Forbidden Jobs for Foreigners in Turkey
Forbidden Jobs for Foreigners in Turkey
Forbidden jobs for foreigners in Turkey is an important topic that every immigrant or anyone interested in working and living in this country should be aware of. Despite the wide range of job opportunities in Turkey, some professions are legally, security-wise, or culturally reserved exclusively for Turkish citizens, and foreigners are not allowed to work in these fields. If you plan to reside in Turkey or seek a work permit, knowing these restrictions can help you avoid legal problems, as well as save time and money.
Stay with Negin Group as we carefully and up-to-date review the list of forbidden jobs for foreigners in Turkey and explain the reasons behind these prohibitions.
If you do not intend to work in Turkey but have the ability to invest in the real estate market of this country, you can immediately apply for citizenship by purchasing property in Turkey worth $200,000. Negin Group, with its experienced team of professional consultants, will handle the entire process of obtaining your residence permit and citizenship. Our consultants will evaluate your situation and suggest the best option for receiving Turkish residency.
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Forbidden Jobs for Foreigners in Turkey
Forbidden jobs for foreigners in Turkey is a crucial and practical subject for anyone planning to immigrate, work, or even invest, such as buying property in Turkey. Although Turkey welcomes foreign workers in many fields and provides numerous job opportunities for immigrants, according to the country’s internal laws, some jobs are exclusively reserved for Turkish citizens, and foreigners are prohibited from working in them. These restrictions are usually imposed due to security reasons, cultural sensitivities, or legal matters, and being aware of them before any action is essential.
At the top of the list of forbidden jobs for foreigners in Turkey are professions related to health and medicine. According to Law No. 1219, medical, dental, midwifery, and nursing activities are only permitted for Turkish nationals. However, in recent years, some reforms have been made. For example, with the amendment of Article 1 of this law, being a doctor was removed from the list of forbidden professions for foreigners, and healthcare specialists are now allowed to work in Turkish medical centers if they meet the necessary conditions. Also, Nursing Law No. 6283 has been amended, opening some paths for foreign nurses, although practical limitations still exist.
Other forbidden jobs for foreigners in Turkey include law practice, notary public, stock brokerage, and private security activities. Jobs such as customs consultancy, guarding governmental and private institutions, and tour guiding are also among the professions legally restricted to Turkish citizens.
In the maritime transport sector, serious restrictions are applied as well. According to current regulations, foreigners cannot work as ship captains, professional divers, or exporters of marine products such as fish, shells, pearls, etc., within Turkey’s territorial waters. These are also part of the forbidden jobs for foreigners in Turkey, and ignoring these rules may lead to rejection of residence or work permit applications.
Moreover, under the Private Hospitals Law, the position of “responsible manager” in these centers must be held only by a Turkish national. Veterinary and pharmacy professions are also currently forbidden for foreigners, although some sources indicate the possibility of opening these fields to foreign professionals in the future.
Forbidden jobs for foreigners in Turkey include:
| Profession | Status |
|---|---|
| Dentist | Forbidden |
| Pharmacist | Forbidden |
| Veterinarian | Forbidden |
| Nurse | Restricted |
| Lawyer | Forbidden |
| Notary Public | Forbidden |
| Private Hospital Manager | Forbidden |
| Security Officer | Forbidden |
| Tour Guide | Forbidden |
| Customs Consultant | Forbidden |
| Ship Captain and Maritime Jobs | Forbidden |
General Conditions for Foreigners to Work in Turkey
Within the framework of international laws, foreigners have the right to work in Turkey; however, according to the country’s constitution, some professions are recognized as forbidden jobs for foreigners in Turkey, and employment in these fields is only permitted for Turkish citizens.
According to official regulations, all foreigners wishing to work in Turkey must obtain a work permit from the Ministry of Family, Labor and Social Services. This permit is a legal prerequisite for employment in Turkey, and lack of it may result in fines or even deportation.
Another important point is that the job for which the foreigner is applying for a permit must meet specific conditions; one such condition is that at least five Turkish citizens must be employed at that workplace. This law is implemented to protect the domestic workforce in Turkey.
