What Are Work Permit Annotations? All Annotation Numbers and Meanings

What Are Work Permit Annotations? Current Annotation Numbers and Meanings

Short answer: Work permit annotations are numbered records added to the work permit document that indicate specific restrictions and obligations to be complied with by the foreigner or the employer. The annotation may impose a professional ban, chamber registration, validation document, employment of a Turkish citizen, workplace license, or a document renewal obligation. Acting contrary to the annotation written on the work permit card may entail administrative and legal consequences.

For detailed information on the general conditions of work permits, application procedures, required documents, time periods, and appeals against rejection decisions, our foreign work permit guide you may review.

What Does a Work Permit Annotation Mean?

A work permit does not grant a foreigner the right to perform every profession and activity without limitation. The permit may be issued based on a specific employer, workplace, duty, or working method. When deemed necessary by the Ministry, a numbered annotation is added to the work permit document to clarify the conditions under which the permit may be utilized.

Annotations bind not only the foreign employee but also the employer and, in some cases, the company partner. For instance, while one annotation states that the foreigner cannot practice a specific profession, another may impose an obligation on the employer to employ a Turkish citizen or provide an additional document.

Where to Check the Annotation on the Work Permit Card?

The annotation number can be viewed on the work permit document or in the relevant electronic records. The current explanation corresponding to the number, Ministry of Labor and Social Security work permit annotations list must be checked through.

The numbers in the official list are not continuous. In the current list, no annotation description has been published corresponding to numbers 12, 15, 16, 17, 18, and 23. Interpretations based on speculation should not be made regarding these numbers.

Work Permit Annotation Numbers and Brief Meanings

Work Permit Annotations Restricting the Practice of a Profession

Work Permit Annotation Number 1

Annotation number 1 indicates that the foreigner cannot be employed in Turkey with the titles of engineering, architecture, and city planning pursuant to Law No. 3458 on Engineering and Architecture. The person subject to the annotation cannot exercise professional signature rights, opinions, and authorities attached to these titles.

This regulation does not mean that the foreigner cannot work in any job. However, regardless of the position for which the work permit is granted, the professional titles and authorities specified in the annotation must not be exercised.

Work Permit Annotation Number 2

Annotation number 2 indicates that the foreigner cannot practice the legal profession in Turkey pursuant to Article 3 of the Attorneyship Law No. 1136. Having obtained a work permit for another position does not entail representation in courts in the capacity of an attorney, the use of the title of attorney, or the exercise of powers inherent to this profession.

Work Permit Annotation Number 5

Annotation number 5 is of a general nature. The foreigner cannot practice professions and perform duties reserved exclusively for Turkish citizens by special laws. Therefore, holding a work permit does not automatically mean that another profession requiring the condition of citizenship can be practiced.

Prior to the application, it must also be examined whether the position is open to foreigners. For the current scope, the Ministry's professions reserved for Turkish citizens page can be checked.

Work Permit Annotation Number 6

Annotation number 6 indicates that the foreigner cannot practice the profession of pharmacy in Turkey within the scope of the Pharmacists and Pharmacies Law No. 6197. A work permit granted for another position does not authorize working with the title of pharmacist or operating a pharmacy.

Work Permit Annotation Number 8

Annotation number 8 indicates that the foreign national cannot practice veterinary medicine in Turkey within the scope of Law No. 6343. Even if the foreigner is authorized for another job or duty, they cannot use the title and authorities of a veterinarian.

Work Permit Annotation Number 9

Annotation number 9 specifies that the foreign national cannot practice dentistry in Turkey pursuant to Law No. 1219. The work permit alone does not grant the right to accept patients as a dentist or to carry out procedures specific to this profession.

Work Permit Annotation No. 10

Annotation number 10 clarifies that, due to the Cabotage Law No. 815, a foreigner cannot practice the profession of captain within Turkish territorial waters. The permit granted for another duty in the maritime sector must be distinguished from the authority to act as a captain.

Work Permit Annotation No. 25

Annotation number 25 states that the foreigner granted a work permit cannot practice the profession of medical doctor. This annotation is generally important in cases where the authorized work and medical practice must be distinguished from one another.

While annotation number 21 governs the requirement for medical chamber membership for a work permit issued to a foreign physician, annotation number 25 indicates that the permit holder cannot practice medicine. These two records do not have the same meaning; the specific annotation on the individual's card and the purpose for which the permit was issued must be taken as the basis.

Annotations Imposing Professional Chamber or Additional Document Requirements

Work Permit Annotation Number 3

Annotation number 3 indicates that the work permit has been issued within the scope of Law No. 2527 on the Free Practice of Professions and Arts in Turkey by Foreigners of Turkish Descent, and Their Employment in Public, Private Institutions or Workplaces. The permit becomes valid upon registration of membership with the relevant professional chamber.

