What work-permit rules apply to foreigners married to a Turkish citizen for at least 3 years?
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.
Foreigners who have been married to a Turkish citizen for at least 3 years in Türkiye can be issued work permits for up to 3 years per application, capped by the duration of the employment contract. The rule is in Implementation Regulation 6735 Article 36.
This stacks with the criteria exemption in work-17 under CSGB Değerlendirme Kriterleri D-Bölümü 1.1(e). Two benefits, same applicant.
Watch-outs
- Sham marriage findings trigger immediate cancellation under Article 56(1)(k). See work-41 for the consequences — and the criminal exposure beyond just the permit.
- The 3-year period must be in Türkiye. Long-distance or out-of-country marriage doesn't count toward the threshold.
- The 3-year permit duration is per-application, renewable. Each renewal goes through the same review.
Next step
When applying under this provision, prepare your marriage certificate and evidence of cohabitation in Türkiye — utility bills in both names, joint lease, joint bank statements, family witness statements. Be ready to demonstrate the marriage is genuine, especially if there's any reason a desk officer might wonder.
All sources (1)
- Resmî Gazete — Implementation Regulation 6735, Art. 36 ↗
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