First-time work permit fees now must be paid in Turkey

IMPACT – MEDIUM

What is the change? Officials have stopped collecting work permit fees at Turkish consulates.

What does the change mean? Under a change that took effect June 17, work permit fees and related “valuable paper” fees must be paid in Turkey, whether for first-time applicants or renewals. Previously, first-time work permit applicants were able to pay fees at consulates in their home country after receiving a positive determination on their applications.

• Implementation time frame: Immediate and ongoing.
• Visas/permits affected: Work permits.
• Who is affected: Employers and foreign nationals applying for first-time work permits at a Turkish consulate in their country of residency.

Background: Prior to the change, foreign nationals who received a positive determination on work permit applications were able to pay fees at Turkish consulates in their country of residency. That has now changed, after officials cited “various problems” with collecting payments at consulates abroad. Turkish employers now will be required to pay work permit fees in Turkey after applications are approved at consulates abroad. Employers will be notified electronically when fees are due and will then be responsible (as described in the notification received) to make payments to the relevant banks in Turkey.

Analysis & Comments: Employers should take note of the change and be prepared to pay work permit fees and valuable permit fees for first-time applicants submitting applications abroad.

Source: Deloitte LLP. Deloitte LLP is a limited liability partnership registered in England and Wales with registered number OC303675 and its registered office at 1 New Street Square, London EC4A 3HQ, United Kingdom.