Therefore, this annotation is not a general "compliance with the scope of the permit" record. The chamber to which the profession is subject must be determined, and activities must not be commenced before the membership process is completed.

Work Permit Annotation Number 4

Annotation number 4 concerns foreign pilots and technicians. The work permit is valid only in conjunction with the validation document issued by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation, which renders the foreigner's license valid in Turkey.

Therefore, the work permit and the professional validity of the aviation license in Turkey are separate controls. Duties must not be performed solely on the basis of the work permit before the validation process is completed.

Work Permit Annotation Number 7

According to annotation number 7, a foreign engineer or architect must register for temporary membership with the relevant professional chamber or renew their existing registration within one month at the latest. The work permit becomes valid upon the fulfillment of this condition.

Work Permit Annotation Number 20

Annotation number 20 pertains to foreigners who will work in free zones. The work permit is valid together with the entry permit document to be obtained from the relevant Free Zone Directorate pursuant to the Free Zones Law No. 3218.

Work Permit Annotation Number 21

Annotation No. 21 requires the foreign medical doctor granted a work permit to register with the relevant medical chamber within one month at the latest. Without prejudice to the authorization and qualification processes affiliated with the Ministry of Health, medical chamber registration must also be monitored for the validity of the work permit.

Work Permit Annotation No. 28

Annotation No. 28 indicates that the work permit is valid together with the workplace opening and operating license obtained from the competent administration. The foreigner's work permit and the workplace's activity license are distinct administrative proceedings, and both must be valid.

Work Permit Annotation No. 29

Annotation No. 29 mandates the submission of a valid passport for subsequent work permit applications to be made on behalf of the foreigner. Therefore, the validity period of the passport must be checked in advance when planning an extension or a new application.

Annotations Imposing Obligations on Employers and Company Partners

Work Permit Annotation No. 11

Annotation No. 11 stipulates that a foreigner who has obtained a permit in the capacity of a company partner must prove their contribution to the national economy and local workforce employment in the extension application. Additionally, tax, social security, and other national legislative obligations must be fulfilled.

For application conditions regarding company partners and evaluation according to company types work permit through company establishment you may review our article.

Work Permit Annotation No. 22

Annotation No. 22 pertains to the foreign company partner or owner who is granted a six-month work permit for the purpose of monitoring the employment status at the workplace. According to the official annotation text, at least five Turkish citizens must be employed at the workplace each month during this permit period. Failure to meet this condition may lead to the rejection of the extension request.

Work Permit Annotation No. 24

Annotation No. 24 concerns the employed foreigner. In the extension application, it is required to document the foreigner's contribution to the permitted company, the Turkish economy, and employment. Duties, expertise, remuneration, workplace activities, and employment records may play a significant role in the evaluation.

Work Permit Annotation No. 26

Annotation no. 26 governs the obligation of a foreign company partner or business owner to employ Turkish citizens. The requirement to employ five Turkish citizens is not sought during the first six months of the initial permit period; starting from the seventh month of the permit period, at least five Turkish citizens must be employed every month. In the extended permit period, however, the obligation continues throughout the entire permit duration.

It is necessary to distinguish between general employment criteria and the exception regarding certain domestic applications entering into force in 2026. For details on the subject, employment limit amendment in work permits you can review our article.

Annotations Regarding Special Status and Working Conditions

Work Permit Annotation No. 13

Annotation no. 13 mandates that a foreign national with the status of a child or young worker be employed in compliance with the provisions of Article 71 of Labor Law No. 4857 and the relevant regulations. Compliance with age-appropriate work, working hours, rest periods, and health and safety limitations is required.

Work Permit Annotation No. 14

Annotation no. 14 concerns circus companies on tour in Turkey. The list of foreign personnel must be reported to the Provincial Directorate of Migration Management in the location where the duties will be performed.

Work Permit Annotation No. 19

Annotation no. 19 states that the work permit granted to a foreign national with the status of an international protection applicant or conditional refugee does not replace a residence permit. The right to work and the status of stay in Turkey are based on separate legal grounds.

Work Permit Annotation No. 27

Annotation no. 27 requires the holder of an indefinite work permit to renew their permit document every five years from the start date of the permit. The document renewal application must be made within the six months prior to the expiration of the five-year period and, in any case, before the expiration date.

The procedure herein is aimed at renewing the work permit document rather than re-evaluating the right to work indefinitely. Nevertheless, the application deadline must not be missed.

Work Permit Annotation Number 30

Annotation number 30 indicates that the work permit issued to a foreigner under temporary protection status does not replace a residence permit. Temporary protection registration and the work permit have distinct legal functions.

What Is the Difference Between Work Permit Annotation Numbers 22 and 26?

