For foreign investors in Turkey who want to build a lasting business presence while obtaining citizenship, the employment creation route offers a powerful dual benefit. Under the Turkish citizenship by investment employment route, investors who establish or expand a business and create employment for at least 50 Turkish citizens become eligible to apply for Turkish citizenship. In this comprehensive guide, we explain the requirements, process, documentation, and how professional legal support can ensure a successful application.
Important Note
The information in this article is based on current regulations. Legal requirements may change, and you should always consult a qualified Turkish citizenship lawyer for the most up-to-date guidance before proceeding.
Turkish citizenship by employing 50 people is one of the investment pathways under the Turkish citizenship by investment program. Under this option, a foreign national establishes or invests in a company in Turkey that employs at least 50 Turkish citizens. The employment must be verified by the Ministry of Family, Labor and Social Services, and the applicant must receive an official conformity confirmation before proceeding with the citizenship application.
Unlike other investment routes — such as real estate purchase or bank deposit — the employment creation path allows investors to build an active, income-generating business in Turkey while simultaneously qualifying for citizenship. This makes it especially attractive for entrepreneurs who intend to operate a long-term business in the country.
The employment creation route is available to foreign nationals who:
There are no restrictions based on age, education, or professional background. The program welcomes entrepreneurs from most countries who are willing to make a genuine contribution to the Turkish economy through employment.
The core requirement for Turkish citizenship through employment is the creation of at least 50 full-time positions for Turkish citizens. This employment must be:
The 50 employees must be Turkish citizens. Foreign employees, part-time staff, and contractors do not count toward the employment requirement. The positions can span various roles within the company, from administrative staff to skilled professionals.
Minimum 50 Turkish Employees
Full-time, SGK-registered employment verified by the Ministry of Family, Labor and Social Services
Before you can employ 50 Turkish citizens, you must have a properly structured business entity in Turkey. This typically involves:
For investors who already have a company in Turkey, expanding an existing business to reach the 50-employee threshold is also acceptable, provided the new hires are verified by the relevant ministry.
Legal guidance during company formation is important. The corporate structure, shareholder agreements, and employment contracts must all meet Turkish regulatory standards to avoid compliance issues during the citizenship application review.
The application process for Turkish citizenship by employing 50 people involves multiple stages:
Establish Your Turkish Company
Form a legally compliant business entity in Turkey. This includes trade registry filing, tax registration, and obtaining all necessary permits. Your lawyer can manage the full company formation process.
Register as an Employer with SGK
Complete your employer registration with the Social Security Institution (SGK) to enable legal employment of Turkish citizens.
Hire and Register 50 Turkish Employees
Recruit at least 50 Turkish citizens and register them with SGK. Ensure all employment contracts, payroll records, and social security contributions are compliant and properly documented.
Obtain Ministry Confirmation
Apply to the Ministry of Family, Labor and Social Services for official verification of the 50-person employment. The Ministry issues a conformity/eligibility confirmation letter once the employment is verified.
Submit Your Citizenship Application
Your complete file — including the Ministry conformity confirmation, company documents, employment records, and personal documents — is submitted to the relevant authorities for processing.
Receive Approval and Obtain Citizenship
Once approved, you receive your citizenship decree. You can then apply for a Turkish passport and national ID card for yourself and eligible family members.
A complete citizenship application in Turkey through the employment route requires:
Document Compliance
All foreign-language documents must be notarized, apostilled, and accompanied by certified Turkish translations. Working with a Turkish citizenship lawyer ensures your documentation meets all regulatory requirements before submission.
Yes. As with other routes under the Turkish citizenship by investment program, the employment creation route allows you to include your spouse and dependent children under the age of 18 in the same application. No additional investment or employment threshold applies — the 50-employee requirement covers the entire family.
Once the application is approved, each family member receives their own Turkish passport and national ID card. Ensure that marriage and birth certificates are properly apostilled and translated, as these documents are essential for establishing family relationships.
To avoid delays or rejection, be aware of these common pitfalls:
The Turkish citizenship by employment creation route involves multiple regulatory layers — company law, labor law, social security compliance, and immigration law — making it one of the more complex pathways. A qualified Turkish citizenship lawyer provides essential support by:
Merve Bayrak Law Office offers comprehensive legal services for foreign investors in Turkey pursuing citizenship through the employment creation route. We guide you through every stage — from company formation and SGK registration to Ministry confirmation and citizenship application submission.
Our team understands the intersection of Turkish corporate law, labor regulations, and immigration requirements, and we tailor our approach to your specific business model and objectives. We provide clear communication, transparent timelines, and hands-on support to ensure your application proceeds efficiently. Our firm is experienced in managing Turkish citizenship by investment applications across all routes.
Schedule a consultation with our Turkish citizenship lawyers. We will guide you through company formation, employment compliance, and the full citizenship application — all under one roof.
Related Articles & Services:
