Foreign technical personnel travelling to Türkiye for machinery installation, maintenance, repair or technical training may be eligible to obtain a Work Permit Exemption Certificate instead of a standard work permit. This exemption allows foreign specialists to legally carry out short-term technical services in Türkiye under specific conditions.
If your company needs to bring engineers, technicians or other qualified personnel to Türkiye for temporary technical assignments, a Turkey Work Permit Exemption may be the most suitable solution.
Who Can Apply for a Work Permit Exemption in Türkiye?
A Work Permit Exemption Certificate may be obtained for foreign nationals travelling to Türkiye for the following purposes:
- Installation of imported machinery and equipment.
- Maintenance, repair and technical servicing of machinery and equipment.
- Providing technical training on the operation and use of imported machinery or equipment.
- Delivering training related to the use of goods or services exported from or imported into Türkiye.
- Receiving and commissioning imported machinery and equipment.
- Repairing vehicles or equipment that have become defective in Türkiye.
These activities are commonly performed by foreign engineers, service technicians, technical specialists and manufacturer representatives.
How to Apply for a Work Permit Exemption
Applications for a Turkey Work Permit Exemption may be submitted in one of the following ways:
- After obtaining a reference number from the relevant Turkish Consulate or Embassy in the applicant’s country of residence; or
- After the foreign national has entered Türkiye with an appropriate visa or under a visa exemption, where applicable.
Applications are submitted electronically through the Ministry of Labour and Social Security’s e-Exemption (e-Muafiyet) system.
How Long Is the Work Permit Exemption Valid?
A Work Permit Exemption Certificate for these activities may be granted for a maximum period of three months.
Once approved, the foreign national is legally authorised to perform the approved technical services in Türkiye for the duration specified in the exemption certificate.
Required Documents for the Application
The Ministry evaluates both the applicant and the planned activity before issuing a Work Permit Exemption Certificate.
The application generally requires:
- Passport and personal identification documents.
- Documents relating to the foreign employee’s employment and social security status in their home country.
- Service agreements or contracts concerning the machinery, equipment or technical services.
- Information regarding the scope and duration of the work to be carried out in Türkiye.
- Company documents of the organisation receiving the service in Türkiye.
- Any additional documents requested during the evaluation process.
Submitting complete and accurate documentation helps ensure a faster and smoother application process.
Professional Work Permit Exemption Services in Türkiye
At RL Turkey, we provide comprehensive support for companies bringing foreign technical personnel to Türkiye for machinery installation, maintenance, repair, technical servicing and training.
Our services include eligibility assessment, document preparation, submission through the official e-Muafiyet system and continuous follow-up of the application until completion.
If your company requires a Work Permit Exemption Certificate for foreign engineers, technicians or technical specialists, our experienced immigration team can assist you throughout the entire process.
