Job Discussion Forums

[eclectic]

Coming in of course on a tourist visa, which type of visa should my wife and I try for next? Residence or Work? I'm confused as to the implications of holding a Residence visa while working. I mean, really, is it safer to just get the residence visa a.s.a.p. ? Spmeone pls advise. Thx.

[aggeliki]

Hi there and welcome to Istanbul.

By all means obtain a resident visa with a time frame of at least 6 months. This is a requirement in the application process of a work visa which must be done by a prospective employer. Most reputable employers will start the process immediately after a job offer is accepted and will be knowledgeable of the process so ask in the interview. Shortly after accepting the job they will request many documents such as diploma, passport, TEFL cert, and more.

Beware of vague promises and those saying a work permit isn�t necessary as it absolutely is. I am speaking with firsthand experience as I was one of the many last spring hauled in for not having one. It was a long unpleasant summer dealing with the police system here. Those married to Turkish citizens were hauled in with us and were issued fines as well. Those that had only tourist visas were immediately deported that afternoon with whatever they had taken into work that day.

Do you know the process for resident visa? There are many threads here with very good information regarding that process.

My best to you!

[MarkN]

Remember that a work visa takes abotu 5-6 months to process in Turkey

[FGT]

It's not either or.
You need both a resident's permit and a work visa.
Usually you acquire the resident's permit before you get the work visa, unless you submit the paperwork for the work visa to the Turkish embassy in your home country prior to coming here to take up the position.