For many years, companies wishing to send employees to Turkey for short-term technical assignments, installation projects, commissioning, maintenance or business meetings used what was commonly referred to as the Business Visa or Montage Visa.
Today, the procedure has evolved. Applications are now processed through the Turkish Ministry of Labour’s e-Muafiyet (Exemption Visa) system.
Although the name has changed, the objective remains the same: allowing foreign employees to carry out specific short-term professional activities in Turkey without going through the standard work permit process.
With more than 20 years of experience supporting international companies in Turkey, Azkan Group manages the complete application process, from the preparation of the file to the final approval.
Who is this procedure for?
The Exemption Visa is generally used for employees travelling to Turkey for activities such as:
- technical installation or commissioning;
- equipment maintenance or repair;
- training provided to a Turkish customer;
- specialised engineering services;
- short-term technical assignments;
- business visits that fall within the scope of the Turkish exemption regulations.
Each situation is assessed individually, as eligibility depends on the nature of the assignment and the applicable Turkish legislation.
How long can the employee stay in Turkey?
The authorised duration depends on the applicable exemption category and the decision of the Turkish authorities.
In practice, many applications concern assignments of up to 90 days, although the exact conditions may vary depending on the type of exemption and the applicant’s nationality.
Processing times also vary according to the workload and appointment availability at the Turkish Consulate.
Important notice
Even if all requested documents have been prepared, every Turkish Consulate retains the right to request additional documents or information before issuing the visa.
This is standard practice and applies regardless of the company handling the application.
Step 1 – Preparing the application file
The employee first sends scanned copies of the required documents to Azkan Group.
Typical documents include:
- invitation letter issued by the Turkish host company;
- biometric photographs;
- hotel reservation (where applicable);
- passport;
- national identity card;
- completed application form;
- recent payslips or proof of income;
- birth certificate (when requested by the relevant Consulate);
- diploma or professional qualification (depending on the assignment).
We also collect practical information required by the Ministry of Labour, including:
- province and district where the work will be carried out;
- work location (if already known);
- description of the activities to be performed in Turkey;
- method of social security coverage during the assignment;
- address where the exemption certificate should be delivered.
Before submitting the invitation letter, we carefully verify that it contains all mandatory information requested by the Turkish authorities, including the identity of the inviting company, the purpose of the visit, the duration of the assignment and the details of the invited employee.
Step 2 – Visit to the Turkish Consulate
If the employee is applying from outside Turkey, they must attend an appointment at the Turkish Consulate responsible for their country of residence.
During this appointment, the Consulate registers the application and issues a 16-digit reference number.
This reference number is essential, as it allows the online application to be submitted through the Ministry’s electronic portal.
If the applicant is already legally present in Turkey, this step may not always be required, depending on the applicable procedure.
Step 3 – Online submission
Once the Consulate reference number has been issued, Azkan Group submits the complete application through the official e-Muafiyet platform operated by the Turkish Ministry of Labour.
We monitor the application throughout the review process and communicate with the client whenever additional information is requested.
Step 4 – Approval and government fees
Once the exemption has been approved, any applicable government fees must be paid before the process can continue.
The amount depends on the applicant’s nationality and the applicable regulations.
Step 5 – Visa issuance
Where required for the employee’s nationality, the applicant returns to the Turkish Consulate to have the visa issued in the passport.
The employee may then travel to Turkey and carry out the authorised activities covered by the exemption.
Why work with Azkan Group?
Turkey has its own administrative practices and every Consulate operates slightly differently.
Over the years, we have learned that official procedures are only part of the process. Local practices, additional document requests and country-specific requirements frequently arise during an application.
Our role is therefore not limited to submitting forms.
We help our clients:
- determine whether an exemption is appropriate;
- prepare a compliant application file;
- coordinate with the Turkish Consulate when necessary;
- submit the online application;
- monitor the process until completion;
- answer practical questions throughout the project.
Having managed hundreds of international mobility cases over the past two decades, we understand both the legal framework and the practical realities of obtaining an Exemption Visa for Turkey.
Official e-Muafiyet portal
Applications are submitted through the Turkish Ministry of Labour’s official platform:
Since 2005, Azkan Group has been helping international companies hire, manage, and expand their teams in Türkiye through Employer of Record (EOR), payroll, HR, accounting, tax, and corporate compliance services. Whether you are hiring your first employee or managing a large local workforce, our experts ensure full compliance with Turkish legislation while simplifying your day-to-day operations. For tailored advice or to discuss your project, contact our team at info@azkangroup.com.
