Can foreigners with engineering or architecture degrees obtained abroad work in Türkiye?
General information, not legal advice. For high-stakes decisions, confirm with the official institution in the next-step below, or consult a qualified Turkish lawyer.
Pending expert review. This fact is sourced but has not yet been reviewed by an independent legal expert. Treat as a starting point.
Yes — but only project-based and time-limited (proje bazlı ve geçici süre).
The pathway under Law 6735 Article 20 is open to foreigners who completed engineering or architecture studies at a Turkish higher-education engineering or architecture faculty, or at a foreign higher-education institution recognised by YÖK, and who hold the engineer or architect title.
Watch-outs
- "Project-based and temporary" means you cannot work as a general staff engineer indefinitely under this provision. Each project needs its own application.
- For ongoing employment, the standard work-permit categories (Süreli, Bağımsız, Süresiz) usually suit better than the Article 20 pathway.
- YÖK recognition of a foreign degree is a prerequisite. Confirm denklik status before applying — an application without it is rejected at completeness.
Next step
Verify your degree's YÖK denklik (equivalence) status. If your degree isn't recognised, secure equivalence first — see prearrival-02. The denklik process can take months and runs on its own clock.
All sources (1)
- Resmî Gazete — Law 6735, Art. 20 ↗
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