Both annotations pertain to the Turkish citizen employment obligation of a foreign company partner or owner; however, their wordings differ:

• Annotation number 22: Stipulates that the company partner or owner, granted a six-month permit to verify employment status, must employ at least five Turkish citizens every month during this permit period.
• Annotation number 26: Does not require this condition during the first six months of the initial permit period; it mandates the employment of at least five Turkish citizens every month starting from the seventh month and throughout the entire extended permit period.

In the specific case, the annotation on the card, the permit start date, the workplace's SSI (SGK) records, and the current evaluation criteria applied to the application must be examined together. For general information, please visit the Ministry's work permit evaluation criteria shall be taken as the basis.

The employment and financial adequacy obligations contained in the annotation must be evaluated together with the Ministry criteria valid as of the application date. For detailed information regarding the condition of five Turkish employees, financial adequacy, wages, and exemptions, please refer to work permit evaluation criteria 2026 you may review our guide.

What Happens If the Work Permit Annotation Is Not Complied With?

The Ministry states that the employer and/or the foreign personnel shall be liable for the legal and criminal proceedings arising from the failure to comply with the mandatory annotations numbered on the card. Depending on the outcome of the specific violation, the rejection of the extension application, revocation of the work permit, administrative fines, or other sanctions arising from relevant professional legislation may apply.

For ongoing obligations such as the employment condition that must be met every month, the status as of the application date alone may not be sufficient. SSI declarations, payrolls, tax records, chamber membership, and validation or license documents must be kept systematically.

Actual employment outside the limits of the employer, workplace, duty, or profession specified in the permit document may be deemed unauthorized employment depending on the specific circumstances of the case. For administrative sanctions that may apply to the employer and the foreigner, please see penalty for employing unauthorized foreigners 2026 you may review our guide.

In the event of a change in the foreigner's employer, the existing work permit is not automatically transferred to the new employer. The procedure to be followed in order to work with the new employer employer change in work permit is explained in detail in our article.

Non-compliance with the obligations regarding the employer, workplace, profession, duties, or employment specified on the work permit card may lead to the revocation of the work permit, depending on the specific circumstances of the case. For grounds for revocation, notification obligations, and legal remedies against the revocation decision, revocation of work permit 2026 you may review our guide.

What Can Be Done If the Work Permit Annotation Is Incorrect?

If there is an endorsement on the card that is deemed incompatible with the duties, profession, or status, the permit application and decision documents must be reviewed first. Action should not be taken without determining whether the endorsement stems from a factual error, the duty declared in the application, or a limitation in the legislation.

An application to the Ministry may be considered in order to correct a record believed to be erroneous. If there is a rejection, revocation, or another administrative action associated with the endorsement, the notification date of the action and the legal remedies must be evaluated separately. For information regarding services within the scope of immigration law our immigration law service page you may review.

Frequently Asked Questions About Work Permit Annotations

Does every work permit card contain an annotation?

No. In cases where the Ministry needs to specify a special restriction or obligation based on the nature of the file, a numbered annotation may be added to the work permit document.

Does a work permit annotation bind only the foreign national?

No. Depending on the content of the annotation, the foreign employee, employer, or company partner may be bound. Some annotations concern both parties.

Where can the meaning of the annotation number be learned?

The number on the card must be cross-referenced with the current list of work permit annotations published by the General Directorate of International Labor of the Ministry of Labor and Social Security.

Why are some annotation numbers missing from the list?

The Ministry's current list is not numbered consecutively. The current list does not include descriptions for numbers 12, 15, 16, 17, 18, and 23. Speculative meanings should not be attributed to these numbers.

Does a work permit grant the right to practice all professions?

No. A work permit is issued for specific jobs and conditions. Professions reserved for Turkish citizens and activities requiring special qualifications or chamber registration are subject to separate evaluation.

Is the requirement to employ five Turkish citizens at the company always the same?

No. The type of permit, start date, annotation on the card, and current criteria applied to the application are important. In particular, annotations numbered 22 and 26 have different texts for different periods.

Is the indefinite work permit document renewed?

Yes. Pursuant to annotation number 27, the indefinite work permit document is renewed every five years. The application must be made within the six months prior to the expiration of the five-year period and before the expiration date.

Can a violation of the work permit annotation lead to the revocation of the permit?

Depending on the nature of the violation, the non-extension or revocation of the work permit, as well as administrative and professional sanctions, may arise. The outcome is evaluated on the basis of the violated annotation and the specific case.

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Author Information

Attorney Batın YILMAZ

Istanbul Bar Association Bar Registry No: 77008

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While preparing the content the Professional Rules of the Union of Turkish Bar Associations and the provisions regarding the prohibition of advertising for the legal profession have been observed. The information in this article does not constitute legal counsel or a definitive legal opinion with respect to any specific case.

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Attorney Batın YILMAZ

Istanbul Bar Association Bar Registry No: 77008

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