While some jobs are open to foreigners, there is also a list of forbidden professions for foreigners in Turkey, which includes fields such as law practice, pharmacy, midwifery, certain government positions, and security roles. Foreigners working in these professions are considered in violation of the law.
Moreover, to start working in Turkey, submitting documents such as a valid passport, personal photo, official invitation letter from the employer, officially translated educational certificates, health insurance, and a certificate of no criminal record is mandatory. Additionally, proficiency in the Turkish language is considered essential for many job positions.
If you are planning to immigrate for work and buy property in Alanya, being fully familiar with Turkey’s labor laws can greatly simplify your life and residency process. This knowledge allows you to confidently begin your professional or investment activities in the country.
Finally, under no circumstances should you enter fields listed as forbidden jobs for foreigners in Turkey, as violating these regulations can lead to the closure of your immigration case or even long-term bans from residence and employment.
Which Jobs Are in High Demand in Turkey?
Turkey is one of the popular destinations for work migration among foreigners. In recent years, due to economic growth, the country has experienced a significant demand for skilled professionals in various fields. Below are some of the high-demand jobs in which foreigners can work in Turkey:
Education: Teaching, especially English and Arabic languages, is one of the most sought-after jobs for migrants in Turkey. Many private educational institutions and international schools are keen to hire foreign teachers.
Data Analysis: Large Turkish companies are looking for specialists who can analyze business data and provide strategic solutions.
Programming and Web Development: Web and app developers have numerous job opportunities in Turkey. IT companies seek to recruit creative and skilled personnel from abroad.
Human Medicine: Individuals educated in medicine, dentistry, or nursing can work in healthcare centers in Turkey after degree equivalency procedures.
Accounting: International accountants who are fluent in English and have experience working in multinational environments have good chances of employment in Turkish companies.
Aerospace Engineering: Graduates in this field can apply for job opportunities in airlines or aerospace industries in Turkey.
Exceptional Opportunity at Negin Group for Those Without Sufficient Capital:
You can obtain residence in Turkey by pre-purchasing real estate. This method allows you to benefit from residence advantages in Turkey with an initial investment and easily start the residence process.
General Conditions for Foreigners to Work in Turkey
To work legally in Turkey, foreigners must have the following documents and conditions:
Valid passport and personal photo
Official invitation letter from the employer
Health insurance certificate
Official translation of educational certificates and work experience
Certificate of no criminal record
Reasonable proficiency in Turkish (required for most jobs)
English language skills are an important advantage in some professions
A work permit is mandatory and must be issued online through the Turkish Ministry of Labor. Working without this permit is illegal and may have legal consequences.
Summary
Working in Turkey offers many opportunities for foreigners, but alongside these opportunities, there are important restrictions that must be taken seriously. The most crucial point is that every foreigner needs an official work permit from the Ministry of Labor to work legally in Turkey. Without this permit, working is considered illegal.
However, not all jobs are open to foreigners. There is a list of prohibited professions for foreigners in Turkey, including careers such as lawyering, pharmacy, midwifery, and some sensitive security jobs. Being aware of this list before any work or immigration-related action is very important.
If a foreigner intends to start a personal business, registering a company in Turkey is a suitable option. However, even in this case, if the person plans to hire employees, they must comply with the labor regulations related to foreigners, such as employing at least five Turkish citizens for each foreign employee.
Violating the laws and entering prohibited professions can lead not only to fines but also to the cancellation of residence permits or even deportation. Many immigration problems begin when individuals unknowingly engage in jobs forbidden for foreigners in Turkey.
Therefore, if you plan to migrate for work or start a business in Turkey, it is best to seek specialized advice before taking any steps to ensure you follow the correct and legal path.
You can benefit from the consultation and services of the professional Negin Group team for purchasing property in Alanya and throughout Turkey. Our team is available 24/7 to provide you with free advice. For more information and to start your consultation, please visit https://alanyahome.co/ or call +90 553 861 2234.