Foreigner Law in Turkey: Key Legal Topics for Expats and Foreign Investors

Türkiye'de Yabancıların Hukuki Hakları ve Yükümlülükleri

Foreign nationals residing, working, investing, or marrying in Turkey must navigate a specific legal landscape shaped by both national and international laws. Below, we explore four core areas—labor law support, citizenship and residency, real estate transactions, and marriage registration—backed by relevant Turkish legislation.

1. İş Hukuku Desteği (Labor Law Support)

Working Legally in Turkey

Foreigners wishing to work in Turkey must obtain a work permit under the Law on International Labor Force No. 6735. The work permit functions as a residence permit as well and is issued by the Ministry of Labor and Social Security.

Key Reference:

• Law No. 6735 on International Labor Force (Uluslararası İşgücü Kanunu)

Employment Rights

Once legally employed, foreigners have nearly the same rights as Turkish citizens under the Labor Law No. 4857, including:

• The right to a written contract,
• Limits on weekly working hours (45 hours),
• Overtime pay obligations,
• Severance and notice pay rules.

Example:

Article 5 of Law No. 4857 ensures “equal treatment” between Turkish and foreign employees in similar positions.

2. Vatandaşlık ve İkamet (Citizenship and Residency)

Residency Permits

Foreigners may apply for various types of residence permits under Law No. 6458 on Foreigners and International Protection (Yabancılar ve Uluslararası Koruma Kanunu). Types include:

• Short-term residence (Article 31),
• Family residence (Article 34),
• Long-term residence (Article 42),
• Student residence (Article 38).

All applications must be filed through the Directorate General of Migration Management (Göç İdaresi Başkanlığı).

Citizenship by Investment

Foreigners can acquire Turkish citizenship by making certain investments (e.g., buying real estate worth $400,000 or depositing $500,000 in a Turkish bank) under a 2018 Presidential Regulation amending the Turkish Citizenship Law No. 5901.

Reference:

• Regulation on the Implementation of Turkish Citizenship Law (Türk Vatandaşlığı Kanununun Uygulanmasına İlişkin Yönetmelik), Articles 20–21

3. Gayrimenkul İşlemleri (Real Estate Transactions)

Property Purchase by Foreigners

Foreigners are permitted to buy property in Turkey within the framework of Land Registry Law No. 2644, particularly Article 35, which grants property rights to nationals of countries approved by the Turkish government.

However, military zones and restricted areas are excluded.

Conditions:

• Foreigners cannot buy more than 30 hectares of land.
• The total foreign-owned area in a district cannot exceed 10% of the land.

Title Deed Procedures

The sale process must be completed at the General Directorate of Land Registry and Cadastre (Tapu ve Kadastro Genel Müdürlüğü) with a sworn interpreter and legal support if needed.

4. Evlilik ve Kayıt (Marriage and Civil Registration)

Marrying in Turkey

A foreigner can legally marry a Turkish citizen or another foreigner in Turkey under the Turkish Civil Code No. 4721, provided that:

• Both parties are over 18,
• Both are legally single (with certificates from home countries),
• The marriage is registered through Turkish civil authorities (evlendirme dairesi).

Reference:

• Civil Code (Medeni Kanun), Articles 124–160

Religious ceremonies (imam nikahı) have no legal standing unless a civil marriage has occurred.

Marriage Certificates and Recognition

Marriage certificates issued in Turkey are valid abroad if apostilled (based on the Hague Apostille Convention, to which Turkey is a signatory).

Conclusion

Turkey provides a robust and structured legal framework for foreigners across various areas of life—from employment and residency to property ownership and family law. Understanding these laws and seeking legal counsel when necessary ensures smoother integration and compliance.

For detailed, case-specific guidance, it is always advisable to consult a Turkish attorney experienced in foreigner law (yabancılar hukuku).

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