Requirements for Employing a Foreign Nanny, Caregiver, or Household Employee
Families wishing to employ a foreign nanny, caregiver, domestic worker, or household employee in Türkiye must comply with specific regulations governing the employment of foreign workers in private households. Although the process is not particularly complicated, it differs from the procedures applicable to Turkish citizens and requires compliance with certain legal requirements.
In this article, we explain the conditions, application process, and important considerations for employing a foreign nanny, caregiver, or domestic worker in Türkiye. After reviewing this guide, you may choose to submit the application yourself. Working with an intermediary company or a lawyer is not legally required.
However, individuals who prefer a faster and smoother process, wish to avoid mistakes, or seek professional legal assistance may contact us. We handle foreign nanny, caregiver, and domestic worker work permit applications on your behalf, manage all required procedures, and provide legal support throughout every stage of the process.
Requirements for Employing a Foreign Helper in Turkey
Requirements for Employing a Foreign Helper in Turkey
Families who wish to employ a foreign caregiver in Turkey must meet certain legal requirements before applying for a work permit. Proper preparation of the application file and compliance with the relevant criteria are essential to avoid potential rejections.
1. The Caregiver Must Have Held a Residence Permit for at Least 6 Months
If the foreign caregiver is already in Turkey, a work permit application can only be submitted if the caregiver has previously been granted a residence permit with a total validity period of at least 6 months.
⚠️ Frequently Asked Question;
Can we apply for a work permit if the caregiver’s residence permit is about to expire?
-Yes. The important factor is not the remaining validity of the residence permit at the time of the application, but the total duration for which the residence permit was originally issued.
For example, if the caregiver was granted a 6-month residence permit and only 10 or 20 days remain before its expiration, a work permit application can still be submitted. The legal requirement is that the caregiver has previously held a residence permit valid for at least 6 months.
2. The Employer Must Have Sufficient Income
The employer or the household employing the foreign caregiver must have a monthly income of at least TRY 120,000.
This income must be documented and proven during the work permit application process. Bank statements, salary records, rental income, and other verifiable sources of income may be submitted as supporting evidence.
Demonstrating a stable and sufficient income is one of the key factors in obtaining approval for the work permit application.
3. There Must Be a Legitimate Caregiving Need
Applications for foreign caregivers are accepted only for the following purposes:
*Childcare for children under the age of 14,
*Elderly care for individuals aged 65 or older,
*Care for patients supported by a medical report,
*Care for individuals with disabilities.
For this reason, the caregiving need must be clearly and accurately explained in the application.
⚠️ Important: The Most Common Mistake
One of the most common reasons for rejection is stating that the foreign employee will be hired primarily for housekeeping, cleaning, cooking, or general domestic duties.
Work permit applications for foreign caregivers are evaluated under the category of care services, not general household services. Therefore, the caregiving requirement must be properly documented and clearly stated in the application.
Providing inaccurate or incomplete information may result in the rejection of the work permit application.
Required Documents for a Foreign Nanny, Caregiver, or Domestic Worker Application
1. Employment Contract: An employment contract must be signed between the employer and the foreign nanny, caregiver, or domestic worker. After signing, the employer must convert the document into PDF format and upload it to the system. https://www.calismaizni.gov.tr/calisma-izni-hakkinda/yardimci-kilavuzlar/
2. Passport: The foreign employee’s passport must be scanned and uploaded in PDF format.
3. Proof of Income:
If salary income will be used:
*Last 3 months’ salary slips
*Signature circular of the employer company
*Company trade registry gazette
If rental income will be used:
*Last 6 months’ bank statements
*Statements obtained directly from the bank branch with original signature
*Bank signature circular
If investment or interest income will be used:
*Investment portfolio valuation report issued by the bank
*Last 6 months’ bank statements
If the elderly person receiving care receives a pension:
*QR-coded pension statement downloaded from e-Government (e-Devlet)
Important Note: The application system only accepts files up to 2 MB in size. Documents exceeding this limit cannot be uploaded
Additional Information Required During the Application
1- Foreign Identification Number (starting with 99)
2- Digital biometric photograph
3- Mother’s and father’s names
4- Educational background and most recently completed school
5- Marital status and spouse’s full name (if married)
6- Purpose of employment
7- Why a foreign nanny, caregiver, or household employee is preferred instead of a Turkish employee
After gathering all required documents and information, the employer logs into the International Labour Directorate’s Work Permit Application System using their electronic signature (e-signature) and submits the application.
Lawyer Cihat BALTAŞ
Lawyer Cihat BALTAŞ graduated from Police College in 2006, Police Academy in 2010, Yalova Law Faculty in 2016 with a degree and has worked and specialised in foreign law throughout his professional life. Cihat BALTAŞ, who is currently working as a lawyer in Kadıköy, Istanbul, is the founder of BaltaşGlobal law and consultancy office.