employ a senior systems architect from abroad, the candidate's job description, professional experience, salary level, and the employer's field of activity shall be examined.

If the position falls within one of the areas of expertise specified in the Ministry's special criteria regarding the informatics sector, special provisions may apply in terms of employment and financial adequacy criteria. However, this does not mean that the application will be automatically approved.

Example 3: Application with Missing Documents

In the event that information and documents regarding the startup's technological infrastructure, intellectual property rights, or the employee's professional qualifications are missing in the application, the administration may request additional information and documents.

The requested documents must be submitted within due time and in a mutually consistent manner. While the completion of missing documents does not mean that the application will be approved, it is important for the proper evaluation of the file on its merits.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is there a Turkish language proficiency requirement for the Turkey Tech Visa?

The reviewed current official program descriptions of the Tech Visa do not specify a general requirement mandating the applicant to submit a Turkish language proficiency certificate. The application is essentially evaluated based on the elements of technology, startup, or professional qualifications. Nevertheless, the portal conditions effective as of the application date must also be verified.

2. Does the work permit granted within the scope of the Tech Visa replace a residence permit?

Yes. Pursuant to Article 27 of the Law on Foreigners and International Protection No. 6458, a valid work permit generally replaces a residence permit. There are legal exceptions for certain statuses under international protection and temporary protection.

3. Do the spouse and children of a Tech Visa holder automatically obtain the right to reside?

No, it is not accurate to refer to this matter as an “automatic right of residence.” The Tech Visa program provides facilitated residence procedures for families. The legal status of the spouse and children is evaluated separately within the framework of the conditions set forth in the Law on Foreigners and International Protection and the specific circumstances of the application.

4. Can a Tech Visa application be made if the company does not have five Turkish employees?

Yes, the ability to apply and the criteria by which the work permit will be evaluated are distinct matters. While the employment of five Turkish citizens is a general criterion, exceptions exist for the IT sector, certain foreign company shareholders, and other circumstances determined by the Ministry. The specific exception applicable to the file must be examined on a case-by-case basis.

5. What is the difference between the Tech Visa and the Turquoise Card?

The Tech Visa is a program specifically aimed at critical foreign experts in the technology field and innovative startups, providing a 3-year work permit within the scope of the program. The Turquoise Card, on the other hand, is a distinct status regulated under Law No. 6735; upon the fulfillment of conditions following the initial three-year transition period, an indefinite Turquoise Card may be issued.

6. Can a freelance software developer obtain a Tech Visa?

The Tech Visa is not a general “freelance visa” that grants a foreigner the unrestricted right to work as a freelancer in Turkey. A foreigner's self-employment in Turkey must be evaluated separately in terms of an independent work permit, company partnership, or another legal structure appropriate to the specific activity.

7. Within what timeframe is a Turkey Tech Visa application concluded?

At the work permit stage, properly submitted applications with complete documentation are, as a rule, expected to be evaluated within 30 days at the latest pursuant to Law No. 6735. However, since the Tech Visa program evaluation and the work permit process may involve different stages, it cannot be stated that the total duration will be 30 days in every case.

8. What remedies are available if a Tech Visa or work permit application is rejected?

An appeal may be filed with the Ministry of Labor and Social Security within 30 days as of the notification date against the work permit decision. In the event of the rejection of the appeal, administrative judicial remedies may be sought. The statute of limitations for filing a lawsuit and the competent court must be evaluated separately based on the specific rejection act.

9. Is the application made from within Turkey or from abroad?

For foreigners who hold a residence permit issued for at least six months in Turkey and valid as of the application date, an inland work permit application may be filed as a rule. For foreigners who do not meet these conditions, the work permit process is generally carried out via the 16-digit reference number obtained from a Turkish foreign representation abroad.

10. Can a foreign employee working under the Tech Visa change employers?

As a rule, temporary work permits are issued contingent upon a specific job and employer. If the foreigner is to work for a different employer, a new work permit application must be filed through the new employer. It should not be assumed that the current card can be used automatically with the new employer.

Conclusion

Turkey Tech Visa is a special program that integrates the work permit process in Turkey with the technology ecosystem for foreign entrepreneurs operating in the field of technology and foreign employees with critical expertise.

The most prominent feature of the program is the opportunity for a 3-year work permit for eligible candidates. However, it should not be assumed that the Tech Visa eliminates all work permit criteria, grants automatic residency rights to family members, or directly provides tax and SGK (Social Security Institution) incentives.

During the application, the profile of the foreigner, job description, company's sector and capital structure, foreign partnership ratio, current work permit criteria, and, if applicable, Technology Development Zone or R&D legislation must be evaluated together.

Author Information

Atty. Batın YILMAZ
Istanbul Bar Association Bar Registry No: 77008

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This content has been prepared for general legal informational purposes. It does not constitute a legal opinion, guarantee of outcome, or commitment regarding any specific dispute or application. Each application must be evaluated separately within the scope of its own circumstances and the legislation in force on the application date.

The content has been prepared for informational purposes, taking into account Article 55 of the Attorneys' Law No. 1136, the Professional Rules of the Union of Turkish Bar Associations, and Union of Turkish Bar Associations Regulation on Prohibition of Advertising The content does not include any expressions intended to imply success, superiority, a guarantee of outcome, or comparison with other colleagues.

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